The End of an Era: Reinventing Saturn

The other big project already confirmed to be in the works is a crossover bred from Lambda architecture. Something to slot in

So with the Sky expected to arrive in showrooms later this year and the Aura already slated for production, what else can we expect from Saturn? (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

between the VUE and the Relay, it would be logical to expect more of a tall sport wagon than a stretched SUV. The crossover will most likely also be sold in European markets as an Opel. Initial reports indicate it will compete with the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander, but surely Saturn should be aiming more at the Chrysler Pacifica, Subaru Tribeca, and at the top end, Volvo XC90. One of the possible names that Saturn has rights to is Outlook, but such a name could confuse the market considering Subaru is well established with its similar sounding Outback models. A little too much crossover? No doubt.

So that just about covers the upcoming Saturn range, unless GM can actually come up with a surprise like delivering a production car true to its concept form. I'm not saying such a car would need to be identical to its prototype, but it should at least be able to check

The completely overhauled Saturn lineup is one of GM's highlights, but don't expect too much too soon. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

off the emotion boxes on buyers' wish lists like GM's concepts often do.

GM offered an exclusive preview of the upcoming Saturns, as well as a host of other GM products to a select group of automotive journalists last month. According to reports, the completely overhauled Saturn lineup is one of the automaker's highlights, but don't expect too much too soon. It will take almost two years for all of the products mentioned to make it to Canadian showrooms.

Until then, you'll just have to make do with the excitement of dent-resistant plastic body panels.