Saturn Aura
Encyclopedia
The Saturn Aura is a mid-size car
produced under the Saturn brand of American
automaker General Motors
. It debuted as a concept car
at the North American International Auto Show
in January 2005. The production model of the Aura was shown at the 2006 New York Auto Show in April, with production commencing in North America in the summer of 2006 for the 2007 model year. The Aura replaced the Saturn L-Series
, which was discontinued after the 2005 model year. Although Saturn had never intended to use the Aura name for the production vehicle, the name ended up sticking as a result of the popularity of the concept.
The Aura was considered an important model for both Saturn and General Motors. It was part of a product rejuvenation for Saturn intended to make the brand profitable as well as competitive with European imports. Reaction to the Aura was positive, both in terms of reviews and sales.
The Aura marked the first time since the mid-70's that GM's German division Opel
had products sold in the United States. The Aura was based on the Opel Vectra
midsize sedan.
The concept used a 252 hp (186 kW) 3.6 L V6 and a new 6T70 six-speed automatic transmission
. That powertrain is offered in the production model known as the XR. Also introduced is the 3.5 L V6 with 219 hp (163 kW), down from 224 in 2007 in the XE, and the hybrid
164 hp (122 kW) 2.4 L inline-4, down from 170 hp, in the Greenline. The Aura, developed on the GM Epsilon platform
, is available only as a sedan and is built at the Kansas City, Kansas
, Fairfax Assembly
plant.
This vehicle was discontinued after the 2009 model year as a direct result of the Saturn division being terminated for that same year. It was later revealed that a second-generation model based on the Vectra
's replacement, the Insignia
, was due to be released. However, with the discontinuation of the Saturn marque, the Insignia was offered to Buick, who released it as the fifth-generation Buick Regal
.
The Aura was a new styling direction for Saturn, with styling that resembled its cousin, the European Opel Vectra
. All Aura models came standard with folding side mirrors and side marker lights, lending to its European stylings. The design of the Aura Special appearance pieces included an integrated radio antenna in the rear window, a chrome appearance package available on XR models, standard 17 inch wheels with five-spoke wheel covers and P225/50R17 all-season tires on XE models, and standard 18 inch machined aluminum 14-spoke wheels on the XR with high-performance Goodyear Eagle LS2 P225/50R18 T tires.
The interior of the Aura also marked a new interior direction for Saturn, moving to a more European-style interior. The design of the interior of the Aura differed from that of the Ion, which was highly criticized. On the upscale XR model, the interior came with an option for saddle leather and paddle shifters, as well as an option for back seat radio controls. Despite being praised for its design and fit and finish, the Aura's interior was criticized for using cheap materials.
The Aura XR's standard features included: automatic climate control, remote vehicle start, Stabilitrak stability control, backseat audio controls, heated seats, six airbags, ABS
four-wheel disc brakes, steering wheel audio controls, universal home remote, OnStar
and a "Driver Information Center".
and marks its second use in a North American GM car. With this 3.6 L engine, the Aura was the first front-wheel drive
GM passenger car to use the new Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic transmission. The transmission featured TAPshift, which allowed the driver to manually select gears by using paddles located behind the steering wheel. The Aura XR was the performance-oriented version with a taut, but not harsh, suspension and the more powerful engine. Available interior colors in the XR were tan and grey leather (available in the XE), along with the XR-specific black or Morocco Brown leather. Cloth was standard. Other standard features included the Advanced Audio Package, 18 inch alloy wheels, chrome exterior door handles, and remote vehicle start. Given the 2007 Saturn Aura's European roots -- the car's chassis was also used for the Saab 9-3 -- you'd expect capable and confident handling, and that's what it provided. Minimal body roll and a smooth, hushed highway ride made the Aura a great long-distance companion. The Aura also used hydraulic power steering that provided more feedback and a more linear feel than the fussy electric power-assist units used in its GM cousins.
The base version was the Aura XE. Equipped with the 3.5 L VVT V6 (LZ4), the engine was matched with the 4T45-E four-speed automatic transmission. In the Aura, the engine produced 219 hp and 220 lbft of torque. Traction Control, six airbags, V6, automatic, auto headlights, CD with AUX, 17 inch wheels, among other features, comes standard. The Aura XE had a softer suspension, but still handled very well. A Special Edition version of the XE included equipment upgrades, the option of the XR-only black or Morocco Brown leather, along with new, SE-only 18 inch machined alloy wheels. Beginning with the 2008 model, the 2.4 L LE5 Ecotec 4-cylinder became available. Under the revised 2009 EPA fuel economy tests, the engine was rated at 22 miles per US gallon in the city, and 33 miles per US gallon on the highway.
