Chicago: Astra, Vue RL Debut!

[mucker15]

Originally Posted by nsap

GM is getting 275 HP out the same 3.6L in the Lambda's. So, they already have the capability to surpass the competitions V6's, they just have to use it in more places.

I wonder why they dont, or will be something they add in the future? The RL at least would have been nice to have the 275 horse motor.

[nadepalma]

Originally Posted by nsap

GM is getting 275 HP out the same 3.6L in the Lambda's. So, they already have the capability to surpass the competitions V6's, they just have to use it in more places.

True, but I almost wonder what there reason is to have two guises of the same engine in this regard. Do you think its merely to keep something in reserve for later? Or perahps the 3.6 with 275 is for "trucks" only b/c they've been configured for lower torque and aren't suitable for normal passenger cars (just thinking obliquely) or some other reason?

I'm just wondering the reasons -- they obviously can get more power out of them, but I hope that the reason they're not putting it in the cars right now (or in the RedLine in this case) isn't b/c they're pacing themselves. I'd rather seem them go on a blitz.

Again, that's just me.

[awalbert88]

We need more cars to be rated under 2008 EPA specs so that we have something to compare this to. 34MPG sounds pretty good if in fact the early 07->08 EPA adjustment estimates are accurate.

Style and good fuel economy? Toyota should be worried.

[Hoosier Red]

Originally Posted by ionlybuyGM

I simply love the Astra and most of the Saturn lineup i dont like the new Vue but i guess id have to see it to like it but Saturn i never thought would become a winner!! if GM is gonna make anything out of the Opel/Saturn relationship i think they should bring over a convertible also..SCREW THE MINIVAN IDEA AND KEEP THE OUTLOOK!! leave the van vehicles to Chevy and GMC..i was in favor of killing off Saturn 2 yrs ago cuz i never saw a future in the company NOW its a different story..I would assume the Pontiac Vibe would hit the NYIAS and skip over the early year shows to possibly make a splash but who knows?! hopefully its a bigger hit than the current one otherwise its a dead deal come 2009-10 hopefully!! i just wish Pontiac would take our advice and kill it off and keep the G5 as the cheapest car in the lineup..

What is the Sky?

[Saturn69]

Originally Posted by escaladelover

This car is an utter rip-off of Dodge Caliber, Look at the same shape.

Hey, that's what Dodge did.....5 years ago when the Astra debuted in Europe.

[ctsmo]

love the interior

[jman196]

I really want to see the Opel Corsa come here unchanged, if that were to happen, the Yaris and Fit would not stand a chance, the Corsa is my favourite compact car, in terms of styling and features.

[macphisto]

Originally Posted by jwrebholz

I Read both articles.

Looks like a no on both counts. The VUE is getting the current 3.6 downrated to 250HP even. The Astra's estimated EPA highway rating is 34 MPG--with an even SMALLER engine than the Cobalt.

Yes, because it is a 2008 model and must use the new EPA rating system. The Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla will both also see serious downgrades in mileage.

The 1.8L would be rated around 40mpg highway under the current EPA ratings from what I understand.

[telo]

Originally Posted by starlightmica

Remember why the new Tundra was introduced as a 2007?

All 2008 models have to use the new EPA testing criteria, in which case 34mpg hwy is actually pretty good.

What is the comparative number then? Because in the '07 language, this car should be getting right around the 40 mark.

[macphisto]

Originally Posted by telo

What is the comparative number then? Because in the '07 language, this car should be getting right around the 40 mark.

The new EPA system will largely depend on design. For instance, the old EPA ratings capped speed at 50mph and never ran the A/C while doing it. Different cars have different A/C hits and that will factor in to the number. Gear ratios for highway driving will also play a much larger role on the highway number.

The city estimates will change largely because of more stop&go testing and the use of the A/C.

[TheGeneral]

Caliber has the worst fuel economy of any 4 cylinder in the USA

[Lichtronamo]

Originally Posted by nsap

GM is getting 275 HP out the same 3.6L in the Lambda's. So, they already have the capability to surpass the competitions V6's, they just have to use it in more places.

And Nissan is getting over 300hp. with the latest VQ in the Infiniti G, while the Honda V-6 in the Acura TL Type-S is rated at over 280hp.

The power ratings between the same engine in different vehicles also has a lot to do with the intake and exhaust tuning.

Also, the 250hp. in the past Saturn VUE redline was from a HONDA 3.5L V-6.

Finally, they are just ramping up production of the direct injection 3.6L V-6. I have a feeling this may be a Cadillac exclusive motor for a
while.

However, if you're going to give the "Red Line" serious performance credibility, then give it real performance over standard line models and not just a body kit.

[CobaltSScrazy]

can you say 300hp D.I.? Yes and its used in Infiniti's w/ their VQ nothing wrong with a little exclusivity, sheesh.

CobaltSScrazy

[gardnet1]

http://www.vauxhall.co.uk/vx/static/...traSpecEd1.pdf

Looking at the Vauxhall brocure for the UK, Mileage figures vary widely by powertrain configuration. They are 22-46 MPG Urban (City), 40-71 MPG Extra-Urban (Highway) and 39-59 MPG combined.

I don't know how much the UK tests differ from the EPA tests, past or present.

I can almost guarantee that Astra will be very competitive and will boost GM's CAFE numbers.

[Lichtronamo]

You can't compare UK and US EPA mileage estimates. But, you could compare the UK mileage estimates for cars available in both markets like the Astra, Mazda3, Golf and Civic.