Automobile Blog

Saturn unveils 2007 Aura sedan
We’ll have live coverage of all of Saturn’s new models from the New York International Auto Show Wednesday and Thursday, but in the meantime, Saturn has released preview information about its Aura mid-size sedan.

The new Aura replaces the defunct L-series, and is based on the same platform as Opel’s Vectra. Powerplants for the FWD Aura range up to a 3.6-liter DOHC V6, which is coupled to General Motors’ new six-speed automatic (complete with paddle shifters!). A hybrid Green Line model will be offered later in the model year – GM’s first .

NEW YORK – With the launch of the 2007 Sky this spring, Saturn kicks off its most extensive product revitalization to date. Next to market is the all-new 2007 Aura midsize sedan, unveiled today. Based on last year’s concept car of the same name, the Aura blends Saturn’s new European-influenced design and high levels of refinement with the brand’s customer-focused purchase and ownership experience.

The Aura’s driving character will match its refined design, with a host of technologically sophisticated powertrains and a premium sport-sedan setup. Uplevel models feature GM’s first application of a new six-speed automatic transmission mated with the 3.6L DOHC V-6, creating a powerful yet fuel-efficient package. Later in the 2007 model year, Saturn will offer the Aura Green Line, a 2.4L Ecotec-based hybrid that will use a powertrain system similar to the Vue Green Line. It marks the first application of a hybrid powertrain in a GM passenger car.

“The bold, sophisticated design of the Aura represents another step in Saturn’s revitalization,” said Jill Lajdziak, Saturn general manager. “This is a fun-to-drive sport sedan that will appeal both to current Saturn owners and to those who have never considered shopping at one of our retail stores.”

When it goes on sale late this summer, the Aura will be available in two trim levels: the entry XE model and uplevel XR. Each model is well-equipped, with premium features and interior materials among the best in its segment.

Bold new design

Based on the dramatic concept vehicle unveiled in 2005, the Aura sports sedan carries much of the concept’s bold design. Seen in other new Saturn models, such as the Sky roadster and Outlook crossover vehicle, these elements – including distinctive headlamps with jewel-like appearance and a chrome grille bar – establish a new design language for Saturn’s growing portfolio of vehicles.

“The design language of the Aura – and other new Saturn models – is technical and conveys a premium appearance,” said Clay Dean, GM design director for small and midsize cars. “From the detailed lighting elements to the edginess of the silhouette, the Aura demonstrates a revitalized emphasis on style and performance.”

Aura’s premium design cues include halogen headlamps covered in clear housings that wrap upward and around the corners of the vehicle. This expressive, jewel-like design feature shared among Saturn’s newest models adds a sense of motion to the vehicle, even when stationary. At the rear of the vehicle, LED tail lamps are employed to enhance Aura’s technical ethic while also providing an extra measure of safety. LED lamps illuminate more quickly than conventional incandescent bulbs, which can allow drivers behind the Aura to react sooner when they see the brake lamps.

Additional design details include a radio antenna integrated in the rear window, for a sleeker overall appearance, and a chrome appearance for the door handles on XR models. Standard 17-inch wheels and tires fill the wheel houses, enhancing the vehicle’s sporty, firmly planted stance. XR models come with 18-inch polished, 14-spoke cast aluminum wheels and performance tires.

Aura is available in nine exterior colors: Berry Red, Black Onyx, Bronzed Pewter, Cream White, Golden Cashmere, Midnight Blue, Ocean Mist, Silver Pearl and Techno Grey.

New York Auto Show 2007 Hyundai Elantra
The new 2007 Hyundai Elantra is the seventh new product from Hyundai in the last two years. The all-new midsize (that’s a new EPA classification thanks to 112.1 cubic feet of interior volume) gets Hyundai’s now traditional battery of safety equipment including six airbags, ABS brakes and front-seat active head restraints. The new lines echo the company’s recent design philosophy of restrained expression. While some might call that boring, others will see the new Elantra as more mature in appearance than its predecessors. The bigger dimensions allow for an interior that’s larger than the inner sanctums of the Civic, Corolla and even the Acura TL. It’s clear that Hyundai is aiming the Elantra directly at both Japanese small sedans and will likely undercut them in price by a large margin.

We’ll have to wait until later in the day to bring you more specifics on the Elantra’s hardware, so in the meantime you can feast on more pics and Hyundai’s pre-show press release after the jump.

