Four Cylinder Aura for 2008

[carscomblogger]

I didn't see it in the Saturn Discussion. Two big GM stories today as they released their full 2008 updates.

For the 2008 model year the Aura will come with a four-cylinder engine in the XE-4 model. The XE-6 will also be made with the same standard 3.5-liter V6 it did last year. There is also a hybrid version of the Aura called the Green Line. That raises another question. The Saturn Green Line gets 24/32 mpg in city and highway driving while the EPA lists the new four-cylinder XE at 22/30.

For full story
http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2...2008-aura.html

[likearock00]

Instead of sharing this car with too many different makes, GM is instead throwing just about every option available at it- 4 cyl, 6cyl, a hybrid, and a "ss". I think they need to pare this down a bit, especially when the expensive hybrid does little to improve fuel economy.

[cemaxc]

Meh...I can see benefits of doing this but I kind of liked the exclusivitiy of the Aura only having a v6. But now with the 4 cyl. Saturn can make the sales numbers that they were hoping for all along. I'm torn. I can't decide if this is going to be a good thing with improved sales or bad for lost image with a budget priced Aura.

[dindak]

This should drive volume which is what the Aura needs now. Quality and the car itself with all the awards are proving the car is worthy of a look by mid-size buyers.

[spaz]

still using the 4t45E or the new 6T40?

[coaster.n3rd]

This is new to me, I have had no indication of the Aura getting a 4 cyl.

Edit:
I have all sorts of 08 Aura literature in front of me and nothing mentions a 4cyl. This includes the pricing sheet and order guides.

[carscomblogger]

Originally Posted by coaster.n3rd

This is new to me, I have had no indication of the Aura getting a 4 cyl.

Edit:
I have all sorts of 08 Aura literature in front of me and nothing mentions a 4cyl. This includes the pricing sheet and order guides.

try here:
http://media.gm.com/us/saturn/en/pro...ura/index.html

[coaster.n3rd]

Hmmm... This could be ok.

[carscomblogger]

Originally Posted by spaz

still using the 4t45E or the new 6T40?

Hydra-Matic 4T45 4-speed automatic transmission

[Chaz_23]

Cannibalization in action. With the Astra coming, no need for a 4 cylinder Aura. The G6 takes care of that. But I guess anything that will bump those sales up. Lets see what the price is.

[SJZ3]

Its good they are giving it a 4-banger, but it probably should have been there from the start.

It also would have been better if they gave it the newer 6-speed automatic.

[coaster.n3rd]

They should have given a 6 speed standard... This is a bad idea.. My thought is they did this to keep the Aura in the 30mpg category.

[CrunkedRL]

Well I hope with the exception of the engine/tranny the Aura does not get decontented anymore than what it is right now for the XE version. I still don't believe the Aura should have gotten a 4c if anything they should have standardized the hybrid. To me this goes against what the new Saturn's theme is which is more upmarket. This to me is a$$ backwards.

[A.J.]

Oh, and the new MALIBU, what's supposed to be at a luxury level BELOW the Aura, gets a 6-speed with its four?

Originally Posted by Perian (diff. thread)

I had the pleasure of some Malibu driving last weekend. And, although we have a few final tweaks and improvements to make, I just feel that, if we market this vehicle properly, it should be a huge success.

I had two late builds at home for a test-drive: a base four-cylinder with a well-matched four-speed automatic transmission (there will also be an optional six-speed automatic available with the four, shortly after introduction), 16-inch steel wheels, cloth, and few accoutrements save power windows; and also a loaded LTZ V6 with two-tone all-leather interior and 3.6-liter 252-hp engine.

One word. Wow.

[dindak]

This month's Motor Trend also confirms an XE-4.