German Engineering, American Vehicle

Anthony Fontanelle
June 26, 2007

General Motors has done much to revitalize its Saturn brand in the past eighteen months. The brand known in the past as the home of the haggle-free customer service is now the fastest growing brand in the United States auto market. General Motors has revitalized the brand by infusing the Saturn lineup with German engineering.

With the help of Opel, General Motors has turned Saturn vehicles into the most European-ized American cars in the market. The recently named the 2007 North American Car of the Year, the Saturn Aura has close ties with the Opel Vectra. The Saturn Astra that will be released in the North American market later this year is a rebadged Opel Astra. Another result of the collaboration between Opel and Saturn is the convertible Saturn Sky which is based on the Opel GT.

Another Saturn vehicle with European lineage is the midsize crossover SUV Saturn Vue. The vehicle was designed based on the Opel Antara which is based on the General Motors Theta platform. The Antara and the Vue are designed to be indistinguishable from each other. Both are designed and developed in Germany using the country’s engineering.

The similarity between the European Antara and the American Vue is apparent in its handling. The suspension setting of the Antara mirrors that of the Vue. Both crossover SUVs are equipped with strut-front and multilink-rear suspension settings. According to the manufacturer of the Vue, it will have the same handling and stability as its European sibling.

With German engineering behind the new Vue, handling is improved compared to its predecessor. With more responsive handling, the Vue is considered as a near luxury vehicle. In the past, several Saturn auto models have failed to give the brand an upscale feel. But with the partnership with Opel, Saturn vehicles have become a serious competitor in its segment.

The General Motors Theta platform was revised to give the new Vue its sharper handling and better ride comfort. Vibrations and noise from the engine bay are also reduced, thanks to the specially designed Saturn engine mount which absorbs most of the engine’s vibrations.

The revisions to the automobile platform with the use of German engineering have resulted to an increase in weight. More than 400 pounds were added to the new Vue compared to its predecessor. This increase in weight is a surprise considering that the new Vue has virtually the same dimensions as the old Vue.

The 2008 Saturn Vue will be equipped with a standard 2.4-liter Ecotec engine with the variable valve timing. This engine can produce as much as 169 horsepower. An optional engine for the new Vue includes a 3.5-liter V6 with an output of 222 horsepower. Another engine choice available for the Vue is a 3.6-liter direct overhead camshaft V6 engine with an output of 257 horsepower.

The new Saturn Vue will be competing in the North American auto market directly with the Ford Escape, the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4. In order to compete with these already established nameplates, the Saturn Vue has been given European styling which is aimed to attract young vehicle buyers. The changes made in the exterior of the Saturn Vue gives it a sportier look unlike its predecessor. With the help of Opel, it seems that the Saturn Vue will become a major competition for the Asian brands in its segment.

Source:  Amazines.com