Saturn Aura

[apple jacks48]

The Grand Am was not doing so good so it was time to get make an upgrade. So I bought an 2007 Saturn Aura XR.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y122/apple_jacks48/frontangledrivers.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y122/apple_jacks48/interiorback.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y122/apple_jacks48/rear.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y122/apple_jacks48/interiorrearfrontdrivers.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y122/apple_jacks48/front.jpg

[XtremeGrandAm]

your pictures arent showing up for me I dont know about anyone else...

But congrats! The Saturn Aura's are nice I was at a Saturn dealership the other day looking at those and the Sky.

[MantaGreen97]

Yeah pics not working for me either :(

[JoeyK]

same here/ no pics.

[Classifieds]

Pics work for me! Looks nice!

[apple jacks48]

I fixed them, sorry if some of them are small...

[MantaGreen97]

Can see the pics now :) The Aura is just Saturn's version of the G6 right? (It's based on Epsilon?). Pretty nice looking...

But wow I didn't realise GM were putting the LY7 (3.6L DOHC V6) in the Epsilon cars now!

That's pretty cool. 252hp SAE certified--pretty nice :) I'm guessing this engine will be offered in the G6 GTP in the near future (if it isn't already)? It's outpowers the 3.9L LZ9 pushrod engine and seems to have a nice torque curve as well :) Only thing is it looks like the LY7 will not be mated with a manual transmission? :(

PS: Post an underhood pic! :D

[Shad0wguy]

Lucky bastard! I think those cars look sweet!

[JoeyK]

Originally posted by MantaGreen97
Can see the pics now :) The Aura is just Saturn's version of the G6 right? (It's based on Epsilon?). Pretty nice looking...

But wow I didn't realise GM were putting the LY7 (3.6L DOHC V6) in the Epsilon cars now!

That's pretty cool. 252hp SAE certified--pretty nice :) I'm guessing this engine will be offered in the G6 GTP in the near future (if it isn't already)? It's outpowers the 3.9L LZ9 pushrod engine and seems to have a nice torque curve as well :) Only thing is it looks like the LY7 will not be mated with a manual transmission? :(

PS: Post an underhood pic! :D

I really don't pay attention to new cars anymore but I'd swear it's on the same platform as the Impala, whatever that patform may be.

Nice car though! Does it have the thermoplastic body panels that Saturn is known for?

[XoticGA]

:hmmm: Not too bad

[MantaGreen97]

^Hmm checked it out and it seems to be Epsilon alright, and not a W-body...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saturn_Aura

As for the plastic panels, I thought Saturn stopped that ages ago? Quietly, of course. Saturn just became shared-platform with normal GM cars, while never saying anything about the Saturn-specific models/features being thrown to the wind. Dealership policies/procedures/sales are still different I think but other than that it's just like every other GM now, LOL. No more "a different kind of company, a different kind of car" hahaha :lol:

[XtremeGrandAm]

Originally posted by MantaGreen97
Can see the pics now :) The Aura is just Saturn's version of the G6 right? (It's based on Epsilon?). Pretty nice looking...

But wow I didn't realise GM were putting the LY7 (3.6L DOHC V6) in the Epsilon cars now!

That's pretty cool. 252hp SAE certified--pretty nice :) I'm guessing this engine will be offered in the G6 GTP in the near future (if it isn't already)? It's outpowers the 3.9L LZ9 pushrod engine and seems to have a nice torque curve as well :) Only thing is it looks like the LY7 will not be mated with a manual transmission? :(

PS: Post an underhood pic! :D
Yeah they wanted to seperate the Saturn from the other epsilon vehicles. I havent heard anything about it being put in the GTP G6.

Originally posted by JoeyK
I really don't pay attention to new cars anymore but I'd swear it's on the same platform as the Impala, whatever that patform may be.

Nice car though! Does it have the thermoplastic body panels that Saturn is known for?
The impala is on the W-body platform the new saturn is on the Epsilon. Saturn wont be using the polymer body pannels in all future products.