The Aura Green Line was a mild hybrid
, following the Vue
Green Line as the second vehicle in Saturn's lineup incorporating GM's belt alternator starter
system. It rode on the XE's suspension. It was sale from late March 2007 to 2009.
As in the Vue, the Aura Green Line was equipped with the 2.4L Ecotec
engine mated to an electric motor/generator and the 4T45-E four-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain was rated at 164 hp and 159 lbft of torque. The electric motor/generator augmented the gasoline engine during launch and under wide-open throttle. The Aura Green Line had an EPA estimated fuel economy of 26 miles per US gallon city and 34 miles per US gallon highway (for the 2007-08 model years it was 28 miles per US gallon city and 36 miles per US gallon), which Saturn claimed was up to a 30% improvement over the Aura XE.
The Saturn Aura Green Line was eligible for a $1300 US Federal tax credit, as well as several state tax credits.
Prior to the shutdown of Saturn, the company had said it would introduce a new hybrid system in summer 2010.
with a V6. The Aura finished fourth out of six places in a Car and Driver
comparison test, ahead of the Chrysler Sebring
and the Toyota Camry
, but fell behind the Honda Accord
. Despite this, it was the best performing out of the cars compared. The Aura also got praise for the craftsmanship of its interior and its European flair. The Aura also got a favorable review by Consumer Guide, with it being a recommended pick. It also got more than favorable reviews from actual owners of the vehicle.
Despite this, the Aura has a few criticisms. The Aura's interior has been criticized for using cheap materials. Also, the steering wheel has been criticized for being too big for some drivers and that rear headroom was tight when equipped with the optional sunroof. The Aura was also criticized for being noisy over bumps and its lack of a rear armrest and head restraint, and that the push button controls on the steering wheel cannot be operated while holding the wheel. Robert Cumberford of Automobile Magazine
claimed that the Aura is a good car watered down by GM's cost cutting department.
prize for 2007. As a result, Saturn sent a copy of the award to select customers who bought an Aura before it was awarded. The Aura also won Canadian's Motoring Television's 2007 car of the year award, Motorweek's Driver's Choice for best new midsize sedan, and World of Wheels' Editor's choice for best family sedan.
Mid-size car
A mid-size car is the North American/Australian standard for an automobile with a size equal to or greater than that of a compact...
produced under the Saturn brand of American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
automaker General Motors
General Motors
General Motors Company , commonly known as GM, formerly incorporated as General Motors Corporation, is an American multinational automotive corporation headquartered in Detroit, Michigan and the world's second-largest automaker in 2010...
. It debuted as a concept car
Concept car
A concept vehicle or show vehicle is a car made to showcase new styling and or new technology. They are often shown at motor shows to gauge customer reaction to new and radical designs which may or may not have a chance of being produced....
at the North American International Auto Show
North American International Auto Show
The North American International Auto Show is an annual auto show held in Detroit, Michigan at Cobo Center, usually in January. It is among the largest auto shows in North America.-History:...
in January 2005. The production model of the Aura was shown at the 2006 New York Auto Show in April, with production commencing in North America in the summer of 2006 for the 2007 model year. The Aura replaced the Saturn L-Series
Saturn L-series
The Saturn L-Series was a line of automobiles sold by General Motors' Saturn marque.The L-Series mid-size sedans and station wagons were introduced in 2000. They were based on the Opel Vectra B and manufactured at a GM plant in Wilmington, Delaware...
, which was discontinued after the 2005 model year. Although Saturn had never intended to use the Aura name for the production vehicle, the name ended up sticking as a result of the popularity of the concept.
The Aura was considered an important model for both Saturn and General Motors. It was part of a product rejuvenation for Saturn intended to make the brand profitable as well as competitive with European imports. Reaction to the Aura was positive, both in terms of reviews and sales.
