The Sky is Red
By Bob Lutz, GM Vice Chairman
style="padding-bottom: 4px;" />Way back at the birth of this blog, in the first post ever, I promised you we had big plans for Saturn. I said we were determined to build on the brand’s outstanding retail network and great customer experience by launching all-new, products with a bold new design direction that will take Saturn to new heights of awareness, consideration and appreciation.
Well, delivery on that promise has begun: We’re unveiling no fewer than three new Saturns at the New York Auto Show next month. Today, let’s lift the virtual cover off just one of them – which by itself should remove any lingering doubt about GM’s commitment to producing best-in-class vehicles for Saturn.
Have a look at the 2007 Saturn Sky Red Line, which will join Saturn’s Red Line family of performance variants. You’ve known the Sky’s bold exterior lines and its upscale and refined two-tone interior since its debut at the Detroit show last year. This version takes a strong-performing roadster and makes it a screamer. We’re talking about an Ecotec 2.0-liter Turbo four, making 260 hp and 260 lb.-ft. of torque.
This is GM’s first gasoline direct injection offering in North America, technology that helps the engine produce more power without raising fuel consumption. The Red Line also adds a few stylish tweaks, such as standard 18-inch polished aluminum alloy wheels and dual chrome exhausts.
Let me stop there and just ask if you like what you see so far. I’ll have more to say and show in this space when the N.Y. show actually begins. Look for the Saturn Sky Red Line in showrooms this fall.
112 Comments
Leave a Reply
(If you haven't left a comment here before, you may need to be approved by the site owner before your comment will appear. Until then, it won't appear on the entry. Thanks for waiting.)
Bob, it looks good… I like the Sky, hopefully the beancounters havent destroyed the Aura, and the outlook looks great, when can we get an astra over here to replace the ion? what about the vue? the vue should have many of the styling cues of the Opel Antara GTC Concept.
but hopefully, these products will be replaced in a timely mannor as they age in the market… keep saturn well and you’ll see customers switch brands
Sign me up!!! Very well done.
This took guts and determination. Don’t let the bean counters hold you back, make the best car you can and let the halo effect work its magic!
Absolutely brilliant. Assuming the cost will be reasonable (which I imagine will be true, since the base Sky is a bargain), the Sky Red Line will bring a whole new audience to the Saturn dealerships: those wanting killer looks and good performance from their weekend cruiser. If you offer over-the-counter or even dealer-installed performance upgrades, you’ll bring the weekend racers in with them. The ‘Sport Compact Performance Build Book’ offered on the GM Tuner Source is a good start, but if your local Saturn dealer can be a one stop shop for upgrades, you’ll be hard pressed to keep a Red Line on the lot for more than a few hours. Now the only question is to buy a house, or buy a Sky Red Line…
Wasn’t the Saab Viggen direct injection? It was offered in North America.
The Sky looks great, hope there will be a club sport package.
Thanks for sending the man, not the boy, so to speak.
Too bad it’s a few months behind the base Sky, since this is the one that will really turn heads and kick up a fuss in the market and with the media.
I can’t wait to test drive it.
(Yea, mid life crisis, here I come!)
As a former Saturn Marketing employee, I must say that the SKY Red Line looks great, interior and exterior. I especially like the use of direct injection which helps with fuel economy and performance. Depending on my financial situation, I could see myself getting one within a year or two.
Love it, hope the interior materials feel and look as sharp as the exterior!
as you pump Saturn up, what brand are you neglecting, you have way too many brands to survive in this environment thanks tp
CEOs and Blogging
One of the trends that I see in companies that are effectively attracting and retaining emerging talent is in the area of communication. A growing number of high-level executives are entering the blog-o-sphere as a method to communicate directly to
I still believe the Aurora and Intrigues are most beautiful GMs EVER made. So, bobby, Now that you have let go of all the morons working for Olds, when do you plan to bring the Brand back??
Well Mr. Lutz you’ve done it again.First the Solstice and now the Red Line…One last things dont’ kill the GTO just yet,people want a muscle features like car like the Mustang,maybe Challenger and new Camaro…the GTO in 64 launched the muscle car era so why not work on the new GTO the name alone tells you PERFORMANCE look into what the aftermarket is doing as far as front facias,wheels,even just a little paint the car has much,much pontential
Looks great Bob, and the direct injection engine seems to be getting its fair share of kudos around the internet.
However, you and I both know (thanks to Mallett) that a small block will fit under that hood – so please stop holding back on us!
You keep saying North American turn around yet still do not get it.
I have no use for a Non American Saab rebadged using non American workers or parts.
Plain and simple, want to sell to Americans ?
sell American products and workforce.
Bob,
Nice ! Really Nice !
Sharp and elegant !
Keep that design momentum going.
Ethel O
Good job Man.
I hope this is just ther beginning. Could you at the same time thing about hybrid!
Jim Mbongo
I was glad when I read the Business Week article that said we can speak directly to the man.
If my opinon matters to you then you matter to me.
That is why at least to me this blog has a mission and vision. To offer GM every type of advantage by speaking directly to its customer, not to find the truth but at least the truth of what they are thinking, and the truth will set you free.
Now a lot of people cannot handle the truth. Name another company that wants to hear the truth? They don’t want the truth. At best they get a filtered analysis from second tier management. What will they say?
“Oh everything is great and thanks for the pay check and bonus. Your doing beautiful, it’s a beautiful world and hunky dory…Oh, yeah I am available for lunch.”
Whatever.
Bob Saturn is looking great the two tone interior, the hook up with Opel. Hay even the scientists agree, there may be life on Saturn. Well one of the moons. I think that’s about everything except get the Zafira, Astra and Corsa over here ASAP and how about a top of the line Opel/Saturn to replace the Aurora.
And thanks for hearing my humble opinion and I am glad to offer it. I wake up now thinking not what GM can do for me but what I can do for General Motors. I say.
Support Our Troops and the General.
I love it….. and I wish I had the money to buy one (it would be a toy for me).
But I am more interested in the Aura, Outlook and the new Vue, these cars are the ones that will sell in any real quantity. Saturn will own the NY auto show and I can’t wait to see the new G6 GXP, don’t wait for the public reaction, JUST BRING IT!!!!
Mr. Lutz,
GM is finally living up to the hype, the new 900s, and solstice and sky roadsters, very impressive. Saturns new design direction is amazing, i like it even better than Cadillacs art&science. I hope to see the rest of the saturn lineup fleshed out similarly, a domestically built Astra in particular. I recently bought an import coupe, but if a euro-quality Astra were built here i would def trade it in. Keep up the good work and hopefully these financial troubles will be a mere footnote to GMs new golden age of product.
My concern with the Aura is that it will suffer in the same way as the Mazda6. Great car in the European reviews, great to drive according to all the magazines, but too small for many American buyers. If you could stretch it like Ford did to the Fusion, it has a chance, but otherwise it can’t go mainstream.
Looks Great. Suggest a full court press with touring “shows” soon after the NYC Show. Make sure you bring it to South Florida Soon.
Design looks fantastic! As you know, a good-looking design isn’t always enough. The marketing team needs to find a way to overcome Saturn’s image of cheap, entry-level vehicles.
Great work on the Sky Redline, and I’m excited for the opportunities that direct injection can provide in GM’s engine lineup.
I can’t wait to see the Aura and Outlook at the NY auto show either.
One complaint..with all of the fantastic products coming out from Saturn shortly, it really kills me that I can’t use my pretty substantial GM Card earnings on a new Saturn. If the brand is being treated as more or less any other GM division nowadays, why can’t GM loyalists use our earnings on a Saturn the same way we can on a Pontiac, for example? Please!?!
In response to John above –
Umm, the Sky will be built in Delaware alongside the Solstice and will in fact be exported to Europe and rebadged as an Opel. USA wins in this case.
Another fine niche vehicle — now how about a no-excuses midsize sedan?