[MantaGreen97]

Originally posted by XtremeGrandAm
Yeah they wanted to seperate the Saturn from the other epsilon vehicles. I havent heard anything about it being put in the GTP G6.

"In 2007 the 3.9 L V6 will go into the GT + Sport Package, making way for the 3.6 L V6 and the new 6-speed automatic in the GTP."

Taken from:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pontiac_G6

Yeah it's wiki information but it can be confirmed at www.gmpowertrain.com :)

More specific links:
http://media.gm.com/us/powertrain/en/product_services/2007/07car.htm#GM36LV6VVTENGINES

and

http://media.gm.com/us/powertrain/en/product_services/2007/Whats%20New/07_LY7_%20APP042606.doc

It doesn't specifically say "GTP" there but the LY7 is definitely listed for the G6 now ;)

[XtremeGrandAm]

Originally posted by MantaGreen97
^Hmm checked it out and it seems to be Epsilon alright, and not a W-body...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saturn_Aura

As for the plastic panels, I thought Saturn stopped that ages ago? Quietly, of course. Saturn just became shared-platform with normal GM cars, while never saying anything about the Saturn-specific models/features being thrown to the wind. Dealership policies/procedures/sales are still different I think but other than that it's just like every other GM now, LOL. No more "a different kind of company, a different kind of car" hahaha :lol:
Saturn still uses the polymer panels on the VUE and ION but they arent using them in future vehicles because of the gaps associated in having the panels (because they have to leave room for the panels to expand)

As far as Saturn being no more different that somewhat true but not exactly....Saturn's vehicles that were on GM platforms were never just a simple clone like GM always made. In the future with vehicles such as the Aura and other new models will be from GM platforms but will share heavy design cues from Opel and not the rest of the North American vehicles. But if you are talking about saturn being different like they started no thats long since gone....I know a lot about Saturn. I've had 3 a 91, 92, and a 2001.

[XtremeGrandAm]

Originally posted by MantaGreen97
"In 2007 the 3.9 L V6 will go into the GT + Sport Package, making way for the 3.6 L V6 and the new 6-speed automatic in the GTP."

Taken from:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pontiac_G6

Yeah it's wiki information but it can be confirmed at www.gmpowertrain.com :)

More specific links:
http://media.gm.com/us/powertrain/en/product_services/2007/07car.htm#GM36LV6VVTENGINES

and

http://media.gm.com/us/powertrain/en/product_services/2007/Whats%20New/07_LY7_%20APP042606.doc

It doesn't specifically say "GTP" there but the LY7 is definitely listed for the G6 now ;)
If you go on pontiac's site the 3.6L is in the GTP, But the GT still has a 3.5L but now has 224HP. Like I said I didnt hear anything but I havent really been watching Pontiac really closely. That great to see the power increased in all the G6 models. Probably why they are holding their values for 2007.

[MantaGreen97]

Ah I see, didn't know the Vue and Ion still had the panels. I always liked the idea and hoped it would spread to other GM products, but it looks like the opposite has occured :(

Another interesting thing about the Epsilon cars is the introduction of the available 6T70 and 6T75 transmissions (I guess they don't bother with the "E" anymore since they are all electronic these days, lol),

I always thought the HydraMatics though very good transmissions were getting dated as few (if any) in the FWD cars were 5 speed autos. But now GM has seemed to just jump right past the 5 spd auto and go right from the good ol' 4 spd auto to using 6 spd autos! :D

Lots of improvements:
http://media.gm.com/us/powertrain/en/product_services/2007/Whats%20New/07_MH2.doc


and handles upto 280lb*ft of engine torque! :) (300lb*ft for the 6T75).

Anyway sorry for going a little OT, but it's all interesting stuff...

[XtremeGrandAm]

Yeah I agree I liked the panels too. But they did have a lot bigger gaps than the traditional steel panels. So I understand how they have had to go a different direction to stay competitive.

