Next Generation VUE Revealed, 'Identical' to Opel Antara GTC

[Charlie]

Automotive News reports that the midsize Opel Antara sport-utility vehicle concept, unveiled today at the Frankfurt International Auto Show, is indeed the next generation Saturn VUE.

GM Vice Chairman Robert Lutz revealed at a media preview that the Antara "will be identical to the future Saturn VUE." While the next VUE is still "a few years away," sources tell SaturnFans.com that a four-door version will also be offered. Automotive News says General Motors of Europe reportedly engineered the vehicle with "U.S. production in mind, both in terms of U.S. regulations and plant assembly." Lutz added that General Motors "can build it in a U.S. plant, and it will be identical." Full Story (http://www.saturnfans.com/Cars/Future/opelantaravue.shtml). Opel Antara GTC Photos (http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/showgallery.php/cat/12332).

More Articles (http://www.saturnfans.com/whats-new.shtml).

Enjoy!
Charlie

[Spazie]

How is it that the Aura and Sky are so gorgeous, but everything else they've been making is so disgusting looking? :no:

It looks like a mix between a Subaru Tribeca and Infinity FX45. :no: I don't like the exterior. Here's hoping they do good on the interior and powertrain. Keep the Honda V6 please!!!

[thetruth]

:yes: :yes: Absolutely gorgeous. I could see it parked next to my Red Line SKY!! :yes: :yes:

[Charlie]

Keep the Honda V6 please!!!The Honda V6 won't be necessary anymore... ;)

[Spazie]

Are they giving it a V8 finally?

[ttreibel]

I'm guessing it will be a sheet metal car but it could really benefit from plastic polymer panels. All I see is a giant dent magnetic. :xeye:

[jacobsstcg]

Drooling, drooling, drooling... This is the perfect. My wife has been telling me that the Sky is to impratical, but now I can have the Sky and she can have one of these new Vue's! To bad we aren't going to get to see any of these in the showrooms for a while :(
I do miss the polymer sides though, that has saved me countless bodyshop visits. I sure wish they would keep this feature.

[hugh]

The styling is a bit too bloated for my taste,however I find the details on the proposed engine very interesting.

The engine is stated to be a "twin turbo version of the existing 1.9 CDTI,4 cyl",...."including a particulate filter". I don't know much about Opel engines,but mention of a particulate filter makes me think this is a diesel. However 200+ HP from a diesel this size sounds a bit high. :?:

[HP Vue]

Whew,

:dizzy:

One side of me thinks it looks COOL! .....................BUT, :x the other says shucks, it's nothing more than a "modernized", warmed over Nissan Murano, ready to take on a rocket booster and go to the Moon or Mars. Yea, it's COOL, but with all the modern electronic gazardry, number one: who's gonna fix it when it breaks, and it is a machine, so it will break - if you doubt that, just think about the billions spent on the space shuttle - can you say "leaky seals?"
Number two: by the time the corporate idiots at GM water down the styling by taking away the wheel and tire package pictured, removing the body side exhaust outlets, etc., etc., it will start to take on the ugly duck appearange of a Toyota Echo! :sleep:

And number three: The last "issue" I have with "IT", as someone else has already mentioned as well, "IT" doesn't look too roomy :?: .....It looks like function followed styling, versus form following function. :no:

IMHO, "IT" is an exercize in engineers being enamored with themselves, and going willy nillie with wiz-bang, over the top, designs, without too much attention to useability or practicality, nor any attention to serviceability or cost of service, just to impress themselves! :x What a shame!

At least we have the 05 Redline to remind us what a nice stylish Saturn once was! ;)

Overall, what a disappointment. Not for my money. Later. :sleep:

[Cheebs]

Whoa :D

That's hawt looking :yes:

I hope the production is identical to the concept...or at least offer the stuff that they cut out as options.

I'll gladly take a silver one after my Ion is paid for in 2009, I hope they have a Redline version by then :yes:

[slowneo]

What will the 4 door version look like?

Will it have a longer wheelbase?

[walt]

When you have a good thing going you should keep it and use it to its limits as Japan has done for decades.The VUE will be about 6 years old when the all new version is introduced.It will not be plastic(strike one IMO) and first and second year problems can be expected. Finally the VUE becomes near perfect and its scraped.Its the blood of Saturn and GM decides to experament with a furturistic design.GM could of kept the existing platform,improved it still further and redesigned the upper part like its S series cars.So Saturn will have three completly new designs on the market all at about the same time. The boys at consumers will have a field day Im sure.

