Saturn Competitive Edge: ION, VTi, CVT, VUE,RAD,EPS
FOR RELEASE: March 27, 2002 ION Sedan and Quad Coupe Build on Saturn Heritage of Innovation (includes specifications)
Since its inception, Saturn has developed a reputation for innovative products, features and processes that deliver real customer benefits. Among Saturn's innovations to date:
- Polymer bodyside panels for superior dent and rust resistance
- The world's first coupe with a rear-access door (RAD), improving accessibility to the rear seat without compromising the coupe's sporty lines
- First in the small-car segment to offer head-curtain air bags, to help reduce the severity of head and neck injuries in side-impact collisions
- VTi, the first continuously variable transmission (CVT) in a high-volume production vehicle, the Saturn VUE
- The first application of electronic power steering (EPS) in a sport-utility vehicle, the Saturn VUE, allowing variable-assist tuning to maximize the "right" steering feel, all the while consuming less fuel than traditional hydraulic systems
- Lost-foam casting for high-volume powertrain production, reducing machining costs and increasing reliability
- A no haggle/no hassle retail philosophy, helping Saturn establish an industry benchmark for sales satisfaction
The same spirit of innovation drove the development of the all-new Saturn ION sedan and quad coupe, according to Jim Ulrich, Saturn vice president of engineering. "A commitment to innovation is part of Saturn's heritage and culture," Ulrich said. "The innovations in the Saturn ION sedan and quad coupe add up to an impressive combination of value and excitement for entry-level customers."
Competitive edge
In developing the ION models, Saturn engineers strove to incorporate innovations that were either leading - meaning they stand alone in the small-car segment - or premium, meaning that the feature is uncommon and near the top of the segment.
The ION models have one of the largest vehicle footprints in their segment, thanks primarily to GM's all-new Delta architecture. They are expected to have the most trunk capacity in the segment.
The ION sedan and quad coupe build upon Saturn's heritage of a steel spaceframe with polymer side panels - distinguishing them from all other competitors in the segment. Benefits include enhanced crashworthiness, performance, safety, durability and a stiffer body construction.
The ION quad coupe creates an entirely new product category by incorporating dual RADs. The access doors help a customer fully utilize the interior space by making it easy to load and unload cargo, including larger objects that typically wouldn't fit in a traditional compact car.
Both ION models feature interiors that are among the best in the segment, highlighted by a unique center-mounted instrument cluster. The cluster is located on the upper center of the instrument panel and is slightly turned toward the driver. The unit is virtually on the same sight line as the vehicles' exterior side mirrors.
The center-mounted cluster helps the driver keep eyes closer to the horizon, because the driver's eyes move across the car rather than down. The design also allows the driver to set the steering wheel in the most comfortable position, without worrying about seeing the cluster. In addition, because the driver doesn't need to look through the steering wheel to see the cluster, designers were able to equip ION models with a smaller steering wheel - contributing to a sportier feel and perception of a more open and airy environment in the cockpit.
Safety leadership
The comprehensive safety package on the ION sedan and quad coupe is second-to-none in the segment. The vehicles were designed from the ground up with safety in mind, with their spaceframe construction giving the foundation for a safe environment. The energy-management crumple zones, at the front and rear, were designed to crush as efficiently as possible, managing energy absorption to maintain the integrity of the occupant compartment.
The combination of dual-stage front driver and passenger air bags, front seat belt pre-tensioners, energy-absorbing seatbelt retractors, along with available electronic traction control, antilock braking system (ABS), OnStar and head-curtain air bags make significant contributions to the safety of these new Saturn vehicles.
State-of-the-art powertrain
Unlike some competitors that offer only two transmissions, the ION models offer three state-of-the-art transmissions along with an outstanding powerplant. The 2.2-liter Ecotec is mated to a world-class five-speed manual transmission that is standard on all models, with the innovative VTi offered as an option on base and mid-level sedans and base quad coupes, and the premium five-speed automatic optional on up-level models.
The 2.2-liter Ecotec engine provides an outstanding balance of power and efficiency. At 137-horsepower, it is some 25 horses more powerful than the base engines of many competitors in the segment. At 305 pounds, it is one of the most compact in its class, and the weight per displacement of the engine is world-class.
The VTi represents the first application of a CVT on a high-volume compact passenger car in North America. It brings unexpected acceleration smoothness with no shifting, superior reliability and performance, and significant improvements in fuel economy when compared to traditional step-gear transmissions.
The Saturn ION models also will be outfitted with one of North America's first variable ratio electronic power steering (EPS) applications. The system's advantages include both enhanced driver "feel" as well as fuel economy improvements.
