Autoblog

NHTSA could add 1M cars to GM recall

Zach Bowman — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 09:12:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Chevrolet, GM, Pontiac, Saturn

The Detroit Free Press is reporting that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration may expand a recall campaign for faulty brake lamps. The agency is currently looking into complaints that certain 2004-2011 Chevrolet Malibu models as well as some 2007-2009 Saturn Aura sedans may have brake lights that do not illuminate when the driver presses the pedal. Alternatively, the lamps may also illuminate without input from the driver. General Motors recalled 8,000 Pontiac G6 models from the 2005 model year for the same problem, and NHTSA is currently investigating whether to add 550,000 more G6 models built between 2005 and 2009 to the list for the same issue.

In addition, investigators are currently examining 97 complaints from Malibu and Aura owners with the same trouble. If NHTSA adds those models to the recall campaign, more than one million units could be covered. GM, meanwhile, says there have been no accidents or injuries as a result of the problem.

NHTSA could add 1M cars to GM recall originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Mar 2013 09:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM recalling 67k Chevy Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura models in Canada

Zach Bowman — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 15:45:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Government/Legal, Safety, Chevrolet, Canada

General Motors is recalling a total of 67,414 sedans in Canada for power steering failures. The campaign covers 2005, 2006 and 2008 Chevrolet Malibu and Malibu Maxx models as well as Pontiac G6 vehicles. The 2008 Saturn Aura is also included in the recall. Transport Canada says while power steering may fail, drivers will still be able to maintain control of their vehicle with additional steering effort. Owners will be notified of the failure by a chime and an illuminated warning light on the instrument panel.

Neither GM nor Transport Canada is saying what causes the failures, though the automaker has agreed to replace the steering column in 2005 and 2006 models, while 2008 vehicles will receive new power steering motor control modules. You can view the complete recall notice from Transport Canada below for more information. It is unclear whether or not U.S. vehicles will see a similar recall.

Continue reading GM recalling 67k Chevy Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura models in Canada

GM recalling 67k Chevy Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura models in Canada originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Oct 2012 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM to discontinue mild hybrid Malibu, Vue, Aura for 2010 model year

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Green, Chevrolet, GM, Saturn

2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's being reported that General Motors has decided to discontinue its existing mild hybrids going into the 2010 model year. The Chevy Malibu, and Saturn Aura and Vue have been available with GM's belt-alternator-starter (BAS) system since 2007, but have never sold in any significant volumes. The system primarily provided automatic start/stop functionality with a little bit of electric boost and regeneration. The system was limited by a weak motor and 36V battery system.

We checked with GM's hybrid spokesman Brian Corbett about the status of the mild hybrids. Corbett told AutoblogGreen that currently there are no plans for retail sales of any of the mild hybrid models.

"There will be some MY2010 production. We will fulfill some MY2010 fleet orders for the Malibu Hybrid. As part of the Memorandum of Understanding between GM and Penske Automotive Group, Saturn plans to offer the Aura, Vue and Outlook models in 2010. Specific details of which versions (i.e. hybrids) has not yet been determined. "

At the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, GM announced a more powerful, second generation BAS using a lithium-ion battery. The second generation BAS wlll debut in 2011 and should provide a more significant increase in mileage over conventional models, hopefully attracting more customers. GM sent AutoblogGreen a statement on the Malibu's discontinuation (reason: "elevated inventory levels of the 2009 model"). Read it after the jump.

Gallery: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu hybrid

Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: GM, All Cars Electric]

Continue reading GM to discontinue mild hybrid Malibu, Vue, Aura for 2010 model year

GM to discontinue mild hybrid Malibu, Vue, Aura for 2010 model year originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Jun 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Confirmed: GM and Penske outline deal for Saturn - Aura, Vue, Outlook to live on

Chris Paukert — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: GM, Saturn, Earnings/Financials

Confirming a report we posted on earlier today, General Motors has reached a preliminary agreement to handover the Saturn marque to the Penske Automotive Group. In GM's official statement after the jump, the automaker says that the memorandum of understanding would entitle Penske to the brand's 350+ dealerships, the rights to the name and its associated iconography, as well as continued production of the Aura, Vue, and Outlook on a contract basis. As expected, the dormant Astra hatchback and the rakish Sky roadster will apparently not make the transition. No financial terms of the deal have been released.