[SkyVue]

I love it!! Opel has always had cutting edge designs. I do remember when the first generation Ford Taurus came out people said the same thing, then it became the best selling car. Only time will tell. Will look real good parked beside my 03 Vue which is now paid for. Hope that the four door is as good looking and please put a rear wiper on it. I didn't see one on it in the pictures. I want to get a sky too. Guess I willl be buying some new saturns every 2 or three years!! Saturn/Opel you have another winner on your hands , don't change a thing!

[lithous]

It's all quite sad IMO. The whole global economy thing is going to make us have such boring vehicles and make us all more boring people. Instead of having North American, European and Asian styling to choose from what we have is Americans going to Europeans to style like Asian products (many say Murano looking and I say that plus in the back it is small Lexus SUV). Everybody talks about modern cars looking like jellybeans, well, I think this one is front runner for that title now.

Funny how many of the American muscle cars are fetching as much as European vehicles which started out much more expensive the in the 70's. Yet I keep hearing how crappy American cars were in the 70's. How cool did Mad Max look with his "Last of the V8 Interceptors"? I don't know what Asian car could have replaced a muscle car in 1978 when Mad Max was filmed and 1980 when Road Warrior was filmed. Point is that too bad American design is apparently dieing out completely. Some cool cars were designed here at one time.

Most American cars after the muscle car era are considered pretty boring. Hmmm. That's when we started making cars smaller and plain to compete with the small plain competition. But now look at how big the Camry is compared to the original Camry. Look at the size of the Avalon. How funny that American familys used to be larger on average and yet the Japanese and Europeans convinced up we wanted these small cars and now families are getting smaller and the Japanese and European cars are getting bigger and we are now convinced that is what we want. Are we lemmings are what? I think many people think that foreign is so much better and if you look over history it isn't "really" true it is only what we perceived as true, IMO.

[LTS]

When I see the actual shipping version of the car I will share a more detailed opinion. However, I like the looks of this one. Whether it's functional/practical for it's mileage,etc. is another story.

[mars_volta]

hmmmm. anybody remember the last opel/saturn venture? :snide:

[GirlWithAVue]

What will the 4 door version look like?

Will it have a longer wheelbase?

Here is some information on the 2008 Saturn VUE. When you go to the webpage, scroll down to 2008. If you click on Chevrolet S3X, it shows what the VUE is presumed to look like in 2008. If you ask me, it looks like a Nissan Murano. Maybe this is close to what the 4-door version will look like.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saturn_VUE

Interesting stuff...If that is any indication of what the VUE will look like, I am glad I got mine this year. At least this year's model still has the traditional Saturn look, but with a minor facelift. If I wanted a Murano, I would've bought one.

I'm not saying that this new look isn't nice ;) , but it totally loses the Saturn signature look and I'm sure the polymer body panels will be gone with it as well. Maybe looks are deceiving, but it looks like it may have a smaller cargo area.

I hope Saturn doesn't end up with all cookie cutter vehicles that you can just go buy at any Chevy or Pontiac dealership at some point. I'd hate to see some of the Saturn vehicles they've became known for dissappear. :tear:

[mikec]

I like it. Looks like a smaller Nissan Murano or Lexus RX330. Walt had a good idea about mabe keeping the old model around for a year or 2 after the new one comes out. Sort of what GM did with the Blazer and Trail Blazer.

[Citation84]

Ths is sensational. You think the 2 door production version will also be a HARDTOP ??? The Feds just added new roof strength standards, so this must be a show car only idea.Any one else notice this ? Rear windows that roll down in a 2 door, what an innovation these days. No center post. Sort of like the hardtop station wagons from the 50s.
It's beautiful.
Thanks for all the pictures and links Charlie.
If there were a market for "traditional Saturn styling", GM/Saturn would not be trying a new direction. It won't do for traditionalists, but it will sell to people who would never have considered a Saturn before. I think perhaps the general public doesn't even know it's still in business. This should get their attention. Smashing design. Build it and they will come.

[saturn_69]

I think it looks awesome! It's about time an American car company steps out of the vanilla and tries something with a little more edge to it. And as for the "last Opel/Saturn venture" comment, the L-series was totally dumbed down for American consumption, it wasn't really an Opel. The SAAB 9-5 has more in common with the Opel than our L-series did, even though they are on the same platform and share many components. I believe GM will do this one the right way, as they also will with the Astra/Ion. It's a new day at Saturn and it's about time.

