GMI Rumor: Aura To Get A Revised Interior?

[slowinthefastlane]

Originally Posted by DuSpinnst

GM's Nav Units typically use the OnStar Antenna (which has a GPS unit in it) as the method of communication. The problem is that the CAN protocol used can't support the data transfer rates. GM isn't going to spend more money to invest in a radio with integrated GPS.

Standalone units do exist in their supplier's parts bins. Many of the Delphi units have their own GPS chips and utilize an under-dash mounted antenna. In fact, they sold their TNR800 unit retail up until a few months ago. I think it was around $1600 when it retailed. This was essentially a retail version of the head unit found in the GMT-360 / GMT-800 trucks. Here's where they used to sell it at Crutchfield:

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-b2m5gf8...0&I=040TNR4005

If they really wanted to bring the feature to the EP I platform, the cost of the GPS unit would likely be the last consideration. GPS chipsets aren't that expensive anymore. The top-of-the-line SiRFstarIII GSD3t chipset is only a few bucks a piece when purchased in quantity. If you sell the option from $1200-$2000, it's not going to be much at all.

[mkaresh]

One can only hope the rumor is accurate. The current interior isn't where it should have been, and Lutz should have known this.

[Gm786]

Originally Posted by mkaresh

One can only hope the rumor is accurate. The current interior isn't where it should have been, and Lutz should have known this.

Yeah but it's not a bad interior. There's obviously things in the current Saturn Aura's interior that needs improvement such as the car needing a rear center arm-rest and a center IP radio and climate controls that's better integrated. The Saturn Aura is a decent car and it's one of the vehicles that helped jump start the Saturn brand.

[DuSpinnst]

Originally Posted by slowinthefastlane

Standalone units do exist in their supplier's parts bins. Many of the Delphi units have their own GPS chips and utilize an under-dash mounted antenna. In fact, they sold their TNR800 unit retail up until a few months ago. I think it was around $1600 when it retailed. This was essentially a retail version of the head unit found in the GMT-360 / GMT-800 trucks. Here's where they used to sell it at Crutchfield:

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-b2m5gf8...0&I=040TNR4005

If they really wanted to bring the feature to the EP I platform, the cost of the GPS unit would likely be the last consideration. GPS chipsets aren't that expensive anymore. The top-of-the-line SiRFstarIII GSD3t chipset is only a few bucks a piece when purchased in quantity. If you sell the option from $1200-$2000, it's not going to be much at all.

Remember though it has to pass OEM quality standards, be held in inventory (for warranty) and from the outside it has to look and feel like a regular GM radio. So it has to have a similar function set, operation system, and HMI.

[PA Dweller]

Does anyone know if the Epsilon II Aura will get a Red Line trim? Something with a more powerful engine?

[FierySolstice]

Umm... looks like the Malibu's interior to me.

[SCarFan]

Will the 3.5L OHV V6 still be available? I hope so. It's more driveable than the 4-cylinder, but more fuel efficient and less expensive than the 3.6L...