The Splaturn lineup (which I never liked) is debuting their new Aura, the "Import-fighter" (yeah right ), and they appear to be mimicing various design elements from the TL (not surprising). As I looked at these photos, I was seeing a lot of things that the TL already had. Especially the interior. Of course, the Splaturn interior shots show really ugly leather color, but notice the center console on the dash (top small display, then the vents, then the audio (with the center knob), followed by 2 more knobs, then probably a storage area, then the shifter, then a ribbed sliding door (probably covering the cup holders.) Similar in order and design to the TL.

http://www.freep.com/autos/photos/au...aura/index.htm

I guess Saturn designers like the TL's so much they are copying it.

I am surprised that the Saturn brand is still around.

 

Sad.

 

lots of similar traits

 

I would never buy a Saturn, everything about them is bad, weak engines combined with terrible looks.
just my

 

.

 

Huh? This doesn’t even come close to looking like a TL. Even if they try to make it look like a TL. It’ll never run or last as long as a TL.

 

Looks terrible...

 

 

Too many unnecessary angles on the exterior. The interior is horrendous - ugly seats! Good try though.

 

Minority here but I think the car has some potential, but it would also help to know the target price range. Without it it is difficult to determine if it looks good for the money. The TL wouldn't trip my trigger if it was 60K (looks wise) but it would be the hottest thing on the planet for 20k... Though I am not a fan of the interior color and a couple of details some of it is quite pleasing, the seats (other than the color) look quite upscale as does the steering wheel.

I actually see at least a half dozen influences there. BMW, Mazda, several Chryslers, Audi, Pontiac, GM and Acura. For better or worse there are few cars that are not derivative. This is one apparent reason BMW has taken the tack it has, time will tell if that works for them or not, I have seen many people who hated the designs suddenly begin to appreciate them. Acura has begun to break the mold on its extremely bland styling past, the TL is the jewel in this crown of change (the MDX was also a big step at debut), the rest of the line is better but still doesn't have the flair of the TL.

Vandy

 

this is very TL to me

 

First off don't bag on Saturn... I know you said it was your two cents... but Saturn serves a certain market niche... Entry level buyer...
I have owned two Saturns and I can tell you that they are well built albeit a little "plastic-y" They are what they are... and until the Acura's very seldom could I find a f@#$ manufacturer who actually sold a manual transmittion in SoCal... Yes underpowered engine but you step on the gas and it goes... I think of Saturns as very pragmatic, utilitarian vehicles...
Anyway my
I'm not trying to change your mind but just be more open minded...

Also you guys are so quick to slam Saturn... But rather slam GM as this seems to be there current platform...

Pontiac G6


Saturn Aura





Also sharing platforms:



Saturn SKY

Pontiac Solstice



Also remember that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery...
Ciao

 

At least, that Saturn has lower foglight mounted on the dam...

 

I still think the TL 3rd gen has looked to BMW 3 series for inspiration


does anyone else?

 

JERKY, HONDA has hired italian designers now. Look at the new Acura's vs the Alfa Romeo cars.

 

Also the BMW 5 series as well.

 

show me some pics of the alfa romeo

please post on this thread so we can see the similarities your talking about!

 

Went to my local MB/BMW/Porsche/Infiniti dealer and the only section i was greeted in was the in the Infiniti dealer of the complex.

But thats besides the point, the Infiniti salesman said that the TL interior was far superior to the G35 interior. But that Infiniti buyers care more about the engine and performance.

 

I think the saturn looks like a cross between a cooc,tl,and a neon.

 

American auto-makers are the stupidest - and the people who buy their cars are a certain class of people I don't want to get into that argument right now.

One thing that really irks me, and I wonder if you guys would agree ... is the STUPID, UGLY LOGOS that GM and FORD use on their cars. No matter how "nice" (arguable) of a car they make, their stupid red, huge, tacky logos destroy the look of the entire car.

I remember I really liked the new Pontiacs when I first saw them, but looking at that god awful logo really annoys me. Same thing w/ ford - that big huge fat blue logo - isn't it time for these guys to re-design their logos??

But then they are appealing to that tacky, gawdy market that enjoys driving around in big bulky overly designed machines.

look at the Pontiac Solstice for example - I think thats a sexy design for a concept car - but then look how that ugly red pontiac logo just says "tasteless" all over it.

GM and FORD logos piss me off. sorry i went on

 

Here is another view of the Saturn, I kind of like it.



It is not underpowered, with 250hp under the hood for once! 3.6l, V-6 with 6spd auto

The car shown is a prototype, only 80% will make it to production, too bad.

Car is a replacment for the lack luster L series

Here is more info on it:

from the car connection - http://www.thecarconnection.com/inde...5&article=7925

Reading Saturn's Aura

When Saturn was first conceived, 20 years ago, it was intended to go up against the best Japan had to offer. But the division’s new entries have more in common with GM’s European product line-up. The Aura sedan, for example, was designed at the automaker’s studios in Russelsheim, Germany . It’s a subtle but significant shift in strategy, and going forward, Saturn is expected to emphasize the European ties as a way to move brand perception up-market.

That may explain the focus on cabin quality and refinement. Interior design has become a big battleground on the other side of the Atlantic , and GM’s German-based Opel division has made significant effort to upgrade the materials it uses, tighten tolerances and improve the overall look and feel of its interiors.

The Aura’s interior is designed to make you feel like you’re sitting in a sophisticated living room, said Welburn, something you’d expect to see in Architectural Digest . The show car features an unusual, crosshatch leather that has received such wide internal praise it’s now planned for production. The same Rustica leather is used for door inserts, the steering wheel and shift knob. Indirect ambient lighting also achieves an architectural feel in the concept vehicle.

The Aura show car even features chrome sill plates, with the Saturn logo, and titanium knobs and buttons.

Under the hood, Aura is powered by a 250-hp, 3.6-liter, DOHC V-6 paired with a six-speed automatic with manual shift mode.

Safety features include ABS, traction and stability control, multi-stage front airbags, side airbags and head curtains.

 

I don't see how it looks anything like the TL. All the stuff you describe as the Saturn copying off of the TL...it's pretty common stuff. Plenty of other cars have the ribbed sliding cupholder cover.

 

I see they kinda copied the 3rd gen TLs... lol.... Well look at the name "Aura" obvious.. cough&* cough(%* "Acura" cought**%( .. i mean "Aura...cought&%^*

 

 

Looks like crap to me.


What's that 3.6L DOHC V6 engine? Is that a derivation of what Intrigue used to have?

 

Nothing like calling the kettle black. Consider this, the TL is not an original design. It's obvious that acura designers ripped off the 1998 Mustang for the headlights, tail lights and wheels. The TL's Tail pipes came straight from the Pontiac GTP.

 

Looks OK....FYI, Saturns are usually up there in customer satisfaction and initial quality..

 

Very true. It's not that Saturns are good cars, it's just that the people who would buy one are easily satisfied. The only reason to buy a Saturn is that you know little about cars and need a lot of hand-holding, and are afraid to negotiate a better price. Not really knocking the Saturn business model, a lot of folks clearly like and need it. Consumer Reports figures they end up paying about $1100 extra than for an equally good car from another dealer.