Will the Aura have the 6T40?

[TheGeneral]

Will the Aura get the 6T40?

[nsap]

Yes. By 2009 model-year every Aura sold will have a 6-speed standard.

[TheGeneral]

Originally Posted by nsap

Yes. By 2009 model-year every Aura sold will have a 6-speed standard.

What do you think the mpg will be on the 2.4/6 speed?

[01cavalier]

I would think it wouldn't be too significant of a gain, 1 MPG, maybe 2 on the highway.

[nsap]

Originally Posted by 01cavalier

I would think it wouldn't be too significant of a gain, 1 MPG, maybe 2 on the highway.

Probably. I believe GM claims their 6-speeds increase fuel economy by 6% or so.

[SCarFan]

Originally Posted by nsap

Yes. By 2009 model-year every Aura sold will have a 6-speed standard.

Do you think they'll keep the 3.5L V6 as an option on the XE? I hope so. Fuel economy of the 3.5L w/6-speed would be fantastic...

[nsap]

Originally Posted by SCarFan

Do you think they'll keep the 3.5L V6 as an option on the XE? I hope so. Fuel economy of the 3.5L w/6-speed would be fantastic...

On all accounts I have heard...the 3.5L will be staying. Contrary to popular belief, the 3.5L does have a future.

[spencerb]

Will the hybrid get the 6 speed, too?

[SCarFan]

Originally Posted by nsap

On all accounts I have heard...the 3.5L will be staying. Contrary to popular belief, the 3.5L does have a future.

Glad to hear it!

[crazyjkz]

Originally Posted by nsap

Yes. By 2009 model-year every Aura sold will have a 6-speed standard.

It's about time GM!

[gmhashope]

When will the EPII Aura be arriving? Is it 2012? And that interior refresh a few months ago rumored is that also for '09?

[crazyjkz]

Originally Posted by gmhashope

When will the EPII Aura be arriving? Is it 2012? And that interior refresh a few months ago rumored is that also for '09?

From what I've read the EPII Aura is expected to arrive in 2011. Both the new interior design and 6-speed autos standard will come for the 2009 model year. And I'm very glad to see that GM is bringing a newer/better interior to the Aura which should resolve the current Aura's interiors few drawbacks, and the 6-speed auto being standard on all Aura models for 2009 is also a great addition as well. They should of had this done for the 2008 model year, but we all know that this didn't happen due to the limited supply of the new 6T70 6-spd auto which is apparently being ramped up in production as we speak. Both the new interior and 6-spd autos standard will definitely make the Aura more competitive against the Camcord and Altima, giving it a much better shot of being a class-leader in the fwd midsize segment.

[LeeC]

Is the 3.5 still going to be offered for the 2009 MY? A 6 speed tranny with the 3.5 might just be the ticket

-LeeC

[gmhashope]

I'm glad to see GM update the Aura continually. I didn't expect GM to start selling 130k Auras the first year, I understand it will take years for Saturn to change people's perceptions to realize they are good cars. Just like many years people still bought GM even when they were crap because it was a GM so it must be good.

[crazyjkz]

Originally Posted by LeeC

Is the 3.5 still going to be offered for the 2009 MY? A 6 speed tranny with the 3.5 might just be the ticket

-LeeC

I think that the future of the 3500VVT in the Aura for 2009 is still questionable. Personally I would rather see a direct-injected version of the 2.4 Ecotec with 6-speed auto/manual standard than the 3500/6-spd auto in the 2009 Aura, but of course I would have to test drive a 3500/6-spd auto combo before I completely give up on the 3500 altogether.

Even though the 3500 is a relatively capable fwd midsize base-model powerplant, I just don't feel that a pushrod V6 fits the Aura's modern european image, and I have always thought that ever since the Aura's intoduction. I do agree that teaming up the 6spd auto with the 3500 will definitely make it a more competitive motor and give it a boost in refinement, performance, and economy, but I think that a DI 2.4 Ecotec or a supercharged version of the 2.4 Ecotec would better-suit the Aura's euro image. And if GM can actually manage to keep costs down then I think the rumored 3.0L High Feature V6 would do even better as a replacement for the 3500.

But nevertheless finally getting rid of the 4spd autos and making the 6spd auto standard in the 2009 Aura along with the new interior will do wonders for the Aura from a competition standpoint, and it will also greatly improve its image as a capable domestic fwd midsize vehicle.