NEW YORK, April 13, 2006 – The all-new 2007 Elantra makes its world debut today at the 2006 New York International Auto Show. Hyundai’s 2007 Elantra is the 7th all-new product from Hyundai in just 24 months, giving Hyundai the freshest lineup in the industry. All new from headlight to taillight, Elantra brings more refinement, safety and interior space to compact car shoppers. The all-new Elantra is substantially roomier than either Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla.

“With Hyundai’s assertive new design direction, the all-new Elantra delivers more interior space than an Acura TL, and a level of ride and handling refinement that’s both agile and comfortable,” said John Krafcik, vice president, Product Development and Strategic Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “Add in unsurpassed standard safety features like six airbags, anti-lock brakes and active front head restraints and the Elantra continues to offer exceptional value.”

IMPORTANT SAFETY FEATURES
All Elantras have six standard airbags, including two advanced front airbags, two front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and two side curtain airbags protecting front- and rear-seat outboard passengers, anti-lock brakes and front-seat active head restraints. Side-impact airbags are expensive options on direct competitors such as the Toyota Corolla and Ford Focus and are not available on the Chevrolet Cobalt. Side curtain air protection is optional on Corolla and Cobalt and still not available on Focus.

EXPRESSIVE AND CONFIDENT DESIGN
Elantra continues the dramatic new aerodynamic styling theme introduced on the all-new 2007 Santa Fe – assertive, refined and confident. Up front, the Elantra features projector-style headlights and a chrome-accented front grille for a more upscale appearance. The profile of Elantra features an expressive character line and a clean look with bodycolor door handles and mirrors. Elantra is wider and taller than its predecessor. Increasing the height 2.2 inches and moving the driver’s seating position up 1.8 inches opens up the cabin for more room and flexibility. Two inches of added width deliver more front and rear shoulder room as well.

A “CLASS ABOVE” INTERIOR
The Elantra is truly a “class above” Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla for interior room and now offers three percent more space than the outgoing model. Elantra is so roomy the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies it as a mid-size car, not a compact car like Civic and Corolla. With 97.9 cubic feet of passenger room and 14.2 cubic feet of trunk space, the Elantra has the most interior volume for a sedan in its class. Elantra’s total interior volume of 112.1 cubic feet exceeds the 2006 Civic sedan (102.9 cu. ft.), 2006 Corolla (103.8 cu. ft.) and even the near-luxury 2006 Acura TL (110.4 cubic feet) sedan. Elantra trunk capacity also beats Civic and Corolla. Its 14.2 cu. ft. of trunk volume is 18 percent larger than Civic and five percent bigger than Corolla.

SUSPENSION AND STEERING
Elantra’s design team worked to solve the classic design tradeoffs between interior roominess, agility and driving comfort. On one hand, interior space and cargo room are critically important in a sedan in this class; on the other hand, secure, responsive handling and good road isolation are also priorities. The Elantra’s ride quality improves upon that offered by Civic, Corolla, Focus and Cobalt. An advanced, motor-driven, engine-speed-sensing rack-and-pinion power steering ensures the new Elantra has a more agile driving feeling than key competitors.

24/7 PROGRAM
The new Elantra completes Hyundai’s 24/7 new product launch initiative when it goes on sale in fall 2006. Launched in January 2005, the 24/7 product plan includes the arrival of the all-new Tucson, Sonata, Accent, Azera, Santa Fe, Entourage and Elantra. From the flagship, full-size Azera to the entry-level Accent, each of these models has unsurpassed safety technologies and reflects the Hyundai brand’s refined and confident nature.

Prodrive launches Power Performance Packs for Subaru

Prodrive, the engineering firm known mostly in the US for its rally exploits, has launched a series of Power Performance Packs (PPP) for the Subaru Impreza WRX, WRX STI, and Forrester XT. And guess what? They’re not available in the US at this time, which goes a long way towards explaining Prodrive’s relative obscurity.

Regardless of the model, the PPP costs £1,700 (about $3,000), and includes a new catalytic converter, cat-back exhaust system, and a reprogrammed ECU (the STI also gets a new fuel pump). Power improvements range from 29 HP for the Forrester to 39 HP for the WRX, with the STI picking up a healthy 38 HP. That’s enough to lop 0.2 seconds off the 0-62 MPH performance of the STI, and 0.6 seconds for the same standing-start sprint in the WRX and Forrester. Even more impressive are the top-gear 30-50 and 50-70 MPH roll-on acceleration results, with the modifications yields improvements of over two seconds in some cases. Clearly, the modifications lead to improved flexibility and more power across the rev range, which is something that everyone should appreciate.