As reported earlier today by The New York Times, that abbreviated Saturn lineup will likely be joined by vehicles procured from other overseas automakers, potentially Renault's Samsung Motors division in Korea. It is not immediately clear if Penske will use the opportunity to pair existing Saturn stores with the company's other automotive distribution channel, Smart.

According to GM, the agreement is expected to be consummated in the third quarter of this year, pending the necessary paperwork shuffling between the two companies and the federal government. Check out the official press release after the jump

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Confirmed: GM and Penske outline deal for Saturn - Aura, Vue, Outlook to live on

Confirmed: GM and Penske outline deal for Saturn - Aura, Vue, Outlook to live on originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Jun 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BREAKING: GM reportedly agrees to sell Saturn to Penske

Chris Paukert — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 09:26:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, GM, Saturn

According to The New York Times, General Motors has come to terms with a consortium led by industry icon Roger Penske to sell its ailing Saturn brand. The agreement, which is expected to be announced later today, will apparently see Penske add Saturn brand and its stand-alone showroom network to his existing portfolio of 310 global dealers.

Penske, as you may recall, already has sole distribution rights to the Smart microcar lineup in the States, and he will apparently continue to sell GM-produced Saturn vehicles initially, after which he is expected to begin importing foreign autos from companies like Renault's Samsung Motors subsidiary in Korea.

[Source: The New York Times | Image: A. Messerschmidt/Getty]

BREAKING: GM reportedly agrees to sell Saturn to Penske originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Jun 2009 09:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Opel Insignia Sport Tourer lands at a Czech dealer. Do want.

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Paris Motor Show, Saturn, Opel, Vauxhall

2009 Opel Sports Tourer - Click above for a high-res image gallery

The Opel Insignia Sports Tourer landed at a dealer in the Czech Republic, and it is nothing but tasty: a six-speed diesel with seating for five that holds from 540 or 1,530 cubic liters with the seats down (from 19 to 54 cubic feet) and the handsome hauler gets and 50 mpg (US) from its 160 horsepower 2.0 CTDI. What's more, the rear cargo area has a beautifully flat entry, and a hidden compartment underneath the load floor.

It also has a host of convenience technology such as the Adaptive Forward Lighting with nine (count em!) different settings and the Opel Eye, which memorizes street signs and displays them in the dash. Sounds a bit like the Eye of Mordor, but it could come in handy when on unfamiliar turf. For the consortium looking for new Saturn models to import, please start here. Thanks for the tip, Evzen!

Gallery: Vauxhall/Opel Insignia Sports Tourer

[Source: Autorevue (translated)]

Opel Insignia Sport Tourer lands at a Czech dealer. Do want. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The World According to Lutz: fewer brands, more marketing

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Chevrolet, GM, Saturn

In a moment that makes us want to put on our most pensive face and say "Yes... that's profound...", Bob Lutz has said "It's really much better to have fewer brands, do it well and then market the hell out of them." Specifically, he's talking about the fact that a car like the Saturn Aura -- Saturn's take on the Chevy Malibu -- hasn't done nearly as well as the Malibu. So far this year the Aura trails the Malibu almost 3-to-1. Why? Because the Malibu got pushed out of the gate with a marketing budget somewhere over the $200 million mark, and the Aura didn't. That is why, according to Lutz, "Three years later, people are still saying 'What's an Aura?'"