The Aura marked the first time since the mid-70's that GM's German division Opel
Opel
Adam Opel AG, generally shortened to Opel, is a German automobile company founded by Adam Opel in 1862. Opel has been building automobiles since 1899, and became an Aktiengesellschaft in 1929...
had products sold in the United States. The Aura was based on the Opel Vectra
Opel Vectra
The Opel Vectra is a large family car that was engineered and produced by Opel. In the United Kingdom, the car was sold under the Vauxhall marque as the Vauxhall Cavalier and later as the Vauxhall Vectra, from 1995 onwards...
midsize sedan.
The concept used a 252 hp (186 kW) 3.6 L V6 and a new 6T70 six-speed automatic transmission
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
. That powertrain is offered in the production model known as the XR. Also introduced is the 3.5 L V6 with 219 hp (163 kW), down from 224 in 2007 in the XE, and the hybrid
Hybrid vehicle
A hybrid vehicle is a vehicle that uses two or more distinct power sources to move the vehicle. The term most commonly refers to hybrid electric vehicles , which combine an internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors.-Power:...
164 hp (122 kW) 2.4 L inline-4, down from 170 hp, in the Greenline. The Aura, developed on the GM Epsilon platform
GM Epsilon platform
Epsilon is General Motors' mid-size front-wheel drive automobile platform. The architecture was developed by Opel, and debuted in the 2002 Opel Vectra and 2003 Saab 9-3. Since this platform falls squarely in the center of the worldwide automobile market, GM plans to produce a great many Epsilon...
, is available only as a sedan and is built at the Kansas City, Kansas
Kansas City, Kansas
Kansas City is the third-largest city in the state of Kansas and is the county seat of Wyandotte County. It is a suburb of Kansas City, Missouri, and is the third largest city in the Kansas City Metropolitan Area. The city is part of a consolidated city-county government known as the "Unified...
, Fairfax Assembly
Fairfax Assembly
Fairfax Assembly is a General Motors automobile factory at 3201 Fairfax Trafficway, Kansas City, Kansas. The present plant was opened in 1987 and currently produces the Chevrolet Malibu and the Buick LaCrosse. , the local Kansas City council is attempting to entice GM to produce a new mid-size...
plant.
This vehicle was discontinued after the 2009 model year as a direct result of the Saturn division being terminated for that same year. It was later revealed that a second-generation model based on the Vectra
Opel Vectra
The Opel Vectra is a large family car that was engineered and produced by Opel. In the United Kingdom, the car was sold under the Vauxhall marque as the Vauxhall Cavalier and later as the Vauxhall Vectra, from 1995 onwards...
's replacement, the Insignia
Opel Insignia
The Opel Insignia is a large family car engineered and produced by the German automaker Opel. Production of the Insignia began in 2008 as a replacement for the Opel Vectra. Opel launched the vehicle at the 2008 British International Motor Show in London as the Vauxhall Insignia, reflecting the...
, was due to be released. However, with the discontinuation of the Saturn marque, the Insignia was offered to Buick, who released it as the fifth-generation Buick Regal
Buick Regal
The Buick Regal is a mid-size car introduced by General Motors for the 1973 model year. North American production ended in 2004 and began again in 2011. For the 2011 model year, Buick re-introduced the Regal to the North American market, positioned as an upscale sport sedan...
.
Exterior
Opel Vectra
The Opel Vectra is a large family car that was engineered and produced by Opel. In the United Kingdom, the car was sold under the Vauxhall marque as the Vauxhall Cavalier and later as the Vauxhall Vectra, from 1995 onwards...
. All Aura models came standard with folding side mirrors and side marker lights, lending to its European stylings. The design of the Aura Special appearance pieces included an integrated radio antenna in the rear window, a chrome appearance package available on XR models, standard 17 inch wheels with five-spoke wheel covers and P225/50R17 all-season tires on XE models, and standard 18 inch machined aluminum 14-spoke wheels on the XR with high-performance Goodyear Eagle LS2 P225/50R18 T tires.
Interior
The Aura XR's standard features included: automatic climate control, remote vehicle start, Stabilitrak stability control, backseat audio controls, heated seats, six airbags, ABS
Anti-lock braking system
An anti-lock braking system is a safety system that allows the wheels on a motor vehicle to continue interacting tractively with the road surface as directed by driver steering inputs while braking, preventing the wheels from locking up and therefore avoiding skidding.An ABS generally offers...
four-wheel disc brakes, steering wheel audio controls, universal home remote, OnStar
OnStar
OnStar Corporation is a subsidiary of General Motors that provides subscription-based communications, in-vehicle security, hands free calling, turn-by-turn navigation, and remote diagnostics systems throughout the United States, Canada and China. A similar service is known as ChevyStar in Latin...
and a "Driver Information Center".
