With its lean, taught bodywork stretched over a long wheelbase and wide track, the all-new Saturn Astra has an undeniably sporty stance. Fortunately, its European-inspired driving dynamics and energetic 1.8L Ecotec engine back up those aggressive good looks with commensurate performance, making the Astra prime material for all-out tuner treatment.
Saturn got the ball rolling at SEMA with the Astra Tuner, a concept vehicle that applies some of the latest bolt-on performance and appearance components to show what’s possible with this all-new compact. The Astra Tuner is based on a production XR three-door and features approximately 20 more horsepower and a lowered ride height. Numerous exterior enhancements – including 19-inch wheels –give the car a racier look. It may be the first, but this unique Saturn certainly won’t be the last personalized Astra.
Vehicle highlights:
Astra XR three-door
1.8L Ecotec DOHC four-cylinder with approximately 160 horsepower, via exhaust header, cold-air intake and modified throttle body
extra 20 hp, and they have the balls to mention it. this car is sold in Europe with the option of 240 hp 2.0 turbocharged engine ..... that is 100 hp more than the base model. the car (sold in europe) even has better front fascia. i want Saturn to bring it here to see which one is better, the Vaxhaul VXR or the VW GT-i.
This is where GM needs to go. I’m really feeling this car. The worst thing they could do is find some over-2.0L engine to plop in there. Follow Honda’s lead closely. 1.8L or 2.0L is good enough for a car this size.
Posted on
02.4.2010 @ 22:36