John does not get the drift of this post. The Saturn Sky and sister Pontiac Solstice are about as American as you can get – unless the first state, Delaware, is excluded! In fact a version will be built here and shipped to Germany for Opel.
GM To Debut Saturn Sky Red Line, More At NYIAS
Big noise from GM today, as they announce the list of NY passenger car debuts headed for next month’s NY Int’l Auto Show. Bob Lutz is pumped, and with good reason.
Headlining the roster is the Saturn Sky Red Line, which shares the 260-horsepower 2…
Mr. Lutz,
Well done. New York promises to be an incredible show, hopefully a Tour de Force for Saturn. Keeping the Outlook concealed, especially after showing off the Enclave, is really building the suspense. Closer to home, it’s exciting to see so many new Impalas, HHRs, Cobalts, and even a few Solsti on the road. For a company so lamented by the press, you seem to be putting out top-notch product. Well done!
Mr. Lutz,
- Great blog
- Hope that you succeed in turning around GM
but here goes the rant:
Thank god that badge engineering is dead at GM! Also glad to see that in 06 you’ve decided to put an end to the brand identity crisis.
At the very least put some effort into it, produce a Nomad, something with four seats, a fixed roof, a supercharger, a v8, a v6, an inline 6, a hybrid, a diesel…ANYTHING slightly different on this platform for saturn.
tt, golf, jetta, A3, touran, octavia, leon; they all ride on the same platform, share some engines and other components but they don’t look the same. (and I’m pretty sure they make more money on the tt)
I know that you guys know this..yet in 06 you’re still slapping new grilles on the same cars. Losing hope.
Quote:
“Today, let’s lift the virtual cover off just one of them – which by itself should remove any lingering doubt about GM’s commitment to producing best-in-class vehicles for Saturn.”
GM will make best-in-class only for Saturn? How about Chevy? No wonder sales of Equinox and Uplander is sluggish because of the following reason:
1) Equinox 3.4L OHV(185hp/210lb-ft); Toyota 3.3L OHC (215hp/222lb-ft); Honda 3.5L OHC (244hp/240lb-ft); Nissan 3.5L OHC (245hp/246lb-ft);
2) Uplander 3.5L OHV (201hp/216lb-ft); Toyota 3.3L OHC (215hp/222lb-ft); Honda 3.5L OHC (244hp/240lb-ft); Nissan 3.5L OHC (245hp/246lb-ft);
3) Uplander 3.9L OHV (242hp/242lb-ft); Nissan 4.0L OHC (265hp/284lb-ft); Toyota 4.0L OHC (236hp/266lb-ft); Ford 4.0L OHC (210hp/254ft-lb)
GM should put OHC V6 engine like that of Saturn Vue in their Chevy compact suv & minivan to attract more customer. Smal block OHV engine (pushrod) is only good for full size pick up, suv & corvette!
Bob,
Bottom line, you have to change the logo for Saturn. When I see that logo, the first thing I think is rent-a-car. I for one would never spend 20-30 grand on anything with that Red logo because of the perceived quality it represents for me. If you want to do a total overhaul of Saturn start with that first. Other than that keep up the good work!
I’m so happy to see Stratified Charge / Direction injection gasoline engines.
Higher compression and higher power output with the same fuel efficiency is awesome.
Furthermore… 260 hp = 130 hp/liter. That is amazing. I remember when the Honda S2000 came out and the media was fawning over its 120 hp/liter engine.
Bob:
Beautiful Vehicle, I just hope that the Saturn Dealers don’t get greedy and add a $3,000.00 marketing adjustment like the dealers are doing on the Solstice. I realize that MSRP mean Manufactures Suggested Retail Price, but some of these dealers just don’t get it, they may make one sale, but once the pipelines are full, and these new owners start to see the “market adjust to supply and demand. These new owners will realize they paid too much, and that their dealer did not treat them fairly. They will remember that when it’s time to buy the “family” vehicle. Heaven forbid one of these customers total out their new vehicle and find out the Actual Cash Value of the vehicle is considerably lower than what they paid, than they find themselves owing more to the lending institution than what the vehicle is worth. Heck we saw that with the Vipers, and the new Z06’s. Does anyone remember the Dealers were getting $10,000.00 over sticker on the “78 Corvette Indy Pace Car? But the dealers will keep right on doing those “market adjustments,” and spend thousands on advertising, and owner retention, and than wonder why they don’t retain customers?
Oh by the way the new snowmobile I just bought was a limited production sled and I paid $50.00 over invoice on that one, I just ordered two 2007 sleds for my kids from that same dealer. I buy all my add-ons, clothing and even oil from that dealer also!
How much over sticker do you think the dealers will get on the New Camaro? The dealers in my area are discounting the Mustangs now!
All I can say is that the Aura had better have the parking brake on the console NOT on the floor!
The malibu needs to have that changed because the brake is on the floor-its not a minivan!
One of the best cars I ever owned was a 1975 Opel. It had a peppy 1.9 liter fuel injected “cam-in-head” engine, along with a taut suspension and great ergomonics, for its time. I surely would have bought another, and possibly another after that, but GM management, in its infinite “wisdom” decided to drop the German version and substitute a Korean variant. So, I replaced it with a German Ford Capri, instead.
Bob, get the new Opel/Vauxhall/Saturn I saw in Autoweek to market SOON! If its half as good as it looks, I’ll be proud to own one. Also, forget the guy suggesting Saturn offer a small block V8 in the Sky. When oil reaches $100.00 a barrel, he’ll be no where to be found.
Mr. Lutz: Congratulations once more for another great vehicle, personally I like the more aggressive Sky styling over the Solstice. The problem is I am not in the market for a 2 seat sports car.
GM must follow up the Solstice/Sky with a 5-passenger Coupe and Sedan.
An extended 107″ wheelbase would be the basis for the Sky Quad-Coupe and 4D Sedan. The 4 Door Sedan models would be luxury oriented and get a 3.6L V-6 standard with the 6-speed manual and automatic.
Green Line models would get the 2.4L VUE Hybrid system.
Red line models would get 4.6L Northstar power and 6-speed paddle shift.
A 107″ wheelbase model with true 4-passenger capacity (rear leg room of 33″ minimum) and Hardtop Convertible Top (like the Astra Twin-Top) could be offered as a Saturn in the U.S. and a SAAB in Europe.
Pontiac would have a 2D Coupe making the next Firebird a refreshing change from the previous shared platform with the Camaro. The entry level would start with 145 HP direct injection 1.8L with 5-speed manual and optional 5-speed auto.
Next step up would be 3.5L V-6 and same transmissions. Performance models would have 3.9L V-6 or 4.5L I-6 and 5.3L V-8 with 6-speed manual and optional paddle shift 6-speed automatic.
A 4-Door Sedan to define Pontiac as the Rear Drive Performance Brand with aggressive styling and sport car handling; this would be the bread and butter model for the KAPPA architecture. Standard power would be the new 3.0L I-4 with 5-speed manual and optional 5-speed automatic. Next step up would be the new 4.5L I-6 with 6-Speed Manual and 6-Speed Automatic. The Super Duty model would have a 5.3L V8 with AFM with standard 6-speed manual and optional paddle shift 6-speed automatic.
Give the Pontiac Sedan a name (Grand Am, Lemans, Sunfire….. anything but a number), sorry but G4 or G8 just doesn’t do it.
Expand the Pontiac performance image with these:
Cross-Over
Borrego-like concept dune buggy/rally car, this could be the break out model for the youth market. It would offer excellent versatility and be able to adapt to any active lifestyle.
SUV
BMW X-3 competitor in RWD and AWD versions with 4.5L I-6 and 5.3L V8 power.
Pickup
A Pontiac Montana small pickup truck in standard and extended cab versions would also be nice. Again this could be a hit in the youth market with a reasonably price, sporty styling and high MPG (direct injection 2.4L).
