Autoblog

REPORT: GM recalling over 44,000 Saturn Vue crossovers because of sticky door handles?!

Dan Roth — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Crossover, Saturn

Saturn Vue - Click above for high-res image gallery

Some 44,451 Saturn Vue models from the 2008 model year are being recalled, and yours might be a part of the action if it has body-color door handles. What's the deal? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the handles may stick, preventing the door from properly latching.

NHTSA says an unbelted occupant could tumble out of the vehicle as a result of a door that refuses to latch, though one has to figure that you're sort of asking for it by ignoring the safety gear. In any circumstance, doors that pop open aren't acceptable, so the 44,451 vehicles affected will be give chrome door handles by dealers at no charge to customers. The recall goes into full effect by August 18th, plenty of time to get a can of Nevr-Dull to keep those shiny handles looking their best.

Gallery: 2008 Saturn VUE

[Source: NHTSA]

REPORT: GM recalling over 44,000 Saturn Vue crossovers because of sticky door handles?! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:30:00 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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First Drive: 2009 Saturn Vue 2 Mode Hybrid

Alex Nunez — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 12:28:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, SUV, Green, GM, Saturn, First Drive

Saturn VUE 2 Mode Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

We attended the New York-area "GM Collection" event this week, which is basically an opportunity for journalists to drive a variety of 2009 models up at Bear Mountain, an hour or so outside Manhattan. What we didn't know going in was that GM would bring along three production-spec examples of the '09 Saturn Vue 2 Mode Hybrid, and that this would be the first opportunity to take the new gas-electric 'ute for a spin. Bear in mind that this impression is based on about 25 minutes of shared time with the car (we buddied up with Jalopnik's Wes Siler). The official full-dog-and-pony-show media launch event is set to take place in December, and we'll be on hand for that as well. For now though, follow the jump to see some initial impressions of the new Saturn hybrid.

Gallery: First Drive: Saturn VUE 2 Mode Hybrid

Continue reading First Drive: 2009 Saturn Vue 2 Mode Hybrid

First Drive: 2009 Saturn Vue 2 Mode Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Oct 2008 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saturn expected to be source of GM growth

Michael Harley — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 07:32:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Saturn
It is tough to keep up a winning streak, as Saturn may soon realize. After boasting a 12.6-percent increase in retail sales, and average transaction prices up by $7,000 compared to the previous year, GM expects their Saturn division to continue their growth for the next five years.

It most likely won't be that easy. Last year, Saturn presented an entirely new model line responsible for the fresh faces pouring into showrooms. This year, things are a bit different. The Saturn Outlook, the slowest selling of GM's three Lambda CUVs, heads into its second year having to compete with now a fourth Lamda-platform crossover, the Chevrolet Traverse. The Saturn Aura, perennially living in the shadow of the Chevy Malibu, carries over with just minor changes for 2008. Even the all-new Saturn Astra, fresh from Europe where it is sold as an Opel, may fight for domestic sales if American buyers don't warm to its Euro-designed interior.

There is hope. As Saturn is GM's "green" outlet, there are a couple of innovative vehicles on the horizon. We can expect to see a Two Mode hybrid Vue by the end of this year which should be followed by a plug-in Vue by 2010.

[Source: Automotive News]
Saturn expected to be source of GM growth originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Feb 2008 07:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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GM's new ad campaigns focus on small cars, SUVs

Chris Shunk — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Marketing/Advertising, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, Saturn
With oil hitting $100 per barrel and customers clamoring for more fuel-efficient vehicles, GM is dropping coin to showcase its smaller transportation. Now is a good time for the General to tout its lighter fare, as the Detroit automaker has some real winners in its stable. The new Chevy Malibu and Cadillac CTS have received critical praise from the automotive press, and early sales receipts show that both vehicles are a hit with the public as well. In fact, GM is looking to increase Malibu production in a soft market due to brisk demand at Chevy dealers around the country. Saturn will also receive ad dollars, as newer products like the Vue could use a boost, and the hot new Astra will benefit from a coming out party.

