All-New Saturn Outlook

All-New Saturn Outlook

New crossover SUV

April 11, 2006 7:51 PM
Filed Under: American, Saturn

Press Release

New crossover SUV offers great looks, eight-passenger seating and refinement

Saturn today unveiled the all-new Outlook crossover SUV at the New York International Auto Show. Outlook offers seating for up to eight and combines the capability of an SUV with carlike driving characteristics. Its contemporary styling represents the new face of Saturn design.

Engineered to provide an ideal balance of style, size and capability, the Outlook is the latest all-new product that is expanding Saturn's product lineup. It joins the Sky and Sky Red Line roadsters, Aura sedan and Vue Green Line hybrid, all of which hit Saturn showrooms this year. The Sky already is on sale.

"Saturn's portfolio of vehicles has never been broader, more diverse or more refined," said Jill Lajdziak, Saturn general manager. "Outlook blends a new dimension of capability with optimal proportions, a stable stance and distinctive design ."

Outlook features a body-frame integral design than enables lower step-in heights and generous interior space. Outlook offers three rows of seating, with the third row capable of comfortably seating adults - and with usable storage space behind the third-row seat. Access to the third-row seat is made easier with an articulated, industry-first Smart Slide ® second-row seat feature.

Powering the Outlook is the GM 3.6L V-6 VVT. The engine features variable valve timing, designed for high fuel economy, low emissions and exceptional smoothness. The uplevel XR model (with dual exhaust) provides an estimated 267 horsepower (199 kw) and 247 lb.-ft. of torque (335 Nm). The single-exhaust XE model is rated at an estimated 265 horsepower (198 kw) and 244 lb.-ft (331 Nm) of torque. The engine is backed by a new, fuel-saving Hydra-Matic 6T75 six-speed automatic transmission. Outlook is available in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models.

Production of the Outlook will begin in the fourth quarter of this year at GM's new Lansing Delta Township ( Mich.) assembly plant.

Design

The Outlook features Saturn's striking new design language, which was first introduced on the Sky roadster. It has an instantly identifiable face, highlighted with a bright grille bar that is flanked by large, jewel-like lighting elements. The headlamps use projector beam technology to deliver bright, precise lighting. High-intensity discharge lamps are available.

The profile of the Outlook is sleek and aerodynamic, with a sporty, tapered roof line. The rear glass wraps around the corners and is angled slightly toward the roof, enhancing the vehicle's flowing lines. Distinctive chrome-highlighted horizontal tail lamps, a rear spoiler with LED center high-mounted stop lamp and chrome door handles are design cues that reinforce the Outlook's premium appearance, while large 18-inch wheels and tires (19-inch wheels are available) contribute to the vehicle's optimal proportions.

Interior

Like the exterior design, Outlook's interior exudes style and refinement. A carlike "low and away" instrument panel enhances the feeling of openness in the front-row seats and provides a commanding view out of the windshield. The instrument panel and other interior elements feature high-quality, low-gloss materials and tight tolerances.

Outlook can be configured for seven or eight passengers, including two front bucket seats, a 60/40-split second-row bench (three passengers) or two second-row captain's chairs (two passengers) and a 60/40-split third-row bench seat (three passengers). Leather seating surfaces are available.

GM's industry-first Smart Slide feature is standard on all second-row configurations, allowing quick and easy access to the third-row seating area. The second-row seat cushion flips up while the seatback slides forward, effectively compressing the space occupied by the seat. It operates with one hand and enables adjustable fore/aft positioning of the second-row seat. When adjusted rearward, the second-row seat provides more legroom for taller passengers; when adjusted forward, it provides more storage space.

Outlook also offers generous cargo room, including an estimated 116.9 cu. ft. (3310.6 L) when the second- and third-row seats are folded. In fact, Outlook even offers an estimated 19.7 cu. ft. (557.9 L) of cargo space behind third-row seat when it's in its upright position - capacity many other SUVs and crossovers cannot come close to matching. Also, a covered rear cargo convenience center allows items to be stored out of sight beneath the rear cargo floor. In addition, Outlook's second- and third-row seats fold flat for even more cargo-carrying capacity.

