Autoblog

Clever video selling Saturn Ion "sex machine" will catch your eye

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Videos, Saturn, Humor

"When I think of the most impressive, industry changing, earth shattering vehicles of recent history, the first car that comes to my mind is the 2004 Saturn Ion Coupe." So says Brad Holt of Dallas, Texas. And he's right, clearly. One look at the specific specimen Holt is selling will be enough to convince you that the car "will absolutely tickle every one of your fancies," as claimed by the seller himself.

We suggest you watch the video below to see just how perfectly Holt's sex machine will fit into your life. The end result will no doubt be exactly as Holt ends his video: "You need it. Like a lot." You can also read more info from Brad in an interview here. If only our offices were a little closer to Dallas...

Continue reading Clever video selling Saturn Ion "sex machine" will catch your eye

Clever video selling Saturn Ion "sex machine" will catch your eye originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Feb 2013 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

iON introduces Speed Pro action camera for motor and marine sports [w/video]

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 12 Jan 2013 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: CES, Etc., Technology, Videos

Meanwhile, back at the Consumer Electronics Show, iON camera announced its new Speed Pro camera that it says is specifically tailored to high-speed motor and marine sports. Retailing for $299, the Speed Pro offers up to a 170-degree viewing angle and mounts to affix it to cars, motorcycles and boats and other vehicles. Recording at 1080p the field-of-view drops to 127 degrees and the only frame rate option is 30 frames per second. At 960p and 30 fps you get the full 170 degrees, at 720p you can choose 30 fps or 60 fps for its 150-degree field-of-view. Still photos are captured at 5MP and remote control of the camera requires the purchase of the $99 Wi-Fi PODZ.

Alongside the Speed Pro, iOn also announced the $249 Air Pro 2 with an upgraded 14-megapixel sensor and 180-degree lens, and the $349 GPS-equipped iON Adventure with its lens on the side of the body, dual SD card recording and a motion-detecting sensor designed for adventure-seekers that move a little more slowly.

Samples of Speed Pro footage can be found in the two videos below that feature World Rally Championship driver Petter Solberg. Closer to home, you can see them in operation if you visit the Miller Motorsports Park in Salt Lake City, Utah where the iON has been named the exclusive action camera supplier. The press release below lays it all out in words.

Continue reading iON introduces Speed Pro action camera for motor and marine sports [w/video]

iON introduces Speed Pro action camera for motor and marine sports [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 Jan 2013 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

GM recalling over 40,000 Chevy, Pontiac and Saturn models over fuel pump woes

Jeffrey N. Ross — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 09:31:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Chevrolet, Pontiac, Saturn

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a recall for a number of General Motors cars and crossovers bought or currently registered in the hot-climate states of Arkansas, Arizona, California, Nevada, Oklahoma and Texas. As many as 40,859 units consisting of the 2007 Chevrolet Equinox, Pontiac Torrent and Saturn Ion and the 2007-2009 Chevrolet Cobalt (shown) and its Pontiac G5 twin are being recalled for potential fuel leaks.

This recall is being issued due to potentially faulty fuel pump components that can crack and cause gasoline to leak from the return or supply ports and possibly cause a fire. NHTSA has not indicated how many fuel leaks or vehicle fires have been reported. As a fix, GM will replace the fuel pump modules on all affected vehicles free of charge. Since Pontiac and Saturn have been shuttered, owners will be able to go to another GM-brand dealership to have their vehicles repaired.

While the list of affected cars and crossovers varies by state and model year, if you own any of these models and live in Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada, Oklahoma or Texas, be sure to check the official notice below for more details.

Continue reading GM recalling over 40,000 Chevy, Pontiac and Saturn models over fuel pump woes

GM recalling over 40,000 Chevy, Pontiac and Saturn models over fuel pump woes originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Oct 2012 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Top Gear crew makes pit stop, has trouble charging electric cars [w/video]

Zach Bowman — Thu, 12 May 2011 20:25:00 EST

Filed under: Nissan, Peugeot, Celebrities, Humor, Electric

Top Gear's Jeremy Clarkson gets a push in a Nissan Leaf - Click above to watch the video after the break

It would seem that the guys from Top Gear are back to giving electric vehicles the what-for. According to The Lincolnite, James May and Jeremy Clarkson were respectively spotted piloting a Peugeot iOn and a Nissan Leaf through England during a cross-country trek (which is exactly what electric cars are for, right?).

The duo stopped by Lincolnshire County to ask about the nearest place to charge their alternative-fuel steeds, only to find that the entire municipality is bereft of chargers. Apparently May and Clarkson then set about driving around the city until their vehicles died and they were forced to get a tow.

