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56-785: 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 . 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 The Aura superseded the Saturn L-Series , which was discontinued after the 2005 model year. Although Saturn had not originally intended to use

112-402: A concept vehicle or show vehicle ) is a car made to showcase new styling or new technology. Concept cars are often exhibited at motor shows to gauge customer reaction to new and radical designs which may or may not be produced . General Motors designer Harley Earl is generally credited with inventing the concept car, and did much to popularize it through its traveling Motorama shows of

168-491: A rotacast aluminium-alloy (A356T6) cylinder head with sodium-filled exhaust valves. Maximum engine speed is listed at 7000 rpm. A successor to the LTG debuted in the 2019 Cadillac XT4 and the 2019 Cadillac CT6 . The LSY adds Active Fuel Management and a start-stop system , putting more priority to fuel economy than performance. Peak output is lower than the LTG, but is achieved at lower rpm for both power and torque. Bore

224-412: A 32-bit computer, and improved emissions performance. Bore and stroke are 86 mm (3.4 in) and 94.6 mm (3.72 in), the same as the 2.2 L L61 . Compression ratio is 10.0:1. Major features that set it apart from the 2.2 L L61 are variable-valve-timing and other cylinder head improvements from the 2.4 L LE5 . The LE8 is an E85-compatible 2.2 L (2,198 cc) version of

280-467: A 5-speed manual transmission and a final belt drive. The Slingshot is a three-wheeled side-by-side street vehicle, classed as a motorcycle. The LAT is the designation used for the 2.4 L LE5 when used in GM's BAS mild-hybrid vehicles. The LE9 is an E85-compatible version of the 2.4 L (2,384 cc) LE5 Ecotec. Bore and stroke are 88 mm (3.5 in) and 98 mm (3.9 in) and has

336-486: A compression ratio of 10.4:1, the same as the LE5. The LAF is a direct injected 2.4 L. It uses technology based on GM's other four-cylinder direct-injection applications, but with unique features designed for its specific application. This includes an 11.2:1 compression ratio that helps build power, slightly dished pistons that increase combustion efficiency and injectors with an application-specific flow rate. The LEA

392-457: A compression ratio of 12.0:1, and has been available in: The Ecotec 2.2 , model L42 is a version of the Ecotec 2.2 designed to run on compressed natural gas (CNG). It delivers 129 hp (96 kW) and 129 lb⋅ft (175 N⋅m). It is used in the 2003–2004 Chevrolet Cavalier . A turbocharged direct-injected (redubbed Spark Ignition Direct Injection ) Ecotec was introduced in

448-465: A coolant capacity increase of 0.5 liters. In December 2008, GM released a Turbo Upgrade Kit for the LNF engine which increases horsepower to 290 hp (220 kW) and torque to up to 340 lb⋅ft (460 N⋅m), depending on the model. The kit retailed for $ 650 and includes remapped engine calibration and upgraded 3 MAP sensors. The kit is covered by the cars' existing GM warranties. Boost pressure

504-434: A few criticisms. The Aura's interior has been criticized for using cheap materials. Also, the steering wheel has been criticized for being too big for some drivers and that rear headroom was tight when equipped with the optional sunroof. The Aura was also criticized for being noisy over bumps and its lack of a rear armrest and head restraint, and that the push button controls on the steering wheel cannot be operated while holding

560-613: A new 6T70 six-speed automatic transmission . That powertrain was offered in the production model known as the XR . 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 . The Aura, developed on the GM Epsilon platform ,

616-597: A new hybrid system in summer 2010. On September 21, 2012. General Motors recalled 473,841 vehicles involving the Chevy Malibu , Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura from model years 2007 through 2010 equipped with four-speed automatic transmissions. The problem is a condition that could make cars roll when in park. The recall affects 426,240 in the United States, 40,029 in Canada and 7,572 in other markets. Reception to

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672-503: A new interior direction for Saturn, moving to a more European-style interior. The design of the interior of the Aura differed from that of the Ion, which was highly criticized. 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. Despite being praised for its design and fit and finish, the Aura's interior

728-439: A revised cylinder head (enlarged exhaust ports) and camshaft design (increased exhaust valve duration). The engine also switched from wasted spark ignition to individual coil-on-plug ignition; this forced the cam cover to be redesigned. It was also switched to an E37 engine controller with new crank and cam sensors (replacing timing sensor previously found in ignition cassette). These changes increase horsepower slightly and allow

