General Motors Corporation, maker of quality , has reinvented Saturn in its 2007 Aura XR. The Aura has proved its worth especially when it won the title "North American Car of the Year" at the North American Auto Show in Detroit in January.
Like the Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and the Opel Vectra, the Aura is built on the Epsilon platform. It has no similarity with its American counterparts. However, it has a distinguishing resemblance to the Vectra.
The 2007 Saturn Aura XR comes with both four-cylinder and V6 power engines that are available in two models. But the four-cylinder for the Aura Green Line, is a gasoline-electric hybrid system. The XR has a 3.6-liter twin cam alloy V6, matched to a six-speed automatic with manual-shift mode and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
To better fit the US requirements and preferences, the Aura is built larger than the Vectra. Nonetheless, suspension is tuned in a more European manner that is very differently from the G6 and Malibu.
General Motors has proved before that it can build world-class cars in the expensive, limited-production category when it built the Corvette Z06 and the Cadillac STS-V. Now, it is once again making a difference in the real-world family sedan class.
The unique angular appearance that was first launched on Saturn's Sky sports roadster is now visually seen on sedans through the Aura. The big headlights, unique hood, fender, and body side shapes sharply portrayed by prominent folds and character lines, and well-detailed wheel arches and lower sills make the Aura more fresh and sporty looking.
Found in the grille is the new Saturn chrome crossbar. Several openings in the lower front fascia also imply sporty attitudes. The luxury of Europe is seen on the chrome trim that surrounds the side windows. Proportional to the grille are the huge taillights with clear covers over red LEDs and twin exhausts that highlight the rear.
Aura's interior is very European with tight panel gaps. It has leather seats, steering wheel rim, and shift knob. The driver's seat is power-adjustable. The front passenger's seats can also be power adjustable optionally through the use of the "Enhanced Convenience Package". Power-adjustable pedals are also added by this system. Any driver can achieve additions in the standard tilt, telescope steering wheel, and the optimum seating position.
Riding comfort is enhanced by the LED-lit instruments that are quickly seen in all lights. Climate and audio systems control are also available. The new Saturn Aura XR is built with an upgraded audio system, with AM, FM. XM radio and six-disc in-dash CD changers that can also play MP3 CDs are optional. The auxiliary audio jack is also present. Auxiliary audio controls and headphones are available for rear seat occupants. The rear seat also has 60/40 fold feature. And as a mid size car, the Aura assures to hold two kids under 5-10 in comfort.
Like a typical sedan, Aura's trunk opening is on the small side. But there is assured spacious room inside.
With improved rocker panels and hinge and roof pillars, a durable safety cage around the passenger compartment is engineered into the Aura's unibody structure.
Standard on all models are the dual-stage front airbags, with the GM Passenger-Sensing System to adjust the removal of the front passenger bag depending on passenger weight, front seat-mounted side airbags, head-curtain bags, four-wheel antilock disc brakes, and the Stabilitrak electronic stability control system.
The 2007 Saturn Aura is one step higher than its American platform mates when it comes to suspension tuning and refinement. To minimize the vehicle's weight, it uses aluminum control arms. These are found in the Epsilon platform's fully-independent suspension, with struts in front as well as a four-link system in the rear. However, it is more tuned in the European style that is with relatively soft springs for ride convenience but well-matched shock rates for good control in excellent driving.
All these plus the durable chassis structure and excellent soundproofing, one could say that the 2007 Saturn Acura is the best among midsize sedans.
The Aura's drive train suits its chassis improvements. The 3.6-liter V6 engine is a contemporary aluminum alloy, twin-cam, 24-valve unit with variable cam phasing for a wider power band and yet lower emissions. To enable the Aura to speed further, its engine is built with 252 horsepower (at 6400 rpm) and 251 lb-ft of torque (at a low 3200 rpm). As a matter of fact, 60 mph comes up in just over six seconds from a standing start.
That is not all! Its transmission is the first six-speed automatic for GM's cars with front-wheel drive. It is a huge help in both acceleration and fuel economy through allowing a lower low and higher high gear with reasonable steps in between.
About General Motors Corporation
Also known as GM or GMC, General Motors Corporation is the 2nd (after Toyota) largest car company based on sales revenue as of 2007. Maker of quality cars and their parts, GMC has around 284,000 employees all over the world.
It was founded in 1908, in Flint, Michigan and has global headquarters located at the Renaissance Center in Detroit, Michigan, USA. In Zurich, Switzerland is their European headquarters. This American car maker produces its trucks and cars in 33 countries.
GM cars and trucks are sold under Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Daewoo, GMC, Holden, Hummer, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn and Vauxhall brands.