We know that GM has the talent to get the job done, but it's this kind of self evident thinking (to us, at least, and not a few of our commentators) that makes us wonder what's been going on in the hallowed halls of the RenCen all this time. GM has said that it might try to rebuild Saturn rather than kill it, but with new spending at Saturn put on hold, if they decide to keep it alive, we sincerely hope they will "market the Hell" out of what they rebuild.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

The World According to Lutz: fewer brands, more marketing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Dec 2008 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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China's Insignia-based Buick Regal revealed

Chris Shunk — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, China, Buick

Click above for high-res gallery of Buick's new Regal in China

General Motors has unveiled China's new Buick Regal (or at least official pics of it have found their way onto the web), and save for some cosmetic changes, it's basically a badge-engineered Opel Insignia. That's by design though, as Buick is GM's top-selling brand in the land of the great wall, and the new mid-size sedan from Opel has the best chance for success donning a Buick logo. Comparing the Insignia and the new Buick Regal back to back shows that GM simply popped out the Opel grille, got rid of the lightning logo and retrofitted Buick badging for Buick-loving Chinese. The Opel Insignia is a head-turning sedan as it is, and after looking at these official Regal pics, it doesn't look half bad with a Buick grille, either.

The new Regal is scheduled to hit Chinese showrooms in December will arrive with a choice of two powertrains: a 164-hp 2.4L four-cylinder engine and 211-hp 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder, both of which come standard with a six-speed manual transmission. The naturally aspirated four-banger has a leisurely 0-60 time of 9.8 seconds, while the turbo motor scoots to 60 in 7.8 seconds.

We've been hoping for our own U.S. version of the new Insignia, and recent news of GM product delays could push the next-gen Saturn Aura even further into the future. Meanwhile, China gets a Buick version this year and the new Chevy Cruze, which we may not receive until 2011.

Gallery: Chinese Buick Regal Unveiled

[Source: CarScoop]

China's Insignia-based Buick Regal revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Nov 2008 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Insignia will come to U.S. as a Saturn, with new sheetmetal, interior

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 16:22:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Saturn, Opel, Rumormill

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Opel Insignia.

Despite repeated rumblings from industry sources (including Lutz himself) that the Opel Insignia's transformation into a Saturn model was on hold, Bob Lutz now indicates that work is indeed proceeding on making that model ready for the American market. Changes are going to be made to both the interior and the exterior of the Insignia as it morphs into the Aura. Lutz also indicates that the two Epsilon II-based cars will share suspension bits and powertrains, though we are not sure just how many of the six available gas and diesel engines in the Euro-only Opel will make their way Stateside. Also debatable is the Insignia's Haldex all-wheel-drive system that will be offered across the pond. Whatever the case, we hope that the car doesn't see too many changes as it's an extremely attractive and compelling package as it currently sits. Bring it.

Gallery: British Motor Show: Opel Insignia

[Source: Autoweek]

Insignia will come to U.S. as a Saturn, with new sheetmetal, interior originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Jul 2008 16:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Saturn Aura put on hold?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 13:32:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Saturn, Rumormill

Click above for high-res gallery of the Opel Insignia

After seeing plenty of shots of Opel's new Insignia mid-sizer, we're anxiously awaiting General Motor's official announcement of its statewide debut as the next-gen Saturn Aura. Unfortunately, current rumors indicate that we'll be waiting a bit longer than initially planned, as the project has reportedly been put on hold for an undetermined amount of time. We're fuzzy on what prompted the hold-up, though some conjecture has been heard regarding the fuel economy of the impending vehicle. In Europe, there are four gasoline engines and three diesels available, though we have serious doubts that many if any of those powerplants will make it Stateside. It's certainly possible that today's high fuel prices are causing GM to rethink getting one of its smaller gas engines certified for sale in the U.S. We can be sure, though, that this expected new vehicle launch will be an important one for the future of the Saturn brand, so perhaps GM is wise to get everything sorted out before its official debut. Thanks for the tip, Mark!

