Originally posted by Black CL-S 4-Life
If Saturn can do it, why can't Acura???

Originally posted by Black CL-S 4-Life
If Saturn can do it, why can't Acura???

Originally posted by Zoot
simple, because saturn is owned by GM who has plenty of rwd platforms already...Acura is owned by Honda who only has 1 rwd platform.

Originally posted by 1SICKLEX
TO heck with this. They need to fix the ION first. The VUE is good but not great.

This sketch (above) confirms what we’ve been suggesting for the past year—that Saturn’s version of the Pontiac Solstice roadster will pick up much of the edgy styling of the VX Lightning concept (below) created for the 2003 centennial of General Motors subsidiary Vauxhall (AW, May 26, 2003). The Lightning concept's creased styling was likely unable to meet European pedestrian safety standards and will not see production, but GM execs remained enamored with the look and found a home for it at Saturn.

Saturn’s Kappa-based Sky premieres at the Detroit show in January and goes on sale in early 2006.

Saturn's version of the Pontiac Solstice, the Sky exhibits the new face of Saturn, which will add a mid-size sedan and a large crossover sport-utility to its lineup over the next two years. Aimed at the Mazda Miata in price with dimensions close to the pricier and slightly bigger Honda S2000, the sub-$25,000 Sky gets a 170-hp, 2.4-liter Ecotec four mated to manual or automatic five-speed transmissions and near 50/50 weight distribution. The Sky comes in early 2006, and we expect a Red Line version to follow. We're wondering what sister division Pontiac thinks of the supposed budget-brand Saturn becoming more performance-oriented

Saturn’s Kappa-based Sky, which will be shown in production trim at Detroit, is set to hit showrooms in early 2006.

DETROIT -- If a brand is going to stage a rally, General Motors Vice Chairman Robert Lutz knows only one vehicle that can hit leadoff.

"A roadster sets the tone," Lutz says. "It can be a halo vehicle."

With the Sky roadster, Saturn will take its best shot.

Saturn was optimistic when the Sky concept debuted at the Detroit auto show three years ago.

"It was a response to what young people told us they wanted," Saturn designer Dave Smith said in February 2002. "We just know this is a concept worth exploring."

And Saturn has.

In the Sky production vehicle, Saturn has left most of the original idea intact. Unlike the Sky concept, there are no extra seats in the rear that stow beneath the tonneau cover, and there is no rear access door on the driver's side.

But this remains a Saturn roadster. If that's hard to imagine, Saturn General Manager Jill Lajdziak can relate.

"It has been a long time coming," Lajdziak says. "You could say that we've been waiting for this kind of product."

With a wide stance, 18-inch wheels that are pushed to the corners and an interior filled with chrome accents and black trim, the Sky is a new direction for Saturn in terms of interior fit and finish.

Lutz says, "The interiors move Saturn up a notch."

Built on the same Kappa rear-wheel-drive architecture as the Pontiac Solstice, technically the Sky also is a step forward for Saturn.


"The interior is visually completely different from the Solstice," Lutz says. "Yet everything behind the cosmetics is the same - the air conditioning ducts and hard points are the same. But what the customer sees, feels and touches is very different."

The Sky arrives with four-wheel independent suspension for better handling and stability. Coil spings are mounted over monotube shocks for better wheel control and road isolation.

The car will be equipped with a 2.4-liter, 170-hp Ecotec four-cylinder engine with variable valve timing as well as a five-speed manual transmission with a short-throw shifter. A five-speed automatic will be optional.

Lutz says he wants the Solstice price to start under $20,000.

The Sky "will be a little over that," he says, "but not much."

The Sky will be available in late 2005 or early 2006.

INFORMATION PROVIDED BY GENERAL MOTORS

SATURN UNVEILS SKY ROADSTER

Two-seat convertible signals new design direction

DETROIT – With its dynamic design and quick and agile performance, the Sky roadster delivers a bold message about the next generation of vehicles from Saturn.

The Sky, introduced at the North American International Auto Show and slated for production in 2006, is the first vehicle to feature a new look that will influence Saturn’s entire future product lineup. The roadster will be followed by a new midsize sedan and a large crossover SUV as Saturn’s product portfolio doubles during the next 24 months.

“Building on its accomplishments in customer sales and service satisfaction, Saturn is introducing a bold new product design to our vehicles,” said Saturn General Manager Jill Lajdziak. “For Saturn, the Sky is not the limit. It’s only the beginning.”

Starting price for the Sky is expected to be less than $25,000. It will be built at GM’s Wilmington , Del. , assembly facility.

Technical harmony

The Sky roadster was inspired by the Vauxhall VX Lightning Concept – created at GM’s Advanced Design Studio in Birmingham , England – signaling the adoption of an international design language for Saturn.

“The Sky’s exterior conveys a sense of technical harmony, combining taut, controlled lines with fluid surfaces to create a dynamic feeling,” said Ed Welburn, vice president of Design for GM North America . “The vehicle’s strong front end is the new face of Saturn, with a pronounced fender peak and a bold, chrome bar that carries an integrated Saturn badge.”