If this all sounds familiar, that's because Top Gear rustled up a mess of snakes the last time Clarkson jumped behind the wheel of an EV. After depicting the Tesla Roadster as suffering a brake failure and running out of power, Tesla shot back refuting what happened as pure fiction. That little dust-up has yet to settle.

The truth is that the vast majority of people come to Top Gear to be entertained, and most viewers probably realize that there's plenty of editing that goes into each segment. We seriously doubt that most EV buyers use the UK show as a go-to resource, but that doesn't stop the constant ragging on alternative fuels from growing trite.

Check out the video after the break.

Continue reading Top Gear crew makes pit stop, has trouble charging electric cars [w/video]

Top Gear crew makes pit stop, has trouble charging electric cars [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 May 2011 20:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

GM recalling 53,000 Chevy Cobalt, Saturn Ion, and Pontiac G5 models over fuel leak concern

Chris Shunk — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:40:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Recalls, Safety, Chevrolet, GM, Pontiac, Saturn

2009 Chevrolet Cobalt SS - Click above to view high-res image gallery

General Motors may have shed itself of much of its pre-bankruptcy problems, but the automaker still has to tend to its warranty and recall duties. As such, GM is recalling 53,000 Chevrolet Cobalt, Pontiac G5 and Saturn Ion models for a potential fuel leak problem that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says could lead to a fire. The problem involves 2006 Cobalt and Ion model models sold or registered in Arizona and Nevada and 2007 Cobalt, G5 and Ion models sold or registered in Arizona, California, Texas, Florida and Nevada.

NHTSA says the plastic supply or return port on the cars' modular reservoir assembly may crack, potentially leading to a fuel leak that could cause cause decreased efficiency and performance. Worse, if that leaking gasoline comes into contact with an ignition source of any kind, you could be looking at a Delta platform car-b-que.

To fix the fuel leak problem, company dealers will replace the fuel pump module of affected vehicles free of charge. GM is also providing a special coverage for 2006 and 2007 Cobalt, G5 and Ion models in other warm weather states, and you can hit the jump to read over the NHTSA press release to see if you live in a participating location. GM hasn't yet provided a time frame for owner notification, but if you have questions you can read the official press release after the jump or call 1-800-630-2438 (Cobalt), 1-800-972-8876 (Ion) or 1-800-620-7668 (G5).

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading GM recalling 53,000 Chevy Cobalt, Saturn Ion, and Pontiac G5 models over fuel leak concern

GM recalling 53,000 Chevy Cobalt, Saturn Ion, and Pontiac G5 models over fuel leak concern originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Frankfurt Preview: Peugeot iOn is French for "Mitsubishi iMiEV"

Alex Nunez — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Hatchback, Mitsubishi, Peugeot, Electric

Peugeot iOn electric vehicle - Click above for high-res image

Mitsubishi and Peugeot aren't exactly strangers to each other. Remember, for example, that the current Peugeot 4007 SUV is just a reskinned Mitsubishi Outlander. Apparently, that collaboration has worked out well so far, because the two are planning a new project together, only this one figures to be a lot "greener," as it involves the introduction of the Peugeot iOn in Frankfurt. If the iOn pictured above looks familiar, that's because it's simply the Mitsubishi iMiEV sporting Peugeot's lion badge in front. The French carmaker plans to launch the lithium ion battery-powered electric kei car in Europe at the end of 2010.

With 64 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of instantaneously available torque, Pug officials say the iOn's range will be 130 km (approx. 80 miles) on a full charge. Plugging the car into a conventional 220V outlet will give it a full recharge in six hours. A fast-charger system will also be available, and Peugeot says that it will allow the urban runabout to be charged to 80% capacity in jst 30 minutes. Will Europeans discover that they have a taste for electric-flavored jellybeans? We certainly enjoyed the Mitsubishi version when we drove it, and we'll have live coverage of the car's reception at the Frankfurt Motor Show later this month. You can check out a high-res version of the image above by clicking on it, or the official press release after the jump.

[Source: Peugeot]

Continue reading Frankfurt Preview: Peugeot iOn is French for "Mitsubishi iMiEV"

Frankfurt Preview: Peugeot iOn is French for "Mitsubishi iMiEV" originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Sep 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Toyota delays introduction of Li-ion batteries for Prius

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 31 May 2007 18:02:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Toyota

When talking about the (hopefully coming in 2010) Chevy Volt, Bob Lutz repeatedly said he was waiting on battery makers to provide GM with battery packs that were up to the challenge, seeing as the show car relies on technology that doesn't exist. GM isn't the only maker with battery issues -- Toyota has pushed back the introduction of lithium ion batteries in the next generation Prius, saying that they're not just not ready to be put in cars because of safety issues. There are independent companies that are installing li-ion battery packs into cars and getting stunning results. Toyota, though, in light of corporate liabilities and its recall record of late, simply can't afford to risk what would be a huge black eye if the next Prius suffered from a hasty misstep.