[JoeyK]

- Just replaced a doorskin on a Vue the other day. I did not notice any bigger than normal gaps, or have I ever. That's all I ever see in the shop are Vue's & a few Ions here & there.
One can only assume since this is GM we're talking about is that the "clone" vehicles that were mentioned are all steel bodied vehicles (with the exception of an aluminum hood here & there) so no more thermoplastic panels, making Saturn nothing out of the ordinary, as they used to be. - Bad move, they are getting away from the origional intent (supprise) to save a buck or two.
GM is the master of coming up with good ideas only to scrap them to save a few bucks whether it hurts thier image or not.
I was kinda interested in Saturn for thier construction but if they're going mainstream GM I say "No thank you".
Why even keep Saturn around if they are ruining thier niche? To me Saturn stands for well constructed, lightweight virtually rustproof vehicles. they're just taking that all away now by getting away from the thermo. panels.

Sorry to steer the thread away a bit. I just get so frustraited with GM I'm about to swear them off & give up on them.

Not bashing your car though, Ryan. It looks real nice.

[Shad0wguy]

But replacing the plastic panels are hella-cheap. My Fiero has em, and a new fender costs like $20, as opposed to $300+ for a steel.

[apple jacks48]

The 3.6 is going into the 2007 g6 gtp also, but from a test drive of a 2006 g6, the I love the interior of the Aura a lot more than the g6. Plus this the Aura is a couple thousand less and I also like the exterior a lot more than the g6. The Aura rear has LED tail lights that look sweet also.

The 3.6L is fast and pretty smooth, and the Aura has the manual mode where you can use the Tapshift controls on the steering wheel to change gears to give it an even sportier feel.

[XtremeGrandAm]

Originally posted by JoeyK
- Just replaced a doorskin on a Vue the other day. I did not notice any bigger than normal gaps, or have I ever. That's all I ever see in the shop are Vue's & a few Ions here & there.


I dont agree about the gaps either I'm just telling you one of the reasons they choose not to use them. If you look at Saturn's past reviews they have been heavily critisized for larger than normal gaps. Of course another reason was cost because the larger vehicles cant be polymer panels and it would be cost effective to handle both polymer and the traditional steel panels.

I think the Aura looks a lot better than the G6 also.

[MJE95GAGT]

me likey a lot! :)

[apple jacks48]

Heres the engine.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y122/apple_jacks48/engine1.jpg

[MantaGreen97]

^Yay! Engine bay pic :D I always wonder why GM is wrapping the intake around the engine these days though... I don't get the purpose of that. Well I guess with that big box (probably fuses and the like, lol) over on the driver's side the intake has to go the other way, but why not just put that box on the other side? LOL. Guess it must be cheaper that way?

[Tuny]

...wow, how can you buy in 2006, car from future 2007?

[DontPassTheFence]

the 07s drop in late 06, sometimes 07 models are released for sale as early as july in the states, but september is a more realistic average of when the next model year starts for cars. Its weird, I know. My dad owned a 95 GAGT in september/november of 94 :D , IIRC

[SilverBane]

Originally posted by apple jacks48
The 3.6 is going into the 2007 g6 gtp also, but from a test drive of a 2006 g6, the I love the interior of the Aura a lot more than the g6. Plus this the Aura is a couple thousand less and I also like the exterior a lot more than the g6. The Aura rear has LED tail lights that look sweet also.

The 3.6L is fast and pretty smooth, and the Aura has the manual mode where you can use the Tapshift controls on the steering wheel to change gears to give it an even sportier feel.

That 3.6 is a sexy little engine, mother just bought a Buick Allure with the 3.6 in it. VERY nice response and WAY more applicable then the Grand Prix GTP she drove before it.

3.6-2450hp N/A
3.8 S/C-260hp

[rys99grandam]

the vue and the ion and the l series ( except rear quarter pannel ) were the lst saturns to have the polymer side pannels, all new cars from saturn are made with steel

the aura looks great, saturn is gms new approach ( in my opinion ) to combat higher type luxary cars from lexus, or acura, with something equally sporty and good