784-550: A revised valve train. The timing chain and timing gears are also new, along with Saab's Direct Ignition system. The reinforcements, turbocharging, intercooling, internals, dual overhead camshaft, and such were developed by GM Powertrain Sweden (Saab Automobile Powertrain). It features an 86 mm (3.4 in) bore and stroke and a 9.5:1 compression ratio. Maximum power is 210 hp (160 kW) at 5300 rpm and 221 lb⋅ft (300 N⋅m) of torque at 2500 rpm. Maximum boost

840-717: A softer suspension, but still handled very well. A Special Edition version of the XE included equipment upgrades, the option of the XR-only black or Morocco Brown leather, along with new, XE-only 18 inch machined alloy wheels. Beginning with the 2008 model, the 2.4 L LE5 Ecotec 4-cylinder became available with the 4T45-E 4-speed automatic. For 2009 the standard 4-cylinder was mated to GM's all new 6T40 6-speed automatic with TAPshift as standard equipment. This improved overall performance and increased fuel economy to 22 miles per US gallon (11 L/100 km; 26 mpg ‑imp ) in

896-422: A working drivetrain and accessories. The state of most concept cars lies somewhere in between and does not represent the final product. A very small proportion of concept cars are functional to any useful extent, and some cannot move safely at speeds above 10 miles per hour (16 km/h). Inoperative " mock-ups " are usually made of wax, clay, metal, fiberglass, plastic, or a combination thereof. If drivable,

952-487: Is 10.4:1. Power is 164–177 hp (123–132 kW) and torque is 159–170 lb·ft (215–230 N·m). The engine uses a reinforced "Gen II" block. Connecting rods are GKN-forged; C70 powdered metal was used from July 2007 on. The LE5 is also used in the following overseas models: The LE5 or a close variant is also used in the Polaris Slingshot (announced July 27, 2014), coupled with

1008-511: Is 12.3 psi (0.85 bar). Applications: The LSJ is a supercharged version of the LK9 Ecotec 2.0 L (1,998 cc) with an Eaton M62 Roots-type supercharger and air-to-liquid intercooler . The LSJ shares many of its components with the LK9 such as: piston cooling jets, oil cooler, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, oil pan, sodium-filled exhaust valves and cylinder head. It

1064-458: Is 83.0 mm (3.27 in) and stroke is 92.3 mm (3.63 in). This engine is used in some GM vehicles in the U.S and as the standard engine option in China. First appearing in the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu and 2013 Cadillac ATS , the 2.5 L Gen III block has been reworked to reduce engine noise and vibrations, while improving fuel economy and low-end torque. LCV is scheduled to replace

1120-544: Is also available in the Cadillac XTS and Cadillac XT5 for the Chinese market. Bore and stroke are both 86.0 mm (3.39 in), and compression is 9.5:1. The engine uses a twin-scroll turbocharger with electronically-controlled wastegate/bypass valve, air-to-air intercooler, stainless-steel dual-scroll (1–4, 2–3) exhaust manifold designed to withstand 980 °C (1,800 °F) turbine temperature, and

1176-556: Is an E85 compatible variant of the LAF. Bore, stroke, and compression ratio all remain the same. Maximum engine speed is listed at 7000 rpm. The LUK is similar to the LAF, but adds the eAssist mild-hybrid system. Maximum engine speed is listed at 7000 rpm. A 2.0 L (1,998 cc) turbocharged direct-injection version of the Gen III Ecotec was available in the 2013 Cadillac ATS and Chevrolet Malibu . This engine

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1232-483: Is at 6300 rpm and premium fuel is recommended. The sodium filled exhaust valves were based on technology developed for the Corvette V8 powertrains. The sodium fuses and becomes a liquid at idle, which improves thermal conductivity and draws heat away from the valve face and valve guide towards the stem to be cooled by the engine oil circulating in this area. The camshaft-driven direct injection systems pressurizes

1288-677: Is rated at 205 hp (153 kW) at 5600 rpm and 200 lb⋅ft (271 N⋅m) at 4400 rpm with a compression ratio of 9.5:1 and a 6450 rpm redline. With the end of the Chevy Cobalt S/C SS and Saturn Ion Red Line, the LSJ was discontinued after 2007. In late 2005 Brammo Motorsports struck a deal with GM for the Supercharged 2.0 L Ecotec for their Ariel Atom . The engine came in various ratings from 205 hp (153 kW) to 300 hp (224 kW). The LSJ

1344-543: The Aura name for the production vehicle, the concept vehicle proved popular and the name was retained. The Aura was part of a product rejuvenation for Saturn, intended to make the brand profitable and competitive with European imports. Reaction to the Aura was positive, both in terms of reviews and sales. The Saturn Aura was the 2007 North American Car of the Year . The concept used a 252 hp (186 kW) 3.6 L V6 and