The price may seem a bit steep, but the full factory warranty is retained, and emissions compliance is unaffected. No word yet as to whether the French police will be getting PPP-equipped patrol cars.

2006 Buick Lucerne CXS: In the Autoblog Garage Day 5
As always, we’ll end our review of the 2006 Buick Lucerne with a thorough account of its sporting prowess. Fortunately for us, our tester is the CXS, which is the only Lucerne model imbued with any sense of sportiness. It comes standard with the 4.6L Northstar V8, features fore and aft stabilizer bars, a fully independent suspension with Magnetic Ride Control dampers and larger 18-inch wheels. Will all that hardware be enough to justify describing the 4,013-lb. FWD Lucerne as sporty? Read on to find out.
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The Lucerne certainly feels like a fresh design on the surface, but underneath the skin is largely hardware that has been around the block a few times. The Lucerne is based on GM’s venerable FWD G-body platform that debuted back on the 1995 Oldsmobile Aurora and 7th generation Buick Riviera. This chassis has underpinned such players as the Buick Park Avenue, Buick LeSabre and Pontiac Bonneville since then. Currently only the Lucerne and the Cadillac DTS employ the G-body platform.

The G-body and the Lucerne make a perfect pair, as the platform likes nothing more than riding into the sunset on straight highways and concealing road irregularities with its long 115.6-inch wheelbase. But this is supposed to be the Lucerne that ditches the walker for a winding country road. To that effect, all Lucerne’s feature the aforementioned front and rear stabilizer bars and an all-independent suspension with struts in front and semi-trailing arms in the rear, but the CXS gets upgraded semiactive Magnetic Ride Control dampers.

The viscosity of the fluid in these shocks can change in a heartbeat to either firm up or soften damping levels in accordance with the vehicle’s load and road conditions. Techno-babble aside, they do a decent job of controlling the pitch and roll of such a large sedan. The Lucerne CXS exhibits a high level of composure when the speedo’s needle begins to rise, but don’t expect the pew-like seats to save you in a turn.

Despite the fact the Lucerne can hustle down the highway and not frighten its occupants at every turn, we imagine its core audience will appreciate its sublime ride and eerily quiet interior more. Buick marketing folks have dubbed the brand’s noise isolating technology “QuietTuning”, and it not only reduces road and wind noise to a whisper but also turns the V8’s familiar rumble into the lazy purr of a large cat. Cruising around town between 35 and 65 mph is the Lucerne’s obvious element, although it’s comforting to know the car can dance when called upon.

Many vehicles would stand in line for a tango partner like the Northstar V8, as this high-tech powerplant has more than proven itself a worthy motivator. A supercharged 4.4L version of the Northstar was chosen for duty in the most power Cadillac ever, the STS-V, where it produces remarkable amounts of power, 469 hp and 439 ft-lbs of torque. The Lucerne’s 4.6L Northstar goes without a blower, but the extra displacement helps create a torque curve under which you could park the Lucerne itself. The engine’s 275 hp and 295 ft-lbs. of torque provide just enough oomph to chirp the front tires, but not so much that torque steer could take control of the Lucerne’s direction.

Having 295 ft-lbs. of torque on tap is a good thing ,considering the Lucerne only has a four-speed automatic on hand. This is perhaps the biggest kink in the Lucerne’s armor, as many vehicles in this class come with additional cogs to carry the load. The Toyota Avalon features a five-speed auto, while the Ford Five-Hundred adds another gear to make six. Fortunately, the Northstar’s torque can make up for mashing the gas when RPMs are low, but occasionally an abrupt kickdown is also a likely scenario.

Ford and GM jointly collaborated on a new six-speed that will first appear in the 2007 Lincoln MKZ (formerly known as the Zephyr), the Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX. The 6F (Ford’s moniker, we believe) was designed specifically for FWD applications and can handle up to 300 hp and 280 ft-lbs. of torque. That’s a little less torque than the Northstar develops, though we wouldn’t mind stepping down the power a notch for the better power distribution of a more modern tranny.