Gallery: Opel / Vauxhall Insignia

[Source: GM Inside News]

2010 Saturn Aura put on hold? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Jun 2008 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saturn drops Green Line name from hybrids

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Marketing/Advertising, Saturn

The Saturn Green Line is no longer. In its stead, the planetary brand's hybrid models will simply be known as hybrids. We think this is a good idea considering that the word 'hybrid' is much more readily associated with saving gas than the Green Line moniker. According to Mike Morrissey, a Saturn spokesman, "It was simply a practical matter. As we expand our hybrid lineup, the names were getting a bit long. It's hard to write a short sentence about the Saturn Vue Green Line 2-Mode Hybrid." Amen to that. Though the Green Line name will disappear, the performance version of Saturn's models will retain their Red Line badges.

Saturn's current ~~green~~ line of hybrids includes two models, the Aura and the Vue, both equipped with the so-called "mild hybrid" system that is not capable of moving the vehicle under electric power alone. Next year, a version of the Vue utility vehicle will be offered with a system derived from what is currently available in the Tahoe and Yukon full-sizers known as the 2-Mode. That model will be a full hybrid and should return much better mileage than the current Vue hybrid, which is rated at 25 mpg in the city and 32 on the highway.

[Source: Kicking Tires]

Saturn drops Green Line name from hybrids originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Opel Insignia five-door hatch caught

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 11 May 2008 10:33:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Hatchback, Saturn, Opel

Over in Europe, midsize cars like the Opel Vectra, Renault Laguna and Ford Mondeo have long been offered in multiple body configurations including four-door sedans, station wagons and, of course, five-door hatchbacks. Unlike Americans, who for some reason are averse to a fifth body opening unless the vehicle rides 4 to 6 inches higher than it should, Europeans have always appreciated the extra utility. The Opel Vectra is being replaced this summer by the redesigned and renamed Insignia, but so far we've only seen photos (either spy pics or official GM shots) of the four-door sedan that will likely land here later next year as the next Saturn Aura. A sharp-eyed photographer, however, has captured what may be the first shots of the new hatchback Insignia. The five-door version doesn't look radically different from the sedan, the main variance being the shorter rear deck that's attached to the rear glass. Will the hatchback arrive as an Aura at Saturn dealers? Highly improbable, but then so was the Astra, so anything is possible. We more likely might just get a wagon version that we haven't yet seen.

[Source: Winding Road]

Spy Shots: Opel Insignia five-door hatch caught originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 May 2008 10:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saturn officially hip, launches blog and social networking site

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 16:35:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Saturn, Lifestyle

GM is working hard to ensure that its newest automotive division, Saturn, is considered cool, hip and edgy. In this day and age, that means the interwebs, specifically a blog and social networking site. According to a post by Saturn General Manager Jill Lajdziak on GM's FastLane blog, www.ImSaturn.com will feature news about Saturn along with photos and videos you haven't seen anywhere else. Like other social networking sites, you can join in on the fun by starting or joining groups where people with like-interests gather together and talk. The first 400 members get a free t-shirt, but if you want one you'd better hurry 'cause there are already 300-plus members.

What uber-hip marketing strategy would be complete without internet speak? Saturn's got that covered too. I M Saturn and U R 2!

[Source: I M Saturn]

Saturn officially hip, launches blog and social networking site originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Apr 2008 16:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IIHS midsize smack down: Side impact ratings better, rear crashes, not so much

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Safety

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety just wrapped up its latest battery of batterings and most of the tested contenders in the mid-size segment faired well. The Dodge Avenger and Chrysler Sebring, along with the Infiniti G35, Nissan Altima, Chevrolet Malibu, Saturn Aura, Mitsubishi Galant and Kia Optima all received a grade of "Good" for front and side impacts, with the exception of the Optima, which ranked "Acceptable" during the side impact evaluation. However, problems arose in the rear crash test, where the G35, Altima, Malibu, and Aura were all rated as "Marginal," while the Avenger/Sebring received an "Average" score and the Optima walked away with a gold star and a "Good" rating. The only vehicle that received a "Poor" rating on any of the tests was the Mitsubishi Galant, which didn't hold up as well during the rear-impact test.

