Concepts
Saturn Vue Preview Sketch
Prior to unveiling the 2002 Vue sport-utility at the South Florida International Auto Show in Miami on October 6 2001, Saturn released the preview sketch shown above. Even though the SUV charted new territory for Saturn, the vehicle still embodied many Saturn characteristics that were popular at the time, including: a horizontal front lightbar, domed hood, arched roofline, and side "swoosh."
2001 Saturn SCX Concept
With its turbocharged engine and sizzling yellow-to-red paint scheme, the Saturn SCX three-door coupe ignited the passion of performance-car enthusiasts. The SCX's 1.9-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine was modified by Saturn Motorsports of San Diego to yield an estimated 300 hp, more than double the engine's normal output in the Saturn SC2. Along with its hot engine, the SCX boasted a high level of handling and sporty appearance cues that reflected the car's performance capabilities.
First Saturn Prototype
This was the first Saturn demonstration prototype vehicle. It was completed for evaluation and shown to the media on September 15, 1984. General Motors Chairman and CEO at the time, Roger Smith, and GM's then-President and Chief Operating Officer, F. James McDonald, are pictured with the 1985 Saturn four-door sedan concept.
2004 Saturn Curve Concept
General Motors introduced the Saturn Curve concept coupe at the North American International Auto Show in January of 2004. It was one of the vehicles, including the Pontiac Solstice production model and Chevrolet Nomad concept, built on GM's new rear-wheel-drive Kappa architecture.
Buick Will Receive the Innovative Plug-in, Two-Mode Powertrain that was Promised to Saturn
In January 2008, Saturn announced that the Vue would be the recipient of an innovative two-mode, plug-in powertrain in 2011. This would have allowed the Vue to generate an average fuel economy of 35mpg. After deciding to sell Saturn, however, GM robbed Saturn of this technology and announced it would instead debut it in one of GM's four core brands.
On the Auction Block: 2003 Saturn Ion QC/T Concept

This 2003 Saturn Ion QC/T concept was featured at the 2002 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. The modified Ion is powered by a 2.2 liter turbo engine with a 5-speed manual transmission, 4-wheel disc brakes, and 235/40ZR18 tires on 7-spoke Motegi aluminum wheels.
Historic Saturn, GM Vehicles Sold at Barrett-Jackson Auction Earlier this Month
Mark Vaughn from AutoWeek: More than 200 cars from GM's Heritage Fleet went on the block in what GM called normal housekeeping. Note that's the Heritage Fleet, which is different from the Heritage Collection. The latter has about 350 cars. "The Heritage Collection is sacred, a critical part of the history of GM," said Brian Baker, collection manager and design historian.
Opel Ampera Extended-Range Electric Car Would Look Right at Home in Saturn Lineup

Opel will unveil its version of the revolutionary Chevrolet Volt at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show in March. The extended-range electric vehicle, which Opel will call the Ampera, will be a five-door, four-seat model that shares styling cues with both the Volt and last year's popular Flextreme concept.
On the Auction Block: 2004 Saturn Vue Red Line Street Play Concept
On the Auction Block: 2004 Saturn Vue "Spring Special"
Random Article from the SaturnFans.com Archives
Saturn's Hip Little Hatchback
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From BusinessWeek.com: As gasoline prices continue to soar, U.S. drivers will probably start buying more small, European-style cars. The new Saturn is virtually identical to the Continental European Opel Astra, the British Vauxhall Astra, and the Australian Holden Astra. That's a good thing when it comes to handling. |