GM is also concentrating more of its cash on web advertising, and it will also pony up ad dollars to tout Chevrolet as its environmentally friendly brand. While automotive enthusiasts know GM has come up with a string of solid vehicles, the general public may not be as informed. Nothing spreads the word quite like money.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]
GM's new ad campaigns focus on small cars, SUVs originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Jan 2008 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Review: 2008 Saturn Vue Red Line

Alex Nunez — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 12:01:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, SUV, GM, Saturn

2008 Saturn Vue Red Line - Click above for high-res image gallery

The introduction of the 2008 Saturn Vue is the latest element of the Saturn's ongoing product overhaul. In the wake of the Sky, Aura, and Outlook, we had high expectations for the all-new Vue. Gone are the outgoing model's clunky styling, cheesy faux grille, plastacular body panels and ho-hum street presence. In its place, we're given a smart-looking, well-packaged Opel Antara clone that's positioned as an obvious step up from its predecessor. Sure, the old Vue had some things going for it -- after its last facelift it had a decent-looking interior, and despite its outward visual shortcomings, it offered plenty of useful cargo room -- but it just wasn't very exciting in the grand scheme of things. Its departure is decidedly unlamented, and we eagerly accepted the keys when GM entrusted us with a spanking-new Vue Red Line for a week. Read on to see how well the newest Saturn lives up to the hype.

Gallery: Review: 2008 Saturn Vue Red Line

All photos Copyright (C)2007 Alex Núñez / Weblogs, Inc.
Continue reading Review: 2008 Saturn Vue Red Line
Review: 2008 Saturn Vue Red Line originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Oct 2007 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Grand Prix, Great Britain, Big Screen

Noah Joseph — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Europe
The UK is a pretty good place to be an F1 fan, as a number of F1 teams are headquartered in Great Britain. Four current F1 racing drivers are British, including the incredible Lewis Hamilton, with several more test drivers as well. Brits have their own race every year, no matter how poor the facilities and the attendance. And they're within driving distance of a handful more on the Continent. In short, the British Isles are F1-land, and more British companies are getting in on the action every year.

The latest to offer their services to race fans is Vue Cinemas, a rapidly-expanding chain of movie theaters that currently counts 59 multiplexes encompassing over 570 screens in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The chain has announced it will be screening a live feed of the British Grand Prix, directly from Silverstone, with no commercial interruptions. Vue Cinemas is calling it a "larger-than-life-experience" that will be offered at 30 of its locations in the UK.

You can expect tickets to be considerably less expensive than race tickets, and while it won't feature the same "right-there" experience, you'll probably get a better Vue.

[Source: GrandPrix.com]
Grand Prix, Great Britain, Big Screen originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Jul 2007 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Saturn Vue gets a $3k bump in the sticker

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 09:49:00 EST

Well, $3,295 to be exact.

The base price of the new and greatly improved Vue will come in at $21,395 (with shipping), placing it squarely in the same pricing segment as the Honda CR-V ($21,195) and Toyota RAV4 ($21,595).

According to Robert Reuter, GM's chief engineer for compact and crossover vehicles, the price increase is justified, consider that the new model gets a larger, 169 HP 2.4-liter inline four and an automatic transmission, where before a manual used to reside. Additionally, 16-inch wheels are included, along with a bevy of standard safety equipment including ABS, collapsible pedals, side curtain airbags and stability control.

Since the new pricing puts the Vue up against some of the biggest players in the burgeoning crossover segment, it should be interesting to see how well Saturn's second highest selling model will fare when it's thrust into the marketplace.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]
Saturn Vue gets a $3k bump in the sticker originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Apr 2007 09:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Saturn kicking butt and taking conquests

Chris Shunk — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 06:57:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Marketing/Advertising, GM, Saturn

Saturn has gone from "A different kind of car company" to a much better car company faster than anybody has the right to expect, and all the new products being introduced are starting to result in improved sales numbers. Within one year, the Sky, Aura, and Outlook were introduced, and the Aura provided the cherry on top when it won the 2007 North American car of the year award at the Detroit Auto Show. Once the new hot to trot Astra replaces the asthetically-challenged Ion, the Sky will be the oldest product in Saturn's lineup.

