[jcgable]

Don't put anyone in a bad way. Remember the Oshawa guy who got canned for pictures of that mysterious Concept Camaro no one had seen before?

I didn't expect him to do it.

Besides, All he'd have to say is something like: The Planet Saturn is getting hit by an asteroid later next year. That'd be enough for me (though I'd be really bummed, I like the Aura-errr-the Aura that Saturn's ring's create).

 

[Hitman1970]

I didn't expect him to do it.

Besides, All he'd have to say is something like: The Planet Saturn is getting hit by an asteroid later next year. That'd be enough for me (though I'd be really bummed, I like the Aura-errr-the Aura that Saturn's ring's create).

And we won't be launching the Freedom or Independence to go intercept it, either.

 

[jkennedy293]

kidding. I heard things, and if its true, its something that should be done long ago.

I doubt it at this point (from what I'm hearing). GMI will have a follow up on the brand-cut story...we have heard of recent developments since that story broke. Look for that Monday-ish.

You guys are killing me!!

 

[prototype66]

whatwhatwhatwhatwhatwhatwhatwhatwhat!!!!!!!!!?

 

[mjd1001]

Maybe it's as simple as GM not having the "cash" for not only a new product to be produced, but more importantly, the money to give the car a proper "advertising launch". As someone mentioned before, the new Malibu with the 6 speed auto and 2.4 is getting really good mileage ratings...and the current Aura is getting the same combo (and will thus be getting the same mileage ratings.) If GM is as short on cash as we are led to beleive they are now (and will be for the next year or two), then why spend ANY money now for an expensive vehicle launch...when you have a current car that people may just keep on buying (in not spectacular numbers) because it is improving in the way (fuel economy) that seems to be more important to people now than styling is.

Remeber, new vehicle launches, done the right way (advertising included) can be expensive. If a company is having funding problems, they may have to pick and choose what projects go forward and which ones they can hold off on.

 

[osv_alero]

Power plant change? Turbo DI new gen 1.4L I4 as base Engine for America? Or perhaps the Euro SWB around 107.5IN was thought to be too short to replace todays long domestic Aura's 112IN.

I was guessing on the engine change to the smaller new engines as well as the possibility of having a more complex hybrid version.

 

[dindak]

In the light of what is happening around the world with slowing economies and the oil shock, I think everything is being re-evaluated at GM.

 

[bc3tech]

stupid stupid stupid. I see 35mpg HWY in my 3.6L 6spd Aura XR, and 25mpg in the city... won't trade that, coupled with 252hp, for anything. Except the 2010

 

[kenman923]

Sounds like the beginning of the end of Saturn.

 

[Hitman1970]

stupid stupid stupid. I see 35mpg HWY in my 3.6L 6spd Aura XR, and 25mpg in the city... won't trade that, coupled with 252hp, for anything. Except the 2010

I don't see that with the 4 speed/ 3.6L combo. At 65 mph I see 28 mpg Highway. I have averaged 21.7 mpg combined over 24000 miles. I think it is pretty good so mileage will not be the motivator to make my next purchase.

Vanity will be.

 

[mp11477]

I'm going to speculate Saturn is going to follow Oldsmobile to that big assembly line in the sky.

 

[civilzues]

smaller engine and the Saab 9-5 I would say, after reading the post. but I hope it's not the big assembly line in the sky b/c Saturn will be one with Opel by 2014, so I am confused...
won't Saturn essentially just redo the sheet metal to make the bumpers work....

 

[kodos78]

Good riddance. Sorry, I'd rather dump resources into making the world's finest midsize sedan in the Malibu. The Aura would take up too many resources + advertising dollars.

When GM has made Malibu #1 in sales and perception, then they can think about a second car for Saturn.

And this is from a fan of the Saturn Sky, who is being tempted by the 0% for 72 months deal!

 

[windvale]

I'm going to speculate Saturn is going to follow Oldsmobile to that big assembly line in the sky.

With Pontiac, Buick and GMC to follow - just my guess...

 

[Michael_S]

Power plant change? Turbo DI new gen 1.4L I4 as base Engine for America? Or perhaps the Euro SWB around 107.5IN was thought to be too short to replace todays long domestic Aura's 112IN.

Well, the interesting thing is that the 2004-2007 Malibu had the shorter Epsilon 1 wheelbase and more total leg room than the long wheelbase Epsilon 1 G6, Aura, or 2008 Malibu.

So a shorter wheelbase on Epsilon 2 may not be a problem.

I bet there's a small chance Saturn gets the axe but a bigger chance GM has an even more efficient powertrain in the pipeline than the 2.4/6 speed. Maybe the 1.4. Maybe a direct injection version of the 2.2? Assuming a pretty common 10% power bump for direct injection, that would put output right where the 2.4 has it and boost fuel economy another few mpg.

 

[Sinner]

Good riddance. Sorry, I'd rather dump resources into making the world's finest midsize sedan in the Malibu. The Aura would take up too many resources + advertising dollars.

When GM has made Malibu #1 in sales and perception, then they can think about a second car for Saturn.

And this is from a fan of the Saturn Sky, who is being tempted by the 0% for 72 months deal!

+1. Malibu should be the first Epy II car in the US/Canada. Launch your volume leader first to pay for the others. Not niche products like Saab and Saturn.

 

[mpsrent]

I'm only guessing, but maybe, just maybe, management has finally seen the light and will sell the new Aura through a division like Buick that has a better chance of producing real sales numbers? We can debate the reasons but the fact remains that over the past 2 years Saturn has launched some excellent products only to witness dismal sales results. Why give Saturn anther winner when other divisions could actually make GM a profit with this car?

GM needs profitable volume leader cars now, something Saturn with it's small dealer network cannot deliver.

 

[BrickTamland]

I hope GM can call this a "unique oppurtunity" rather than a "major challenge," like with what Rockstar said when they delayed Grand Theft Auto IV. I am holding the hope that they found an 11th hour major improvement they could make for the car. Maybe they pulled a Ford Focus and found they could extract another 2 mpg out of it with some minor tooling.

 

[F14CRAZY]

Gm figured out how bad they screwed up Saturn and decided to can it

 

[Tethys]

It's amazing how many of you are speculating without data, other than what scant information the moderators provided in the thread header. Ah well, yet another chance for all the Saturn haters to resurface now that the woodwork's squeaked...

mpsrent - your theory might be more valid if 80 percent of Saturn's lineup (save the Astra) weren't duplicated in other GM divisions. Saturn's other major problem aside from ~430 North American retailers is a woeful lack of advertising.

Unless GM can accurately define roles for Buick, Pontiac and GMC and sell Hummer, this quagmire won't stop. Giving the Aura to Buick reeks of the 1990s (why does Buick need a 4-cyl. model?), better to import the gorgeous Chinese variants to the States, which would allow this storied make to take a step toward its halcyon days. Pontiac needs to become RWD asap, no minivans, no small SUVs but performance, performance, performance! GMC needs to be GM's commercial truck arm instead of the worst example of rebadging the company offers.

I hope BrickTamland's theory is at least partially correct as a redone Aura might have made it to my short list in 2011 when I'm ready for a new vehicle.