All the details from the IIHS are available in the press release after the jump.

Continue reading IIHS midsize smack down: Side impact ratings better, rear crashes, not so much

IIHS midsize smack down: Side impact ratings better, rear crashes, not so much originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Apr 2008 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Opel releases second Insignia teaser

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 20:03:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Europe, Hatchback, Saturn, Opel

It's been a while since we've heard about the upcoming Opel Insignia due out later this year, but we've got a vested interest in its development as it's likely to come to the U.S. sporting a Saturn Aura badge. We were initially teased with a darkened shot of the new Euro-sedan's tail lamp back in November, but today, another shot has surfaced that gives us a brief peek of the flagship's new fascia.

The Insignia is set to replace the Vectra (Saturn Aura in the States) and will grow in every dimension to include a sedan, wagon and five-door hatch. Built atop the new FWD Epsilon II platform, the new model will feature a number of four- and six-cylinder engines, with the possibility of a hybrid drivetrain pulled from the Malibu and fitted to the new Aura when it makes its way to the U.S. sometime in 2010.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Opel releases second Insignia teaser originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Mar 2008 20:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Japanese makes dominate Consumer Reports Car Owner Satisfaction Survey

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying

Consumer Reports released its Car Owner Satisfaction Survey results and brands hailing from the Land of the Rising Sun accounted for nearly half of the winners. Toyota took 10 of the top 39 spots, including the Prius, where nine-out-of-ten owners said they'd buy it again given the chance. U.S. automakers didn't fare as well, only taking seven spots, but the addition of the V6-powered Ford Fusion and Saturn Aura proved that Detroit is making inroads in the family car segment. Despite many domestic models getting tagged "least satisfying" there's been a significant up tick in the U.S. automaker's standings.

Also of note, European models made up 12-percent of the list, particularly the BMW 335i and Porsche Boxster, which rivaled the Prius for owner gratification. The Hyundai Azera and Santa Fe also made the "most satisfying" cut, which is determined if 80-percent of owners said they would buy or lease the model again.

Consumer Reports' full press release is available after the jump.

Continue reading Japanese makes dominate Consumer Reports Car Owner Satisfaction Survey

Japanese makes dominate Consumer Reports Car Owner Satisfaction Survey originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Dec 2007 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next-gen Vectra renamed Insignia

John Neff — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 11:27:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Saturn, Misc. Auto Shows, Opel

click above image to enlarge

When the next-generation Opel/Vauxhall Vectra debuts at the 2008 London Auto Show in July of next year, it will be called by a different name than the one we've known since 1988. General Motors announced today that its new mid-size family sedan will be called the Insignia, and its design will draw heavily from the well-received Opel GTC Concept that debuted at the Geneva Motor Show last March. For now, though, all we get is the above teaser shot of the car's swoopy rear taillight.

The new Insignia will be built at GM's plant in Rüsselsheim, Germany alongside other models using the Epsilon 2 architecture. The next generation Saturn Aura is also scheduled to switch from its current extended Epsilon platform to the Epsilon 2 architecture sometime around 2011. When it does, we expect the next-gen Aura a bonfied rebadged version of the Opel Insignia for sale in the U.S., which we don't mind since these two sedans aren't sold in the same country.

[Source: Autoblog Spanish]

Continue reading Next-gen Vectra renamed Insignia

Next-gen Vectra renamed Insignia originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Nov 2007 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Next-gen Opel Vectra/2010 Saturn Aura

John Neff — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 12:55:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Saturn, Opel

click above image for more views of this Opel Vectra mule testing in the U.S.

Though they look similar, the current Saturn Aura and its European cousin, the Opel Vectra, do not share the exact same platform as many mistakenly believe. General Motors will correct this when the next-generation of each car arrives, and we've already seen a number of spy shots showing a new Opel Vectra being tested in disguise.