The resulting numbers for Saturn have been very impressive indeed, with a 20-percent bump in 1st quarter 2007 sales versus Q1 2006, and now people that previously didn't give Saturn a thought are buying into GM's newest lineup. In a recent interview with The Car Connection, Saturn General Manager Jill Lajdziak pointed out that Sky owners have an average family income of over $100,000, while the typical Aura customer is pulling in $79,000 per annum. Those numbers are in stark contrast to the overall lineup, which stands at $63,000 per year. Lajdziak is looking for more success in the second quarter, and with the vastly better-looking than the original Vue coming out very shortly, the news is only getting better for Saturn.

Saturn still has a long way to go in winning over customers, as Aura and Outlook sales haven't exactly been setting the world on fire. After driving the Aura, we'd guess that the biggest obsticle for the COTY is a lack of customer awareness, and additional marketing dollars should help a lot. We've long thought that the Opelization of the Saturn lineup was a great idea, and now it looks like it's actually panning out for GM.

[Source: The Car Connection]
Saturn kicking butt and taking conquests originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Apr 2007 06:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Chicago Auto Show: The 2008 Saturn Vue Red Line shows its face

Eric Bryant — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 14:27:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, SUV, Crossover, Saturn

click above image to view live shots of the 2008 Saturn Red Line

Admittedly, hot-rodded cute-utes mystify many of us, but the kids seem to love 'em, and the Red Line version of Saturn's 2008 Vue should satisfy those looking for a combination of practicality and power.

We're sure that some Saturn fans were not happy with the inclusion of Honda power in the previous Vue RL, and they can take comfort in the fact that the "foreign" drivetrain has been replaced with the General's own High Feature DOHC V6 and six-speed automatic. Front wheel drive is standard, while those looking to route those 250 ponies via additional paths can opt for AWD.

The front fascia receives special Red Line attention, and out back, two large rectangular exhaust tips remind followers that they're not behind a garden-variety Vue. Inside, the RL gets an exclusive Ebony color scheme, along with suede inserts on the seating surfaces to keep butts properly planted when exploring the limits of the lowered suspension and fat wheel/tire package.

Mike from ABG made the comment that this is a bit like a poor man's BMW X3, and we'd have to agree with that statement.

Check out the gallery for additional shots of the Vue Red Line followed by the official press release after the jump.
Gallery: 2008 Saturn VUE Red Line
Continue reading Chicago Auto Show: The 2008 Saturn Vue Red Line shows its face
Chicago Auto Show: The 2008 Saturn Vue Red Line shows its face originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Feb 2007 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Chicago Preview: '08 Saturn Vue Red Line & Green Line

Alex Nunez — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Hybrid, SUV, Saturn

Click for Red Line / Green Line photo gallery

It turns out that the Astra isn't the only thing GM's Saturn division has up its sleeve for this week's big Windy City show. Visitors to McCormick Place will also get their first eyefuls of the 2008 Vue's performance and hybrid variants.

The '08 Vue Red Line (above) gets a "performance-inspired" new look that's bound to have people talking (that may not necessarily be a good thing). The Red Line's front end is dominated by an enormous air opening below the front bumper, which is bookended by big secondary cutouts that house projector-beam foglights. The center cutout is so large, you'd expect to see an intercooler hiding behind it. Don't look for any forced induction here, though. The Vue Red line has the same powertrain as the Vue XR: GM's 250-horsepower 3.6L VVT V6 matched with a six-speed automatic with a manual-shift mode. Buyers can order it with either FWD or AWD.

