Speed:Sport:Life » NYIAS 2006: GM at the 2006 New York International Auto Show

NYIAS 2006: GM at the 2006 New York International Auto Show – Bold New Saturn Lineup

By Zerin Dube, on March 30th, 2006

NEW YORK – General Motors will unveil a dramatically revitalized Saturn lineup with production versions of the all-new 2007 Saturn Aura midsize sedan, Saturn Sky Red Line performance roadster and Saturn Outlook crossover vehicle at the 2006 New York International Auto Show.

“Saturn’s new products demonstrate GM’s commitment to raising the bar on product execution as part of our North American turnaround plan,” said Mark LaNeve, GM North America vice president, Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing. “Saturn’s dramatic new cars and crossovers, combined with an industry-leading positive retail experience, are a winning combination.”

The Saturn vehicles making their world debut in New York include:

The Saturn Aura, which goes on sale this summer, brings the new design of Saturn into a fun-to-drive sport sedan, with bold exterior styling and high levels of interior refinement.

The Saturn Sky Red Line, arriving at Saturn retailers this fall, adds extra power and performance to Saturn’s new signature roadster with a 260-horsepower 2.0L direct-injection turbo.

The Saturn Outlook is an eight-passenger crossover vehicle that strikes an ideal balance of style, size and capability. Outlook, which goes into production later this year, is built on GM’s new crossover vehicle platform

A Saturn concept vehicle that will provide an indication of how the brand’s new design cues will continue on future vehicles.

In addition to the bold new Saturn production vehicles and concept, Saab will showcase its aviation heritage and Scandinavian design philosophy in the Saab Aero X concept, which makes its North American debut in New York. Saabs were first introduced in New York to the U.S. market 50 years ago. AutoWeek magazine named the Aero X concept “Best in Show” in February at the 2006 Geneva Auto Show.

“The Saturns and the Saab Aero X concept demonstrate how GM continues to leverage global resources to develop emotionally compelling vehicle designs, which is key to sustaining our product momentum,” said Ed Welburn, GM vice president, Global Design.

Conceived as a study to explore future design directions, the all-wheel-drive Saab Aero X concept features an innovative front-hinged canopy with no A-pillars, lightweight carbon fiber bodywork and a jet-inspired cockpit without conventional dials and buttons. The 400-horsepower twin turbo BioPower V-6 is fueled by 100-percent ethanol, a renewable and sustainable energy source that reduces vehicle emissions.

GM’s Pontiac brand also has plans for New York with the Pontiac G6 GXP show car. The G6 GXP builds on the clean, contemporary styling of the G6 coupe with a 270-horsepower 3.9L V-6 and a more aggressive, ground-hugging appearance and stance. The GXP show car will test both media and public reaction before a decision on production is made.

GM’s New York International Auto Show exhibit also will feature many of the products recently introduced at auto shows in Los Angeles, Detroit and Chicago.

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