These spy shots we bring you today are no different, except instead of being taken in some far off land, they were taken in Death Valley, U.S.A. This is the first time we've seen the new Vectra being tested in the U.S., and for that matter, with so little covering. It's easy to see through the camo to the Vectra's new styling, which is heavily derivative of the Opel GTC Concept that debuted in Geneva last March. That's fine with us, as the GTC is a stunning coupe concept and adding two more doors has hardly lessened the design's appeal. We particularly like the swoop that starts where the A-pillar meets the base of the windshield and then carves a nice line into the front door. It reminds us of a similar swoop on the rear doors of the Toyota Camry, though with a more subtle and tasteful execution. The size of the front and rear overhand is a little alarming, as we think the design would be served better by pushing the wheels out to the corners, but overall the proportions are right on. The car looks neither heavy nor insubstantial, and it appears wider than the current models, as well.

The next-generation Opel Vectra will debut first, and then around 2010 we'll get our version in the form of a new Saturn Aura. It shouldn't be difficult at all to extrapolate what the next Aura will look like from these pics, as we expect a different grille to be the biggest difference.

[Photos: KGP Photography]

Gallery: Opel Vectra - spy shots

Spy Shots: Next-gen Opel Vectra/2010 Saturn Aura originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Jul 2007 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alpha RWD platform set to invade GM lineup

John Neff — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 15:04:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Pontiac

Citing suppliers and loose-lipped employees of General Motors as its source, Inside Line has learned that the rear-wheel drive Alpha platform will be making a big splash in the automaker's product portfolio soon. The Alpha will reportedly underpin a successor to the Pontiac G6 set to arrive in late 2010. Such a vehicle would do much to enhance Pontiac's unsubstaniated claim to build excitement, and would also augment the upcoming Zeta-based, rear-wheel-drive G8 sedan nicely. After that, the Alpha will take up residence beneath the next-generation Cadillac BLS sedan that's currently sold only in Europe. Once it makes the switch, IL expects the BLS to cross the Atlantic and slot in below the CTS in Cadillac's North American lineup. Next up would be a new rear-wheel-drive Alpha-based sedan for Saturn that would be positioned below the front-wheel drive Aura and above the Astra.

The Alpha infusion would occur in GM's lineup just as the aged front-wheel-drive W-body platform is phased out and replaced by the Epsilon II platform. The W-based Buick LaCrosse will make way for an Epsilon II successor that revives the Regal name, while the next-gen Malibu and Aura will move over to the new platform, as well. The Malibu may also be offered in a long-wheelbase version to appease current Impala customers who will still need a large, front-wheel-drive sedan once that car jumps to the rear-wheel-drive Zeta platform.

Regardless of whether any of these plans actually happen (nothing's written in stone in this business), it's clear that GM's push to globalize its platforms is on track.

[Source: Inside Line]

Alpha RWD platform set to invade GM lineup originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Jun 2007 15:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lutz lets a bit of Edmunds survey slip, GM takes 13 first place picks

Chris Tutor — Fri, 04 May 2007 09:24:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying

Sometimes news is just too good to keep to yourself. Just ask GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz. With his company supposedly claiming 13 spots on Edmund's Consumers' Most Wanted list, Lutz just had to brag a bit on the corporate blog before the winners were made public.

And he should brag. Most other car of the year awards are chosen by us automotive writers who usually prefer horsepower over hip room. As the name implies, Edmund's CMW awards are chosen by the car-buying public. And despite not voting with their wallets, the car-buying public who visits Edmund's really like their GMs.

The GMC Acadia got Most Significant vehicle of the year, beating out Honda's Fit, the Toyota Camry Hybrid, the Ford Edge and the Toyota Tundra.

Click through to see Edmund's press release as well as the other category winners.

[Source: Edmunds, GM FastLane Blog]

Continue reading Lutz lets a bit of Edmunds survey slip, GM takes 13 first place picks

Lutz lets a bit of Edmunds survey slip, GM takes 13 first place picks originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 May 2007 09:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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