Follow the jump for more info on the Red Line, initial info on the Vue Green Line and GM's official press release.

[Source: GM]
Gallery: 2008 Saturn Vue Red Line & Green Line
Continue reading Chicago Preview: '08 Saturn Vue Red Line & Green Line
Chicago Preview: '08 Saturn Vue Red Line & Green Line originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 04 Feb 2007 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Saturn Vue Green Line

Alex Nunez — Sun, 28 Jan 2007 12:17:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, SUV, Saturn

Click image for full review at AutoblogGreen

Did we say Autoblog Garage? We meant to say AutoblogGreen Garage, because that's where we've posted our thoughts about Saturn's first hybrid vehicle. Yes, it still sports the "classic" plastic-fantastic bodywork. No, it can't run in all-electric mode. But despite its age, silly faux radiator grille, and the fact that its current powertrain isn't of the fancy-schmancy Toyota or Ford variety, there's still quite a bit to like about the lame-duck Vue in Green Line trim. Our full thoughts about the ride are at AutoblogGreen, so please be sure to head over and check out the review in its entirety.
In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Saturn Vue Green Line originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 28 Jan 2007 12:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Detroit Auto Show: A conversation with Jill Lajdziak

Alex Nunez — Sun, 14 Jan 2007 10:37:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, GM, Saturn

Saturn general manager Jill Lajdziak's enthusiasm for her brand is infectious. And really, who can blame her? The charismatic and ebullient Ms. Lajdziak is at the helm of a brand that's critical to GM's product-based turnaround plan and which has seen its entire lineup overhauled over a very short timeframe. It's paying off, too. The day before we interviewed her, the Saturn Aura won the North American Car of the Year Award -- beating out both the Honda Fit and Toyota Camry. We aren't necessarily surprised about that -- we raved about the Aura XR that paid a visit to Autoblog Garage last year. Aura's just one part of the story, though.

It's joined by a compelling new crossover in Outlook, a legitimate halo car in the Sky, and will soon see the dated Vue replaced by a stylish replacement courtesy of sister brand Opel. To top it all off, next month in Chicago Jill will pull the wraps off the Saturn Astra hatchbacks. Saturn is a very serious player in multiple segments now, but Jill Lajdziak hasn't lost sight of the brand's roots, either. Read on as she tells us what it's like to oversee such a drastic brand reinvention and how she plans to carry Saturn's existing customers into the new era while winning over new converts who haven't perhaps considered the brand before.

The first question and answer can be found below. Follow the jump for the interview in its entirety.

Jill Lajdziak -- Division General Manager, Saturn
North American International Auto Show
January 8, 2007

Autoblog: Obviously you won the North American Car of the Year award yesterday. Was it unexpected for you? How surprised were you to get that?

Jill Lajdziak: Well, you know what? Tough competition. And so to win versus two very key competitors in the marketplace, we couldn't be more honored. We weren't surprised -- we know we've got a great product on our hands -- but it ultimately comes down to the voting. And I think what makes this award really coveted and really special is it's done by 47 jurors, 47 auto journalists. We have high respect for them, they're the best at what they do, writing about cars and trucks, they evaluate product every day, all manufacturers 365 days a year. They have voted and the have obviously named the Saturn Aura the Car of the Year. We couldn't be more thrilled. And because of that, it's not just one person's opinion, but it's 47 opinions and that's a good endorsement for this brand and it's a great recognition for the kind of product we've brought forward to the marketplace.
Continue reading Detroit Auto Show: A conversation with Jill Lajdziak
Detroit Auto Show: A conversation with Jill Lajdziak originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 14 Jan 2007 10:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Spy Shots: Saturn Vue Red Line

Noah Joseph — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 12:55:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, Crossover, GM, Saturn
With the new Saturn Vue crossover utility vehicle due to hit showrooms soon, GM's not wasting a moment: they're hard at work on the Red Line performance version. The intrepid paparazzi at KGP caught this thinly-disguised test mule driving around Detroit.