Chassis and suspension

Outlook rides on a long, 118.9-inch (3020.7 mm) wheelbase and wide, 67.28-inch (1709 mm) front/rear tracks - a combination that enables an exceptionally smooth ride and stable handling. Sharp ride and handling reflexes also are supported by independent front and rear suspensions. The front suspension features a MacPherson strut design, with a direct-acting stabilizer bar. Isolated mounting points help reduce noise and vibration. The rear suspension uses a compact, state-of-the-art linked "H" design, which also has an isolated mounting system that reduces noise and vibration transmitted to the passenger compartment.

A strong body-frame integral structure is the foundation for Outlook's responsive chassis systems. The structure is reinforced in numerous areas with high-strength steel, including a stiff steel cross-car beam welded across the floor between the B-pillars. It also uses dual-phase steel is select areas, such as the lower engine compartment rails.

Safety

Saturn Outlook is designed to protect passengers before, during and after a crash. A strong structure is the foundation and it is augmented by a wide stance and low center of gravity that reduces the likelihood of a rollover. Outlook's responsive four-wheel independent steering system also enhances safety by providing stable ride and handling characteristics. Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes are standard.

Outlook is equipped with six standard air bags: two dual-stage frontal air bags for the driver and front passenger, two seat-mounted side-impact air bags in the first row and two head curtain side-impact air bags that cover all three seating rows. The head curtain air bags are among the longest air bags in any production vehicle. Complementing the air bags is GM's rollover sensing system, which can preemptively activate the side-impact air bags if sensors determine a rollover is imminent. In the event of a rollover, the air bags stay inflated longer to provide increased occupant containment and because rollovers are typically longer in duration than non-rollover crashes.

Outlook also comes standard with OnStar Generation 6 (with a one-year Safe and Sound plan), which features the Advanced Automatic Crash Notification system. AACN makes crash data available to participating 911 centers to help them dispatch the appropriate live-saving personnel and equipment to crash scenes faster.

Comfort and convenience

Rounding the appeal of the Outlook is a wide range of attractive optional and standard equipment, including ultrasonic parking assist, power liftgate, remote vehicle start, heated windshield fluid, DVD entertainment system and DVD navigation system.


2007 Saturn Outlook Performance and Structure

The 2007 Saturn Outlook is built with attention to detail and is engineered to provide an ideal balance of style, size and capability. Built on GM’s new front-wheel drive truck architecture, Outlook incorporates compelling exterior styling, along with a flexible and refined interior space, a comprehensive safety package, carefully tailored powertrain and chassis systems, and good fuel economy.

Outlook’s exterior designers worked with GM’s aerodynamics experts to craft a drag-defying shape that would not only look great, but also enhance fuel economy and acceleration. Experimentation in GM’s wind tunnel and with computer modeling led to the integration of a large front air dam, as well as air deflectors in front of the rear wheels, which reduced drag by shielding the underbody, suspension and tires from airflow.

The vehicle's drag was reduced further by optimizing the tire-to-body relationship. By minimizing the size of the wheel openings around the tire package, there is less opportunity for air to pass between the tire and body – reducing the amount of drag. Additional time also was spent on working the shape of the wheel flares in relation to the tires to improve air flow. The result of this comprehensive aerodynamics quest is a coefficient of drag of just 0.361.

Structure details

A robust body-frame integral structure enables tight body panel fit and serves as the foundation for a responsive chassis system. The body structure is reinforced with high-strength steel, including a stiff steel cross-car beam welded across the floor between the B-pillars. Dual-phase steel is used in select areas, such as the lower engine compartment rails. Dual-phase steel is strengthened in the paint oven and offers easier formability, reduced mass, greater strength and better crash energy absorption than most high-strength steels.

The Outlook’s structure also incorporates a new integrated structural front-end sub-assembly, which uses the bottom frame rails as the primary load-bearing structure. This facilitates easier assembly, because the front of the structure is completely open until the front-end assembly is attached. And, because the lower rails carry most of the load, the upper rails’ design enabled greater exterior design flexibility.

Another benefit of Outlook’s body-frame integral structure is lower entry/exit height. Despite the vehicle’s SUV-like front-end height, the front door step-in height is 18.9 inches (480 mm); the rear door step-in height is 19.8 inches (503 mm). Entry to the third-row seat is eased with wide rear doors and GM’s industry-first Smart Slide® second-row seat feature.

