GMI Rumor: Aura To Get A Revised Interior?

[nsap]

GMI Rumor: Aura To Get A Revised Interior?

On the fourth page of the 2008 Saturn Vue brochure is a photo of a designer drawing on the above photo. Ironically there have been rumors that the Saturn Aura will be getting a revised interior very soon to keep it in line with the midsize class leaders. The interior update is said to exhibit an all-new, integrated center stack as well as some additional updates. GMI has been told that design work is done and GM is just waiting on the suppliers. It is expected that these slight updates will show up on a 2009 model (possible early release?), if not before. It is NOT expect to delay the launch of the upcoming Epsilon II Aura.

Along with the new interior will come 6-speed transmissions across the board, from 4-cylinder XE models up.

There are obvious resemblances in the above drawing the the current interior. The wood trim flow, overall shape, and those three buttons on the left of the steering wheel (which are in all Epsilon I cars) make it obvious that it is an Aura interior.

[CobaltSScrazy]

thats cool! Now how about a manual? I know that won't happen, but I'm encouraged that Saturn IS DOING the "Little" things that make all the difference and keep a car competitive. Now if people can just get over the negative perception of a 'cheap econo' car image then we're all set. Keep up the great work saturn! I don't see the changes in that pic, but hopefully they just take vectra buttons/interior and 'insert here' just like ASTRA now has in our US version same as Europe!

CobaltSScrazy

[Phoenix]

Great!
The drawing appears to be similar to the Astra interior which will fit very well with the Aura. Good to see GM making changes where needed.

[member12]

It looks like the Astra interior with that screen up there above HVAC vents.

Any word on a touchscreen nav yet?

I am very impressed with the Aura already. If GM is updating the interior already to keep up, then I (and every auto critic in the country) will know that they mean business.

The Saturn Aura is already getting replaced in 2009 as a 2010 model isn't it? GM is really spending some money on product these days. What a good feeling to be kicking ass like this. If GM keeps this up, then their market share will increase (or stay the same as everyone else's decreases).

I also agree with CobaltSSCrazy on the manual. This car could pull it off, I think. It's a mid sized front driver, but it handles like a V-dub and it drives like a Benz. I think a manual will bring some quasi enthusiast into the fold...the ones that Honda is kind of turning it's back on by making a super sized Accord.

[nsap]

Originally Posted by member12

Any word on a touchscreen nav yet?

I doubt we will be seeing a nav in the current Aura, unless they rewire the car, which is doubtful. I'm amazed they are doing this much on a model that will only be out for a year or so after that. But that is what is needed to stay ahead!

[plane]

From the sketch, assuming scale proportions.....
Different steering wheel
Different gauge cluster
More wood trim.
Larger top console display
Door handles moved(?)
Seat piping (?)
Other items?

[Murrow]

My biggest beefs with the Aura interior are the door armrests and the center stack. Taking care of those two issues will go a very long way towards perfecting the interior.

[mike's 01ws6]

Originally Posted by nsap

I doubt we will be seeing a nav in the current Aura, unless they rewire the car, which is doubtful. I'm amazed they are doing this much on a model that will only be out for a year or so after that. But that is what is needed to stay ahead!

Rewire the car? it would be a few small changes to the harness.

[nsap]

Originally Posted by mike's 01ws6

Rewire the car? it would be a few small changes to the harness.

We've been told that the wiring structure in the Epsilon I platform does not support navigation. Implying that it is a major overhaul to add it.

[likearock00]

Ok, this is great. My only question- WTF was GM thinking when they first made this car? Come on, 2 years into it and they're just realizing the things that should've been in there from the get go?

[rueben44]

I said a while ago that it should have an Opel style dash and that is what that picture is of. When you are Gm and you have that many brands you have a chance to try something different with each. That is what the Aura needs inside.

Take the new Vue...why can't Gm save money and share the Opel dash and try something new? No we get the same radio as the Pontiac and Chevy....no most of GM North America.

[iamwin]

I just PRAY they get rid of those horrible old Malibu interior light/foglight/adjustable pedal controls on the dash left of the steering wheel. It drives me nuts.

[Butz]

I fail at noticing any noticeable differences, it looks the same!

[HoosierRon]

No tachometer? That cannot be right.

[boblutzfan]

Originally Posted by nsap

We've been told that the wiring structure in the Epsilon I platform does not support navigation. Implying that it is a major overhaul to add it.

We've been told that over and over - but I don't believe it. The theta CUV was given nav at its MCE and it is a decidedly lower tech lower volume platform than EPI. GM knows they have to have NAV in the SUV/CUV/Truck arena so all their entries offer it. They hide behind excuses on their sedans because they just don't take this segment seriously. Given the importance and sheer volume of the Aura/Malibu/G6 - hiding behind a wiring harness or wiring architecture is inexcusable.

The Aura should have had Navigation available at introduction - but GM dropped the ball here. If this sketch is accurate - they are adding some kind of display. If it has navigation then it proves my theory that EPI could have had it all along. If not - then it is money wasted as it will be viewed as a lipstick on a pig. For the Aura to be taken seriously against the Passat and Accord - it needs to have factory navigation if only as an option.