All things equal, the Lucerne’s mechanicals are not its strongest selling point. The aged G-body platform while competent is still 10-year old technology. The Lucerne itself lacks the billet feel of some competitors that ride on more rigid modern platforms. This Buick’s four-speed auto is a stat that doesn’t measure up to offerings from other competitors, either.

Regardless, Buick has managed to develop a car that’s better all around than the two vehicles it’s meant to replace. Neither the LeSabre or Park Avenue could ever match the understated yet elegant design, superior fit and finish and higher performance level of the new Lucerne. Our initial excitement over the Lucerne was based primarily on the fact that we’ve never before liked a Buick sedan so much. Over the course of a week, however, our enthusiasm has waned somewhat, though not because we think any less of the Lucerne. Rather, we believe it’s a decent if not exceptional sedan that will finally put up a fight on Buick’s behalf in the marketplace. But that’s just it – Buick hasn’t really surpassed its competitors with the Lucerne, it’s simply finally earned the right to occupy the same short list. For a struggling automaker with dwindling resources, however, that’s still something to get excited over.

Ex-Ford engineers build Corvette-based Speedster

The GDT Speedster shown in the accompanying pics is the work of a team of ex-Ford engineers and other auto industry veterans led by Gene Dickirson (GDT stands for Gene Dickirson Team). The nine-member team took five years to finish the first (and so far only) GDT vehicle, but it looks like it was well worth the effort.

Built as an engineering and design exercise, free of “the bureaucratic encumbrances of a large corporation,” the Speedster uses the complete LT1 engine, drivetrain and main suspension components from a ‘94 C4 Corvette donor vehicle. The rest of the car was designed and built by the team and its subcontractors.

Like it? It’s for sale! The team plans to auction the car off on its website in the near future, so they can get started on another project car. Lots more pics after the jump.

2007 Dodge Durango official pics and deets
Dodge unveiled its refreshened Durango for 2007 yesterday at the Dallas Auto Show with the announcement that in 2008 the company will be producing the Durango HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle). The HEV version of Dodge’s big brute ute will feature the company’s lauded 5.7L HEMI V8 mated to a two-mode hybrid system. The pair will achieve up to a 25-percent increase in fuel economy. Also of note is the availability of Dodge’s Multi-displacement System (MDS) that can power down the HEMI V8’s cylinders at will to save fuel and a new E85-compatible 4.7L flex-fuel V8.

As for the Durango’s new design, it’s restricted to a new grille, front and rear fascias and an optional set of dubs (read: 20-inch wheels). The inside is augmented with available second-row bucket seats for the first time.

Catch all of Dodge’s official pics and the company’s press release after the jump.

New Face of Chrysler Group’s First Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV): Dodge Durango HEV
Bold, New Exterior includes redesigned fascia, grille, hood, headlamps, fenders and wheels
Two-mode Hybrid System – available in 2008 – will provide up to 25-percent improved fuel economy
Best-in-class Power achieved with 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine that generates 335 horsepower and 370 lb.-ft. of torque
Multi-displacement System (MDS) seamlessly transitions to four-cylinder mode when less power is needed, providing up to 20-percent improved fuel economy
E85-Compatible 4.7-liter V-8 engine provides customers the option of operating on E85 ethanol, gasoline or any mixture of the two
Best-in-class Interior Space boasts seating for up to eight adults, optional second-row bucket seats and 102.4 cu. ft. of versatile total cargo volume
More than 10 New Features including Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) system, ParkSense® ultrasonic rear park assist and one touch lane-change signal

World premiere: Audi TT Coupe

With much pomp and ceremony, Audi AG unveiled the new TT Coupe in Berlin, at the site of the famous Brandenburg Gate. In keeping with Germany’s “Land of Ideas” national marketing campaign to the world ahead of the World Cup, Audi first opened the show with a 1938 Wanderer streamliner – an aluminum-bodied sports car presented as being far ahead of its time and emblematic of Germany’s history of innovation. Finally, Dr. Martin Winterkorn, CEO of Audi AG, together with German football stars, unveiled a supersized TT sculpture, 10 meters long and weighing a svelte 10 tonnes. The sculpture is one of many that will symbolize milestones in German innovation in an outdoor sculpture display called “The Walk of Ideas.” The TT Coupe was chosen to celebrate Germany as the birthplace of the automobile.

After unveiling the mega-Audi, two real-life TT Coupes drove into the display area through the Brandenburg Gate. Screencaps of the unveiling after the jump, and more pictures of the TT Coupe! Specs to follow!