[VUEnumber1]

The full-length glass roof is a deal breaker for sure. What a sweatbox that'll be unless there are sunshades of some sort.

I like the look, but I'll bet it's not for tall people like me.

Didn't read the whole thing, server's too "busy" today. Pictures take forever to load today too. I may have missed something...

[KrgION03]

Whew,

:dizzy:

One side of me thinks it looks COOL! .....................BUT, :x the other says shucks, it's nothing more than a "modernized", warmed over Nissan Murano, ready to take on a rocket booster and go to the Moon or Mars. Yea, it's COOL, but with all the modern electronic gazardry, number one: who's gonna fix it when it breaks, and it is a machine, so it will break - if you doubt that, just think about the billions spent on the space shuttle - can you say "leaky seals?"
Number two: by the time the corporate idiots at GM water down the styling by taking away the wheel and tire package pictured, removing the body side exhaust outlets, etc., etc., it will start to take on the ugly duck appearange of a Toyota Echo! :sleep:

And number three: The last "issue" I have with "IT", as someone else has already mentioned as well, "IT" doesn't look too roomy :?: .....It looks like function followed styling, versus form following function. :no:

IMHO, "IT" is an exercize in engineers being enamored with themselves, and going willy nillie with wiz-bang, over the top, designs, without too much attention to useability or practicality, nor any attention to serviceability or cost of service, just to impress themselves! :x What a shame!

At least we have the 05 Redline to remind us what a nice stylish Saturn once was! ;)

Overall, what a disappointment. Not for my money. Later. :sleep:

RELAX!!

It's a CONCEPT. Concepts are supposed to be over the top. The basic design will stay the same, but it won't be as ugly. To me, this looks like a 3-door version of the Chevy S3X, and basically, that's what it is. So, for the new VUE, I'm expecting the 5-door S3X we've all seen, but with this Opel Antara front end on it. The tailgate will be similar to the Antara as well I'd assume. That Antara interior looks like a heavily stylized, almost "absract" version of the S3X's interior. So, I'd be willing to guess that the production version of the next VUE will have a similar interior to the S3X interior spy shots we've seen.

I'm liking the direction they're going. I've always liked Opels. I've seen a bunch in person, including the current Astra and Vectra, and they're VW-like in look/feel. Very different from the GM we're used to. This will be awesome for Saturn.

[bibliotech]

If that's the '08, we're getting an '07. I didn't know Ugly Sticks came that big.

[haypops]

perhaps (http://www.wrc-wallpaper.de/wall/Cars/Chevrolet%20S3X%20Concept%202004%201.jpg) What will the 4 door version look like?

Will it have a longer wheelbase?

[VTHokie00SL2]

Why don't they just change the name of Saturn to Opel?

[haypops]

Why don't they just change the name of Saturn to Opel?

Better yet change the name Vauxhall to Saturn.

[spencerb]

Why don't they just change the name of Saturn to Opel?Because the Saturn brand has a strong identity and value here in the US. The Opel brand is worthless here. Few people have ever heard of it.

[lithous]

I showed the pics of the GTC to a guy at work that has a Murano and he loves it. Says it will sell well. And thinks it does look like a Murano :)

I told him it was designed by Opel but I don't think he heard of them and then I said it is a German division of GM and said a few Saturn things have come out of there and he asked if they were going to rename Saturn to Opel. ;)

Makes me wonder how many Muranos have sold? If it isn't a lot then maybe this isn't a great idea for a replacement. If there are a lot sold then I guess it is the way to go.

[Jeff03Vue]

IMO..... It's looks good.
But how can they show us a picture of that

When they can't show a picture of the Outback or whatever it's called?
Which is supposed to be ready sooner.

[cdp326]

When you have a good thing going you should keep it and use it to its limits as Japan has done for decades.The VUE will be about 6 years old when the all new version is introduced.It will not be plastic(strike one IMO) and first and second year problems can be expected. Finally the VUE becomes near perfect and its scraped.Its the blood of Saturn and GM decides to experament with a furturistic design.GM could of kept the existing platform,improved it still further and redesigned the upper part like its S series cars.So Saturn will have three completly new designs on the market all at about the same time. The boys at consumers will have a field day Im sure.

