2006 Saturn Sky Preview

While a dynamic car in its own right, the new roadster will also usher in a completely new styling direction for the brand,

The new roadster will usher in a completely new styling direction for Saturn. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

one that seems influenced heavily by GM's European Opel division the Sky's front grille and headlight design. In actual fact, the Sky was inspired by Vauxhall's VX Lightning Concept, which was created at GM's Advanced Design Studio in Birmingham, England. Vauxhall, if you didn't know, is British for Opel, being that the Vauxhall brand supplants Opel in England. GM says that the Vauxhall styling cues signal "the adoption of an international design language for Saturn."

"The vehicle's strong front end is the new face of Saturn, with a pronounced fender peak and a bold, chrome bar that carries an integrated Saturn badge," commented Ed Welburn, vice president of GM Design.

The new Sky's convertible top folds into the car's rear compartment without the

The new Sky's convertible top folds into the car's rear compartment without the need of a cumbersome add-on cover. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

need of a cumbersome add-on cover. Rather, a body-color clamshell cover hides the fabric roof, looking ultra-sporty when in place due to its '50s racecar-style double-bubble shape.

Low to the tarmac and featuring a wide, grounded stance with abbreviated overhangs and a substantial 18-inch wheel and tire package pushed to right out to each corner, makes the Sky look capable of taking on any competitor, and any roadway that winds in between its point of origin and destination. Saturn has equipped it with powerful projector halogen low beams and reflector optic halogen high beam headlamps for optimal night vision, and a top-tier premium-level appearance.