SATURN AURA RADIATES STYLE, REFINEMENT

Withrnthe launch of the 2007 Sky this spring, Saturn kicks off its mostrnextensive product revitalization to date. Next to market is the all-newrn2007 Aura midsize sedan, unveiled today. Based on last year's conceptrncar of the same name, the Aura blends Saturn's new European-influencedrndesign and high levels of refinement with the brand's customer-focusedrnpurchase and ownership experience.

The Aura's driving characterrnwill match its refined design, with a host of technologicallyrnsophisticated powertrains and a premium sport-sedan setup. Uplevelrnmodels feature GM's first application of a new six-speed automaticrntransmission mated with the 3.6L DOHC V-6, creating a powerful yetrnfuel-efficient package. Later in the 2007 model year, Saturn will offerrnthe Aura Green Line, a 2.4L Ecotec-based hybrid that will use arnpowertrain system similar to the Vue Green Line. It marks the firstrnapplication of a hybrid powertrain in a GM passenger car.

"Thernbold, sophisticated design of the Aura represents another step inrnSaturn's revitalization," said Jill Lajdziak, Saturn general manager.rn"This is a fun-to-drive sport sedan that will appeal both to currentrnSaturn owners and to those who have never considered shopping at one ofrnour retail stores."

Bold new design

Basedrnon the dramatic concept vehicle unveiled in 2005, the Aura sports sedanrncarries much of the concept's bold design. Seen in other new Saturnrnmodels, such as the Sky roadster and Outlook crossover vehicle, thesernelements - including distinctive headlamps with jewel-like appearancernand a chrome grille bar - establish a new design language for Saturn'srngrowing portfolio of vehicles.

"The design language of the Aurarn- and other new Saturn models - is technical and conveys a premiumrnappearance," said Clay Dean, GM design director for small and midsizerncars. "From the detailed lighting elements to the edginess of thernsilhouette, the Aura demonstrates a revitalized emphasis on style andrnperformance."

Aura's premium design cues include halogenrnheadlamps covered in clear housings that wrap upward and around therncorners of the vehicle. This expressive, jewel-like design featurernshared among Saturn's newest models adds a sense of motion to thernvehicle, even when stationary. At the rear of the vehicle, LED tailrnlamps are employed to enhance Aura's technical ethic while alsornproviding an extra measure of safety. LED lamps illuminate more quicklyrnthan conventional incandescent bulbs, which can allow drivers behindrnthe Aura to react sooner when they see the brake lamps.

Additionalrndesign details include a radio antenna integrated in the rear window,rnfor a sleeker overall appearance, and a chrome appearance for the doorrnhandles on XR models. Standard 17-inch wheels and tires fill the wheelrnhouses, enhancing the vehicle's sporty, firmly planted stance. XRrnmodels come with 18-inch polished, 14-spoke cast aluminum wheels andrnperformance tires.

Aura is available in nine exterior colors:rnBerry Red, Black Onyx, Bronzed Pewter, Cream White, Golden Cashmere,rnMidnight Blue, Ocean Mist, Silver Pearl and Techno Grey

Refined interior

Arnmajor focus of the Aura's design is its refined interior, which sets arnnew standard for the Saturn brand. Premium materials with low-glossrnappearance and tight tolerances throughout exhibit excellent fit andrnfinish, while two-tone color combinations for the trim and upholsteryrnexude contemporary style. The interior trim flows across the instrumentrnpanel and wraps around onto the door panels for a more integratedrnappearance. Select use of chrome trim also accents the interior.

Therngauge cluster uses LED-lit analog instruments, with amber lighting andrnanimation at startup. LEDs are also used for ambient light projectedrnfrom the overhead lamp and door pocket lamps. Self-dimming theaterrnlighting enhances the premium feel and provides added convenience atrnnight.

Aura's front reclining bucket seats are designed tornprovide firm support and comfort on long drives. Leather seating isrnavailable, including finely detailed embossed leather seat inserts withrnthe XR's optional Morocco Brown interior. Aura's other interiorrnfeatures include:
+ Automatic climate control
+ Center console with dual-bin storage and automatic sliding tambour door covering front cupholders and storage area
+ Driver information center
+ Optional power-adjustable pedals
+ Available eight-way power-adjustable driver seat
+ Optional heated front seats, available in cloth or leather
+ Universal home remote
+ Power windows with driver express up and express down feature
+ Steering wheel audio controls
+ Four-panel sliding Panoramic roof

Arndiverse range of audio systems also is available, all from GM's newrnfamily of premium radios that feature intuitive controls and flushrnmounting for enhanced refinement. A six-speaker radio system isrnstandard and includes an auxiliary input jack for portable audiornplayers. Saturn's Advanced Audio System also is available. It includesrnan AM/FM/CD/MP3 radio with eight-speaker sound, a 240-watt amplifierrnand rear-seat audio controls with two wireless headphones. XM SatelliternRadio is available on all models.

Refined performance

Saturnrnoffers two powertrains at launch that provide the Aura's power andrnperformance for a refined on-road feel. Standard on XE models is thern3.5L V-6 with variable valve timing (VVT). This powerplant, mated withrnthe 4T45-E, four-speed automatic, generates 224 horsepower (167 kw) andrn220 lb.-ft. of torque (298 Nm).

The 4T45-E is a four-speed,rnelectronically controlled, automatic overdrive transaxle with anrnelectronically controlled torque converter clutch noted for its lowrnnoise, high durability and smooth shifting.

Uplevel XR modelsrnare equipped with the 3.6L DOHC V-6 with VVT, rated at 252 horsepower*rn(188 kw) and 251 lb.-ft. of torque (340 Nm).* This engine is mated withrnthe all-new Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic transmission, thernfirst application of this important addition to the GM Powertrainrnportfolio. The transmission allows for strong performance combined withrnstrong fuel efficiency.

In addition, the 6T70 - GM's firstrnapplication of a front-wheel drive six-speed automatic transmission -rnwill provide the added benefit of Driver Shift Control (DSC), whichrnenables the driver to manually shift through gears via steeringrnwheel-positioned "paddles."

The Aura is built on a stiff,rnrobust chassis that serves as the foundation for a satisfying drivingrnexperience. The vehicle's long wheelbase provides a smooth ride, whilerncareful tuning of the suspension provides sharp and immediate responsernto driver input.