My guess is that this is on the Theta architecture, although I haven't checked. Any powertrains in it probably won't be new--my guess is the 3.6L V6 that's gonna be in the Aura w/ 3.6 and is in the Caddy CTS, STS, and SRX, and Buick LaCrosse and Rendezvous, will be in this. Six years is about the average lifespan of a model. Many cars out there are recently redesigned--the Odyssey and Sienna for example. The new Focus went on sale this past year in Europe, and the old one was produced since the late 90's and very much loved by the press and the public. I don't get this--you complain of the design and architecture being reused in the 2005 GM vans, yet you want them to continue to use an old platform for another vehicle that has a decidedly broader market? Since the car has to do double duty as an Opel/Vauxhall (what about Holden, anyone know?) and Saturn, I'd say they're going to take make sure it's done well. It actually reminds me of a SEAT at the back, which has been done before. The original Sky and Curve concepts had SEAT-like noses. Where are you getting 3 completely new designs?

The 2007 Aura uses the Epsilon architecture used on the Malibu, G6, 9-3, and the Vectra. The Vectra has just been refreshed with a front very similar to the Aura's, and it's going on sale for '06.
The 2008 ION will probably use the engines currently being used, and are in the Cobalt too so it's not like it's going to be different. It's still on Delta architecture too.

First and second year problems can be expected on any car. The Hyundai Tucson/Kia Sportage are being recalled for a faulty parking brake IIRC, and the new Sonata has a backseat that apparently can suddenly recline and an antiskid system that randomly activates when it's not needed. Look at the new Civic, and some of the things its got, like the digital dash design, and active headrests which Honda hasn't employed the use of until now.

[binkybaby]

THAT is going to be the new Vue? Tell me it ain't so! :cry: i accept and in fact love the styling of the 2006 model, and to me it would be a crime to replace the Vue with that! If i could i'd love a 2006, or even a 2007 if it retains the same style. i was almost afraid what they'd replace the best looking small SUV ever made with, and i knew it had to be really something to even compare to the current generation, let alone deserve the name Vue. What i'm seeing-a crossbreed between a Murano, FX45 and a Tribeca, ain't it. This would be for sure the disappointment of the millenium. :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

[ssn]

I always thought the Ion looked like a mini maxima. So why should Vue look like mini Murano? I think new VUE looks great nad only have 2 hopes. 1. that it looks identical as Lutz says it will. 2. we stop sharing lines with chevontiuick. Saturn needs it's own identity again.

[VTHokie00SL2]

To me, it looks similar to the Nissan Murano. Those weird curves seem to be a new fad, but I personally prefer the more solid and well defined look of the current VUE.

[rossao1]

To me, it looks similar to the Nissan Murano. Those weird curves seem to be a new fad, but I personally prefer the more solid and well defined look of the current VUE.

I agree, and would add, the 3/4 rear pic looks like a Piranha to me.

I guess I could get used to it, but it is another over the top prototype. The roof windows, big wheels, side vents, and side exhaust are going away.

Could someone tell me, are those headlights directly taken from the ION QC?

[John10]

As usual I'll withold my final comment on appearance until I see one in person. Three first impressions however......
1. Nothing about this car reminds me of a Saturn.
2. If this is a small SUV, nothing about it reminds me of one of those either.
3. With all those curvy lines, I wouldn't want to pay the bill to fix one after a moderately damaging accident. Why isn't this made of polymer? The lines scream out "plastic" ;)

[The Budman]

RELAX!!

It's a CONCEPT. Concepts are supposed to be over the top. The basic design will stay the same, but it won't be as ugly. To me, this looks like a 3-door version of the Chevy S3X, and basically, that's what it is. So, for the new VUE, I'm expecting the 5-door S3X we've all seen, but with this Opel Antara front end on it. The tailgate will be similar to the Antara as well I'd assume. That Antara interior looks like a heavily stylized, almost "absract" version of the S3X's interior. So, I'd be willing to guess that the production version of the next VUE will have a similar interior to the S3X interior spy shots we've seen.

I'm liking the direction they're going. I've always liked Opels. I've seen a bunch in person, including the current Astra and Vectra, and they're VW-like in look/feel. Very different from the GM we're used to. This will be awesome for Saturn.


Right on Kyle. Remember people, the real world vehicals NEVER look identical to the concept. From a quick glance, you can count on not seeing the full roof glass, overkill of little chrome (read chrome looking plastic) pieces, and huge fender protruding wheels. Like it or hate it, you can't just keep the same body style forever. I'm sure there were some discusted Camaro/ Firebird owners in 93 when the 4th gens came out. Not always but 90% of the time, once you get used to the new looks a new model is an improvment over the dated one.

