Saturn Astra Tuner Concept at 2007 SEMA

Saturn Astra Tuner Concept

Euro inspired

By Frank de Leeuw van Weenen
October 29, 2007 11:55 AM
Filed Under: American, Saturn, SEMA, Tuners

Euro inspired

Last week GM announced their SEMA line-up and I talked briefly about the Saturn Astra Tuner Concept and whether the Saturn design team would be able to 'tune' an Astra as well as their German counterparts.

The Saturn Astra Tuner Concept is based on the production three-door Astra XR powered by the 1.8 liter EcoTec engine which has been boosted by 20 hp to 160 hp through a new exhaust header, cold-air intake and modified throttle body. The Astra Tuner looks quite like the European Opel Astra GTC but with a new rear end, 19 inch OPC wheels and OPC roof spoiler.

Source: General Motors

Press Release (Click to expand)

SATURN ASTRA TUNER CONCEPT

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
Five-speed manual transmission
Lowered ride height
New front and rear fascia extensions
New grille surround finish
Tinted headlamps, taillamps and windows
Rear center-outlet exhaust
Production side moldings deleted
High-performance Recaro seats
Unique interior trim
Unique sill plates and parking brake handle