The Sky’s design also features a wide stance with short overhangs and 18-inch wheels pushed to the corners. The convertible top folds completely into the rear compartment and the clamshell hood provides excellent accessibility and reinforces the sports car aura. Projector halogen low beams and reflector optic halogen high beam headlamps extend the exterior’s sophisticated look.

The design philosophy is carried through to the interior, which is driver-focused with integrated controls and displays. Creative use of piano black and chrome finishes combine with available leather seats and technical grains to emphasize richness and precision. Jewel-like detailing on the HVAC and lighting controls is executed with tight fits, highlighting the attention to detail.

Roadster performance

The Sky also has the hardware to back up its bold styling. It is equipped with a 2.4L, 170-horsepower Ecotec engine with variable valve timing and a five-speed Aisin manual transmission with a short throw shifter. A five-speed automatic will be optional.

“The Sky’s performance matches its impressive styling,” said Lori Queen, vehicle line executive for GM’s small cars. “Powertrain, suspension and handling components were carefully selected to provide quick and agile performance.”

Other technical highlights include: Four-wheel independent short/long arm suspension for optimal handling and stability

· Coil-over Bilstein monotube shocks for excellent wheel control and road isolation
· Hydraulically assisted rack- and-pinion power steering for quick, responsive vehicle control
· Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS for excellent stopping performance
· Wide track width for excellent stability and superior handling
· Near 50/50 weight distribution for balanced handling feel
· Structural tunnel design and hydroformed longitudinal rails for a stiff body that results in greater vehicle responsiveness and better overall feel
· Hydraulic engine mounts for a smoother engine feel

OnStar

With 3 million subscribers, OnStar is the nation's leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information services using the Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite network and wireless technologies. The 2006 Sky will offer OnStar. Sky owners can interact with OnStar's voice recognition system in Spanish, French or English. With the push of a button an OnStar advisor can change the system to allow the subscriber to interact with the system in their preferred language. Other core OnStar services are stolen vehicle location assistance, remote door unlock, roadside assistance, emergency services and automatic crash notification.

GM is the only automotive manufacturer committed to offering a full range of vehicles with safety protection before, during and after a collision. All OnStar-equipped vehicles come with Automatic Crash Notification. If air bags deploy, the system sends a signal to a highly trained OnStar Emergency Advisor, who contacts the vehicle to see if help is needed, and can contact an emergency responder to send for help. In many cases the occupants are severely injured and cannot speak for themselves. OnStar’s GPS unit allows Advisors to tell emergency responders the vehicle’s location. OnStar responds to at least one air bag deployment in the US or Canada every hour.

Additionally, the Sky will offer the GM-exclusive Advanced Automatic Crash Notification system. The AACN system detects collisions, even rollovers, regardless of whether air bags deploy. AACN also transmits other crash data, such as the direction of impact force, the number of and which air bags deployed and the maximum change of impact velocity, so that emergency responders are more prepared with this critical information before they arrive at the accident scene.

Saturn lineup

The expansion of the Saturn product lineup began this year with the introduction of the Relay family utility vehicle. The Relay combines SUV-like exterior styling, a rich interior and the functionality of a mid-van.

The Saturn Ion is significantly refined for 2005, with the sedan receiving improved interior and exterior appearances and more responsive and refined performance. The Vue’s clean styling, numerous safety features and vast array of accessory choices continue to make it a popular choice among customers with active lifestyles. Saturn’s 2005 lineup also includes two performance variants, the 205-horsepower Ion Red Line and the 250-horsepower, performance-tuned Vue Red Line.

SATURN SKY PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS

General

Body/chassis structure: integral hydroformed tube and stamped steel structure

Body materials: hydroformed stamped steel, conventional stamped steel, sheet molding compound

Chassis material: aluminum/steel

Suspension

Front: SLA w/coil-over, monotube shock

Rear: SLA w/coil-over, monotube shock

Wheels (in): 18 x 8 aluminum

Tires

Front: Goodyear Eagle RSA P245/45R18 96V

Rear: Goodyear Eagle RSA P245/45R18 96V

Brakes: 4-wheel disc w/ ABS

Steering: rack and pinion with hydraulic assist

Dimensions

Height (in / mm): 49.8 / 1274

Length (in / mm): 161.1 / 4091

Width (in / mm): 71.4 / 1813

Wheelbase (in / mm): 95.1 / 2415

Track (in / mm)

Front: 60.7 / 1543

Rear: 61.44 / 1561

Weight (lb / kg): 2860 / 1300 (estimated)

Powertrain

Powertrain Configuration: front engine, rwd

Engine: 2.4L DOHC I-4 Ecotec (LE5)

Displacement (cu in / cc): 145 / 2400

Horsepower (hp / kw) @ rpm: 170 / 127 @ 6400 (estimated)

Torque (lb-ft / Nm) @ rpm: 162 / 220 @ 4800 (estimated)

Transmission: Aisin 5-speed manual (standard) 5-speed automatic (optional)