"This is a simple design," Smith said. "We put a lot of thought into how things work so you don't have to. From the first time you look at it, you should know how it works. That's what we mean by intuitive design."
But still it's a concept, with frivolous items that most likely would never make it to the dealership lot due to cost restrictions. For instance, the Saturn badges fixed to the center of the grille as well as at the rear of the front fenders glow red when the SKY is running. "We call it the 'living badge,'" added Smith.
Wow! That's cooler than those runners that light up when you step on them. In other words, with more conventional features the SKY could make a terrific production vehicle for Saturn, a competitively priced roadster practical enough for young families that still want to live life a little more passionately than the minivan set.
Will it become a reality? Ed Welburn, GM Design's executive director, the man who oversaw development of all 2002 GM concept vehicles, gave media the best hint yet.
"This vehicle has personality and demonstrates a real understanding of what younger customers want," Welburn said. "Because of that, I think SKY is going to be a significant concept for Saturn."