2008 Saturn Aura Xr Sedan 4-door 3.6l on 2040-cars

The Saturn Aura was a mid-size car produced under the Saturn brand of American automaker General Motors. It debuted as a concept car at the North American International Auto Show in January 2005. The production model of the Aura was shown at the 2006 New York Auto Show in April, with production commencing in North America in the summer of 2006 for the 2007 model year. The Aura replaced the Saturn L-Series, which was discontinued after the 2005 model year.^[1] Although Saturn had never intended to use the Aura name for the production vehicle, the name ended up sticking as a result of the popularity of the concept.^[2]

The Aura was considered an important model for both Saturn and General Motors.^[3] It was part of a product rejuvenation for Saturn intended to make the brand profitable as well as competitive with European imports.^[3][4] Reaction to the Aura was positive, both in terms of reviews and sales.^[5]

The concept used a 252 hp (186 kW) 3.6 L V6 and a new 6T70 six-speed automatic transmission.^[6] That powertrain was offered in the production model known as the XR. Also introduced was the 3.5 L V6 with 219 hp (163 kW), down from 224 in 2007 in the XE, and the hybrid 164 hp (122 kW) 2.4 L inline-4, down from 170 hp (127 kW), in the Greenline. The Aura, developed on the GM Epsilon platform, was available only as a sedan and is built at the Kansas City, Kansas, Fairfax Assembly plant.

This vehicle was discontinued after the 2009 model year as a direct result of the Saturn division being terminated for that same year. It was later revealed that a second-generation model based on the Vectra's replacement, the Insignia, was due to be released. However, with the discontinuation of the Saturn marque, the Insignia was offered to Buick, who released it as the fifth-generation Buick Regal.

Aura XR[edit]

2009 Saturn Aura XR

The Aura XR was the top-line Aura model. The XR was fitted with the 3.6 L DOHC V6 with VVT, rated at 252 hp (188 kW) at 6200 rpm and 251 lb·ft (340 N·m) of torque at 3100 rpm. This engine was first used in the Cadillac CTS and marks its second use in a North American GM car. With this 3.6 L engine, the Aura was the first front-wheel drive GM passenger car to use the new Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic transmission.^[12] The transmission featured TAPshift, which allowed the driver to manually select gears by using paddles located behind the steering wheel.^[13] The Aura XR was the performance-oriented version with a taut, but not harsh, suspension and the more powerful engine. Available interior colors in the XR were tan and grey leather (available in the XE), along with the XR-specific black or Morocco Brown leather. Cloth was standard. Other standard features included the Advanced Audio Package, 18 inch alloy wheels, chrome exterior door handles, and remote vehicle start.^[14] Given the 2007 Saturn Aura's European roots—the car's chassis was also used for the Saab 9-3. The Aura also used hydraulic power steering (V-6 models only) that provided more feedback and a more linear feel than the fussy electric power-assist units. For 2009, an entry level XR became available. It included the 17 inch 10 spoke alloy wheels available on the XE and the 2.4 L LE5 Ecotec engine mated to GM's all new 6T40 6-speed automatic transmission with TAPshift. The 3.6L VVT with 18" wheels was optional.