The LS sedan features one of the largest trunks in its class, at 495.2 cu./litres, while the LW wagon features an easy-to-load cargo area. Says Trudell, "We think the LW wagon is an appealing alternative for customers who want the versatility of a sport-utility with the style, comfort and performance of a sport sedan."
Trudell believes the "chassis and powertrain of the L-Series provide excellent performance and control, with a high level of refinement. In developing the 4-wheel independent suspension and the brakes for the L-Series," she says, "Saturn engineers combined European performance with American refinement, creating a car that is fun to drive yet also smooth and quiet."
This is Saturn's way of acknowledging that a lot of the chassis dynamics came from Opel's use of the same platform for its Vectra model. Saturn officials were hyper-sensitive to the notion that their car is a rebadged Opel, but details supporting their case must wait until the media embargo is lifted.
The L-Series will offer a choice of two engines: standard on the LS, LS1 and LW1 is an all-new, Saturn-exclusive 2.2-liter inline-4 featuring twin balance shafts; a 3.0-liter V-6 is standard on the LS2 and LW2.
Both feature dual overhead camshafts with four valves per cylinder, which Trudell explains is to provide for "excellent response in city driving and confident passing and merging on the highway.