A SAAB Sonnet 3-Door coupe would give SAAB a much needed boost and sell in the U.S. and Europe. Use the Astra Panoramic View Windshield to give it an aircraft feel.
SAAB would get a 5-Door Sedan with standard 1.9L Turbo Diesel with 6-speed manual and paddle shift automatic or the optional 2.8L Turbo Bio-Power V-6 with the same transmissions. Again use the panoramic view windshield or resurrect the old SAAB Turbo wrap around one.
Buick could offer an Estate Wagon with 3.5L V-6 for MPG and could be an interesting offering, especially in an AWD version, this could also be a Pontiac competitor to the BMW 3-series wagon
OR
A ‘54 Corvette styled wagon for Chevrolet with 3.5L V-6 and optional 3.9L SS would be another great addition combining great looks with utility.
All of the engine choices may not make it but the vehicles will find success.
Please stun all of us with a production ready 4 door sedan at the LA auto show this fall.
It’s too bad you had to sell your baby, the Solstice (and Kappa) to the beancounters for Saturn before the business case was approved.
Imagine, instead of slicing the production volumes in half (thirds with Opel) the extra 60k sales would do Pontiac good, if only on the sheets.
Furthermore, whose decision was it to remove every last bit of flexibility out of Kappa? The Nomad is one of the most talked about concepts amongst foreign owners, specifically those of mini’s who said they would opt for one in a heartbeat.
Lets remember for Kappa II that flexibility is the key, then, give Pontiac the U.S. version of the Holden Torana.
I love the Sky, Mr. Lutz, but there’s no trunk and my 6′-1″ 270 frame can’t fit well in the car. Aside from those nits, its a great ride I’d enjoy owning if I could fit in it and bring groceries home with it! Awesome car!
I love the Sky! Great addition to GM. I’m waiting for the Buick Velite because I need to seat 4. When is that coming out?
Roadsers are nice for retirees and rich kids, how about somthing for folks who can only afford one car, A Saturn Sky Cupe. Or maybee a 2dr sedan BMW 1600, 2002 like!
with the new 3series pushing 3600lbs and 40large I see conquest maket share here.
Bob,
your recent products like the sky really show what GM is capable of producing when it blows the cobwebs away and gets down to work. Good luck
Um, I think the GM guys knew a V8 would fit before the Mallet guys… but by all means, do it!! If you think you have a frenzy on your hands now, just do it and then we’ll see.
Bob
I am pleased to see GM finally introducing cars designed with emotion. Please do not take forever to make them available to eager consumers.
The Sky looks great, I’m looking forward to seeing the Aura.
Thanks
Dave E
Looks just like a Solstice. I thought you were going to stop doing that?
The Saturn Sky looks fantastic! As do all the new Saturns. The new Styling direction is elegant, well balanced and distinctive.
Saturn’s new style reminds me of GM’s Opel & Holden products. I think we should make sure we exploit all opportunities for crossing products across these brands. Eg: Next gen Opel Corsa & Next Gen Holden Sedan in Saturn showrooms. Saturn Skys in Holden showrooms.
This IS what Honda and Toyota would do.
The whole “sell American” stance is very admirable.. but if we assume Americans wont buy opel cars from Europe or Holdens Australia – why should Americans ever expect Europeans or Australians to buy their cars?
Think Global if you want to survive (Toyota & Honda always do!)
Bob,
I think the Sky is a step forward for the Saturn division, whose most recent offerings can be best described as “forgettable”. Offering European-derived styling & handling has been what the American public has been asking for for the last decade. Provided GM delivers on the promise of the show-cars, I think you will have a renewed interest in the brand.
Well Bob,
I really like it. I just hope it doesn’t take sales away from the Solstice. I wouldn’t be upset if Saturn were dropped but not Pontiac!! I love GM and have gotten most of my friends and family to give American cars a shot again too. Everyone seems really happy. I think it is just a matter of time and the products will beat out the old reputation. I hope you guys have a Chevelle in the works!! As for Saturn, maybe that could be your answer to Scion…(I hate Toyota!!) Keep up the good work there…GM is the best!
I have to give you and GM credit for breathing life back into Saturn. I wrote many years back that Saturn was doomed unless it was merged with Saab. Now it looks like the Opel/Saab/Saturn brand may bring the buyers into the showrooms.
Great job. I hope you plan a coupe version of the Sky and don’t mess wirth the Astra. Bring it over, slap the 2.0L
That you have in the Redline and let the imports start crying. You have the company on the right track, don’t lose sight of the need to make the best for car for every driver.
Great work once again, Bob! This is the kind of head turning, great performance, high value automobile we want GM to be famous for.
OnStar Standard in 07…awesome, what about XM on the SKY?
I think you’ll probably sell a lot of the new Sky roadster, but the sales will most likely come at the expense of the Solstice. Unfortunately, this will ultimately lead to cost-cutting, which will lead to component sharing, which will again lead to “badge engineering” of GM roadsters. I’m sure that Saturn dealers will be pleased to have a roadster to sell, but a major part of GMs current problems are the result of competition between its own divisions: each has its own badge-engineered SUVs, identicul under the sheetmetal, each has sedans and coupes and minivans, again each identical to its badge-engineereed cousins.
Again I’ll suggest that you leave the luxury sedan market to Buick and Cadillac, the performance cars to Pontiac, the entry-level and economy cars to Chevy, and all trucks to GMC. Combine all dealerships under one GM umbrella, so that all would have access to luxury, performance, and economy products.
To my mind, the only GM division that stands out as a separate entity is Saturn, not necessarily because of the merit of the product but because of the very different buying experience at the dealership level- which should be a model for all other automobile dealerships.
If you’re looking for more innovative ideas, I suggest you offer sedans with trunk lids that are removable or that lock into the vertical position, with internal tie-down hooks, so that larger objects can be carried in them; a front-wheel-drive minivan-derived pickup (or as I’ve suggested before, a minvan that can be quickly converted by the owner into a pickup); a variable-configuration vehicle that can be converted from sedan to wagon to pickup by replacing modular panels and/or components (similar in concept to Mercedes 1994 VRC concept); and something no vehicle manufacturer seems to produce at the moment, a lightweight, under-1500 lb, single-seat all-weather commuter car that gets 80 mpg or better (why do I use a 3500 lb vehicle with 6 seats to drive my 200 body the 6 miles to work?).
It seems you’re trying to improve, and maybe public perception of GM quality isn’t what it should be, so again I’m going to suggest you really put your money where your mouth is and make the transferable, 10-year 100,000 mile warranty STANDARD on all GM products, with even longer warranties available on premium GM products (I’m think Cadillac and Buick, of course).
Why should I believe you make a good product if you don’t offer the best warranty?
I’m possibly loking to buy a vehicle that will last me the next 10 or 15 years, I would like it to be a GM or Ford product, but the determining factors are going to be frequency-of-repair ratings, repair and maintenence cost estimates, and WARRANTIES.
Why would anyone make a $30,000+ (or $300, for that matter) purchase that’s going to be out of warranty before it’s paid off?
I can’t beleive someone posted that the Sky looks just like the Solstice ! They have similarities of course, being based on the same platform, but the execution is very different. I just saw both of them together at a car show, and I preferred the Sky, its a more aggressive look.
While we’re waiting impatiently for the new Camaro, I believe you could boost sales of the GTO by offering a less-expensive V-6 version. The current GTO is far superior to the top-line Mustang in every way, but most Mustangs sold are the less expensive versions. Its true that these cheaper Mustangs don’t come close to the performance of the top-line Mustang, but they look just like them and the volume of cheaper Mustangs sold is what makes the car profitable.
I fell in love with the Vauxhall VX Lightning when it first appeared appeared on the car show circuit. I swore if ever given the chance I would buy it. The Sky is not an exact copy… but it’s close enough for me. Thanks GM.
