2008 Saturn VUE: Redline Prototype Spotted

[YSSMAN]

...One more thing to get in the way of the Ford Edge...

The spies at KGP photography caught the 2007 Saturn Vue undisguised in final testing yesterday. Only a small piece of tape was covering each Saturn badge on the crossover. Engineers were apparently testing the car in full production trim to ensure there were no water leaks. Like many new Saturn products, the Vue is a direct derivative of an Opel offering. In this case, the Vue is based on the Opel Antara.

Lets put it this way: It is a very appealing small crossover comming from Saturn. The lines look rather smooth, "different" from the competition, and altogether a bit more "normal" than crossovers like the Edge, CR-V, and Rav4. Given it's direct European foundings, this will probably be a solid vehicle that is very accomodating both on, and off road. Granted, it isn't a Jeep Wrangler, but throw a few inches of snow at it, and I'm sure it will do just fine.

...My questions, as always, are about the power. Although it is plainly obvious that the base engine will be the 2.4L 174 BHP I4 from the Cobalt SS (N/A), the question becomes what V6 will it use, and what about the rumors of diesel power here in the US as well?

I like this crossover a lot, and I'm positive that it will be as successful as it's predecessor, if not more. The question will become how well GM can position it in the company given the new GMT960 crossovers are hitting the streets right about now, and what exactly they are going to do (if any) with the badge-engineering as well.

...I'm crossing my fingers that this one stays a Saturn, and GM lets the kids play around with the GMT960 more than anything. But, hey, maybe this is the crossover size that more people would want afterall...?

 

[JCE]

Ford Edge > this

 

[BlackZ28]

im all about the 07 equinox

 

[YSSMAN]

Technically speaking, the '07 VUE is a bit further ahead of the '07 Equinox. I'll stick with Saturn on this one...

 

[YSSMAN]

*UPDATE*

Here are the official specs on the next-gen VUE, with a few photos as well:

General Motors today introduced the all-new 2008 Saturn Vue, a compact five-door crossover based on the Opel Antara sold in Europe. Saturn also confirmed that it will continue to offer the Green Line hybrid version of the Vue, beginning later in the 2008 model year. When it debuted in the 2007 lineup, the Vue hybrid was the first vehicle to use GM’s new affordable hybrid powertrain.

In addition to the hybrid, the new Vue will be available in XE, XR and Red Line trim levels. These models will offer a wide range of powertrains, including a more powerful four-cylinder engine, and two V-6 choices mated to six-speed automatic transmissions. Later in the model year, a five-speed manual transmission will be available. All-wheel drive is available with both V-6 engines.

The XE FWD and Vue Green Line models are equipped with the 2.4L Ecotec with variable valve timing. It produces 164 horsepower (122 kW) at 6,300 rpm* and 160 lb.-ft. (221 Nm) of torque at 4,500 rpm. All-wheel-drive Vue XE models come equipped with a 3.5L V-6 engine, delivering 215 horsepower (260 kW) at 5,900 rpm and 220 lb.-ft. (304 Nm) of torque at 2,800 rpm. Vue XR and Vue Red Line, are powered by GM’s 60-degree dual overhead cam 3.6L V-6 VVT that delivers 250 horsepower (186 kW) at 6,500 rpm and 243 lb.-ft. (329 Nm) of torque at 4,400 rpm.

Awesome job on this one, Saturn! Okay, I do realise that it is baisically a re-badge of the Opel Antara, but I still like it better than the Edge. Atleast you can get a manual transmission if you want...

I'm crossing my fingers for diesel power. I know GM has said in the past that they are planning on it, but if they can do it before anyone else, that will be one more big step ahead for Saturn against the competition.

 

[TopHat]

That is a much better looking car, really, Saturn is by far the most improved, despite what that old thread said. All of these new models form Opel are sure to make this brand much more popular

 

[Sage]

I normally hate dark-colored body cladding, but this is one case where I think they should’ve used some to thin-out the design. Here’s a quick modification I did:



See, now it doesn’t look so weighty and fat-chinned.

 

[TopHat]

You know what, your right, it does look better.

 

[harrytuttle]

Eh. It's okay, but for one major problem: the side panels (the doors, specifically) are just too tall compared to the rest of the car. Below the doors, it's too short; above the doors, it's not tall enough. This looks okay on something like the 300C & Magnum, where the car is long enough & wide enough to overcome this "my pants are pulled up too high" look, and becomes more of a "gangster pillbox". On the Vue, however, it only needs a pocket protector to complete the image they seem to be going for.

 

[Keef]

I normally hate dark-colored body cladding, but this is one case where I think they should’ve used some to thin-out the design. Here’s a quick modification I did:



See, now it doesn’t look so weighty and fat-chinned.

Sage, once again you're exactly right. American companies seem to have a problem with thick car designs. A little black plastic here and there actually works. But other than that this is actually a car I like. I'm eager to see them on the road.

No, wait, here it comes.....Why does it have side vents?! It's a freaking little SUV! Awwww, they never get it right. If someone wouldn't mind, could you PS those things out of there? Preferrably using Sage's pic. I think it'd look much cleaner and less busy in that area. Then they could run that lower cut line up to the line going over the front fender so it isn't left alone. I think that'd be cool, coming over the opening, then going down the side.

 

[Jay]

Where is this to be manufactured?

Looks to be based off the S3X/Captiva platform, even has the same wheels and mirrors as the Captiva.

*EDIT* Ah its pretty much a Opel Antara (as YSSMAN said), which is based off the S3X platform.

 

[Tornado]

Ford Edge > this

Ford Freestyle > Ford Edge.