[Source: Winding Road]

Toyota delays introduction of Li-ion batteries for Prius originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 May 2007 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Chicago Auto Show: Live unveiling of the 2008 Saturn Astra

Eric Bryant — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 13:09:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Budget, Hatchback, Saturn

Click above image to view a high-resolution gallery of the new Saturn Astra

Saturn just rolled out the new Astra to the crowd at the Chicago Auto Show, with the automaker claiming that the compact will help fulfill the brand's promise to bring "appropriate and affordable technology", "great design", and "quality without compromise" to customers.

The Astra survives its overseas excursion largely unchanged, with the most major differences being a set of cupholders and tires that allow it to meet GM's standards for foul weather performance (a result of Americans' lack of awareness or complete apathy when it comes to the use of proper snow tires). Yet another variation on the Ecotec architecture, displacing 1.8L and producing 140 hp, drives the front wheels. The sporty intentions of the three-door model are made evident by the quicker ratio rack in its electrohydraulic steering system, larger wheels with more aggressive performance rubber, and standard stability control.

The long wheelbase and wide stance lend a roomy feel to both the three- and five-door model, and rear storage appears to be rather generous. Need we say the rest of the interior is far better than the vehicle it replaces? We are getting a bit tired of silver paint and oversized trip computer displays, but otherwise, there is little to offend inside the Astra (and kudos to GM for installing a decent set of bolstered seats in the three-door).

We've included plenty of live shots and official press pics of the 2008 Saturn Astra here. You can find the complete press release from Saturn after the jump, and we've also produced a nice video of the introduction with live-action views of the new Astra.

Gallery: 2008 Saturn Astra

Continue reading Chicago Auto Show: Live unveiling of the 2008 Saturn Astra

Chicago Auto Show: Live unveiling of the 2008 Saturn Astra originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Feb 2007 13:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Detroit Auto Show: Chevrolet Volt Concept

Eric Bryant — Sun, 07 Jan 2007 00:03:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, Green, Chevrolet, GM

click on the image above to view AutoblogGreen's high-resolution gallery

GM's much-rumored electric vehicle introduction for the North American International Auto Show has indeed been revealed to be the Chevrolet Volt. Built on a new platform referred to as E-flex, the cute coupe spins the front wheels via a 161 HP electric motor and a lithium-ion storage pack with 16 kWh of capacity (a piece of technology that, by GM's own admission, is not yet ready for prime time). An Ecotec-branded turbocharged 71 HP three-banger sits under the hood to spin a 53 kW generator, which provides one method by which to charge the pack; the other consists of a pair of plugs (one on either side) that facilitate charging via a standard 110V connection. Six hours or so of charge time at home is good for 40 miles of range, after which the IE kicks in at a steady 1800 RPM to feed the packs. GM calls it an EV with "range extending capability", but to our eyes, it sure looks like a series hybrid. It also has us asking why a small diesel wasn't employed, as such an engine can provide wonderful efficiency when used at a steady speed and load (as former GM division Electromotive has proven with its locomotives over the past several decades).

AutoblogGreen has additional technical detail and analysis. Click here for a full gallery of pictures!

Check out all the debuts and galleries from the Detroit Auto Show here.

Detroit Auto Show: Chevrolet Volt Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 07 Jan 2007 00:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: Tek Jansen drives a Saturn Ion

John Neff — Sat, 09 Dec 2006 12:24:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Etc., Videos, Saturn

News of the Saturn Ion's ignominious demise have been met with cheers in the street, as it was truly the brand's last embarassing model. Though most of us eagerly await the arrival of the Saturn Astra from Opel, there is one person in the galaxy who still holds the dear departed Ion close to his heart... Tek Jansen of Alpha Squad 7! If you're not familiar with Tek Jansen, then you don't watch the Colbert Report on Comedy Central and should therefore be chastised. A few days ago Stephen Colbert introduced Episode 5 of Stephen Colbert Presents: Stephen Colbert's Alpha Squad 7 - Operation: Homecoming's Doorstep: Cat on a Luniharp, a Tek Jansen Adventure. Despite having deinduced the cardioid thrusters on the Bizlarnian Battle Wedge, Tek's only response to being fired upon by the enemy ship is, "Saturn Ion!" Seriously, I've laughed at this clip all day, which means either that I'm working too hard and have gone crazy or Stephen Colbert is a comedy genius.