Aura XR
The Aura XR was the top-line Aura model. The XR was fitted with the 3.6 L DOHC V6 with VVT, rated at 252 hp at 6200 rpm and 251 lbft of torque at 3100 rpm. This engine was first used in the Cadillac CTSCadillac CTS
The Cadillac CTS is a mid-size car manufactured by the Cadillac marque of General Motors currently available in three body styles: Sedan, Coupe, and Sport Wagon. It was introduced in 2002 as a sports sedan, replacing the Cadillac Catera. The CTS and the supercharged CTS-V variant have been named...
and marks its second use in a North American GM car. With this 3.6 L engine, the Aura was the first front-wheel drive
Front-wheel drive
Front-wheel drive is a form of engine/transmission layout used in motor vehicles, where the engine drives the front wheels only. Most modern front-wheel drive vehicles feature a transverse engine, rather than the conventional longitudinal engine arrangement generally found in rear-wheel drive and...
GM passenger car to use the new Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic transmission. The transmission featured TAPshift, which allowed the driver to manually select gears by using paddles located behind the steering wheel. The Aura XR was the performance-oriented version with a taut, but not harsh, suspension and the more powerful engine. Available interior colors in the XR were tan and grey leather (available in the XE), along with the XR-specific black or Morocco Brown leather. Cloth was standard. Other standard features included the Advanced Audio Package, 18 inch alloy wheels, chrome exterior door handles, and remote vehicle start. Given the 2007 Saturn Aura's European roots -- the car's chassis was also used for the Saab 9-3 -- you'd expect capable and confident handling, and that's what it provided. Minimal body roll and a smooth, hushed highway ride made the Aura a great long-distance companion. The Aura also used hydraulic power steering that provided more feedback and a more linear feel than the fussy electric power-assist units used in its GM cousins.
Aura XE
Aura Green Line
Mild Hybrid
Mild hybrids are essentially conventional fossil-fuel vehicles equipped with a large electric machine allowing the engine to be turned off whenever the car is coasting, braking, or stopped, yet restart quickly...
, following the Vue
Saturn VUE
The Saturn Vue is a compact crossover SUV that was sold by General Motors' Saturn marque, and at one time was Saturn's best-selling model. It was the first vehicle to use the GM Theta platform when it was introduced in 2002. A second generation model was launched in 2007 for the 2008 model as a...
Green Line as the second vehicle in Saturn's lineup incorporating GM's belt alternator starter
Belt alternator starter
- Generation I BAS :General Motors introduced a mild hybrid system called belt alternator starter in the 2007 Saturn Vue Green Line. The BAS system is also used in the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid and Saturn Aura Green Line...
system. It rode on the XE's suspension. It was sale from late March 2007 to 2009.
As in the Vue, the Aura Green Line was equipped with the 2.4L Ecotec
GM Family II engine
The Family II is a straight-4 piston engine that was originally developed by Opel in the early 1970s. It was used in the Opel Ascona and Opel Kadett and their corresponding sister models the Vauxhall Cavalier and Vauxhall Astra...
engine mated to an electric motor/generator and the 4T45-E four-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain was rated at 164 hp and 159 lbft of torque. The electric motor/generator augmented the gasoline engine during launch and under wide-open throttle. The Aura Green Line had an EPA estimated fuel economy of 26 miles per US gallon city and 34 miles per US gallon highway (for the 2007-08 model years it was 28 miles per US gallon city and 36 miles per US gallon), which Saturn claimed was up to a 30% improvement over the Aura XE.
The Saturn Aura Green Line was eligible for a $1300 US Federal tax credit, as well as several state tax credits.
Prior to the shutdown of Saturn, the company had said it would introduce a new hybrid system in summer 2010.
