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First Drive: Saturn Aura and HCCI (Visit this link)
My first driving impression was "wow, this thing really is like a diesel." It sounded and drove the part when in HCCI mode, and then in switching back to standard ignition (SI) mode showed its side as a typical gasoline-powered car. The transitions were definitely a little rough around the edges, but I was assured (and believe) that these things will be cleared up long before the car is sent to consumers. It was a pleasure to drive, and it will be interesting to see how (and if and when) it is introduced to the public. If the car does maintain a slight transition between HCCI and SI modes or the sound difference is profound (which really gives the impression of driving a diesel while in HCCI mode), driving an equipped engine will definitely take a shift in the mind of the consumer. However, I won't fault GM for that now, as it seems that consumers are finally ready to make that switch. Let's just hope that those fears don't keep GM from putting the kibosh on this technology. It gets a definite thumbs up from me.
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