 

[GT4_Rule]

This Vue is much, much better. Unlike the current, bland model, this one actually has some "personality" to it.

 

[V1P3R]

I can't believe they didn't "****ty" it up more from the nice euro version. Still wouldn't buy a GM.

 

[Keef]

Ford Freestyle > Ford Edge.

You're even more of a Jeremy Clarkson than I, lad.

 

[Tornado]

You're even more of a Jeremy Clarkson than I, lad.

What does that mean?

 

[YSSMAN]

I can't believe they didn't "****ty" it up more from the nice euro version. Still wouldn't buy a GM.

Sounds like you and I are going to have a lot of fun around here...

BTW: Why do you think GM would mess stuff up? They have been committed as having Saturn as the American arm of the Opel/Vauxhall group, so they aren't going to change much on any of the new models for the American market. Take the Vectra turn Aura here in the US, and the only major difference is the stretched platform and the "Americanized" interior. Otherwise, things are nearly identical, and offer a similar driving experience.

GM has done a good job following up the VUE with this Antara/SX3 based vehicle. The platform is the right size, and will have plenty of room for improvement over the next few years. The two-mode hybrid version of the next-gen VUE will be a winner, and once it goes diesel power, it will be a hard model to go against. The only thing I can see upsetting the VUE is the Tiguan, and even then, we're almost two years from the VW on the streets.

 

[V1P3R]

Well, in general it seems all cars brought over to American are required to go though an "uglying up process" in one form or another before it gets here. I never expected a Saturn version of the exact Opel Antara because that's too easy, saves too much money, and well god forbid looks too nice. xD

Granted Saturn is one of the better divisions relatively it's still not going to be worth buying in my book. There's too many better options compared to ANY GM product.

 

[YSSMAN]

To be honest, I'm not so certain what you are upset about. The only car that is sold in America that is a direct-descendant of a European are the Epsilon-based G6 and Malibu. I'd call the G6 a striking design, and the updated Malibu looks great too. The E2 versions will be much better, and it will be the Europeans who are using more American designs this time around.

---

Your criticisms of GM seem to be a bit unfounded without reason. The overwhelming majority of GM's more recent products are indeed on-par, or better than the other American or foreign competition. Keep in mind that Europe is borrowing our Saturn Sky as the Opel GT, and the new Zeta cars are being co-developed between the Americans and the Australians.

...I would hope to see that you explain your reasoning better, as I'm looking forward debating with you...

 

[TopHat]

You forgot the Aura, that is almost exactly like its Opel equivalent.

 

[Keef]

What does that mean?

Well, I thought it was a little funny how you'd choose a Freestyle over the Edge. The Edge is better in every way, and that's why they're going to cut the Freestyle. You opinion just reminded me of how Clarkson has his weird ways when choosing which car he likes better.

 

[YSSMAN]

Well, I thought it was a little funny how you'd choose a Freestyle over the Edge. The Edge is better in every way, and that's why they're going to cut the Freestyle.

I haven't heard anything about Ford cutting the Freestyle whatsoever. In fact, it has been a moderate success for Ford in some cases, and continues to be a favorite for some automotive journalists. What it comes down to is that the Freestyle is larger inside, offers a third row, and can carry more stuff all while being faster and more fuel efficient even when equipped with the same 3.5L V6 and the six-speed automatic.

...To be honest, I'd rather have a Freestyle than the Edge, as practicality is key. Of course they don't offer the Yamaha V8 in there yet, but when they do, Ford could win me over pretty easily if GM decides not to do an Impala wagon...

 

[Keef]

Hmm... I must be very misinformed. I could have sworn I read that Ford wasn't digging the Freestyle and Five Hundred anymore. Sorry, I thought wrong about that one.

 

[YSSMAN]

Spy photographers snapped some shots of the Saturn Vue Redline without disguise in Detroit. The Vue Red Line will ditch the current model's Honda-sourced V-6 engine in favor of GM's sophisticated, high-feature 60-degree dual overhead cam 3.6L V-6 VVT that delivers 250 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 243 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,400 rpm.

All Vue models equipped with V-6 engines receive the new Hydra-Matic six-speed automatic transmissions, which helps maximize powertrain performance and economy. Later in the model year, a five-speed manual transmission will be available, while all-wheel drive is available with all V-6 engined models.

Looks good, should perform well, and certainly will remain a good value in the crossover market. The idea of a VUE Redline with a manual transmission is an interesting one, particularly when equipped with AWD. Kinda like an German/American mix breed to better compete with the Subaru Forester.

...Have I mentioned how good this thing looks?

 

[Tornado]

...Have I mentioned how good this thing looks?

I hope you haven't. Otherwise, I like it. But the front end needs to be done by someone who doesn't have more of a ham-fist than a grizzly.

 

[YSSMAN]

I hate to use the word "cute" to describe the new VUE, but I kinda get that feeling. The Redline isn't overly "cute," but it is rather attractive by comparison to the Edge (still good looking) or the Pacifica (nice looking too, if a bit boring). However this is far ahead of the CR-V, and I think Honda fans will even admit to the ugliness of that thing...

 

[Keef]

Holy god that is miserable. Look how thick the thing is!! It's gotta be 13 feet from the ground to the roof! Why didn't they just set the bumper on the ground? Instead of lowering the suspension they just sag the body panels as low as they'll go, hoping that nobody notices the similarity to a column from the Supreme Court building. How much does this thing weigh, like 10,000 pounds? Jeez...




Look at that middle picture. Holy crap it looks like the cable anchors at the end of the Golden Gate Bridge!