1400-1134: The Ecotec name was also applied to both the Buick V6 Engine when used in Holden Vehicles, as well as the final DOHC derivatives of the previous GM Family II engine ; the architecture was substantially re-engineered for this new Ecotec application produced since 2000. This engine family replaced the GM Family II engine, the GM 122 engine , the Saab H engine , and the Quad 4 engine . It is manufactured in multiple locations, to include Spring Hill Manufacturing , in Spring Hill, Tennessee , with engine blocks and cylinder heads cast at Saginaw Metal Casting Operations in Saginaw, Michigan . The " Ecotec " name

1456-510: The LAP Ecotec. Bore and stroke remain the same 86 mm (3.4 in) and 94.6 mm (3.72 in). Compression ratio is 10.0:1 and the engine can run on both regular unleaded gasoline or E85. The LE5 is a larger 2.4 L (2,384 cc) version of the Ecotec. Both the 88 mm (3.5 in) bore and 98 mm (3.9 in) stroke are larger, and Variable Valve Timing on the intake and exhaust improve low-end torque. Compression

1512-608: The Quad-4 and the GM 122 engines and first appeared in the 2000 Saturn L-Series . The L61 is a 2.2 L (2,198 cc) version with a lost-foam cast aluminium cylinder head and block; it features an 86 mm (3.4 in) bore and 94.6 mm (3.72 in) stroke and either a 9.5:1 compression ratio or a 10.0:1. The engine is 665 mm (26.2 in) in length, 642 mm (25.3 in) in width, 655 mm (25.8 in) in height and approximately 139 kg (306 lb). The Ecotec 2.2 , model L61 first appeared in

1568-523: The Toyota Camry , but fell behind the Honda Accord . Despite this, it was the best performing out of the cars compared. The Aura also got praise for the craftsmanship of its interior and its European flair. The Aura also got a favorable review by Consumer Guide, with it being a recommended pick. It also got more than favorable reviews from actual owners of the vehicle. Despite this, the Aura has

1624-672: The 17 inch 10 spoke alloy wheels available on the XE and the 2.4 L LE5 Ecotec engine mated to GM's all new 6T40 6-speed automatic transmission with TAPshift. The 3.6L VVT with 18" wheels was optional. The base version was the Aura XE. Equipped with the 3.5 L VVT V6 ( LZ4 ), the engine was matched with the 4T45-E four-speed automatic transmission. In the Aura, the engine produced 219 hp (163 kW) and 220 lb⋅ft (300 N⋅m) of torque. Traction Control, six airbags, V6, automatic, auto headlights, CD with AUX, 17 inch wheels, among other features, comes standard. The Aura XE had

1680-868: The 1950s. Concept cars never go into production directly. In modern times, all would have to undergo many changes before the design is finalized for the sake of practicality, safety , regulatory compliance , and cost. A "production-intent" prototype , as opposed to a concept vehicle, serves this purpose. Concept cars are often radical in engine or design . Some use non-traditional, exotic, or expensive materials, ranging from paper to carbon fiber to refined alloys . Others have unique layouts , such as gullwing doors , three or five (or more) wheels , or special abilities not usually found on cars. Because of these often impractical or unprofitable leanings, many concept cars never get past scale models or even drawings in computer design . Other more traditional concepts can be developed into fully drivable (operational) vehicles with

1736-647: The 2000 Saturn LS1 ; the L61-powered Saturn Ion also replaced the Saturn -powered Saturn S-Series . There are a few variations to the standard L61. The 2003 Saturn L-Series has a high output version with higher (10:1) compression and more aggressive camshaft . The 2004–2008 Chevrolet Malibu uses a version with electronic throttle control and a special unitized exhaust manifold and catalytic converter . The Malibu and Saturn versions also use return-less fuel injection . The 2002 Saturn VUE

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1792-429: The 2007 Pontiac Solstice GXP and Saturn Sky Red Line . In these applications, the engine is mounted longitudinally. Displacement is 2.0 L (1,998 cc) with a square 86 mm (3.4 in) bore and stroke. Compression is 9.2:1 and maximum boost is 20 psi (1.4 bar), delivering 260 hp (190 kW) at 5300 rpm and 260 lb⋅ft (350 N⋅m) of torque from 2500 to 5250 rpm. Engine redline

