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Introduction
Apparently, selling dent-resistant vehicles at no-haggle prices cannot, by itself, sustain a brand. Try as it might, Saturn has been unable to maintain the enthusiastic loyalty it enjoyed in the 1990s, but with the introduction of the racy 2007 Sky roadster, it looks like it may officially be changing directions. While Saturn's product lineup has grown (very) slowly, little effort has been made to draw significant attention to the newest of GM's divisions. But the sexy Saturn Sky two-seater is clear evidence that somebody has been stoking the fire at General Motors. In fact, with the Sky and other new models, Saturn will double its portfolio to six vehicles by the end of the decade. That may not sound like a lot, but for a brand that has been withering on the vine for quite some time, it's big and welcome news. As noted by Gary Cowger, President of GM North America, there is now an emphasis on retaining the positive, no-pressure buying experience that Saturn customers have enjoyed, while extending the range of products from which those shoppers (and others) can choose.
What's Inside
Sharing its front-engine/rear-wheel-drive architecture with the 2006 Pontiac Solstice, the fun and exciting 2007 Sky might be the last thing most people would expect from Saturn. But, in a way, it's not really a Saturn. According to GM, most of the company's eleven worldwide design studios have had their hands in this Saturn's new look. What those collective minds have created is a sleek, well-proportioned roadster. The goal, according to GM officials, is to put a face on Saturn that presents a "contemporary and upscale image." Inside, leather seats sit low in a cockpit that closely resembles that of the Honda S2000, which along with the Mazda Miata and the Toyota MR2, served as a reference for the Sky's designers. The 2007 Saturn Sky also comes equipped with a manual soft top, a reverse-opening clamshell hood, 18-inch polished alloy wheels wearing Goodyear tires, and piano lacquer inserts placed throughout the cabin.
Under the Hood
Propelling this fine looking ride is a 2.4-liter, 170-horsepower four-cylinder that's responsible for carrying around 2,860 pounds of curb weight. Torque is rated at 162 lb.-ft, and either a five-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission manages power. Short- and long-arm suspension front and rear works to control the ride, and braking is courtesy of a four-wheel, antilock setup. Saturn is among at least a few GM divisions that are in need of a turnaround and fresh product. The sporty and attractive Sky roadster might be the catalyst for Saturn to ramp up sales and get the brand back into shoppers' minds. Available starting in the first half of 2006, the 2007 Saturn Sky will be priced from the low 20's, with an anticipated volume of 10-12,000 units per year.
by Staff
Photo Credit: General Motors
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