Ride and handling

A strong structure is the foundation for the Outlook’s responsive driving experience. The vehicle rides on a long, 118.9-inch (3020.7 mm) wheelbase and wide, 67.28-inch (1709 mm) front/rear tracks. The wheelbase-to-track proportion lowers the center of gravity and helps the Outlook deliver smooth, carlike ride and handling characteristics.

The front suspension features a MacPherson strut design, with a direct-acting stabilizer bar that helps provide a more immediate feel during turns. Isolated mounting points for the suspension help reduce noise and vibration. The rear suspension uses a compact, linked “H� design, which also has an isolated mounting system. This suspension design enables the handling prowess that comes with an independent suspension, but with minimal floor pan intrusion – a feature that helps the Outlook offer generous passenger and cargo space. It also allows for a high load-carrying capacity. Outlook has a 4,500-pound (2,042 kg) towing capacity, when properly equipped.

Outlook also features standard power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering, with variable-effort steering available. The suspension and steering system meet the road via standard 18-inch wheels and tires, with 19-inch wheels available. Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS are standard. The Outlook also offers the following features that enhance ride and handling, as well as safety:

Powertrain

GM’s 3.6L V-6 with variable valve timing (VVT) and a new Hydra-Matic 6T75 six-speed automatic transmission is the Outlook’s standard powertrain combination. The 3.6L V-6 VVT is a sophisticated, dual-overhead camshaft engine jointly developed at GM technical centers in Australia, Germany, Sweden and North America It was first introduced on Cadillac’s CTS sedan and SRX crossover. The engine uses full four-cam phasing, rapid data processing and torque-based engine management to optimize power, economy and emissions performance.

In the Outlook, the 3.6L V-6 VVT produces an estimated 265 horsepower (198 kw) and 244 lb.-ft. of torque (331 Nm). The uplevel Outlook XR model, with dual exhaust, provides an estimated 267 horsepower (199 kW) and 247 lb.-ft. of torque (335 Nm). The four-cam phasing operation of the variable valve timing system ensures linear delivery of torque across the rpm band, while features such as electronic throttle control deliver crisp, immediate response and feedback. The engine uses electro-hydraulic vane-type phasers to rotate the camshafts relative to the cam-drive sprockets, allowing infinitely variable combinations over a range of 50 degrees.

Additional engine features include:

The aluminum-intensive 3.6L V-6 VVT also is designed to deliver its performance with smoothness, quietness and durability. The camshaft chain drives are nearly silent during operation. Other elements, including the cam covers, intake manifold and direct-mounted accessories, are designed to reduce or eliminate conventional points of noise, vibration and harshness. A long operating life is driven by heavy-duty and special components, such as a forged steel crankshaft, polymer-coated pistons and oil jets that drench the bottom of the pistons in cooling, lubricating oil.

A new Hydra-Matic 6T75-E electronically controlled six-speed automatic transmission backs the 3.6L V-6 VVT. It is an advanced transmission with clutch-to-clutch shift operation for front- and all-wheel drive vehicles. Clutch-to-clutch operation allows for reduced complexity and compact packaging. A wide, 6.04:1 overall ratio helps the transmission deliver both performance and fuel economy, enabling up to 8 percent improved performance and up to 4 percent improved fuel economy when compared with current front-wheel drive four-speed automatics.






















PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS: 2007 SATURN OUTLOOK

Overview

Models:

Saturn Outlook FWD and AWD

Body style / driveline:

crossover SUV / front-engine; front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive

Construction:

body-frame integral

EPA vehicle class:

sport utility vehicle

Manufacturing location:

Lansing Delta Township Assembly Plant, Lansing, Mich.

Key competitors:

Ford Freestyle; Honda Pilot; Toyota Highlander

Engine

Type:

3.6L V-6 VVT

Displacement (cu in / cc):

217 / 3564

Bore & Stroke (in / mm):

3.70 x 3.37 / 94 x 85.6

Block material:

aluminum

Cylinder head material:

aluminum

Valvetrain:

DOHC; 4 valves per cylinder; variable valve timing

Fuel delivery:

sequential fuel injection

Compression ratio:

10.2:1

Horsepower (hp / kw):

265 / 198 @ 6600 rpm w/ single exhaust (est.)
267 / 199 @ 6600 rpm w/ dual exhaust (est.)

