Good News For Saturn Fans: Talking About Diesel Power for US Astra

[YSSMAN]

...I'm not completely sure, but it sounds correct. Are you refering to the Astra VXR? The Aura is actually a Vectra, based on the enlarged version that is used for the Malibu Maxx and Vectra Estate. So the engine differences would be between a turbo-four and a regular V6.

The V6 in question is a pretty good engine here in the US, and it is also used down in Australia in their Holden lineup as well. 250-ish BHP is the norm, but they are adding direct-injection soon, and power is said to jump to nearly 270 BHP. Of course, being that it is an American engine, its more about torque than horsepower, but it really does a good job as a multi-purpose V6.

 

[Poverty]

No I meant the vectra VXR

Using an all-new 2.8-litre V6 turbo producing a massive 255PS and 320Nm of torque (236lb ft), Opel’s engineers have created the most powerful car in the class – and created a suitably dynamic big brother for the red-hot Astra VXR. With variable valve timing and a twin-scroll turbocharger, the V6 is supremely flexible too, taking the car from zero to 60mph in 6.6 seconds, and dispatching the 50-70mph sprint (in fifth gear) in just 7.6 seconds. A six-speed manual transmission is fitted as standard.

 

[YSSMAN]

...Okay, I know what youre talking about then! So it uses the 2.8L Turbo Six from the 9-5 SportCombi, thats cool.

I think the reason why Saturn decided not to use the Saab engine was because it was too expensive, and doesn't produce enough torque. Added to that, I'm not sure if the new 6T70E will match up to it...

 

[Jay]

We get the Turbo version VXR in Australia as a HSV VXR.

*EDIT* I think we only get the Astra VXR though, not the Vectra in VXR form.

*EDIT2* Yep just checked HSV only offers the Astra .

 

[JCE]

Damn that VXR looks fantastic. Why can't GM just bring the Opel name over to American shores? I bet it'd sell more than what they think.

 

[YSSMAN]

Because the Saturn name is allready established in the US?

Saturn merged into the Opel/Vauxhall/Holden group, so we are going to be seeing more of their models come to the US, and a few Saturns are going to be sent to Europe and Australia as well...

 

[Wolfe]

Damn that VXR looks fantastic. Why can't GM just bring the Opel name over to American shores? I bet it'd sell more than what they think.

http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=4&article_id=9523

 

[YSSMAN]

My diesel wishes are comming true!

Saturn's ever-tightening bond with Opel may be extended to include clean diesel engines, reports Ward's Auto. "If we talk about being environmentally friendly, then we've got to be open to (diesels)," said Saturn General Manager Jill Lajdziak. In recent months, GM has moved to align the Saturn and Opel product lines. An increased interest in diesels among U.S. consumers could prompt GM to bring diesel Opels over to North America as Saturns. The Opel Astra — which will be re-badged as a Saturn to replace the Ion early next year — is already offered with an optional diesel powerplant.

It only makes sense, IMO, and why not hold it over the competition that you have the cheapest diesel-powered car sold in the United States?