I love the design and I hope it is a portend of things to come for all our future designs. I am praying that the new Malibu comes out as a best in class slam the door in the imports face design. Just one suggestion here on all our products. I am tired of hearing how our interior materials are cheap looking/feeling. Lets put great materials in the interiors so we can hush the critics up forever on the subject.
A truly nice Niche product, Bob – a definite alternative to the Mazda Miata.
Later in Skys’product cycle an optional small block V8 should be offered (more cost effective answer than 3rd party rework, and GM will make a bundle!).
As for me, no use for Sky; will wait to see how Aura, and support for it, shapes up.
Bob,
I see you are taking my advise (as I pat my back), yes Opelizing Saturn in an American way is the thing to do. Olds was getting very long in the tooth, though the Intrigue may have been the best mid-sizer about 8 years back and the Aurora being the top entry level lux-cruiser; who other than post baby-boomers would be interested in a product named Olds?
Now as Saturn gets Opelized, there are several things which I would do if I was in your shoes or even Wagner’s. Products aimed at the young and fashion conscious (such as the Vue and Ion), I would create near duplicates to that of the Opels. For the midsizers, I would message them conservatively into family haulers. As for a statement vehicle, you got one at the bottom, which is a kicker, but I think you guys need an ES/Avalon/TL/RL killer! Remember about 5 years ago as Olds was announcing the doors being shut, then renaming it as something else; so it could be the big brother to Saturn? Remember what that name was? Aurora! Saturn Aurora in a few years from now would be a shocker and would raise even more awareness and goose bumps.
Let’s see if I am the one with the magic ball.
Good Luck …
Bob,
I like what I see in the Saturn Sky. It looks more sophisticated than the Solstice and if my opinion counts for anything, I like it better than the Miata (in pictures anyways). However, you haven’t said much about the driving experience for the car. This type of vehicle also needs the driving experience to be the other half the the equation. The Solstice can use a different set of gear ratios than a Colorado pick-up truck. I hope you didn’t use the same transmission in the Sky. If you want to make a statement against your competitor (aka the MX-5), you need to trounce it on something other than style. Please loosen the purse strings a bit and let your engineers develop more appropriate gear ratios in such a car.
I want GM to develop a vehicle that would give me no excuse to comparison shop.
Bob-
Unfortunately, GM continues to undermine the other lines of GM. Saturn has become a mockery to the major six lines of GM. Instead of developing new products through the main six, the monetary worth of the chief producers has decreased.
Hopefully General Motors has learned from Oldsmobile.
An avid General Motors owner.
Mr. Lutz,
If all goes well over the next 2 or 3 years, an Opel GT will make my shopping list. Just love the GT/Sky styling.
I would love to replace my Honda Civic with a Sky Red Line in the fall – all depends on the pricing and availability of Bluestone
Mr. Lutz,
The Saturn Sky is attractive. Can’t wait to see the other new Saturns.
The Saturn engine sounds powerful. Keep it indestructable just like the Chevy and a reputation will emerge on the streets for the new Saturn. GM should give Saturn the reputation of being a a Civic stomper.
An important factor in the small car market seems to be seat materials and designs that have a perceived sophistication. For example, avoid floral prints like those in the Sunbird.
If GM wanted to extend a warranty, Saturn would be the best way to take market share from Hyundai and minimize the foreign competition. An extended warranty does not appeal to me, I’d rather have the value or GM features. since I drive GM cars, I don’t see a need for a warranty of more than 3/36, since I trust GM quality.
I agree with the post above that both Aurora styles and the Intrigue are among the best looking cars. The 4.0 V-8 engine is a favorite, and colors like mist blue, pearl white, antelope, teal, and burgandy, were among the better colors. The Aurora should have gotten more advertising to build awareness, and GM should have kept a few jewel tone colors like the misty blue. The OHC V-6 used by Olds in those particular cars had an “oil economy,” that GM customers were not used to. Many would have preferred the OHV V-6 option in the Intrigue at the time. Also, the second Aurora design should have been the Intrigue, plus GM should have kept the 99 Aurora stling as a flag ship and offered other engine options. The Intrigue design should have been called the Cutlass Supreme with a small V-8 option.
We miss Oldmobile, and hope that GM gains so that we can have it again.
One way for GM to gain market share in car sales is to add styles and models to Cadillac to show GM. GM needs an entry level model for Cadillac for Gen Y, and an even higher end Cadillac exotic for the jet set.
Consider a mini 3.5 V-8 with better econony and available power to drive sales? This would set GM apart and energize GM’s base. A V-8 is more appealing than a V-6.
GM could also reintroduce cars like the Buick Grand National with a mini V-8.
Bob,
Thanks for having the nerve to hear what our customers are really saying and thinking. However as a Chevy Dealer I’m concerned that in Saturn we are creating competition for the Chevrolet Division. Lets not lose sight that the Big Dog Division has the resources to make it happen in the market place. I understand that Saturn has it’s own place but I’m not sure if anybody knows just exactly where in the market it should belong. Hopefully not going against Chevy. If Chevrolet would design and build cars and trucks that customers would like to own us dealers can do the rest.
Thanks
Bob
I am very impressed with the revitalization of the Saturn brand.Keep up the good work.
GM is going nowwhere without a longer warranty. Face the facts, people don’t trsut your products.
Bob:
The general design of the new Saturns (borrowed from Opel as I understand) is very appealing in my opinion. The front grill and headlight configuration is particularly attractive. Also, I like the tech features on the new Aura: aluminum high-feature V6 w/ 6-speed auto and an auxilary jack for my iPod. I’m not very interested in a sedan, however. Hopefully a coupe will be launched after the Aura’s initial debut.
That Saturn really ought to be a Chevrolet.
The whole Buick and Saturn lineups ought to be split up among the Chevrolet and Cadillac lines, and then those two brands ought to be retired (with a possible exception for the occasional variant to keep the diehards happy, like a Buick GNX version of the next GTO).
One or two cool models surrounded by a lineup of mediocrity does not a brand make.
GM has about 5 brands too many at the moment. Just take all the good cars and divide them up among three brands or so, and stop making 5 flavors of minivan, none of which is a benchmark for the class.
Come on GM, you can do better. Sure, the Sky and the Solstice are pretty, but how about some affordable cars that can perform and handle and have a full size trunk?
Badge engineering works if you can give each car it’s own character. So far you have succeeded from a styling standpoint.
Great job bringing this exciting low volume platform to market at it’s price point!
Consider putting an optional turbocharged V-6 in the Pontiac and an optional supercharged 4 in the Saturn with an extreme handling package. (total Miata killer)
Only go the V-8 route if Camaro/Firebird doesn’t happen. The tuners can do it and keep that excitement alive.
Even if sales are good, please consider some yearly or bi-yearly bolt-on changes to keep the buzz going. A grille here, tailight there, sculpted sheet metal, side vent, whatever it takes.
This goes for all GM models. They did it in the 50s & 60s without computers.
I’m a GM DEALER. You have repeatly told us dealers that you would not rebadge products anymore. Sky,G5,Torrent all broke the promise.We can’t supply enough Soltices for our customers and instead of us maybe being able to make a little profit you give the rest of the production to Saturn. You devalue our franchises with the sharing of these similar products. No wonder you see the public groups like UAG,Autonation, Group One shy away from investing in your stores.Our stores are crumbling to the ground and Thousands of GM dealers want OUT !! Who Mr. Lutz is gonna sell and service your products if every dealer goes broke ??? Gas stations?? Your dealer network is close to collaspe in every major market . The real estate values under these stores makes it unwise to continue representing GM. What are you gentlemen planning to do to stop the impending dealer exodus ???
I think GM is working towards Saturn being the only GM brand. It would cut the costs and make it much simplier for the corp. Why do they need all these differt brands. They may keep Chevy and Caddy but kiss the rest goodby.
Keep Saturn!
