Autoworld.com - Saturn Corporation unveiled its CV1 concept vehicle and a completely redesigned 2001 SC coupe today at the Los Angeles International auto show. Both vehicles are designed to make a dramatic statement about the Saturn brand and its future direction.

    "The CV1 embodies Saturn's goal to offer fresh, innovative solutions to our customers' transportation needs," said Cynthia Trudell, chairman and president of Saturn. "While not a preview of a production vehicle, the CV1 will stimulate dialogue with customers about design elements and features for future Saturn products. "Conversely, our redesigned 2001 SC Coupe reflects numerous changes based on feedback from our two most important audiences - Saturn customers and retailers. It is a true example of how we apply customer feedback to new products."

Saturn CV1

    The CV1 - so named because it is Saturn's first concept vehicle - explores new vehicle packaging and design features that will play an important role as Saturn grows its product lineup. It is an all-wheel-drive, multi-functional vehicle with a space efficient five plus two seating configuration, unique bi-fold doors and a host of passenger accommodations.

    "The Saturn concept vehicle transcends traditional vehicle categories, incorporating characteristics of a sedan, minivan and sport-utility vehicle in an extremely efficient package," said Kate Zak, Saturn brand character design manager.

    At 177 inches in length, the CV1 is 1.1 inches shorter than the Saturn SL small sedan. While its size makes the CV1 easy to maneuver and park, the efficient and reconfigurable design provides maximum versatility to help meet the daily, changing needs of customers. The five plus two seating configuration enables a customer to transport up to five adults and two children. Alternately, when cargo carrying is the priority, all the seats except the driver's seat can be folded flat. The three-passenger rear seat moves rearward to provide additional legroom or forward to maximize cargo space. The split-bench rear seat and the front passenger seat also fold flat to provide an impressive 85 cubic feet of cargo-carrying capability.

    To complement the innovative seating, the CV1 incorporates a variety of helpful design features. Dual bi-fold doors allow easy access to either the rear seats or storage area. A center instrument pod puts information closer to the driver's sight line, while numerous storage areas can accommodate a variety of items. Under the hood, service points are logically placed and visible indicators alert the owner when it's time to add fluids.

    The vehicle also builds on Saturn's strong safety record. Safety features include four-point safety belts for all seven seating positions, front- and side-impact air bags, light emitting diode (LED) taillamps that illuminate faster than incandescent lighting, run-flat tires and integrated tire pressure readouts on the wheels. Exterior panels are made of composite materials, reflecting the traditional use of dent-resistant polymer to keep Saturns looking newer, longer.

    The CV1 is powered by a 2.2-liter dual overhead camshaft inline four-cylinder engine that meets ultra-low emission vehicle standards. With the ability to utilize an advanced continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel-drive, it can provide exceptional performance in all driving conditions.

    "Consistent with Saturn's brand character, the CV1 is friendly, thoughtful and intuitive," Trudell said. "This concept vehicle embodies the innovative direction of Saturn as we expand our product portfolio in the years ahead."


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2001 SC Coupe

    Saturn also debuted its redesigned 2001 SC three-door coupe today in Los Angeles. Still the only three-door coupe in the world, the new SC has a more dramatic and sporty exterior, with a variety of interior and mechanical enhancements just recently added for the 2000 model year.

    "The evolution of the three-door coupe is truly a testament to Saturn's understanding of the wants and needs of its customers," said Jill Lajdziak, vice president, sales, service and marketing for Saturn Corporation. "The third door began as a suggestion by the eight year old son of a Saturn retailer, and in response to customer demand it's now featured on every Saturn SC coupe built."

    After the launch of the Saturn SC with the third door, Saturn saw its coupe sales jump more than 30% during the first three months of sales. Total sales of the coupe were up more than 17% in 1999. Saturn originally unveiled the third-door option in December 1998. The door is featured on the driver's side of the vehicle, and can be opened via a latch that is accessible when the driver's side door is open.

    Changes for the 2001 coupe include a completely restyled exterior, as well as major enhancements just added six months earlier for the 2000 model year. Those include a new interior, extensive updates in the electronic systems that provide significant new safety and security features, and reduced engine noise.

    While Saturn's mildly wedge-shaped body and clean, smooth surfaces continue to form the basis of the distinctive "Saturn swoosh," all body panels below the beltline are new on the 2001 coupe, giving the car a fresh exterior appearance.

    The 2001 Saturn SC retains the dent-resistant polymer body panels that help keep Saturns looking new longer by helping to prevent parking-lot dings and virtually eliminating corrosion.

    For a more contemporary appearance, the 2001 Saturn SC features new reflector headlamp optics which also enhance the beam pattern. In the rear, the coupe features restyled wraparound taillamps and an all-new applique panel that continues the taillamp look across the decklid.

    As part of Saturn's continued commitment to safety, driver and front-passenger reduced force air bags are standard equipment. Three-point active seat belts are included for all outboard positions. Both the SC1 and SC2 are available with advanced ABS brake system technology that minimizes initialization sound. The system alerts the driver to ABS operation with a pedal pulsation and ABS system operation sound during an ABS braking event. The 2001 Saturn coupe is protected from vehicle theft by an engine immobilizing anti-theft system. This system - standard for 2001 - helps deter vehicle theft by preventing the vehicle from starting unless the proper key is used.

    The 2001 Saturn S-Series coupes are powered by the 1.9-liter four-cylinder engines produced in Saturn's Spring Hill powertrain manufacturing facility. These powertrains continue to provide uniquely high levels of durability, performance and economy that Saturn owners have come to appreciate and expect.

    All Saturn S-Series vehicles are available with California or Northeastern Emission packages. Additionally, the SOHC engine features an Air Injection Reaction (A.I.R.) System, warm-up converters on the exhaust manifolds and a cylinder head assembly with a revised combustion chamber. These enhancements enable the SOHC engine to meet LEV requirements.

    Saturn offers a 3 Years/36,000 mile (whichever comes first) bumper to bumper new vehicle limited warranty with no deductible. Tires are covered separately by the tire manufacturer.