[walt]

My guess is that this is on the Theta architecture, although I haven't checked. Any powertrains in it probably won't be new--my guess is the 3.6L V6 that's gonna be in the Aura w/ 3.6 and is in the Caddy CTS, STS, and SRX, and Buick LaCrosse and Rendezvous, will be in this. Six years is about the average lifespan of a model. Many cars out there are recently redesigned--the Odyssey and Sienna for example. The new Focus went on sale this past year in Europe, and the old one was produced since the late 90's and very much loved by the press and the public. I don't get this--you complain of the design and architecture being reused in the 2005 GM vans, yet you want them to continue to use an old platform for another vehicle that has a decidedly broader market? Since the car has to do double duty as an Opel/Vauxhall (what about Holden, anyone know?) and Saturn, I'd say they're going to take make sure it's done well. It actually reminds me of a SEAT at the back, which has been done before. The original Sky and Curve concepts had SEAT-like noses. Where are you getting 3 completely new designs?

The 2007 Aura uses the Epsilon architecture used on the Malibu, G6, 9-3, and the Vectra. The Vectra has just been refreshed with a front very similar to the Aura's, and it's going on sale for '06.
The 2008 ION will probably use the engines currently being used, and are in the Cobalt too so it's not like it's going to be different. It's still on Delta architecture too.

First and second year problems can be expected on any car. The Hyundai Tucson/Kia Sportage are being recalled for a faulty parking brake IIRC, and the new Sonata has a backseat that apparently can suddenly recline and an antiskid system that randomly activates when it's not needed. Look at the new Civic, and some of the things its got, like the digital dash design, and active headrests which Honda hasn't employed the use of until now.
The Altama was redesigned on top in 2000,but kept its platform till currently. Its by far one of the hottest cars on the market. It speaks reliabilty to the public and its a car comsumers know and trust.You will see one on every street corner.IMO by scraping the scuessful design of the VUE Saturn now takes a leap with what really shows STRONG looks of a Nissian Murano. On top of its expected new model problems saturn will have to sell its faithful VUE clientele on another new vehicle. Chevy had great sucess with the VUE platform in upper redsign only,why would you mess with something you know has been sucessful because of its size,looks and all round handling just to be like one of your competators, Nissian?

[GR898SL2]

The Antara/next VUE does have an Infiniti FX look to it, especially up front, even moreso with a four-door variant. To resemble a Murano, the rear window would have to sweep upward on a 45-degree angle, as with the AMC Gremlin.

I withhold any judgment on until I see the actual Saturn concept version at New York next spring. Hopefully, GM's designers can find a way to add an extra pair of doors to the Antara while retaining its basic shape. Judging from the early '90s Chevy Blazers and Ford Explorers, most NA buyers shied away from two doors.

:flag:

[silverblueL200]

While I'll reserve judgement till I see it for real, the one thing I don't like is that it doesn't "match" with the new upcoming Saturns. The Sky, Aura, & even the Lambda concept all appear to have similar design cue's. They look nothing like the overfilled water ballon Antara lookls like.

[metgol]

Look something like the Infiniti FX... Also much like a SUV'd one of these, which interestingly enough is Focus-y.

http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/showphoto.php/photo/21062/si/opel%20astra/perpage/12

http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/showphoto.php/photo/21062/si/opel%20astra/perpage/12

compare

http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/showphoto.php/photo/23548/cat/12332

http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/showphoto.php/photo/23548/cat/12332

[2004NJVue]

If this is the future saturn is taking for the Vue, my 2004 better last me forever. From the pictures, this thing is ugly and impracticle. It looks too rounded to have much interior room. From the few pictures I looked at, it apears the roof will be easy to break with a canoe or anything you put on top. The wheels look way to large for the wheel well. The entire design looks bloated. I should go out and buy an 07 when the come out and an Ion now before they get too much worse. I never thought I would ever say this, but my current Vue may be my last saturn (though I do like the sky)

[Dante]

Keen observation, metgol. I have been lusting over the Astra for the last couple weeks. This new Vue is like a larger, SUV-incarnation of the Astra GTC. This is totally sweet, IMO. The redesigned Vue does *nothing* for me. The interior is still rather blah. It's comfortable and all, but it's not nearly as nice as some of the competition.

