2006 New York Auto Show: General Motors

Geiger, Jennifer. "2006 New York Auto Show: General Motors." 27 December 2006. HowStuffWorks.com. <http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2006-new-york-auto-show-general-motors-cga.htm> 12 October 2008.

by Jennifer Geiger

2007 Saturn Aura
General Motors paraded several new vehicles across the stage at the 2006 New York Auto Show. The first was a new midsize sedan for the Saturn brand called Aura.

Aura will be offered in two models: the base XE and uplevel XR. The XE features a standard 224-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine or an optional 252-hp 3.6-liter V6, which is standard on XR. The 3.5-liter is matched with a 4-speed automatic transmission, and the 3.6-liter gets a 6-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift option. Standard safety features on both models include dual-stage front airbags, curtain side airbags, front-seat mounted thorax protection airbags, OnStar and ABS. Further standard equipment on the XR model include traction control and an electronic stability control system.

Citing positive consumer feedback, GM is closely basing the vehicle on the concept version of the same name shown at the 2005 Detroit auto show. Later in 2007, Saturn plans on offering the Aura Green Line, featuring the hybrid powertrain used in the Vue Green Line.

Look for the 2007 Saturn Aura this summer.

Saturn Aura	Saturn Aura	Saturn Aura
Saturn Prevue concept

2007 Saturn Outlook
The crossover Outlook is a new midsize SUV that will share chassis and powertrains with the Buick Enclave that was introduced in concept form at the 2006 Detroit auto show. Outlook has room for eight and second- and third-row seats that fold flat using GM's "smart slide" system, which require only one hand. It's powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine and six speed automatic transmission.

Outlook rides on 18-inch wheels, or optional 19s. All-wheel drive is another option. Standard safety features include 6 airbags, ABS, OnStar, and GM's rollover sensing system, which senses an impending rollover and activates the side airbags sooner and keeps them inflated longer than in a typical accident. One unique feature is a cargo convenience center that allows items to be stowed beneath the rear cargo floor.

The 2007 Saturn Outlook goes on sale this fall.

2007 Saturn Sky Red Line
Even before its introduction, Saturn's new convertible gets a power boost with a new Red Line model. Under the hood is a 260-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. Sky's base model comes equipped with a 177-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. Also new are 18-inch polished aluminum alloy wheels, a performance-tuned suspension, lower front fascia, brake cooling vents, black headlamp bezels, and dual chrome exhaust outlets.

Standard Red Line features include Stabilitrak electronic stability control and four-wheel disc brakes with ABS. Unique Red Line components found inside include a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, unique seat back and floor mat embroidery, metallic sill plates, stainless steel pedal covers, Red Line-specific gauges and a digital boost gauge included in the driver information center.

Expect to see the 2007 Saturn Sky Red Line on sale in late 2006.

Saturn Prevue Concept
Journalists got a preview of what's next for Saturn at the 2006 New York Auto Show. Hinting at what might be around the corner for the Vue compact SUV, the domestic automaker showed-off the Prevue concept at the show. The sporty and sleek 2-door crossover SUV is powered by a 212-horsepower twin turbodiesel engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The concept sports two sunroofs, 20-inch wheels, and a carbon fiber and leather-trimmed interior. The concept is one of GM's first efforts at bringing components of Opel, GM's European brand, to the U.S. Prevue is a rebadged version of the Opel Antara GTC concept, shown in Frankfurt last year.

Saab Aero X Concept
The Saab Aero X concept, originally shown at the Geneva Auto Show last month, is powered by a 400-hp biopower V6 engine that runs on 100 percent ethanol fuel. This 2-seater was designed to resemble a jet aircraft and has no doors or windshield pillars. Instead, it uses what Saab calls a cockpit canopy that affords the driver 180 degrees of vision and functions as the door. inside, buttons and dials have been replaced by 3-dimensional images displayed on glass "clear zones."

With these brands' offerings, GM is showing consumers its potential to go in many new directions, be it adding more performance models like the Saturn Sky Red Line, remaking the face of its brands with new Saturn and Saab design directions, or demonstrating its commitment to flexible-fuel technology with the Saab Aero X concept.