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Other technical highlights include:
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Four-wheel independent
short/long arm suspension for optimal handling and stability
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Coil-over
Bilstein monotube shocks for excellent wheel control and road isolation
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Hydraulically assisted rack- and-pinion power steering for quick,
responsive vehicle control
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Four-wheel
disc brakes with ABS for excellent stopping performance
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Wide track
width for excellent stability and superior handling
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Near 50/50
weight distribution for balanced handling feel
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Structural
tunnel design and hydroformed longitudinal rails for a stiff body that
results in greater vehicle responsiveness and better overall feel
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Hydraulic
engine mounts for a smoother engine feel
Saturn
lineup
The
expansion of the Saturn product lineup began this year with the
introduction of the Relay family utility vehicle. The Relay combines
SUV-like exterior styling, a rich interior and the functionality of a
mid-van.
The Saturn
Ion is significantly refined for 2005, with the sedan receiving improved
interior and exterior appearances and more responsive and refined
performance. The Vue’s clean styling, numerous safety features and vast
array of accessory choices continue to make it a popular choice among
customers with active lifestyles. Saturn’s 2005 lineup also includes two
performance variants, the 205-horsepower Ion Red Line and the
250-horsepower, performance-tuned Vue Red Line.
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With its
dynamic design and quick and agile performance, the Sky roadster
delivers a bold message about the next generation of vehicles from
Saturn.
The Sky,
introduced at the North American International Auto Show and slated for
production in 2006, is the first vehicle to feature a new look that will
influence Saturn’s entire future product lineup. The roadster will be
followed by a new midsize sedan and a large crossover SUV as Saturn’s
product portfolio doubles during the next 24 months.
“Building on
its accomplishments in customer sales and service satisfaction, Saturn
is introducing a bold new product design to our vehicles,” said Saturn
General Manager Jill Lajdziak. “For Saturn, the Sky is not the limit.
It’s only the beginning.”
Starting
price for the Sky is expected to be less than $25,000. It will be built
at GM’s Wilmington , Del. , assembly facility.
The Sky
roadster was inspired by the Vauxhall VX Lightning Concept – created at
GM’s Advanced Design Studio in Birmingham , England – signaling the
adoption of an international design language for Saturn.
“The Sky’s
exterior conveys a sense of technical harmony, combining taut,
controlled lines with fluid surfaces to create a dynamic feeling,” said
Ed Welburn, vice president of Design for GM North America . “The
vehicle’s strong front end is the new face of Saturn, with a pronounced
fender peak and a bold, chrome bar that carries an integrated Saturn
badge.”
The Sky’s
design also features a wide stance with short overhangs and 18-inch
wheels pushed to the corners. The convertible top folds completely into
the rear compartment and the clamshell hood provides excellent
accessibility and reinforces the sports car aura. Projector halogen low
beams and reflector optic halogen high beam headlamps extend the
exterior’s sophisticated look.
The design
philosophy is carried through to the interior, which is driver-focused
with integrated controls and displays. Creative use of piano black and
chrome finishes combine with available leather seats and technical
grains to emphasize richness and precision. Jewel-like detailing on the
HVAC and lighting controls is executed with tight fits, highlighting the
attention to detail.
The Sky also
has the hardware to back up its bold styling. It is equipped with a
2.4L, 170-horsepower Ecotec engine with variable valve timing and a
five-speed Aisin manual transmission with a short throw shifter. A
five-speed automatic will be optional.
“The Sky’s
performance matches its impressive styling,” said Lori Queen, vehicle
line executive for GM’s small cars. “Powertrain, suspension and handling
components were carefully selected to provide quick and agile
performance.”
OnStar
With 3
million subscribers, OnStar is the nation's leading provider of
in-vehicle safety, security and information services using the Global
Positioning System (GPS) satellite network and wireless technologies.
The 2006 Sky will offer OnStar. Sky owners can interact with OnStar's
voice recognition system in Spanish, French or English. With the push of
a button an OnStar advisor can change the system to allow the subscriber
to interact with the system in their preferred language. Other core
OnStar services are stolen vehicle location assistance, remote door
unlock, roadside assistance, emergency services and automatic crash
notification.
GM is the
only automotive manufacturer committed to offering a full range of
vehicles with safety protection before, during and after a collision.
All OnStar-equipped vehicles come with Automatic Crash Notification. If
air bags deploy, the system sends a signal to a highly trained OnStar
Emergency Advisor, who contacts the vehicle to see if help is needed,
and can contact an emergency responder to send for help. In many cases
the occupants are severely injured and cannot speak for themselves.
OnStar’s GPS unit allows Advisors to tell emergency responders the
vehicle’s location. OnStar responds to at least one air bag deployment
in the US or Canada every hour.
Additionally, the Sky will offer the GM-exclusive Advanced Automatic
Crash Notification system. The AACN system detects collisions, even
rollovers, regardless of whether air bags deploy. AACN also transmits
other crash data, such as the direction of impact force, the number of
and which air bags deployed and the maximum change of impact velocity,
so that emergency responders are more prepared with this critical
information before they arrive at the accident scene.
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