SATURN'S RADICAL NEW COUPE

"This 1999 Saturn is the world’s first three-door coupe," says Joe Kennedy, Saturn’s vice president of Sales, Service & Marketing. "Unlike traditional hatchback styles, our innovative approach adds a driver’s side Rear Access Door that provides impressive accessibility to the rear seat area for cargo loading/unloading and even child seat installation. It’s a unique added convenience for the user that doesn’t detract from the coupe’s sporty appearance."

The revolutionary third-door will be a standard feature for all 1999 SC1 and SC2 models produced after early November 1998.

When equipped with manual transmission the base Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) are $12,445 for the 3-door SC1 and $15,005 for the SC2. "Even though we’ve added this significant convenience feature," notes Kennedy, "these prices represent a $150 savings on the SC1 and a minimal $150 increase on the SC2 when compared to our similarly-equipped ‘98 2-door coupe models."

Through intensive computer-aided design and rapid prototyping techniques, Saturn designers, engineers and technicians were able to take the idea from concept to production in under 24 months.

The additional door has not taken away from this Saturn’s clean, contemporary exterior shape. In fact, other than the door seam in the quarter panel, exterior appearance changes from earlier ‘99 coupes are almost non-existent. The window glass in the new door is permanently fixed in place, and the glass panel in the C-pillar receives a black-out treatment.

Operation of the access door requires opening the driver’s door first. The single handle for the rear door is positioned flush in the door jamb and, when activated, releases the upper and lower spaceframe-mounted latches. When opened, the access door can swing out to a nearly 90-degree angle.

Modifications required for the interior were also accomplished in a non-traditional method. Instead of working in a traditional off-site design center environment, stylists sat side-by-side with Saturn engineers during the development process. This helped to expedite incorporation of detailed modifications to new interior trim panels, revised left-side rear seat cushion contours and a new driver’s seat-mounted safety belt guide, among others.

With both left side doors open and no B-pillar obstruction, the functionality of this sporty coupe is unparalleled in today’s marketplace.

In keeping with Saturn’s user-friendly characteristics, this third door also will help meet the needs of some members of the disabled community, especially those who require a wheelchair. In addition, the Saturn Mobility program will reimburse owners for the cost of aftermarket driver or passenger mobility equipment, including installation on their new or used Saturn, for the actual amount up to $1,000. The program also provides educational materials on adaptive aids and their suppliers.

Introduction of the three-door coupe with its rear access door feature is the latest example of just why Saturn truly is "a different kind of company."