Saturn gets its customers – and takes care of them. I just sold my first, a ‘95 with 178k on it, and never had a major problem with it – it still got 40 mpg on the highway when I sold it. Saturn customers are among the most loyal there are and all their cars are made in US factories. Having Saturn be the front for Opel designs in the US is a brilliant idea since Saturn has a different personality and without all the baggage some of the other GM marks have.
Mr. Lutz: Saturn must take advantage of the increased showroom traffic from the Sky.
With GM division focus markets of:
Chevrolet FWD Value
SATURN FWD Sport / Hybrids
Buick FWD Luxury
Pontiac RWD Value/Sport
SAAB AWD Sport / Turbo Diesel
Cadillac RWD Luxury /AWD Luxury
Division competitors:
Chevrolet Ford / Toyota
SATURN HONDA / VW
Buick Lexus / Chrysler
Pontiac BMW / Dodge
SAAB Audi / Volvo
Cadillac Mercedes Benz / Lincoln
Saturn needs to get new product into the showroom as soon as possible. Hopefully, the emphasis on Saturn in the upcoming New York is an indication GM is doing that.
The introduction of the Sky Redline, Aura and Outlook come at a critical time for GM and to create Saturn’s new image.
Saturn needs to establish itself as a the face of the new GM with focus on:
Friendly Dealership Experience
Hybrid Technology
Quality Product – be first GM division with 10yr/100,000 mile powertrain warranty – it is only GM division in this crazy “perception is reality” world that has the credibility to make it believable.
New Saturn Warranty
10yr/100,000 mile Powertrain
5yr/70,000 Mile Bumper to Bumper
5yr/unlimited mile Roadside Assistance
Plus Saturn’s existing exchange program of 30 days or 1,500 miles to return any Saturn the customer is not satisfied with.
This would be the best warranty and also have OnStar protection (for subscribers)
Why has someone not taken Hyundai to task on it’s warranty advertisement – it is 10 years / 100, 000 miles on “most” engine and transaxle components. The car is covered with 5 year / 60,000 mile bumper to bumper the ads lead you to believe it is on the car. Chrysler’s old 7/70 program was presented as a Powertrain warranty and listed the bumper to bumper separately.
To go with the Warranty would be Saturn’s new lineup:
SATURN HONDA VW
Corsa Fit
Tigra Insight
Astra Civic Jetta
Sky S2000
Aura Accord Passat
Aurora Acura TL
VUE CR-V
Combo Tour Element
Meriva Edix
Zafira Stream
Relay Odyssey
Outlook Pilot
LT360 Ridgeline
Relay Camper Camper
Corsa Pickup Caddy
Corsa – Perfect time to introduce the new Corsa to the U.S. market and this time GM can offer a vehicle at the same time as Honda is introducing the Fit. This will go a long way proving GM “gets it” and has products that are “relevant” and can compete head to head with anyone. The 1.6L and 1.8L models should be first followed by 1.3L Turbo-Diesels.
Corsa Pickup – Small pickup in regular and extended versions with 1.8L base power and 2.2L optional, based on new version of current Corsa pickup.
Tigra – This little hardtop convertible is an alternative for potential Sky buyers looking for better MPG or cargo capacity. 1.8L models have good performance with 40 MPG and the 1.3L Turbo Diesel delivers 60 MPG highway.
Astra – The Astra is considered the one of the best in class in the European market where it competes with both the Civic and Golf/Jetta. Offer AFL lighting and Electronic Stability Program (ESP) on all models. The European SRi optional Interactive Driving System (IDS-plus) and Continuous Damping Control (CDC) with “Sport switch” activation offered on Red Line models. Base 1.8L 140 HP with 5-speed manual, 5-speed Easytronic or 5-speed Automatic with 2.4L 170HP optional and the Astra OPC Turbocharged 240 HP / 250 Ft/Lb 2.0L on Redline models.
The existing Astra lineup would be offered:
3-Door
5-Door
Estate
Twin-Top
Adding the following variations later:
2-Door Quad-Coupe – Fixed roof version of the Twin-Top. The Quad Coupe is one of Saturn’s best ideas that needed a good platform to showcase it, and the Astra is it.
4-Door Sedan – The 4-Door Brazilian Vectra could be used for the basis of this and it already has an 2.4L E-85 power-train. GM should add the 2.4L VUE Green Line Hybrid and 210 HP 3.5L V-6 with 6-speed automatic as options.
Sky – A 3-Door coupe to be announced at the LA Auto show this fall. This will look great with the Sky styling, stiffen the chassis and provide need cargo capacity. Add the 270 HP 3.6L V-6 with 6-speed manual and paddle shift 6-speed Automatic optional to further broaden market appeal.
An extended 107″ wheelbase would be the basis for the Sky Quad-Coupe and Hardtop Convertible (Astra Twin-Top). These models would be luxury oriented and get a 3.6L V-6 standard with the 6-speed manual and automatic.
Green Line models would get the 2.4L VUE Hybrid system.
Red line models would get 5.3L AFM power and 6-speed paddle shift.
Aura – Initial 4-Door sedan model supplemented with 5-Door Sport and Estate models in 2008 model year. Available 3.6L V6 and 6-speed automatic should make this car a contender. Again AFL lighting, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Interactive Driving System (IDS-plus) and Continuous Damping Control (CDC) optional. This car should take Cadillac BLS position in U.S. market.
Green Line Hybrid would use SAAB Bio-power Hybrid system offering the ability to run on 100% Bio-Ethanol with 0 emissions would give GM a lead in the Hybrid market since Bio-Ethanol has no petroleum in it. Even running E-85 greatly reduces petroleum requirements for this car. Of course this system would be introduced in the SAAB 9-3 offered in the U.S. as well.
Second generation models to be offered in 2-Door and Hardtop Convertible models with AWD available on all models:
2-Door
4-Door
5-Door
Estate
Twin-Top
Aurora – Top line model patterned after Oldsmobile Aurora, this was a great car and with similar style and standard 3.6L V6 and optional 4.6L V8 both with 6-speed automatics should round out the Saturn car line. An AWD Red Line version to be introduced later.
VUE – Rumored 2.4L and 3.6L power and new interiors should keep sales healthy.
Add 2.0L Turbo Bio-Power Hybrid system as a Red Line model complementing 2.4L Green Line.
Combo Tour – Stacks up well against Honda Element with quirky styling and tons of cargo space with 1.8L 140 HP engine to compete in U.S. market.
Meriva – Versatile SUV type seating with high MPG with 1.8L engine and performance with 180 HP 1.6L Turbo. Next generation to be wider to compete with Honda Edix with 2 rows of 3 across seating. This could be a popular style in the future since it gives the ability to carry 6 passengers while maintaining short length.
Zafira – Similar to Honda Stream and Mazda 5 sport vans, again this could be a future market. The Zafira OPC 2.0L Turbo provides great performance with 7-passenger versatility.
Relay – Based on new Outlook this is a GM minivan that will sell. The minivan market is starting to make a comeback and GM needs a viable competitor. Relay should offer high standard content with 3.6L V6 and optional 5.3 AFM V8 from Impala SS with available AWD models.
Green Line with 3.6L and 5.3L based “Bio-Power” Hybrid system (also available on Outlook and LT)
Outlook – If it is anything like the Enclave it will be a hit, only thing to add is optional 5.3L AFM Red Line model.
LT360 – Based on the Outlook a crew-cab pickup to compete with Honda Ridgeline except it would offer 5.3L AFM V8 as an option (LT530).
Relay Camper – A camper pop top version like VW Westfalia models with small kitchen and beds for 4.
The Green Line model would be offered with “Bio-Power” Hybrid system that in the “Zero Mode” would create no pollutants getting into the campground and while there could produce clean electrical power. How much greener does it get?
It is interesting how well a new Saturn lineup competes against Honda’s. Since Saturn is the only GM division most import owners will give a chance, it is the division to do it with.