The shots reveal that the Red Line will get a much more aggressive front end than the standard Vue, with bigger air intakes and integrated fog lamps like on the Saturn Sky roadster, suggesting this could become a new design element for hotter Saturns. You'll also be able to tell the Red Line version from the ordinary Vue by the mesh grille inserts and dual exhaust pipes.

The new Vue Red Line ditches the Honda-sourced engine of its predecessor in favor of GM's latest sophisticated 250-hp VVT DOHC 3.6-liter V6 driving through the General's Hydra-Matic six-speed auto box. A five-speed stick and all-wheel-drive will also be available. That should make for a pretty hot little package from the brand that not long ago was anything but.

[Source: Winding Road]
Spy Shots: Saturn Vue Red Line originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Jan 2007 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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LA Auto Show: 2008 Saturn Vue unveiled

John Neff — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, SUV, Crossover, Saturn

UPDATE: Gallery of live shots added after jump

Behold, the new 2008 Saturn Vue, which charts a new path away from the plastic-paneled model it replaces, much like Saturn itself is on an entirely new path fueled by European transplant models from Opel. The new Vue is based on the Opel Antara from across the pond and will be available in four models here in the States, including a Green Line Hybrid and sporty Redline model. The baser models include the XE and all-wheel drive XR. The base XE and Green Line models are available with a 2.4-liter VVT Ecotec producing 164 hp and 160 ft-lbs. of torque or a 3.5-liter. An all-wheel drive XE, meanwhile, gets you a V6 that generates 215 hp and 220 ft-lbs. We're a little more excited about the powerplant being dropped in the Red Line and all-wheel drive XR models, which is GM's 3.6-liter VVT V6 that makes a more healthy 250 hp and 243 ft-lbs. of torque. We're curious to know what else Saturn plans to pack the Redline with to differentiate it from the top-level XR. The four-cylinders are married to GM's tried-and-true Hydra-Matic four-speed auto, while the V6 models get the new six-speed automatic.

Follow the jump for more analysis, pics of the 2008 Saturn Vue and GM's full press release.
Continue reading LA Auto Show: 2008 Saturn Vue unveiled
LA Auto Show: 2008 Saturn Vue unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Nov 2006 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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LA Auto Show: Aura toeing the Green Line

John Neff — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Sedan, Green, Saturn

UPDATE: Gallery of live shots added after jump

After being on sale for a year, the Saturn Aura is getting its green wings. The Aura Green Line is the first of four hybrids that General Motors will release in 2007, another of which includes the 2008 Saturn Vue Green Line. Like that vehicle, the Aura Green Line features a mild hybrid system that, while not boosting MPGs as high as a Toyota Prius, manages to keep the premium for being green lower than a traditional hybrid. The vehicle's base price, in fact, will begin below $23,000. Saturn designers also chose to keep the Aura Green Line's styling low key, with the only indication you're driving a green machine being the "Hybrid" badge on the back and the assist/charge gauge on the dash.

Follow the jump for more info and pics of the Aura Green Line, as well as GM's full press release.
Continue reading LA Auto Show: Aura toeing the Green Line
LA Auto Show: Aura toeing the Green Line originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Nov 2006 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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VIDEO: Vue the new Opel Antara

Alex Nunez — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 13:54:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Videos, Crossover, Saturn

Most of you know by now that the Opel Antara will become the new Saturn Vue, and based on spy shots showing it mostly naked, GM has wisely chosen to leave the Opel design intact. The model change comes not a moment too soon, as the current Vue's styling looks very dated when placed alongside the all-new Saturns it currently shares (or will soon share) floorspace with at dealerships.

