2004 Saturn Curve Concept

By Trevor Hofmann,

Thursday, February 05, 2004

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Saturn has added a sticky set of F245/40R20 front and F245/45R20 rear Continental performance tires wrapped around 20-inch diameter 7-spoke wheels. Framed inside are impressive 14-inch discs, clamped down on by twin-piston front calipers and large singles in the rear, which should make light duty of heavy braking forces.

A supercharged 2.2-L Ecotec 4-cylinder engine delivers 230-hp and 220 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: General Motors)

And the Curve will need strong brakes too, with a supercharged 2.2-L Ecotec 4-cylinder delivering 230 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 220 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm, it should be able to ramp up immoral speeds quickly. I've driven this engine in normally aspirated 140-hp guise, and it had plenty of pep then. I can only guess at its impish attitude with a blower strapped on.

But it's not just about raw muscle. Rather GM's 4-cylinder gets variable valve timing technology, which not only improves power but reduces fuel consumption while cleaning up emissions. A 5-speed Getrag manual, what would most likely be standard equipment if the Curve is produced, takes care of changing gears.

A "relaxed" interior design is how Saturn describes the Curve's simple yet well thought out cabin. (Photo: General Motors)

That shifter is gated like a Ferrari, a racy addition that contrasts with what Saturn describes as a "relaxed" interior design. I like the layout. It reminds me of simpler cars from my past. A circular theme displays three HVAC dials, three ancillary gauges just above them, and three primary gauges in the instrument cluster, consisting of a speedometer, tachometer and temperature gauge - good choice on that last one. Four round air vents are placed across the dash as well, complimenting a few additional buttons on the center stack. Saturn didn't go as far to make the foot pedals round, but they're oval which is about as close as they'd want to get and still keep it functional.