[Source: ColbertNation]

VIDEO: Tek Jansen drives a Saturn Ion originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 09 Dec 2006 12:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Forbes names least safe cars of 2007

Chris Tutor — Wed, 01 Nov 2006 18:41:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Safety, Chevrolet, Ford, Saturn, Suzuki, Toyota

In an obvious effort to keep its readership alive (and in turn circulation numbers up) Forbes magazine has made a list of the least safe cars of 2007. Before the flame wars start, note that cars on the list are not necessarily unsafe, but instead are not as safe as other cars available. Therefore, they are the least safe 2007 model year cars.

Most of the vehicles on the list are there because they don't have standard side air bags. But three -- Saturn's Ion, as well as Suzuki's Aerio and Forenza -- made the cut even with side air bags. To understand why these particular vehicles were named in the article, Forbes outlines its methodology, which includes crash tests, injury claims and the opinions of Consumer Reports' researchers.

The seven models named by Forbes are after the jump.

[Source: Forbes Magazine]

Continue reading Forbes names least safe cars of 2007

Forbes names least safe cars of 2007 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Nov 2006 18:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Saturn's version of Opel Astra to hit next year; Ion gets stay of execution

Eric Bryant — Mon, 14 Aug 2006 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchback, Saturn

Saturn's new small car, a version of the well-regarded Opel Astra, should be hitting the shores of North American sometime a bit beyond the middle of 2007. This will replace the not-so-well-regarded Ion, which is now scheduled to be produced through March of 2007 - three months longer than originally announced.

The name for Saturn's new compact has not yet been decided, but it may carry over the Ion name, or it may simply use the Astra nameplate. Either way, customers can expect to get the full-on European experience, as the vehicle is expected to arrive from Europe largely unmolested by the same sort of American twiddling that has doomed similar efforts in the past.

In 2008, production is expected to move to a stateside facility - most likely GM's Lordstown plant, where the Cobalt and G5 are produced. This may provide an opportunity for some of the Astra's DNA to improve the existing Delta platform compacts, and we'd be quite pleased if a few of those supercharged Ecotecs were to find their way under the Astra's hood as part of Saturn's Red Line high-performance lineup.

[Source: Detroit Free Press; Nashville Business Journal]

Saturn's version of Opel Astra to hit next year; Ion gets stay of execution originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Aug 2006 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Is Opel's Astra the next Saturn Ion?

Stuart Waterman — Tue, 18 Apr 2006 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Trends, Budget, Sedan, GM, Saturn

Although the New York Auto Show provided plenty of flash for General Motors' Saturn brand, ranging from the PreVue concept to the Sky Red Line, the missing link in Saturn's future lineup remains a replacement for its soon-to-depart Ion entry-level model.

Back in February, rumors had GM renaming the model the "Evoke" and moving production from Saturn's Spring Hill, Tennessee facility to Lordstown, Ohio-- trading in the Ion's plastic bodywork for steel in the process. The Evoke was said to be based on the Chevrolet Cobalt platform, perhaps with European styling based on Opel models, but that plan has been scuttled.

Given the new-found level of integration between Saturn and Opel championed by GM's product czar Bob Lutz, the latest speculation is that the Ion replacement will be a rebadged Opel Astra (pictured). The Astra, like the Cobalt/Ion, is powered by GM's Ecotec engine family. (Read all about the Astra here.)

Given the delay in making a decision on an entry-level model for Saturn, dealers are already looking at a gap between the end of Ion production and the availability of its replacement. With time running out to make a decision, we're guessing that a rebadged Astra is the odds-on favorite to be the next entry-level Saturn.

[Source: AutoWeek]

Is Opel's Astra the next Saturn Ion? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Apr 2006 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

GM offers new boost for Cobalt SS S/C and Saturn Ion Redline

John Neff — Fri, 07 Apr 2006 09:27:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Coupe, Chevrolet, GM, Saturn

GM Performance Parts announced yesterday the availability of two performance upgrade kits for the supercharged 2.0L Ecotec engine found in the Chevy Cobalt SS Supercharged and Saturn Ion Redline. The Stage 1 kit retails for $500 and adds 31 hp to the engine's base 205-hp through higher-flow injectors and a new ECU calibration. The Stage 2 kit goes for $750 and includes both components of the Stage 1 kit and adds a smaller supercharger pulley and drive belt to fatten up the powerband's midsection and increase power to 241 hp and 218 ft-lbs. of torque. Both kits require premium fuel and are available now at all GM dealerships.

[Source: GM]

GM offers new boost for Cobalt SS S/C and Saturn Ion Redline originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Apr 2006 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments