Saturn has crafted a two-passenger, four-wheel drive, hybrid-powered sports coupe that is loosely based on the Ion Quad Coupe. Last January, after signing a nondisclosure agreement, I was taken to a secret test track near Flag Staff, Arizona and introduced to this revolutionary new kind of car codenamed the Saturn REA (REE-ah).

Only the Best

The REA is built on a modified version of GM's Delta architecture, internally known as the 69-a international platform. A 1250cc Honda rotary-thrust engine charges four 124-volt Energizer batteries. The engine, rated A++ by the California's Air Management Resources Board, burns denatured alcohol. Projected range for the eight-gallon tank is 570 miles (71 mpg), mixed city and highway.

No Transmission - Easy to Park

Transmissionless, REA's silicon chips distribute power. Four separate, eighty-four horsepower axle mounted, Computer Controlled Electric Motors (CCEM), power REA. That's three hundred and thirty-six horses. The Hewlett Packard computer, (four separate computers, built onto a single board for redundancy) provides traction and stability control, anti-lock brakes, and four-wheel independent steering. Press "Park." REA's four wheels turn ninety degrees and "slide" into a parking space. But this is hardly a car to keep parked.

Starts and Stops on a Dime

Four-wheel CCEM steering provides astounding handling, testing 4.785 on the slip pad. Thankfully, the seats come with a firm grip. The computer limited top speed to 179 mph, while zero to one hundred averaged 3.8 seconds in ten runs, with and against the wind (2.5 mph). Stopping in 97 feet from sixty to zero. There was no fade after ten panic stops. It is amazing what you can do with three hundred and thirty-six horses and brakes like this in a nineteen hundred pound coupe.

REA is as Beautiful as a Coupe Can Be

The safety-cage is constructed of Dupont Corian and clad with Saturn's Polymer panels. The windscreen, sunroof, side and rear glass contain a "suspended-particle device." As current passes through, the windows darken. The roof, trunk and hood are constructed of corrugated Alcoa aluminum. Seventeen inch Mickey Thompson Performance Tires and Wheels complete the package.

The Inside is Pure Enchantment

The interior is accented with genuine hand-rubbed rosewood. Panasonic's fourteen-inch, center mounted display provides access to all systems, media and cameras. Lands End heated and cooled perforated leather seats; "Comfort-Sensor" HVAC; driver-adjustable electric power steering and anti-lock, four-wheel, energy-recovery disk brakes are included. Sharp LED projection heads provide weather-enhanced, driving lights, as well as, steering-controlled front, side and rear illumination. Laser fog cutters are integrated. JBL's soft touch, time-sensitive horn provides a graduated response, providing up to a 150-db multi-phonic announcement. Two electrically heated and cooled cup holders and two convertible ashtrays with four power outlets are supplied. A passive chip sets security and/or cues power-assisted doors to open about six inches. For safety, a soft tug activates the door-opening piston. Retinal scanning unlocks and verbal commands operate all driver controls. REA recognizes up to four operators. In the event of an unauthorized entry, REA's Cisco database is cleared, and the vehicle cannot be operated. Police are notified. When secure, OnStar V automatically rebuilds the database after retinal-scan validation.

Electronics

Pioneer's navigation with traffic avoidance and OnStar V provide data. The navigation mapping, infrared night vision and backup camera are projected on the windscreen. Panasonic's parametric equalized, ten speaker tri-amplified audio system with dash mounted DVD changer, MP3 and WMP record and playback, includes a removable 80 MB solid-state drive. Satellite radio, cell phone, digital television and Internet (voice reading of e-mails) as well as conventional television, FM and AM broadcasts are available. All features are voice activated. One-year of OnStar V, Internet and satellite radio and Dish television are included.

Quiet Interior Improves Mileages

Dynamat C converts road vibration into electrical energy. Originally designed for the space shuttle, this simple, effective, vibration to electric conversion is over seventy percent efficient. The generated electricity is used to enhance the surprisingly smooth, tightly sprung ride and to increase road clearance up to seven inches on washboard surfaces. Suspension movement, also converted to electrical energy, when combined with road vibration provides a five percent increase in fuel economy. Road noise is reduced to an almost inaudible 35db at 90 mph. To the driving enthusiast, road feedback is an essential part of driving. Therefore, REA includes four omni-directional microphones, one in each wheel-well. These four stereo signals are delivered to the ten surround speakers. At 124 mph, I punched the "Feedback" button. The rumble that shot through my loins was awe-inspiring.

Safety Has Not Been Overlooked

REA's resin frame incorporates twelve air bags. These include, driver (1), passenger (1), lower-side impact (2), neck and head (4) and knee (2). Two additional air bags are mounted in the cargo area. Four point racing belts are standard. Saturn expects REA to achieve a five-star safety rating. The intergrated front and rear bumpers are rated at twelve mph with no detectable damage.

OnStar V automatically notifies emergency responders in the event of airbag deployment. Mark-4 sensors determine the type of blood and the amount lost. The emergency team is informed of your allergies and medications, as well as blood pressure, blood gases, respiration and pulse rates. A permanent record of your car's operation, including video from its three cameras, for eight minutes preceding the accident is maintained. The system notifies federal, state and local authorities, eliminating the need for the operator to file reports.

Interactive Owners Manual

The monitor-displayed owner's manual is automatically updated. As a problem occurs, the computer provides the solution. When driver action is required, simple to follow instructions are available. If a serious malfunction occurs, Saturn Corporation and the nearest Saturn dealer are notified. The dealer's warehouse database is checked for part(s) availability and, if necessary, Saturn's depot shipment is authorized. Normal service is required at one hundred thousand miles or three years.

A New Kind of Saturn Fun

Lifting the bonnet exposes a coordinated Lands End leather luggage set. Press the remote, and a 42-inch wide-screen Sharp monitor descends. Also mounted in the trunk are left, center and right speakers. Matching, rear channel speakers on folding stands are included. A 10-inch, trunk mounted subwoofer supports both the in-cabin and wide-screen audio systems. Two, Lands End leather director's chairs are stored under the trunk mat.

Surprisingly Affordable

The Saturn REA is expected to go into production in 2005 with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is $36,044.07. The REA will be available on Saturn's five-year, zero pay plan.

Happy April Fools Day!

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Source: Michael Goodspeed