Integrated electrical architecture
While the new ION models bring a number of surprises to the small-car segment, perhaps one of the biggest will be one that consumers don't even see - the level of sophistication of the vehicle's electrical/electronic systems. Saturn's new small cars set a benchmark in the segment for electronic integration, functionality and features.
The electrical/electronic systems are based on a custom integrated electrical architecture. The systems utilize anywhere from five to eight microprocessors - depending on options selected - which are all linked in a local area network (LAN). This integration of control functions significantly reduces wiring, components and complexity. At the same time, this architecture enables the inclusion of a host of functional features, many of which are unique to the segment and more commonly found on up-level vehicles.
In terms of security features, this architecture enables a standard anti-theft engine immobilizer, an available powerful super-heterodyne remote keyless entry system, an anti-lockout feature that helps prevent one from locking keys in ignition, and programmable automatic lock/unlock functions.
Electrical features on the ION also include: dual 12-volt outlets, one of them functional even while the vehicle isn't running; automatic headlight control; lights-on automatically with wipers; and eight-character message in the Driver Information Center.
Other features include available automatic dimming mirror with outside temperature gauge and compass; speed-sensitive windshield wipers; an available six-disc in-dash CD changer; optional premium audio system with amplifier and up-level speakers; trunk-mounted battery for improved weight distribution, handling and accessibility; and a sophisticated oil life monitor system.
Saturn ION Quad Coupe Preliminary Specifications | |
| Body structure: | high-strength steel spaceframe with full-length frame rails and steel safety cage |
| Body panels: | polymer body-side panels; steel hood, roof and deck lid |
| Length (in / mm): | 185 / 4699 |
| Height (in / mm): | 56 / 1422 |
| Width (in / mm): | 67.9 / 1725 |
| Wheelbase (in / mm): | 103.2 / 2621 |
| Curb weight (lb / kg): | 2775 / 1259 (with manual transmission) |
| Engine: | 2.2-liter inline four, DOHC, aluminum block and head, twin balance shafts |
| Horsepower (hp / kw): | 137 / 102 @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque (lb-ft / Nm): | 142 / 193 @ 4200 rpm |
| Transmissions: | 5-speed manual;VTi continuously-variable transmission;five-speed automatic |
| Driveline: | front-wheel drive |
| Brakes: | disc front/drum rear; ABS optional |
| Traction control: | optional (included with ABS) |
| Front suspension: | strut type with stabilizer bar |
| Rear suspension: | semi-independent, torsion beam with stabilizer bar |
| Steering: | rack-and-pinion with electric assist |
| Turning radius (ft / meters): | 34.8 / 10.6 |
| Passenger volume (cu ft / liters): | 93.0 / 2633 |
| Cargo volume (cu ft / liters): | 14.2 / 411 |
| Wheel size and type: | base: 15-inch steel (15-inch aluminum alloy optional)up-level: 16-inch aluminum alloy |
| Tires: base: | Firestone 195/60R15up-level: Firestone 205/55R16 |
Saturn ION Sedan Preliminary Specifications | |
| Body structure: | high-strength steel spaceframe with full-length frame rails and steel safety cage |
| Body panels: | polymer body-side panels; steel hood, roof and deck lid |
| Length (in / mm): | 184.5 / 4686 |
| Height (in / mm): | 57.4 / 1458 |
| Width (in / mm): | 67.2 / 1707 |
| Wheelbase (in / mm): | 103.2 / 2621 |
| Curb weight (lb / kg): | 2750 / 1247 (with manual transmission) |
| Engine: | 2.2-liter inline four, DOHC, cast aluminum block and head, twin balance shafts |
| Horsepower (hp / kw): | 137 / 102 @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque (lb-ft / Nm): | 142 / 193 @ 4200 rpm |
| Transmissions: | 5-speed manual;VTi continuously-variable transmission;five-speed automatic |
| Driveline: | front-wheel drive |
| Brakes: | disc front/drum rear; ABS optional |
| Traction control: | optional (included with ABS) |
| Front suspension: | strut type with stabilizer bar |
| Rear Suspension: | semi-independent, torsion beam with stabilizer bar |
| Steering: | rack-and-pinion with electric assist |
| Turning radius (ft / meters): | 34.8 / 10.6 |
| Passenger volume (cu ft / liters): | 93.0 / 2633 |
| Cargo volume (cu ft / liters): | 14.5 / 411 |
| Wheel size and type: | base: 14-inch steelmid-level: 15-inch steel (15-inch aluminum alloy optional)up-level: 16-inch aluminum alloy |
| Tires: | Base: Firestone P185/70R14mid-level: Firestone 195/60R15up-level: Firestone 205/55R16 |