PS: I have always thought Oldsmobile should have been kept and Saturn dropped but there is no going back; and holding on to the past won’t get GM to the future. Another item, offer Saturn models with GM Card benefits, you will be surprised how many Saturn vehicles you will sell since the only GM brand many GM Card holders will buy is Saturn.
Thanks again for the opportunity to share some ideas with you.
Bob,
I differ with those who say GM has too many brands. GM’s cars are great, GM’s brands are the best. Retreating is what the other side would like GM to do. The sales war can be won incrementally. The Lucerne is proof postive, it’s a work of art. A performance LaCrosse might be next to keep momentum. The Saturn Sky will also prove the skeptics wrong.
Saturns are better and more stylish than the Hyundai, Toyota, and Honda competition. The Sky will set Saturn apart. There is tremendous sales potential for the Saturn Vue. Styling, Styling, Styling. The Vue should be just a bit more “American,” just a bit more raw, and just a bit more masculine, a bit like a light Jeep customer. Saturn is the perfect College vehicle. Saturn needs to have some boy toys for the College crowd. Start punching the Civic, the Scion, and the Rav4 with Saturn. The Toyota Rav 4 is too sissy, too soccer mommish for that customer, Saturn should exploit Toyota’s weakness.
As a GM enthusiast, I have higher expectations for style from GM than the skeptics. Consider, GM’s base customers are more demanding than media skeptics. We demanded cars like the Aurora, with superior design, but we wanted GM to promote it too. We’d buy a used GM product over a new import anyday with or without a warranty. I don’t want a Honda, it’s plain. I don’t want an Acura, it’s too fake. I don’t want a Toyota, it’s too ordinary. I don’t want a Lexus, it’s just the illusion of luxury. I don’t buy my fashion from big box retailers either. I’m not fooled by Toyota’s obnoxious commericals. GM has substance, technology, style, and distinction. GM makes real cars, the imports make regimented impersonal immitations. The Lucerne, LaCrosse, Solstice, G6, GTO, Cadillac, Envoy, Corvette, Impala, Saturn VUE, I like. GM designs cars for the driver, around the driver, not for and around the spark plugs like the imports. Honda and Toyota interior feels like a cardboard pew. I don’t like import bounce, its fake, just like the auto journalists who promote it. Ride in the back seat of an high priced import on the freeway sometime, the imports feel like junk, imports have nothing as nice as GM’s Stabiltrak and MRC, these imports cannot compare to GM’s design. Some imports use harsh dyes on their interior, such that it burns the eyes and offends the senses. GM has pleasant interior with a more human touch. There is a reason Cadillac sells more in the top ten luxury cars, more discerning customers choose Cadillac. Keep beating the imports on interior, there is no need to copy import junk to please some narrow minded journalist.
GM will have sales gains with the great new models, and GM can literally take market share from the foreign competition.
Buick is the new Lexus, maybe skeptics haven’t heard. The Lucerne has a presence. People are noticing Buick’s quality and style on the streets. Buick is a Lexus beater. Who thought Lexus was anything more than a tarted up Toyota?
GM should continue promoting the Impala, targeting Camry trade ups. The Impala is a better value and a better car than the Camry.
Why not get more bang for the buck by showing the Impala beside trucks in ads? GM owners don’t just own one GM vehicle, they own at least two.
Apparantly the new Impala styling is more successful. GM needs to keep a very close watch on reactions to the new Impala grille, keep it stylish, competitive, continue a successful assault on the imports. People have high expectations for STYLE on Chevy’s flagship sedan.
A hard hitting entry level model for Cadillac priced about 24,900 is what GM needs to slam the foreign competition and exite Gen Y. This is an important incremental step to win the sales war through car crediblity. The BLS is probably too conformist, make it more rebellious. The guys have to like it. GM’s sales success depends on this kind of boldness. The CTS is a hit, just come down a bit to dazzle Gen Y with an entry level Cadillac.
An exotic expensive high performance Cadillac needs to be in the plan too. Build some this time, take orders. Make them take a number.
Saab’s new image ads are good. Americanize the engines.
Don’t be afraid to ask for injunctive relief from the credit rating agencies. People will respect GM for taking that kind of tough action. The recognized credit rating agencies are anti-competitive, violate GM’s due process rights, and violate separation of powers. The current Court upholds separation of powers issues,(eg., it struck down the Line Item Veto Act in 1998), the current Court doesn’t like the undelagable powers. Injunctive relief would give GM access to credit and capital and boost equity. McGraw Hill own one of the recognized credit rating agencies, Standard and Poors, and also owns JD POWER which rates new cars. That is anti-competitive and a conflict of interest. Why doesn’t GM take action on this, where are you guys? The Duopoly relief Act is stuck in committee. GM should take taough action on this issue. GM could also more to the NASDAQ, that would shake them up. Stop letting Wall Street beat you up. Hit back.
Just saw a blurb on 60 minutes and what looked to be the next CTS grill and interior. Looked good.
The only thing I have to say is the Parking Brake had better be on the console and NOT on the floor!
Parking Brakes belong on the console, GM. Remember this.
By the by, I hope you GM execs check out GMinsidenews.com. You’ll see a whole lot more comments there than here.
Common themes:
Parking Brake belongs on Console.
Electric Steering stinks and needs to be completely eliminated.
Increase your warranties.
Improve the Cobalt-NOW.
Get bolder designs for Buick.
Bring over the Captiva immediately as the next Equinox.
Take the Chinese engine thats in the Equinox and throw it in the river.
Make sure grab handles are in every vehicle.
Make sure Power window switches are on the drivers door where they belong.
Tilt and telescope Steering Wheels should be standard in every single vehicle you sell.
Don’t design your vehicles to be better than your last years model-design them to be the best in the world.
“Today, let’s lift the virtual cover off just one of them”
The whole suspense routine isn’t working. We should be able to follow the product all through the design process and provide input as part of the process, not wait to see if we like it after it is done. We might not like it and by the time you know we don’t, we are ready to buy. You’re building cars, not sculpture. I appreciate the drama, but it’s not really helping you or me.
Mr Lutz:
Nice job with the Sky. Looks better than the Solstice. Hopefully, the engine has been smoothed out so it will rev to red line without a lot of NVH.
Also, please do something with the shift linkages.
There’s no excuses any more about engine NVH or shifters that don’t move with precision and positive feel.
If you can achieve that, you have a winner.
I think dealers need to be revamped to compete with Toyota megastores like we have in California. First, there should be only two types of dealers. Since the Pontiac, GMC & Buick brands are weak, combine them with Cadillac to create a “unique products” line with a customer experience like Lexus. Second combine Chevy & Saturn, with Chevy representing “American style & value” and Saturn as a “cosmospolitan” mailine make, like Honda. Use the Saturn model of customer service at these showrooms. Emphasize the GM brand througout. No other maker has more than 2 major channels. I feel the weakness of Buick & Pontiac outside of GM’s core midwest area requires that GM shore up the distribution channel to save these makes. I feel GM’s marketing and distribution here in southern California, is not in the same league as Toyota’s and that GM must boldly assert itself at the grassroots dealership level. I don’t think GM realizes how far behind they are out here!, The product is great, but the dealers aren’t pushing Pontiacs and Buicks at all; these cars aren’t getting any exposure out here. Thanks and good luck
Bob……talking about creating excitement!!!! That 60 minutes piece was brilliant. Have a look at some of the enthusiasts websites, there are more zoomed screen shots looking for more info than I have ever seen. Once again….great job
I believe, the Europeans, especially the Germans, are looking forward to the new Opel GT, regardless it’s originally designed and built as Saturn Sky. In my opinion it’s promising to relaunch models, which had been successful and represented emotion and enthusiasm in former times. Maybe the Pontiac GTO would have been an adequate successor for the Opel Monza, which was phased out in 1986. This gap has never been closed since 20 years now.
