![]() For 2009, an entry level XR became available. The Aura also used hydraulic power steering (V-6 models only) that provided more feedback and a more linear feel than the fussy electric power-assist units. Given the 2007 Saturn Aura's European roots-the car's chassis was also used for the Saab 9-3. Other standard features included the Advanced Audio Package, 18 inch alloy wheels, chrome exterior door handles, and remote vehicle start. Available interior colors in the XR were tan and grey leather (available in the XE), along with the XR-specific black or Morocco Brown leather. The Aura XR was the performance-oriented version with a taut, but not harsh, suspension and the more powerful engine. The transmission featured TAPshift, which allowed the driver to manually select gears by using paddles located behind the steering wheel. With this 3.6 L engine, the Aura was the first front-wheel drive GM passenger car to use the new Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic transmission. This engine was first used in the Cadillac CTS as well as the Cadillac STS and marks its third use in a North American GM car. The XR was fitted with the 3.6 L DOHC V6 with VVT, rated at 252 hp (188 kW) at 6200 rpm and 251 lb⋅ft (340 N⋅m) of torque at 3100 rpm. ![]() The Aura XR's standard features included automatic climate control, remote vehicle start, Stabilitrak stability control, backseat audio controls, heated seats, six airbags, ABS four-wheel disc brakes, steering wheel audio controls, universal home remote, OnStar and a "Driver Information Center". Despite being praised for its design and fit and finish, the Aura's interior was criticized for using cheap materials. On the upscale XR model, the interior came with an option for saddle leather and paddle shifters, as well as an option for back seat radio controls. The design of the interior of the Aura differed from that of the Ion, which was highly criticized. The interior of the Aura also marked a new interior direction for Saturn, moving to a more European-style interior. The design of the Aura Special appearance pieces included an integrated radio antenna in the rear window, a chrome appearance package available on XR models, standard 17 inch wheels with five-spoke wheel covers and P225/50R17 all-season tires on XE models, and standard 18 inch machined aluminum 14-spoke wheels on the XR with high-performance Goodyear Eagle LS2 P225/50R18 T tires. Design Exterior Rear viewĪll Aura models came standard with folding side mirrors and side marker lights. ![]() The Insignia subsequently became the fifth-generation Buick Regal. The Aura was discontinued after the 2010 model year, along with the Saturn division itself - with a second-generation Aura based on the Insignia due to be released. The Aura, developed on the GM Epsilon platform, was available only as a sedan and was built at the Kansas City, Kansas, Fairfax Assembly plant. Also introduced was the 3.5 L V6 with 219 hp (163 kW), down from 224 in 2007 in the XE, and the hybrid 164 hp (122 kW) 2.4 L inline-four, down from 170 hp (127 kW), in the Green Line. That powertrain was offered in the production model known as the XR. The concept used a 252 hp (186 kW) 3.6 L V6 and a new 6T70 six-speed automatic transmission. The Saturn Aura was the 2007 North American Car of the Year. Reaction to the Aura was positive, both in terms of reviews and sales. The Aura was part of a product rejuvenation for Saturn, intended to make the brand profitable and competitive with European imports. Īlthough Saturn had not originally intended to use the Aura name for the production vehicle, the concept vehicle proved popular and the name was retained. The Aura superseded the Saturn L-Series, which was discontinued after the 2005 model year. As the largest sedan in the Saturn range, production commencing in North America in the summer of 2006 for the 2007 model year. The Aura debuted as a concept car at the North American International Auto Show in January 2005, followed by the production model which debuted at the 2006 New York Auto Show. The car launched one year before the seventh generation Chevrolet Malibu, its most closely related platform companion. The Saturn Aura is a four-door, five-passenger front engine/front-wheel drive mid-sized sedan manufactured and marketed by GM's Saturn subsidiary over a single generation from 2006–2009. ![]()
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