1848-458: The 2007-08 model years it was 28 mpg ‑US (8.4 L/100 km; 34 mpg ‑imp ) city and 36 mpg ‑US (6.5 L/100 km; 43 mpg ‑imp )), which Saturn claimed was up to a 30% improvement over the Aura XE. The Saturn Aura Green Line was eligible for a $ 1300 US Federal tax credit, as well as several state tax credits. Prior to the shutdown of Saturn, General Motors said that they would introduce

1904-594: 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. 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. 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. The transmission featured TAPshift, which allowed

1960-545: The Advanced Audio Package, 18 inch alloy wheels, chrome exterior door handles, and remote vehicle start. Given the 2007 Saturn Aura's European roots—the car's chassis was also used for the Saab 9-3. 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. For 2009, an entry level XR became available. It included

2016-526: 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. The interior of the Aura also marked

2072-466: The Aura was generally positive. The Aura was described as the best looking sedan to come out of GM in quite a while. The Aura was also praised for its performance. The Aura has been described as "the best Saturn yet", and fit and finish and ride quality are regarded as greatly improved over previous Saturns. Other improvements include reduced road noise, attributed to the fact that this model doesn't use polymer body panels like its predecessors, in addition to

2128-664: The ECM, can create a 2.2 supercharged version of this engine. The L61 was used in the following cars: This engine also powered the Japanese-market Subaru Traviq , a badge-engineered Opel Zafira A. Following the GM–Fiat agreement, the 2.2 L engine is also used in: A direct injection version of the 2.2 L (2,198 cc) Ecotec features 153 hp (114 kW) of power at 5600 rpm and 162 lb⋅ft (220 N⋅m) of torque at 3800 rpm with

2184-699: The LDK. This engine is also known as A20NFT by GM Powertrain Europe. Maximum engine speed is listed at 6350 rpm. Unique LHU features include: Note: The A20NFT engine in Opel Astra K TCR is a racing engine and swapped the original direct fuel injection for multi-point fuel injection. In 2007, the L61 received a multitude of changes, that originated from the LE5 . It switched to the higher-strength Gen II block and received

2240-664: The Vectra C and Signum. LK9 is a turbocharged 2.0 L (1,998 cc) version of the L850 (86 mm bore) series Ecotec utilizing an all-new reinforced sand cast aluminium cylinder head and upgraded internal components. The engine features a five-bearing forged steel crankshaft, strengthened connecting rods, redesigned pistons, piston oil cooling jets, reprofiled camshafts and an integrated oil cooler. The exhaust valves are liquid sodium-cooled. All vehicles using this engine feature Saab's Trionic 8 (T8) engine management system as well as

2296-778: The XE's suspension. It was sold from late March 2007 to 2010. As in the Vue, the Aura Green Line was equipped with the 2.4L Ecotec engine mated to an electric motor/generator and the 4T45-E four-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain was rated at 164 hp (122 kW) and 159 lb⋅ft (216 N⋅m) of torque. The electric motor/generator augmented the gasoline engine during launch and under wide-open throttle. The Aura Green Line had an EPA estimated fuel economy of 26 mpg ‑US (9.0 L/100 km; 31 mpg ‑imp ) city and 34 mpg ‑US (6.9 L/100 km; 41 mpg ‑imp ) highway (for

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2352-529: The city, and 33 miles per US gallon (7.1 L/100 km; 40 mpg ‑imp ) on the highway, up from the 2008's 22 miles per US gallon (11 L/100 km; 26 mpg ‑imp ) city, 30 miles per US gallon (7.8 L/100 km; 36 mpg ‑imp ) highway The Aura Green Line was a mild hybrid , following the Vue Green Line as the second vehicle in Saturn's lineup incorporating GM's belt alternator starter system. It rode on

2408-636: The development work on this project was carried out by Lotus Engineering , Hethel, United Kingdom. The engine uses aluminium pistons and cast iron cylinder liners. Vibration is reduced with twin balance shafts . The first engine in the Ecotec Gen I line-up was Ecotec 2.2 L61 , introduced in May 1999. The current Ecotec line is manufactured in Tonawanda, New York . This engine is also known as B207 when used by Saab and Z20NET by Opel for use in

2464-511: The driver to manually select gears by using paddles located behind the steering wheel. The Aura XR was the performance-oriented version with a taut, but not harsh, suspension and the more powerful engine. 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. Cloth was standard. Other standard features included

2520-419: The drivetrain is often borrowed from a production vehicle from the same company or may have defects and imperfections in design. They can also be quite refined, such as General Motors ' Cadillac Sixteen concept. GM Ecotec engine#LE5 The GM Ecotec engine , also known by its codename L850 , is a family of all-aluminium inline-four engines , displacing between 1.2 and 2.5 litres. Confusingly,

