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Saturn ION

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What is this discussion about? Saturn ION, Exterior, Sedan

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#1 of 3384 2003 Saturn ION by teo Jan 02, 2002 (3:47 pm)
Does anyone has any pictures, info or other details regarding the '03 Saturn ION sedan that will replace the current aging Saturn S series cars sometime later this year?
#2 of 3384 From Detroit News AutoInsider by csandste Jan 02, 2002 (4:27 pm)
http://pc99.detnews.com/autosinsider/sneakpeek/index.hbs?myrec=10
#3 of 3384 by dindak Jan 02, 2002 (6:04 pm)
That's the only picture I've seen so far. I'm sure you will see something at one of the auto shows this winter. Many people (especially current Saturn owners) are really waiting and wanting to see it.
#4 of 3384 Opel Vectra picture by tomekk Jan 02, 2002 (7:04 pm)
I think it is the same platform: http://www.spiegel.de/auto/news/0,1518,174904,00.html (it is the 3rd picture in this article) Tomek
#5 of 3384 Vectra by ehaase Jan 03, 2002 (3:58 am)
The Vectra uses GM's new mid size Epsilon platform, while the Saturn Ion uses GM's new compact Delta platform.   That picture of the Vectra may give a hint regarding the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu or 2005 Saturn S series, which will also use the Epsilon platform.
#6 of 3384 by dindak Jan 03, 2002 (5:12 am)
I wouldn't be surprised if some of the styling cues on that Vectra make it to the ION. Seems to me, Saturn is borrowing a lot from it's European division for it's cars which is not a bad thing so long as they are well adapted to North American tastes. The L-series is nice, but too narrow and bland for my tastes which is why I bought an Intrigue instead.
#7 of 3384 Vectra - ehaase by tomekk Jan 03, 2002 (5:25 am)
Thanks for the clarification. So, which platform is bigger? Is Ion FWD? And what platform is the Cadillac CTS based on?   This platform sharing thing gets awfully confusing... you have to watch out now so you don't buy Ford Mondeo (about $20K in Europe) disguised as $44K AWD Jaguar with loosely attached exhaust system (vide Edmunds Jaguar X-type test).   Tomek
#8 of 3384 delta smaller, epsilon bigger by hpulley4 Jan 03, 2002 (7:09 am)
Both delta and epsilon platforms will be FWD. There is a new RWD platform coming out too for new caddies, etc. Can't remember the RWD platform's name though.   The Ion will supposedly be built on the smaller epsilon platform, along with the new Astra; Cavalier was supposed to be too but now I've heard rumours ranging from "won't be built on that platform" to "will simply be a re-badged Astra".   The 2005 Saturn L-series (new 3-letter name, perhaps?) will supposedly be built on the new Epsilon platform, along with the Vectra and perhaps Grand Am, Malibu, Alero, Saab 9-3 and/or 9-5, etc.   You're right about watching the global platforms as you'll probably be able to buy a 20K Chev or Saturn or a 40K Saab with essentially the same chassis. But this is already essentially true today with the Saturn L and Saab 9-5 and most would say there is quite a difference so hopefully GM won't reproduce the 80's carbon copy Chev/Pontiac/Olds/Buick lineup.   Deltas and epsilons will mostly have NA and SC/TC versions of the 1.8, 2.0, 2.2L and other versions of the ECOTEC. I have an 2.2L 9.5:1 ECOTEC in my LW200 and find it to be very nice. Owners of 2002 Alero, Cavalier and Sunfire owners are also raving about their slightly more powerful 2.2L 10.0:1 engines, being very smooth with twin-balance shafts, but having a nice wide flat high-torque band.   My small commuter car is getting long in the tooth so I hope that one of the delta cars will be good by the time my current commuter dies. I like poly panels so if the ION is decent, I'll get one. I hope there is a hatch or small wagon version somewhere in the line (GM card makes it likely I'll stick with this company). I would take a hatch or small wagon over poly panels but Saturn is the only GM division with wagons at the moment so hopefully I can get both.
#9 of 3384 by logic1 Jan 03, 2002 (7:18 am)
The Cadillac rwd platform is called sigma.   Toyota and Honda have been sharing platforms between luxo and mainstream autos in the Us since the mid-80s. VW has been doing the same in Europe for years. Ford is doing the same with Jaguar and Volvo. It is the wave of the future, the consumer's concern should be with execution.   There are rumors the ION will have a hatch version. I have sent an e-mail to Saturn telling them I thought it is a good idea. If you are interested, you should e-mail them as well. Saturn tends to pay attention to the consumers.
#10 of 3384 Saturn email by hpulley4 Jan 03, 2002 (7:27 am)
Logic, what is the email address you've used to send suggestions to Saturn?

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