Engines
| Trim | Engine | Displacement | Power | Torque | Transmission | Fuel Mileage (latest EPA mpg-US) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green Line | 2.4 L LAT I4 (BAS Belt alternator starter - Generation I BAS :General Motors introduced a mild hybrid system called belt alternator starter in the 2007 Saturn Vue Green Line. The BAS system is also used in the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid and Saturn Aura Green Line... hybrid Hybrid vehicle A hybrid vehicle is a vehicle that uses two or more distinct power sources to move the vehicle. The term most commonly refers to hybrid electric vehicles , which combine an internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors.-Power:... ) |
2393 cc | 164 hp (124 kW) | 159 lbft | 4-Speed 4T45-E | 26 city, 34 hwy, 29 comb |
| XE (2007–08) | 2.4 L LE5 I4 | 2384 cc | 169 hp | 160 lbft | 4-speed 4T45-E | 22 city, 30 hwy, 25 comb |
| XE (2009) | 2.4 L LE5 I4 | 2384 cc | 169 hp | 160 lbft | 6-speed 6T70 | 22 city, 33 hwy, 26 comb |
| XE (2007–08) | 3.5 L LZ4 V6 | 3510 cc | 219 hp (162 kW) | 219 lbft | 4-speed 4T45-E | 18 city, 29 hwy, 22 comb |
| XR (2007–09) | 3.6 L LY7 V6 | 3564 cc | 252 hp (186 kW) | 251 lbft | 6-speed 6T70 | 17 city, 26 hwy, 20 comb |
Reception
Reception to the Aura has generally been positive. The Aura has been described as the best looking sedan to come out of GM in quite a while. The Aura was also praised for its performance. The Aura has been described as "the best Saturn yet", and fit and finish and ride quality are regarded as greatly improved over previous Saturns. Other improvements include reduced road noise, attributed to the fact that this model doesn't use polymer body panels like its predecessors, in addition to the extensive soundproofing GM added to car, and the triple-pane front windows and windshield. The Aura also garnered praise for its value, as it is noted that an Aura XE loaded up with certain options costs less than the standard MSRP of the Toyota CamryToyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a series of mid-size automobiles manufactured by Toyota since 1982, and sold in the majority of automotive markets throughout the world...
with a V6. The Aura finished fourth out of six places in a Car and Driver
Car and Driver
Car and Driver is an American automotive enthusiast magazine. Its total circulation is 1.31 million. It is owned by Hearst Magazines, who purchased prior owner Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S. in 2011...
comparison test, ahead of the Chrysler Sebring
Chrysler Sebring
The Chrysler Sebring is a line of mid-size cars that was sold by Chrysler from 1995 to 2010.The Sebring came in three generations. The first, from 1995 to 2000, was available first only as a coupe and starting in 1996 as a convertible. The two body designs did not share many components nor any...
and the Toyota Camry
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a series of mid-size automobiles manufactured by Toyota since 1982, and sold in the majority of automotive markets throughout the world...
, but fell behind the Honda Accord
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a series of compact, mid-size and full-size automobiles manufactured by Honda since 1976, and sold in a majority of automotive markets throughout the world....
. Despite this, it was the best performing out of the cars compared. The Aura also got praise for the craftsmanship of its interior and its European flair. The Aura also got a favorable review by Consumer Guide, with it being a recommended pick. It also got more than favorable reviews from actual owners of the vehicle.
Despite this, the Aura has a few criticisms. The Aura's interior has been criticized for using cheap materials. Also, the steering wheel has been criticized for being too big for some drivers and that rear headroom was tight when equipped with the optional sunroof. The Aura was also criticized for being noisy over bumps and its lack of a rear armrest and head restraint, and that the push button controls on the steering wheel cannot be operated while holding the wheel. Robert Cumberford of Automobile Magazine
Automobile Magazine
Automobile magazine is an automobile magazine in the United States and is owned by Source Interlink. It was founded by a group of former employees of Car and Driver magazine, led by that publications’s former editor, David E. Davis, and originally published by News Corporation...
claimed that the Aura is a good car watered down by GM's cost cutting department.
Awards
The Aura won the North American Car of the YearNorth American Car of the Year
The North American Car of the Year is an automobile award voted annually in January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The jury consists of no more than 50 automotive journalists.-Example:-Pre-1994:-1994-1999:-2000-2009:...
prize for 2007. As a result, Saturn sent a copy of the award to select customers who bought an Aura before it was awarded. The Aura also won Canadian's Motoring Television's 2007 car of the year award, Motorweek's Driver's Choice for best new midsize sedan, and World of Wheels' Editor's choice for best family sedan.
Yearly American sales
| Calendar Year | Total American sales |
|---|---|
| 2006 | 19,746 |
| 2007 | 59,964 |
| 2008 | 59,380 |
| 2009 | 21,395 |