Personally, I really REALLY like a lot of the Opels. Especially the OPC editions. mmmm
Do a google image search for Opel Astra OPC for a peek at what the next-gen ION Red Line may look like. The Opel designers have got some seriously slick style. I dig it.

[Galileo]

I am so glad the new VUE will be this hot! I love my current VUE and have gotten so comfortable with it's higher seating that I know I'd have a hard time going back to a sedan. As beautiful as the AURA is, I really don't know if I could go back to sitting low again. Now that I see the next VUE, it will be easier to resist the chiseled good looks of the AURA. Something about the Anatara reminds me of the muscular Infiniti FX, which someone else pointed out. This comparison is great for me because I really like the FX but can't exactly afford the luxury price tag. You've still got me hooked, Saturn!

[LTS]

I've been thinking, and with the release of the Outlook it might be the idea that the VUE would look TOO similar. I think you'd be stealing market from each other if the models were slightly different sized but looked the same. Instead, why not redesign the VUE into a slightly more sportier version that will be good for those types of people and let the Outlook meet the needs of those who need storage and passenger space.

Of course those are just random thoughts... as I've said. When I see the production version, I will comment on it's practicality. Right now it's a concept for a car that is not even a Saturn.... it has to still be "Saturnized".

[2NDSOUT]

This thing looks like an overbloated Audi Quattro set up on a larger set of wheels and a bigger version similiar to a VW "New Beetle".

I don't like it...of course most of the stuff that has been put out recently, doesn't look that great either. Oh well, to each his own.

This just gives me more fire to hold onto my 91 SC, 94 SC1 and my 05 VUE...since in the future they will all be labeled "TRUE POLYMER SATURNS"...while everything post 05 will be "FAUX METAL SATURNS".

I don't think that you can call anything being made now a Saturn in the true sense of the vehicle...it is simply now a badge :(

[mikec]

I don't think that you can call anything being made now a Saturn in the true sense of the vehicle...it is simply now a badge :(

I agree. What is interesting is that a recent article that I saw on one of these sites introducing the Pontiac Torrent said that it was derived from the Chevy Equinox. No mention that the Equinox was derived from the Vue.

[HtownVue]

It wouldn't surprise me if the new Vue ends up smaller than the current model.

Since the Outlook will be filling the midsize SUV segment they will probably push the Vue towards the smaller (Rav-4 CRV) size vehicle.

This would prevent the Vue and Outlook from competing with each other as much...

This is sort of what Hyundai did with the Santa Fe and Tuscan...Santa Fe got bigger and Tuscan filled a role that was smaller than the original Santa Fe...we'll have to see...

Oh yeah...and I like the new look...to bad I will probably need an Outlook sized vehicle by then...

[haypops]

It wouldn't surprise me if the new Vue ends up smaller than the current model.

Since the Outlook will be filling the midsize SUV segment they will probably push the Vue towards the smaller (Rav-4 CRV) size vehicle.

.

I think that the two door VUE will be smaller than the present one, the four door VUE larger, and the Outlook much larger than the present day VUE.

[JPG]

Eaaaakkk. Looks like the Lexus or VW Touareg...I call them stationwagons boosted on steroids.....

[Dante]

Eaaaakkk. Looks like the Lexus or VW Touareg...I call them stationwagons boosted on steroids.....

Nothing wrong with a wagon, especially one boosted on steroids. Just ask Subaru and all their customers. :)

I am fairly certain that between now and "someday, 2007" we will see a considerably more tame version of this car. I dig the side exhausts and all the other aggressive cues, but that's the kinda stuff that gets killed by the bean counters and "f0kus groups". :rolleyes:

[cdp326]

There is supposed to be a new model on a smaller Theta to compete directly with the RAV4 and CR-V in 2008.

I'd say that it's a safe bet the panorama roof WON'T make it to production, and if it does it will be as an option for sure.

[haypops]

I'd say that it's a safe bet the panorama roof WON'T make it to production, and if it does it will be as an option for sure.

?? Its standard in the Malibu Maxx, why not here a much more agressive vehicle!

[cdp326]

?? Its standard in the Malibu Maxx, why not here a much more agressive vehicle!

That isn't quite a panaroma roof though, it's a skylight. The G6 and possibly the Aura have them, but this is going to be an SUV. The roof would probably hurt functionality. But if they were to do it, it would almost 100% likely be an option.

