2005 Saturn Aura Concept

Soon, the next phase will be ushered in. Behind the shadowy curtains at General Motors, to be unveiled at this year's North

The new Aura Concept is based on the European Epsilon architecture which currently underpins the Chevrolet Malibu, Opel Vectra, Saab 9-3 and Pontiac G6. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

American International Auto Show in Detroit, is an entirely new kind of Saturn. Alongside the two-seat Sky roadster, Saturn will pull the wraps off the Aura Concept, a European-inspired vehicle which GM claims is a sneak peek of things to come.

The Aura Concept is a four-door, midsize sedan based on the European Epsilon architecture which currently underpins the Chevrolet Malibu, Opel Vectra, Saab 9-3 and Pontiac G6. With two domestic-branded variants on that list, it would be logical to think that a truly Americanized version would be on its way for Saturn, but the opposite is true - the Aura's link to Europe is strong.

In its design, the Aura is quite similar to Pontiac's bold G6. The cars share a long wheelbase which is an integral part of the cab-forward design, to maximize interior space. The similarities continue with short overhangs and

The Aura sports a face unlike anything ever seen on a Saturn previously. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

an identical roofline integrating a four-panel sliding glass panoramic sunroof that melds into a high trunk.

Bold, almond-shaped projector-beam headlamps with jewel-like polycarbonate lenses, plus a ridged hood create a face unlike anything ever seen on a Saturn previously. An angular front valance with three deep intakes and fog lamps enhances the car's nose by adding sporty undertones. The high belt line of the Aura's body traces back to the trunk lid, an ensemble completed by red and white LED tail lamps, lip spoiler and chrome-accented lid.