So you’re now getting 260hp from a turbo Ecotec 4? Why does the Saab version get only 210? I guess because your “top-of-the-line” v6 gets only 250. How about putting the 260hp Ecotec in the base 9-3 and putting some real boost (not that 6lbs garbage) in the v6. That v6 should be making over 300. Good job rebadging a Pontiac as a Saturn to sell Saturns at the expense of Pontiacs…now use what you’ve done to help Saab in a way that doesn’t hurt any of your other divisions.
Matt
Bob,
You should be aware that most of the people that read your blog are GM lovers. They love everything you show.
What you need is to listen to people that would not drive a GM car even if it was given to them (I am one of them).
You can’t listen to a bunch of yes men. Take the positive comments from these people with a grain a salt and go talk to people that bought Toyotas, Hondas, and the likes.
Also, I think you don’t understand your customers. Yes some people like stylish cars but not all people can afford it. Yes some people like V8s but not all people want to pay for the gas to drive it.
You should understand the types of people out there and cater to their needs. Talk to you competitors’ customers!
Have you driven a Camry lately????
The Sky is an awesome car. Seems like it should have a 6 speed manual. Looking forward to seeing the Aura. Wish I could use my GM card earnings on a Saturn.
Red Sky at Night…Lutz’s Delight
If you’ve followed my commentary on Bob Lutz’s writings on the GM Fastlane Blog, you’ll know that I’m not really a car guy. I’m interested in Lutz’s determined efforts to resusitate GM through design, and in his groundbreaking senior
I’d rather have a 63 split window Vette, than a new 2006 Camry. That’s just me. You drive what you want. It’s afree country. I have a 67 Buick Skylark now. You need to think long-long term about it. If you gave me a Camry, I’d put into a crusher and make a sculpture for city hall out of it. Real players drive real stuff real fast.
I love the car, but why turn Saturn upscale? You have Buick trying to be Lexus, Cadillac shooting for BMW/MB, then why turn Saturn in the same general direction? Satun had a nitch, no haggle appliance cars. They were just left too long without decent changes. We’ll see.
The Saturn Sky is a beautiful vehicle, probably one of the first vehicles you have produced in the last five years that has had any decent engineering and design which the American customer can appreciate.
A GM customer for over 27 years, (and thinking about going the Toyota route) I am still looking for GM to put together this type of style with economy which is halfway descent. 20 city is nothing to be proud of in todays market.
Americans want an autmobile which can assist this country in removing itself from the dependency of foreign oil. General Motors needs to be leading the forfront in this battle. General Motors needs to start being a leader once again instead of being the follower as it has in the past 10 years.
Thank you for your time.
Mr. Lutz lets get in gear!
Mr. Lutz,
Great Car, it just too bad it will take at least a year or two to get into the hands of consumers. I’ve already been told by a local dealer here in Detroit that they’ve stopped accepting names for the waiting list and that’s the base model.
I’ve also got a good friend that’s ready to buy a Pontiac Solstice equipped with an automatic and there isn’t one to be found, yet alone test drive. Typical GM, you finally have a blockbuster platform and you can’t deliver.
Chris
The Sky looks BEAUTIFUL!!!But be carefull.People have complained of Badging.Wonderfull that you went on 60 Minutes to talk about GM.You need to do more of this.Talk to the people with your HEART stand next to that Camaro and tell them how GM is BUILDING BETTER AND LOOKING BETTER as far as cars go.Put these commercials on Hot TV shows,Sporting Events ect.Idea of the Day??Sex Sells??How about Jessica Simpson or Paris Hilton in your commercials.Paris in a Hot little Solstice or Sky saying “THATS HOT” or Jessica washing a Tahoe or Silverado ala Dukes of Hazzard Style.Also something with the ladies like Fabios “I cant beleave its not Butter” commericial of course all in good taste.Also loved those LIKE A ROCK COMMERCIALS from years past.Camaro!!!Build it and they will come!!!
Lutz: 60 Minute Man
Ever listen to the blues? Simple. Primal. Six notes. (Actually, five plus one…but that’s technical.) Here’s a lyric from a blues classic: And if you don’t believe I’m all I say,Come up and take my hand.As soon as I
Greetings Bob;
Give the Sky a hard top with the 260 hp engine and I will be first in line to buy one! Let the fun begin for those of us in the northern climates.
Terry
Great looking Saturn, but I also am 6″2″
and not looking for a roadster. I’ve owned over 10 GM convertibles (and t-tops) over the last 30 years, and now drive a Chrysler Sebring convertible because GM doesn’t make a full size ragtop. How about chopping the top off an Impala or even a Lucerne?
How many “63-”66 Chevy convertibles
do you see in the music videos these days?
Get me back to GM. Give me an excuse.
Bob,
The Sky is a great looking car, I am planning to see it first hand at the NY auto show.
On another issue that I think is important to GM is the use of recent proceeds from sale of GMAC. I think GM should buy back its debt on market at discount. This will send a right massage to all that GM is strong and reducing overall interest expense. You will be buying these bond at around 65cents on a dollar. I don’t there is any better use of the money at time.
GM, please build cars people want to buy. Everything else is just excuses and whining. Nobody likes a whiner.
Hey Bob, The future of Saturn looks good I’ve personally seen the Sky and would love to see one of them in my driveway. However I would like to suggest a few things. First of all I spent some time on Toyota’s website (don’t worry my next purchase is a 2007 Tahoe my wife is dead set on it) and I don’t know if you’ve been to their website but go to the 2007 Camry 3D Tour it blows away the competition it’s an awesome presentation very interactive. Just the website alone would make me interested in their Camry, I compared all of GM’s products websites and I’m telling you not only are your cars a step behind the competition (Toyota your biggest) but your websites need updating. Again I’m out for GM to rule I’ve purchased 4 Saturns since 1994 but even I have to admit that the imports especially Toyota have GM beat with design, fit, and finish. Now I have notice some large improvements which gives me confidence in future product but your gonna have to speed things up to keep up with the imports. I’m currently going to an automotive school in Wyoming and we work on late model vehicles everyday and I have to tell you the worse are the American cars as far as problems, fit and finish. The way I see it especially for GM you can cut cost of precision fit panels exterior and interior, quaility of materials and of course design I know you know this I’ve listen to you talk on an number of shows but I’ve seen the new Chevy’s, Pontiac’s and Buick’s and they are still not cutting it, yes they are improved but not to Toyota’s or Honda’s level. Take a look at the digital display on most of GM’s radio’s and compare it with one car only the Toyota Camry the GM cars have an old Windows DOS look while the Camry has a soft blue digial look and Windows look on their display in other words GM’s look DATED! Why am I so focused and websites because as you know more and more people if not most of us start here and not at the dealers to get educated on cars. Oh and by the way the new GM badges on all 2006 and newer I think are a good idea but you my want to make sure the are straight I’ve personally seen a CTS and a Tahoe and the GM badge is crooked I wanted to take a picture of it but didn’t have my digital camera. I personally suggest frenching/recessed them into the fender or body panel not just for that reason I think if you recessed the emblems they won’t look like some much of an after though.
Well I could go on and on but I’ll save it for another post.
Ron
Maybe you guys can stuff a Buick V6 into the thing and make it into a real speedster.
Raise the red line a notch, supercharge it and put on wider tires too. Check with Buick. Blog on Monday, race on Sunday. Good luck with it.
“The Buick V6 started a revolution in motorsports. The solid success of the Buick V6 proved that an engine didn’t need eight cylinders to be a winner. This compact but powerful engine has flexed its muscles in championship drag racing, road racing, Indy cars, and oval track competition. Forward-thinking street rodders and performance enthusiasts have recognized the Buick V6 as a responsive and fuel-efficient powerplant.”
http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/performance_parts/store/catalog/Category.jhtmlCATID=146.html
High performance is hot right now. Make sure your products have big engines (AMG, M-Sport, S-Line, etc) but also make sure the price point does not exceed the marque’s image (Volkswagen Touareg, Phaeton; Acura RL). Turbo-4 engine is “sporty” but not “gotta-have-it” as a torquey V6 or V8 would be.