[The Math God]

Wow.

What a cool looking SUV.
Are you sure it is a GM?

A very big change from what GM normally does and a further push to merge the Opel line with Saturn.

My only question is do I get a Sky for a toy or the Vue to have a real driver.

Congrats GM, on not turning Saturn into Oldsmobile

[Dante]

Congrats GM, on not turning Saturn into Oldsmobile

NO KIDDING! I would MUCH rather Saturn be a domestic version of Opel than a yawn-inducing brand like Olds always was. Personally, I like Opels quite a lot. The L-series didn't fare so well, but in the future, they aren't going to try to "Saturn-ize" them so much. With 2 or 3 or 4 brands (internationally - Opel, Vauxhall, Saturn, and maybe even Holden down under) sharing the same engineering work, GM gets a lot of bang for their engineering buck. Their antiquated idea of engineering every car from the ground up for every market is wasteful, and we all suffer. Does it really matter if the Pontiac GTO is named something else in Australia, or if your Ion is called an Opel Astra in Europe, or if your Vue is called an Opel Antara? To me, not so much. Besides, then you can truly say it is a "European-styled" car, like the luxury sedans claim to be. :D

[WorldOfJohnboy]

Sorry, but this vehicle replacing the VUE makes as much sense to me as having a Chevy Cavalier replace the Corvette... it's apples to oranges.

I actually like the concept pictures and the overall vehicle concept... I don't like the incinuation that it will be replacing the VUE, because it is clearly not an SUV, nor does it closely resemble the VUE.

This is more like a subaru forester, Chrysler PT Cruiser, or Chevy HHR... they are called "CUV's" as they are a cross pollination of Vans, Station wagons, and passenger vehicles. It looks more like a hatchback on larger wheels to me.

If the VUE is going to be removed and replaced with this, then my next vehicle will be a Chevy HHR... sorry, but I need a practical family vehicle, not a sports car on high suspension with two doors! :no:

[haypops]

If the VUE is going to be removed and replaced with this, then my next vehicle will be a Chevy HHR... sorry, but I need a practical family vehicle, not a sports car on high suspension with two doors! :no:

Your very handsome VUE(as indicated by your avitar) is going to be replaced by two VUEs; one smaller and one larger than yours.

[Shopko]

The entire auto industry seems to be moving to this weird "bubbly" design, where there are no sharp corners and everything looks like some permutation of a water droplet.

Take a look at the headlights and taillights... This car was obviously inspired by the kinds of people who go crazy for Japanese anime. :) I know just about every one of my nephew's friends (in high school) are learning Japanese as their foreign language, and they love the new anime-styled cartoons. They're crazy for the Playstation Portable and just about anything else coming from Sony. I wonder if Saturn is trying to target a younger, family-less generation with the new Vue... ?

Here's my take: If you like Wile E. Coyote and Bugs Bunny, you will like the current Vue. If you like the Loonatics (futuristic, crime-fighting versions of Bugs Bunny et al) then you will like the new bubbly Vue.

As much as I hate to admit it, I must be getting old. I prefer the current design. :)

[2004NJVue]

...
Here's my take: If you like Wile E. Coyote and Bugs Bunny, you will like the current Vue. If you like the Loonatics (futuristic, crime-fighting versions of Bugs Bunny et al) then you will like the new bubbly Vue.

As much as I hate to admit it, I must be getting old. I prefer the current design. :)

I don't think I am old (25) and I love the current and original look much better than the new bubble. I also like Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner...one of my favorite cartoons. Bugs Bunny is good too. I dont like anime stuff. So I am proof for your theory.

[lithous]

It's funny how people bust on Oldsmobile (in this thread as everywhere else) but at one point they kinda were like Saturn is doing now. Actually if you look at sales, Oldsmobile was easily in the top 10 car companies sold in American (unlike Saturn though), IIRC, well into the 80's. Then in the 90's I remember the Aurora was the first U.S. car that my fellow engineer friends (which were import oriented in their purchases unlike me) thought had a nice looking interior for a U.S. car. There was a smaller version that looked like the Aurora (if you liked that) the Intrigue. Then the Alero came out in 2000's and that was probably the closest to classic small car looks, IMO, GM had/has produced. I thought the Cutlass Supreme from the 90's was kinda cool and there was a convertable version. The Toronado Trefeo had some interesting lines.

http://www.cardomain.com/member_pages/show_image.pl?fg=3366FF&bg=000000&migration=1&image=http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/3/web/747000-747999/747468_9_full.jpg
White one looks cool:
http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/Used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2222/act/usedcarreviewphotos/

You may look back at some of these Olds now and think they are not the best looking but then again look a the f-ugly 1990 Toyota Camry that was produced around the same time as these much better looking Oldsmobiles. I don't think reliability is the main issue why people bust on Olds either because every Oldsmobile had a GM twin. So if one was extremely bad then every other GM was and GM wouldn't STILL have the largest market share if all GM's were bad.

