Bimmer325

Once again, real-life photos look infinitely better than GM photography.

And what exactly happened to the knob in the right bottom corner of the 9th image down?

Well this is hugely dissapointing.

I'd like to encourage relevant, well thought-out replies in response to this topic. The Aura is a remarkable effort from Saturn and GM. We hope the outlined changes are a feasible step toward maximizing it's potential in the crucial midsize market. Thanks

*IF ANYONE FROM GM IS READING THIS* ---------- The generic, indistinct wheel design that debuted on the Aura XR is the one aspect that detracts from the production exterior's progressive overall appearance. I applaud GM for remaining so true to the concept's winning sheetmetal, but the wheels are unfitting of the design's otherwise athletic demeanor and hinder it's ability to stand out in an oversaturated market. Subsituting the wheels for a sportier (if still understated) alternative like those on the Sky or even the Outlook would accent the Aura's exterior far more effectively. The XR's current wheel design looks more suited to the XE trim, rather than the uplevel XR. The Aura has what it takes to turn Saturn around. Don't allow something as frivolous as wheel options to cause it to blend in. ---------- Thank You

Allow me to rephrase. Why isn't there metallic trim in place of that cheap-looking wood?

More coming at Nissan's press conference midday tommorow.

Why couldn't the concept's metallic trim make it to the production interior?

$3.00/gallon gas is old news around here. At the peak of the summer, I paid $66 to fill up my IS.

Once again, everything about the above image screams chop to me, regardless of whether or not the production model will look similar.

One question to evok, We know the upcoming models will be great for Saturn. How would you guage the Outlook and Aura in terms of the competition?

As with the Aura, I'll reserve judgement until more pictures become available. From what I can see, the front clip looks excellent, but the mixed messages insiders have provided give me pause. It's only a matter of days.

Oh well, more attention for the Aura.

Interesting. It seems like sharing hybrid systems between the two would make more sense, so I wonder what GM has up it's sleeve.

The revamped DCX midsizers will be at NY.

No, the S-Class is stunning in person. Although the ones I've seen haven't had those rims.

The exclusivity that comes with owning the current GTO is tempting in itself. I hate driving a car that everyone and their mother already has, so I'll likely be considering a used Goat for my next car depending on insurance. Looks great, by the way. I'm all for the '06 tails and spoiler delete. What about a tasteful lip spoiler to replace it?

I highly doubt that's authentic.

At this point, I'm guessing this is just part of residing in the Sunshine State. You know I feel your pain, Fly. Glad to hear you're okay.

Yes, the LS will not be coming here because headlamps cannot be modified to meet U.S. standards. Correct.

That's a distinction I don't understand.

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Featu...rticleId=105868

I'll reserve final judgement until more pictures are released, but until then, allow me to lend some optimism to the topic. Regarding the above image, I think most of the dissapointment is premature. First of all, the Aura pictured is rumored to be the base model, which would explain the more conservative lower front-fascia. There's nothing wrong with that. Further, the Aura pictured is silver, a decidedly boring and uninspiring color that drowns out chrome accents like the door handles, window surround, and even the entire upper-grille. Imagine a slick black or navy exterior that would allow the chrome bits to really stand out. Silver is the worst color in that regard. The car is also in motion, thus it's wheels and overall stance can't be determined. Wheel-to-body relationship looks good, though, with minimal gap in the wheel well. Nice. Other than the less aggressive sills, the side looks identical to the concept. The sharp crease remains a nice touch. Remember, lighting is also an issue. From what we can see, I'm happy with the Aura's translation to production thus far. The car is identical to the concept from the headlights back, and we already know a more aggressive lower front-fascia will appear on uplevel models. As far as I'm concerned, the Aura is a hit waiting to happen...Still.

Too bad the styling past it's freshness date years ago.

Get into chat.