2008 Saturn Astra a go-go in Chicago’s February Auto Show

GM’s heavyweight contender in the European mid-sized compact category, the Opel Astra will snuggle its way into the US market as a Saturn Astra in mid 2007. Of course we already knew that since May only now its official plus we also get a first picture of the 3door version –dubbed “GTC” in Europe.

According to GM, the Saturn Astra, which will make its premiere at the Chicago Auto Show in February 2007, will be nearly identical to the 2007 Opel Astra, unveiled this week at the Bologna Motor Show in Italy. It will be sold in the United States and Canada in three-door and five-door configurations.

"The Astra is a great fit for Saturn, with its European style and driving dynamics," said Jill Lajdziak, Saturn general manager. "The Astra enables Saturn to occupy a unique position in the marketplace and to strategically broaden its appeal with consumers who usually have import brands on their shopping lists"

Let’s just hope that they throw in a few cup-holders and create more space for bit’s & things in the Astra’s interior cause European style and driving dynamics mean nothing to your average American car-buyer if he can’t find a damn place to put his Starbuck's frappuccino…

Technorati: Saturn+Astra, Opel+Astra, GM, autos, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, images, pictures, 2007, Chicago+Auto+Show

LA Show: 2008 Saturn Vue

Here we have the Opel Antara, oops. No. What I meant was the brand new never seen before, never existed, totally just born Saturn Vue. But like the naughty children that we are, let us remind you that the Opel Antara, like its Chevrolet (Europe) cousin Captiva, was conceived, engineered, designed and also made, in Korea by GM’s subsidiary Daewoo (Winstorm)! So much for Saturn’s attempt to create a European inspired image for the Vue... Still, you have to admit its pretty good looking.

The Euro / American / Korean -call it what you want, inspired Saturn Vue will be available in the second quarter of 2007 as a 2008 model. These are the available versions: the XE FWD and Vue Green Line models are equipped with a 165 Hp 4cylinder 2.4L engine which is mated to the a 4speed auto box. A 5speed manual will be available on 4cylinder Vue XE models in early 2008.

All-wheel-drive Vue XE models come equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine, delivering 215 horsepower at 5,900 rpm and 220 lb.-ft. (304 Nm) of torque at 2,800 rpm. Vue XR and Vue Red Line, are powered by GM’s 3.6L V6 VVT that delivers 250 horsepower (186 kW) at 6,500 rpm and 243 lb.-ft. (329 Nm) of torque at 4,400 rpm. All Vue models equipped with V6 engines receive the new Hydra-Matic 6speed automatic transmissions.

Saturn also confirmed that it will continue to offer the Green Line hybrid version of the Vue, beginning later in the 2008 model year.

Technorati: Saturn+Vue, SUV, Opel+Antara, Chevrolet+Captiva, Daewoo, 2008, Hybrids, Los+Angeles, LA+Auto+Show, 2006, autos, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, images, pictures, Carscoop

GM’s 2006 LA Auto Show Line-up

GM says… “Elegance And Efficiency Converge In GM's Los Angeles Auto Show Line-up”. We say…. LOL & LOL again! And ok, there are a few folks out there who’ll look on a cross-eyed Saab 9-5 or Cadillac’s erect DTS, the DTS-L and find them elegant but calling a Yukon efficient? Efficient in comparison to what, a Yukon?

Nevertheless, here’s GM official LA Auto Show model list:

• 2008 Buick Enclave
• 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid
• 2008 Saturn Vue
• Saturn Aura Green Line hybrid
• Saab 9-3 60 th Anniversary Edition
• Saab 9-5 60 th Anniversary Edition
• HUMMER HO 2 Design Concept (Design Challenge entry)
• Cadillac Platinum Series (XLR, STS, DTS)
• Cadillac DTS-L
• Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell
• Chevrolet Sequel

Technorati: LA+Auto+Show, GM, Los+Angeles, motor+show, 2006, press+rlease, photos, images, pictures, autos, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop