IMHO: look DCx, if the Razor doesn't sport the 2.4 ltr turbo motor, don't bother even considering building the Razor.
Steve
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Saturn throws a Curve
(TCC Staff) GM's Saturn division definitely could use a little momentum. While it's scored a modest success with the new VUE crossover, the once-hip Saturn has had serious problems lately. Lackluster design clearly hasn't helped. But that's definitely not an adjective one would apply to Curve.
"We wanted to do something for Saturn that's both expressive and attractive," Asensio suggests. "It's the first signal we're getting serious about Saturn."
The division's new concept is clearly a coupe, but it's got a hot rod's chopped roofline, so low it's difficult for some adults to actually slip inside the four-seater.
While Saturn's traditional design theme has been bland and understated, the Curve is bold, with a healthy dose of machismo. There are muscular, flaring front fenders wrapped around huge tires. "We wanted the wheels to almost overwhelm the car," says Asensio.
The roof makes extensive use of glass to create an impression of almost floating atop the car's body.
Classic-car aficionados will spend lots of time debating the design influences: a bit of the Porsche 928 in its rear, GM EV1 in the roofline, maybe some Mako Shark and even a classic '30s Talbot Lago in its curvaceous fenders.
Like Nomad, the Saturn 2+2 uses lighting both functionally and to create a mood. Hidden lamps glow red to provide a warning when the doors are open, then turn yellow when they close.
The interior consists of sweeping shapes that flow together, with massive elements of maple wood and leather. Inside and out, Saturn designers have integrated contrasting bright chrome and subtle satin metal accents.
Like the Nomad, the Curve features a 2.2-liter Ecotec engine under its reverse-opening clamshell hood. In this case, the powertrain is surpercharged, making 200 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque. The transmission is a five-speed manual from Getrag. The combination is similar to the one in use in the new Saturn ION Red Line.
Ask Asensio about plans to build either of the two new show cars and she says "we have no commitment for production." Clearly, there'd be a number of basic design changes needed to make the Curve feasible, and some of the fancy tech on the Nomad would be dropped for cost reasons, but Chevy's crossover seems to have real potential, according to company insiders. Asensio believes its size, styling and functionality would have particular appeal abroad. "Put this in Europe," she says, "and it works."
As with the Solstice concept, GM will be listening closely to see if either of the new prototypes generates the strong buzz that suggests they should be built.
Greenlight: Saturn Curve (DAMN!!!)
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