So, what should we expect once the replacement arrives? The two attached promo videos from Opel show that the plucky (but somewhat homely-faced) Vue is set to mature into quite an attractive little SUV/CUV -- one that'll look right at home next to Aura, Sky, and Outlook in the local Saturn store, and be more than able to handle the daily driving duties most American buyers will demand of it. Cross your fingers and hope that GM's 3.6L V6 will be available as an option and that cool features like FlexFix aren't ditched as part of the car's Saturnization.

(Second video after the jump)

[Source: YouTube]
Continue reading VIDEO: Vue the new Opel Antara
VIDEO: Vue the new Opel Antara originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Nov 2006 13:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Spy Shots: 2008 Saturn VUE naked

John Neff — Fri, 22 Sep 2006 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, Crossover, Saturn
We showed you spy shots of the 2008 Saturn VUE earlier in the week, but that mule's shape was paritally obscured by a few rolls of black tape. Today we have shots of a VUE sans tape undergoing testing for water leaks that gives a crystal clear view of what the next VUE will look like. LeftLaneNews calls it a 2007 model, but we're betting the new VUE will actually be a 2008 model considering the current VUE is already listed on Saturn's website as a 2007 model. Clearly Saturn's new small CUV is a direct port of the Opel Antara that's about go on sale overseas. There it's motivated by a 224-hp, 3.2-liter V6 and a 141-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder, as well as a 150-hp, 2.0-liter diesel engine that's not long for these parts.

[Source: LeftLaneNews]
Spy Shots: 2008 Saturn VUE naked originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Sep 2006 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Best VUE yet of 2008 Saturn

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 19 Sep 2006 12:25:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Green, Crossover, Saturn

UPDATED: link to interior pics

We don't want to start looking like card carrying members of the Brenda Priddy & Co. fan club, but they have done it again and we feel obliged to pass it on to all of you. Caught wearing only a few bits of tape, here are some shots of a near-production 2008 Saturn VUE, which of course is based on the Opel Antara sold overseas. Sporting the friendly (and conservative) good looks of other Saturns but with a slightly more rugged skidplate-like nose, this newest VUE doesn't stray far from the formula that has made it a worthy competitor in the cute-ute segment. The current VUE, for instance, has sold 65,145 units through August, up 2.7 percent from this time last year.

Priddy & Co. is reporting that the new VUE will be assembled at General Motors' Ramos Arizpe, Mexico plant. According to their sources, the new VUE will be powered by a 2.4-liter inline four as well as an optional pair of V-6s. There may even be two separate Green Line models this time around. One with a Belt Alternator System (BAS) on the 2.4-liter 4, and the second with GM's 3.6-liter V-6 and a hybrid system jointly developed with DaimlerChrysler, General Motors, and BMW. Of note are this prototype's two exhaust cutouts, even though this particular model only has a single exhaust. This could indicate a 3.6-liter Redline model, with around 300 horsepower to round out the lineup.

[Source: Winding Road]
Best VUE yet of 2008 Saturn originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Sep 2006 12:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Spy Shots/Video: 2008 Saturn Vue and Vue Red Line

John Neff — Tue, 08 Aug 2006 15:03:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, Saturn
The KGP Photography folks went trigger happy when they spotted versions of the 2008 Saturn Vue testing in Death Valley and snapped not only the standard version, but also the hot Vue Red Line, as well. Both models clearly carry the shape of the Opel Antara currently being sold in Europe, but we're told the Saturn versions will carry very distinct front fascias. The Vue Red Line also sports a deep front air dam with embedded projector beam fog lights and larger wheels.

Edmunds is reporting that the Honda-sourced 250-hp, 3.5-liter V6 currently being used in the Vue will likely be replaced by GM's own 3.6-liter V6 slated for use in the larger Outlook and detuned for duty in the Vue. We should expect the world premier of the new Vue to happen at the L.A. auto show later this year.

Follow the link to see more pics and video footage of the 2008 Saturn Vue in Death Valley.

[Source: Edmunds]
Spy Shots/Video: 2008 Saturn Vue and Vue Red Line originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Aug 2006 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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