Saturn Aura: Concept vs Production
 

We've done a lot of talking here recently about how close concepts are to the actual production vehicles. Here's the new 2007 Saturn Aura. I came across the production pictures so I figured i'd post a comparison.

Concept Front View:

http://automobilemag.com/auto_shows/..._front_445.jpg

Production Front View:

http://www.automobilemag.com/auto_sh...ura_01_445.jpg

Concept Rear View:

http://automobilemag.com/auto_shows/...a_rear_445.jpg

Production Rear View:

http://www.automobilemag.com/auto_sh...ura_02_445.jpg

Concept Interior:

http://automobilemag.com/auto_shows/...ra_int_445.jpg

Production Interior:
http://www.leftlanenews.com/wp-image...aura-sedan.jpg


So what do you guys think? Are we seeing the gap close considerably? The Aura is based on the Opel Vectra so that could be part of the reason we don't see a huge change since they were using production underpinnings in the first place. You can see how much more aggressive the stance is on the concept Aura. The front fascia is obviously different and the lines have been smoothed out in various places. Maybe we'll see a Redline variant that is closer to the concept.

I think certain companies stay closer to their concepts than others. When concepts don't match the production models it really annoys me and makes me lose interest in a company's concepts.

It always seems that concepts are more aggressive for publicity's sake and then the production cars get smoothed out presumably for cost and keeping the car mainstream. This Saturn is another example of that. Concept is much more unique and interesting than the production model, especially in the interior.

I would guess that the lower half of the concept's front fascia will make it into production along with similar wheels on the RedLine version. All and all, I think this is the most attractive mid-sized sedan GM has made in a while.

Yeah, it lost some of it's aggressive look (sadly) but I bet that the redline will keep it...just like you said.

I don't know...I think the interior is near spot on and while they did soften it up as stated they probably will make the redline look more like the concept.

I agree 100%...this is one of the best looking American sadan's in a long time. You can see it's family resemblence with the G6 but can anyone tell me if this car is based on the same platform? I wonder...because it looks bigger than the G6?

If the price it right...I think this car will be a hit for GM and Saturn.

personally, I think they did a very good job, bringing over Opel cars is the best damn car decision GM has made in a while. I'm sick of the 20'' wheel bullshit, if people are bitching because the production car doesn't have that they need to have there heads examined.

Now, the auto makers also need to build the production car around the actual wheel sizes they will be using, it looks stupid when the wheel arches are huge and they stick 16'' wheels under there, but overall, I think the Aura is well proportioned.

I hope Saturn becomes Opel USA as far as design goes. I'd actually consider one of those cars if I needed a basic sedan.

I think they are all using the FF Epsilon platform. Malibu, G6, Aura, etc

^Yeah, I just read they are. But...does anyone else agree, it could be my eyes and honestly with a picture you really can't tell but it does "seem" to look bigger than the G6.

My wife's 6 has had a few CEL's (nothing big) but since I got a brand new 8, she said one more CEL and she wants a brand new car (she has a 2003 by the way). I told her...before we get another 6, (IF she wants a new car) I'd check out the Aura.

Good job GM and who ever is the head style person at Saturn!

The 6 (if she got the appearance package) is one of the best looking sporty sedans on the road already. That's a tough one. The new 6 should be bigger.

I can't believe i'm excited about Saturn products.

I agree. Looks like Saturn has gotten their ass in gear and came up w/ a rather fresh and impressive looking lineup after the ION flop.

I was rather impressed with the Sky roadster at the Dallas auto show...

Trade in the 6 for the new CX-7!
________
Vapor Geni

Me too...talk about unexpected.

I agree, it's just that it's priced a bit out of my reach. You never know...with her credit and if we save up some money, we might be able to get it. So...if one more CEL happens (again, all have been minor but she wont have it again) either a new 6, CX-7, or Aura.

I'm surprised it's been that unreliable. I wouldn't want another one if that was the case. What was wrong w/it?

I forget, I'd have to check her paperwork but it's been minor so I don't worry about it too much. We got a CEL...but the car was still running. The type of CEL's that will drive me nuts are those that come with a broken down car on the side of the road.

I guess you are right, a CEL is not a good thing...but so far it's never left her on the road like her old Mitsu did several times. It’s also a 2003 (first year car, my mistake) so all the kinks were not taken out by the time we bought it used.

She has a pretty low payment…so hopefully, our 6 will last a lot longer. We don’t need (now with the baby) a bigger payment on her car.

^^ I'm surprised she's open to get another Mazda product with all the issues you've had. I have had several problems with my 8, and although I still love the looks and feel of this car, I can say without a doubt this will be my last Mazda vehicle. The new line-up at Saturn is very nice looking, but I am leary of their reliability. My wife had an SC2 (I think that is what it was called....it was the 2-door sporty coupe), and that thing was a POS. The automatic seatbelts were constantly breaking, the head gasket needed to be replaced twice and there was definitely a ghost in the electrical system.

I hope Saturn can back-up their great looking cars with some decent reliability.

That is my concern as well. My wife likes the Saturn Outlook but I'm a little leery of reliability. But if it's that or a mini-van I'll take my chances.

I had an SC1 and ended up trading it in when the head gasket needed replacing. It had a host of other problems before that too. They had great service, but their cars just sucked. Hopefully with the new designs they step up their reliability and the name Saturn will command respect!

Also, I enjoy all these comments like "Saturn sure is doing awesome lately". It makes me think you're talking about me which makes me feel good about myself. Go Saturn!

I had an SW2 wagon for 150K and no major problems. It has been one of the most reliable cars i've ever driven.

She loves the 8...and other than a few "minor CEL's"...she would like a new one. Now, that's here and now...if it happens again maybe she will get tired of it and seek another brand.