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/319692 <-- ugly Toyota

Sorry, I like GM and I just don't understand the bashing of the likes of Olds everywhere. Just trying to figure out the logic in the bashing. I guess Olds is just the easy company to pick on because they are gone. But some good things came out of that division over it's lifetime. Dussenberg is gone too but still regarded as a great car. I just think Olds is way over beaten. Again, there are about 3 or 4 1990 Oldsmobiles I would feel OK driving around in today as opposed to the plain, ugly (and now rusted body) 1990 Camry. Same goes for 2000's Olds versus the plain 2000's Camry. :yes:

[cdp326]

I also see a slim chance of a two door model in the US. There's a reason Kia, Toyota, Suzuki, and Ford dropped the Sportage, RAV4, Vitara, and Explorer Sport 2-doors were dropped a few years ago. Mitsubishi and Isuzu haven't offered a Montero and Trooper 2-door in years. Such body styles have been available elsewhere though.

[GB1]

Time for my option, GM:

Congrats on making a bold move - it isn't just another typical SUV design. Yay to that!

To me it looks a lot like the Nissan Murano. But not so close that it is a copy. I read the PR anouncements and have studied the photos - here's some suggestions:

- it says that this is an off-road vehicle: Yah to that too! Not another SUV in a shirt and tie please. Make a 4WD version, even if you dont have a low gear for serious 4-wheelin'.

- I like the duel sky view a lot! However, there's two issues here: sun and air. Can you make it a duel sunroof !??????????? that might be a first! Also, I know it looks good without the sun visor pull across thing, but Europeans don't get the sun like people do in Arizona and California - believe me, it BURNS you. The only way to negate that without visors is to tint it Limo black and that destroys most of the sky view value. Engineer a solution here.

- Please make the back seat(s) fold truely flat. (The current Vue's do not.) It's good for carrying stuff and some people like to sleep in their cars occasionally.

- Go with an underneath full-size spare. It is the best overall compromise to the whole donut/fullsize stowaway issue.

Looking forward to the new Vue!

GB

[PugetSoundVue]

Well, I can't wait to see the 4 door model, because the design is really nice, but I'm not just into the 2 two door model...

[LTS]

Time for my option, GM:

- I like the duel sky view a lot! However, there's two issues here: sun and air. Can you make it a duel sunroof !??????????? that might be a first! Also, I know it looks good without the sun visor pull across thing, but Europeans don't get the sun like people do in Arizona and California - believe me, it BURNS you. The only way to negate that without visors is to tint it Limo black and that destroys most of the sky view value. Engineer a solution here.

Looking forward to the new Vue!

GB

The solution could already be available albeit more expensive. Why not use photoreactive materials? Of course some people might want the bright sun on their heads but then the regular tops would do. For those who wanted the best of both worlds, the photoreactive cover would allow the tint to be there when it was bright and then clear at night.

[RicksVue]

I've been thinking about trading in my '03 for a 2006 V6 around this time next year - now I'm going to have to rethink that idea. But do I really want to wait? And drive a first-year Saturn without all the bugs worked out? Ah, decisions, decisions.. :ugh:

[GB1]

The solution could already be available albeit more expensive. Why not use photoreactive materials? Of course some people might want the bright sun on their heads but then the regular tops would do. For those who wanted the best of both worlds, the photoreactive cover would allow the tint to be there when it was bright and then clear at night.

Yes! This would be great, or at least a decent compromise. But why not take it one step further and use that user-adjustable tint glass that I've heard is now available (but have yet to see it used in any vehicles)? I know it would be costly and esp so to replace if you break a glass, but you could always have it as an option.

Also - I agree with most everyone else in that I don't see there being a really big market for this vehicle if it isn't offered in a 4-door version. Just too many people don't like getting into a back seat from the front doors everyday. And, if you offer this in 4WD, and you should, give it a little clearance, ok? 8-9 inches is needed.