The GPS-based OnStar system can help someone in the vehicle reach help in places where no cell phones work, and can pinpoint its precise location so emergency vehicles know exactly where to go. Even more impressively, under certain circumstances (such as an airbag deploying) the technology notifies OnStar of a crash and advisors there will send emergency vehicles to the site if people in the vehicle are unable to do it themselves.
Changes to the Vue for 2006 include several exterior and interior enhancements, including new front and rear fascias with an integrated step pad, and new headlamps, hood and grille with a jeweled emblem.
In addition, the V-6 models will feature optional projector-beam fog lamps and bright bezels, and roof rails will be available on all Vue V-6 models except Red Line.
Inside, says Lajdziak, the Vue has been "substantially redesigned to be more refined, functional and attractive. Specific enhancements include new seats, wood finish and chrome accents, a new center stack and a redesigned center console."
The Vue Red Line performance-tuned model gets a unique front-end look, inspired directly by the Saturn Sky and Aura concept. Interior enhancements include leather-appointed seats with suede fabric inserts, ebony carpet and safety belts, a six-way power driver seat adjuster, and a unique instrument cluster faceplate and metallic foot pedals.
The Red Line Vue also offers a choice of ambient footwell lighting that can be personalized in either Cool Blue or Warm Amber tones.
Not much change for the Relay minivan right away (it has been on the market for only about a year), though there is new optional first- and second-row side-mounted airbags and the addition of a more powerful engine.
The optional engine is the all-new 3.9-litre V-6 on the front-drive version of Relay, putting out 235 hp and 239 lb-ft of torque, which exceeds the regular 3.5-litre engine's 201 hp and 216 lb-ft of torque.
"Relay is distinguished by its wide choice of passenger entertainment choices," says Lajdziak, including the optional Mobile Digital Media Powered by PhatNoise system that allows customers to store hundreds of hours of music, video and entertainment files on a removable 40-gigabyte hard drive cartridge.
For 2006, Saturn dropped the Ion 1 variation of the mid-size coupe and sedan, but the Ion 2, 3 and Red Line trims remain, and there's a more powerful optional engine choice in the Enhanced Performance Package on Ion 3 models.
"At the heart of this package is a new 2.4-litre Ecotec inline-four engine," says Lajdziak, "using variable valve timing that delivers an impressive 170 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque."
The Enhanced Performance Package also includes modifications to the suspension to provide a firmer, sport-oriented ride, she explains. Valves that control the flow of hydraulic fluid within the suspension struts are modified to provide more resistance, and the stabilizer bar diameter is increased. In addition to the firmer ride, the changes reduced body lean when cornering.
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| 2006 Saturn Vue Red Line (photo: General Motors) |
In addition, the V-6 models will feature optional projector-beam fog lamps and bright bezels, and roof rails will be available on all Vue V-6 models except Red Line.
Inside, says Lajdziak, the Vue has been "substantially redesigned to be more refined, functional and attractive. Specific enhancements include new seats, wood finish and chrome accents, a new center stack and a redesigned center console."
The Vue Red Line performance-tuned model gets a unique front-end look, inspired directly by the Saturn Sky and Aura concept. Interior enhancements include leather-appointed seats with suede fabric inserts, ebony carpet and safety belts, a six-way power driver seat adjuster, and a unique instrument cluster faceplate and metallic foot pedals.
The Red Line Vue also offers a choice of ambient footwell lighting that can be personalized in either Cool Blue or Warm Amber tones.
Not much change for the Relay minivan right away (it has been on the market for only about a year), though there is new optional first- and second-row side-mounted airbags and the addition of a more powerful engine.
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| Satrun Vue 3.5 litre engine (photo: General Motors) |
"Relay is distinguished by its wide choice of passenger entertainment choices," says Lajdziak, including the optional Mobile Digital Media Powered by PhatNoise system that allows customers to store hundreds of hours of music, video and entertainment files on a removable 40-gigabyte hard drive cartridge.
For 2006, Saturn dropped the Ion 1 variation of the mid-size coupe and sedan, but the Ion 2, 3 and Red Line trims remain, and there's a more powerful optional engine choice in the Enhanced Performance Package on Ion 3 models.
 |
| Ecotec 2.4 litre engine (photo: General Motors) |
The Enhanced Performance Package also includes modifications to the suspension to provide a firmer, sport-oriented ride, she explains. Valves that control the flow of hydraulic fluid within the suspension struts are modified to provide more resistance, and the stabilizer bar diameter is increased. In addition to the firmer ride, the changes reduced body lean when cornering.