2576-550: The engine to meet PZEV standards. Compression ratio is 10.0:1. The L61 was used in the following cars: The LAP is a 2.2 L (2,198 cc) version of the Ecotec, based on the Gen II block with cylinder head improvements, new camshaft design, E37 engine control module, 58X crankshaft reluctor ring, dual variable valve timing, digital crank and cam sensors, individual coil-on-plug ignition, vented starter solenoid, new MAP sensor, new intake manifold seals, new oil filter element,

2632-466: The extensive soundproofing GM added to car, and the triple-pane front windows and windshield. The Aura also garnered praise for its value, as it was noted that an Aura XE loaded up with certain options cost less at the time than the standard MSRP of the Toyota Camry with a V6. The Aura finished fourth out of six places in a Car and Driver comparison test, ahead of the Chrysler Sebring and

2688-456: The fuel to 450 psi (31 bar) at idle, and up to 2,250 psi (155 bar) at wide-open throttle. The "Gen II" block is similar to the 2.4 L and also features VVT technology. The Gen II block was developed using data from racing programs and computer simulations. The bore walls and bulkheads were strengthened with a weight increase of 2.5 lb (1.1 kg). The coolant jackets were expanded to improve heat transfer, resulting in

2744-550: The water-pump housing was cast into the block, and the A/C compressor and alternator were mounted directly on the block without brackets. The oil filter housing was cast into the block with a removable cover and replaceable paper element. It did not use an EGR valve. The Ecotec line is manufactured in Tonawanda, New York , and Kaiserslautern, Germany , and was also manufactured for Saturn in Spring Hill, Tennessee , until Saturn's discontinuation. In North America, this engine replaced both

2800-648: The wheel. Robert Cumberford of Automobile magazine claimed that the Aura is a good car watered down by GM's cost cutting department. The Aura won the North American Car of the Year prize for 2007. As a result, Saturn sent a copy of the award to select customers who bought an Aura before it was awarded. The Aura also won Canadian's Motoring Television's 2007 car of the year award, Motorweek ' s Driver's Choice for best new midsize sedan, and World of Wheels ' Editor's Choice for best family sedan. Concept car A concept car (also known as

2856-1072: Was adopted in 1994 for the new generation of Family II engines (2000 in North America) . The name was already used for the Opel GM Family II engine, Family 1 and Family 0 ranges. GM intended this new Ecotec to become its global 4-cylinder, and it has already fully replaced their OHV I4 line. The Ecotec engine is a DOHC 4-valve design with a lost foam cast aluminium block and head (L850 for 86 mm bore applications, and L880 for 88 mm bore ), designed for displacements from 1.8 to 2.4 L. Development began in 1994, by an international team of engineers and technicians from Opel 's International Technical Development Center in Rüsselsheim , Germany, GM Powertrain in Pontiac, Michigan , and Saab in Södertälje , Sweden. Much of

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2912-555: Was available only as a sedan and was built at the Kansas City, Kansas , Fairfax Assembly plant. 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 Insignia subsequently became the fifth-generation Buick Regal . All Aura models came standard with folding side mirrors and side marker lights. The design of

2968-412: Was criticized for using cheap materials. 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". The Aura XR was the top-line Aura model. The XR was fitted with

3024-460: Was increased from 18psi (1.24 bar) to 21psi (1.44 bar). Unique LNF features include: This engine is used in: An updated variant of the LNF (also with 9.2:1 compression ratio) was released in 2008, meeting the Euro 5 emission standard. This engine is also known as A20NHT by GM Powertrain Europe. Unique LDK features include: This engine is used in: LHU adds E85 flex-fuel capability to

3080-526: Was on the Ward's 10 Best Engines list for 2006. This engine is used in: The basic Family II architecture was substantially re-engineered in 2000 to become the Ecotec Gen I. Unlike its notably harsh predecessor, the engine was designed for smoothness. Dual in-block balance shafts were integral to the design, the power-steering pump was mounted directly to the cylinder head and driven by the intake camshaft,

3136-533: Was the first North American variant of the L61 to be equipped with electronic throttle control , whereas other applications did not arise until 2005 in the Saturn ION and Chevrolet Cobalt . For 2007, introduced an updated version of the L61 based on the Gen II design. The supercharger and inlet manifold from the 2.0 Ecotec LSJ engine can be purchased as an official kit from GM and along with modified software in

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