[Fformula88]

GMInsidenews has some pics of the Aura concept car up on their site. Looks very much like a badge engineered G6 to me. Thats a little dissapointing considering the good differentiation between the Solstice and Sky. Its rolling on some HUGE rims too! It does have a face that is very close to the sky.

More here:

http://forums.gminsidenews.com/showthread.php?t=10158

 

[brentil]

Some more images from the Saturn site. Along with some stats on it.
I like the 250 HP VVT DOHC v6, nice to see they're putting something that's not an outdated old v6 in this concept. You can definetely see the resemblence in the tail pipes too.

http://media.gm.com/servlet/Gateway...ws/viewpressreldetail.do?domain=2&docid=10779

Powertrain/Performance

* 3.6L DOHC V-6 Engine with 250 hp
* 6-speed automatic transmission
* Electric power steering
* 4-wheel disc brakes

Exterior

* 19-inch polished alloy wheels
* Goodyear Eagle P245/40ZR19 tires
* Panoramic roof
* Four-corner lighting with jewel-like LED taillamps
* Projector beam headlamps
* Front fascia
* Rear fascia with central exhaust
* Side rockers with rearward swept feature line
* Rear spoiler

Interior

* Instrument panel center stack
* Orange cluster ring encircling all three gauges
* Light titanium appliqué
* Light titanium knobs/buttons (HVAC, radio, door panel)
* Backlit display on center vent
* Leather-trimmed seats
* Rustica leather on etched door insert, seat insert, shift knob, steering wheel
* Heated front seats
* 8-way driver’s seat
* Chrome sill plates (front and rear) with Saturn logo insert
* Metallic overlay pedal design
* Backlit center logo/medallion on steering wheel

Safety

* Roof rail-mounted head curtain side-impact air bags
* Side-impact thorax airbags
* Dual frontal air bags
* ABS with traction control
* StabiliTrak

 

[Damovc]

Do you think they'll use a six speed auto on the production car, I wasn't aware GM even had one - they're using fives speed autos on the new cadillac STS. Seems like a very high end trans for a car in this class.

 

[brentil]

Do you think they'll use a six speed auto on the production car, I wasn't aware GM even had one - they're using fives speed autos on the new cadillac STS. Seems like a very high end trans for a car in this class.

This is a concept car, so it'll have more 'exotic' parts then normal cars.
But I believe GM is working on 6-speed automatics, and they might be ready in tiem for this cars debute.

 

[Brian]

I don't believe that it will have a 6 speed auto. I believe GM has said that they will not have their 6 speeds ready until 2007 or 08. Until then I believe that most or all of their cars will have to make due with the 4 speed.

 

[Damovc]

But I believe GM is working on 6-speed automatics, and they might be ready in tiem for this cars debute.

Interesting, although I hope they get it working better than BWM's 6 speed auto, every review I've read so far says that tranny never seems to be able to settle on the correct cog in around town driving. Whereas, Caddy's 5 speed auto gets great reviews, always in the right gear at the right time.

 

[Darkhamr]

Well I see an ugly tail light theme with the SKy.

 

[Fformula88]

I don't believe that it will have a 6 speed auto. I believe GM has said that they will not have their 6 speeds ready until 2007 or 08. Until then I believe that most or all of their cars will have to make due with the 4 speed.

The 6 speed transmission will be reality. Ford and GM have been jointly developing a 6 speed automatic transmission. It will also be compatible in FWD, RWD, and AWD vehicles, making it extremely versatile when it is ready to roll. Also, this car is officially a concept and not a true production prototype. By my estimation, that puts the production car's appearance in showrooms back a ways, probably no sooner than fall 2006 as a model year 2007 vehicle. By then, it is likely the 6 speed automatic will be online and ready to roll. Its been in development for some time now (I think the agreement began in early 2003).

I also like to see them using the DOHC V6 in this vehicle. They can add all the flair they want, but the smooth high feature V6 is what will really give it that premium feel. Smooth, powerful, quiet, nice! :thumbs