The Sky Red Line looks good, Bob. I’m just concerned about how it’s going to do since the Solstice GXP is the same basic thing.
I’m also concerned about the direction Saturn is going in the market…being pushed up the price scale into Pontiac and Buick territory. I would think that this would result in rejection by the current buyer base, and confusion and lack of brand respect on the customers in the price range you’re looking at. Plus, again, it’s Buick and Pontiac territory. And I know that GM’s lost customers from Oldsmobile’s demise. But with that, it seems that Saturn might get middled out up there. Or middle out one of the other two brands, each of which has a stronger brand heritage and history of profitability.
I’m sure all of this is being kept in check. I just don’t want Buick to die for the sake of Saturn.
dear sir,new saturn is a great news.we hope sales war can be won by gm.make variants of this great car and put in one go in BRAZIL,RUSSIA,INDIA,CHINA AND INDONASIA.let the great GM BE THE LEADER IN THE WORLD AGAIN.make profits and turn around the GM. WITH WARMEST REGARDS brigadier narendra nangia
The Sky Red Line is the car I have been waiting for all my life. I hope GM Performance Parts will release staged upgrades like the Ion Red Line/Cobalt SS. This platform is perfect for tuning and the engine seems stout enough to take up to 340hp safely.
Bob, This is one of the most attractive vehicles on the road. I’d be in line for it in Red Line attire, but I am hoping you decide the Camaro is production worthy, as that’s where my money will be spent. The Sky is amazing! Nice job, and I agree with not watering down the Aura as the show car was what beats Toyota and Honda. Back to Camaro, don’t change anything but the grille and gauges. Your guys got it right the first time. You should pass along also to your TrailBlazer team that the SS I bought 4 months ago makes me laugh like a demented clown every time I drive it. You guys are doing a great job with the new product, now lets get people out there to realize GM is just as good, if not better than, the imports. The Cobalt having less problems per 100 than Corolla or Civic come to mind.
I still can’t get over -oldsFan- calling the Oldsmobile workers “morons” in this blog. GM pulled the true Oldsmobile out of Lansing after 1984. All we (Lansing) had after that was a “Calais”, “Alero” and a Quad 4. Doesn’t anyone know this? And then to call the workers “morons”? Is this a joke? It is not a funny one.
Bob,
Please kill the GTO. I have an ‘04 GTO and it is the best car GM has ever produced (I haven’t test driven a Solstice yet because I can’t find one).
Having one of 30-some thousand models makes this a killer car and, I hope, the masses will appreciate it more when it’s gone!
Dear Bob,
Wow, Designs sure have gotten alot better.
Drove a Lucerne as a rental this week. Really (really) nice car overall. Continental tires made the ride more “hard” than it probably is with others.
Tahoe is going to be a huge hit. G6 is a great replacement.
Have to work on those mufflers. Butt ugly off the back of a Trailblazer. Just make it black so it blends. I know it’s cost, but that one is worth it. And what’s with the “weanie” muffler doing on a Malibu “Maxx”?
I guess STS shows you can’t just “biggie size” a winner.
Overall, really nice product overall and coming in the future (eg Aura). Hope the NAM consumer comes back to product that really is well designed.
I love the Saturn Sky and can’t wait to receive the Saturn Sky Red Line, it’s totally HOTT!! But there is, for me at least, a small problem, I had seen a concept picture of what the Sky Red Line could look like and deem it a much better purposed looking vehicle. It looked like the base Sky, with a Covette face on the front and a chrome line extending across the entire bottom half in all three grill vents. That is the Saturn Sky Red Line that I wish were coming out, instead of this really basic looking face Sky Red Line. But still, I really want the Sky Red Line, what with its dual exhaust and stability control, and let’s not forget the direct injection engine. Guess will have to beg someone to buy the other concepts front body work, it is WAY HOTTER!
Bob – GM had better make enough Sky Redline’s to meet the demand! I’ve been waiting for this for months! I can’t wait!
This is a good looking, solid car, something GM needs.
Make sure it’s quite a bit different than the Solstice.
And I’m looking forward to the Aura sedan. Hint.
BUT! There’s nowhere in Montana to buy one.
You should fix that.
Speaking of fixing, you should fix the dealership sales staff experience.
The last time I seriously considered a GM vehicle was 1996. My local Chevrolet dealer didn’t have what I wanted in stock, so I tried ordering it. They would not order what I wanted – it had to be the way they wanted it, color and everything! – and there was a $5000.00 surcharge for special orders.
This put the car fully $10,000 higher than the exact model I wanted in a neighboring state.
As you can guess, I didn’t by GM.
Things may have changed in the last ten years, but I would still consider a GM product that had a competitive warranty, features, and distinct American styling.
Saturn looks like it might fit the bill!
The all new Saturn line up? Really – give us a break. Don’t these cars look just like Pontiacs – Chevrolets – Buicks…Same cars just
different names. I was at the Detroit auto show and in the GM section it took a while to figure out which division you were in. All the same cars, SUVs and Vans. You are ranting and raving about the new Saturn Sky; do you think the buying public has already forgotten about the Solstice? Saturn’s minivan – Buick, Pontiac, Chevy all offer the same thing. The Envoy – Buick, Saab, Chevrolet, Isuzu. Give the public something different not just more of the same.
Looks like GM spent a ton on ads for the Sky.
Are we going to be able to buy one before the Ford CC or the VW hardtop convertible comes out and steals us away?
Anyone have a picture of the Sky Redline Tan interior??? I’ve seen the Black, Red w/Black but can’t seem to find a picture of the Tan. A salesman told me that it’s the same as the red/black but it’s tan where the red is. I’d love to see it. Send pics to dzajkowski@comcast.net
Thanks
Now that the Sky is here, Opel rebadges on the way, (love the Prevue!) What about Holden Utes and Crewman coming to the Saturn Line? They never had a pickup and the vesatility from the Holden website makes it look like a great choice for the US. I have shared picts at work and most married with children like the Crewman and single males like the Ute. Even several of the ladies at work liked the concept-usable bed, but doesn’t look like a SUV (read re-done truck!).
I would buy the sky hands down today but their are major issues that need to be fixed before i get one.
1. There needs to be some sort of trunk space so you can’t at least put a weekend bag or golf clubs in
2. their needs to be a hard top option
3. The convertable needs to be auto up and down and shouldn’t secure to the trunk so that you have to unbutton the top to get in the trunk.
4. The mirrors kind of suck on it and seeing out of the back is a bit impossible
5. on the hard top it would be great if side airbags were at least an option.
6. the radio console is a bit too glossy
7. Leave the body exactly as it is if you make any changes. I have included a great pic of a moded sky with a hard top. Make it look like this and i will buy the first damn one.
I’ma huge Saturn fan, and can’t wait until the new Astra comes out. Hopefully it’ll get 35-40 mpg and still have enough oomph to keep up with the crazies that seem to rule the road here in Michigan. The Sky is a great vehicle and priced VERY competitively and would buy one if I could. My question is why, for en entry-level vehicle, you have to either spend close to $20K to get something that you can actually comfortably commute in, or purchase a crackerbox like the Aveo? And even then, they’re pushing/over $15K just to get one that has the basic amenities people want, like a stereo, auto trans and power windows! My wife is a stay-at-home; I’m a graphic designer and make decent money for our wonderfully soft economy, but not enough to pay all the bills plus a $400 a month payment just to get a vehicle I can be comfortable in for the 2-3 hours a day I’m sitting in it. And don’t even let me get started on having to spend well over $30K to get a pickup to do the hauling I need to! I bet if GM adjusted it’s pricing structure somewhat, you’d be selling a lot more cars than you are right now. Just make sure you start with Saturn so I can get my Astra this fall.
Hey, just one suggestion, why not use biodiesal to keep gas prices low? How about a v6 engine.