Torque (lb-ft / Nm):

244 / 331 @ 3200 rpm w/ single exhaust (est.)
247 / 335 @ 3200 rpm w/ dual exhaust (est.)

Recommended fuel:

87 octane

Max. engine rpm (fuel cutoff):

6900 rpm

Emissions controls:

dual close-coupled converters; 2 pre- and 2 post-oxygen sensors

Estimated fuel economy
(city / hwy / combined):

17 / 25 / 23.4 (FWD)
16 / 24 / 22.4 (AWD)

Transmission& Power Take Off Unit (PTU)

Manufacturer:

GM Powertrain

Type:

Hydra-Matic 6T75 6-speed FWD/AWD automatic transmission

Gear Ratio (:1)

First:

4.48

Second:

2.87

Third:

1.84

Fourth:

1.41

Fifth:

1.0

Sixth:

0.742

Reverse:

2.88

Final drive ratio:

3.16 (FWD) 2.73 (AWD – PTU)

Chassis/Suspension

Front:

coil-over strut; direct acting stabilizer bar; full perimeter isolated cradle

Rear:

linked H-arm independent suspension; coil springs with twin tube shock absorbers mounted on isolated sub-frame

Steering type:

hydraulic rack-and-pinion; straight ratio and variable effort

Steering ratio:

16.1

Steer wheel turns, lock-to-lock:

2.89

Turning circle, curb-to-curb (ft / m):

40.4 / 12.3

Brakes

Type

4-wheel disc

Rotor diameter (in / mm):

front: 12.8 x 1.1 / 325 x 29, ventilated
rear: 13 x 0.8 / 331 x 20, ventilated

Anti-lock braking system (ABS):

Bosch 8.0 Chassis Controls: ABS / ETC / ESC w/rollover mitigation

Wheels/Tires

Wheel size and type:

18 x 7.5-in; cast aluminum (std)
19 x 8-in; cast aluminum (opt)

Tire size and type:

P255/65R18 ALS blackwall (std)
P255/60R19 AL3 blackwall (opt)

Dimensions

Exterior

Wheelbase (in / mm):

118.9 / 3020.7

Overall length (in / mm):

200.7 / 5097

Overall width (in / mm):

78.2 / 1986

Overall height (in / mm):

72.8 / 1846 (w/roof rails); 69.9 / 1775.5 (w/o roof rails)

Track

Front (in / mm):

67.1 / 1704

Rear (in / mm):

67.1 / 1704

Curb weight (lb / kg):

4722 / 2142 (FWD)
4936 / 2239 (AWD)

Min. ground clearance (in / mm):

7.4 / 189 (FWD and AWD)

Dimensions

Interior

Seating capacity:

7 or 8

Headroom

First row (in /mm):

40.4 / 1024 (w/o sunroof); 38.5 / 978 (w/ sunroof)

Second row (in / mm):

39.3 / 996 (w/o sunroof); 38.3 / 973 (w/ sunroof)

Third row (in / mm):

38.4 / 975.3 (w/o sunroof); 38.4 / 975.3 (w/ sunroof)

Legroom

First row (in / mm):

41.3 / 1049

Second row (in / mm):

36.9 / 937.2

Third row (in / mm):

33.2 / 843.2

Shoulder room

First row (in / mm):

61.9 / 1574

Second row (in / mm):

61.1 / 1551

Third row (in / mm):

57.8 / 1468

Hip room

First row (in / mm):

57.8 / 1468.1

Second row (in / mm):

57.9 / 1470.6

Third row (in / mm):

48.3 / 1226.8

Cargo volume

Second and third row folded (cu ft / L):

117 / 3313

Second row up, third row folded (cu ft / L):

68.9 / 1951.2

Behind third row (cu ft / L):

19.7 / 557.9

Capacities

Fuel tank (gal / L):

22.0 / 83.3

Engine oil (qt / L):

5 / 4.7

Transmission fluid (qt / L):

9.5 / 9.0 (Dexron VI only)

Cooling system (qt / L):

11.85 / 11.18

Max towing capacity (lb / kg):

4500 / 2041

GCWR(lb / kg):

9500 / 4309 (FWD)
9700 / 4400 (AWD)

GVWR (lb / kg):

6398 / 2908