2006 Saturn Sky

Dynamism, pace and agility are the prime features of the Saturn Sky roadster, which signals a new direction for the Saturn brand. First seen at the North American International Road Show in 2005, the Sky is the first vehicle to boast the new look which is to be a feature of Saturn’s entire product range in the future.

“Building on its accomplishments in customer sales and service satisfaction, Saturn is introducing a bold new product design to our vehicles,” stated Jill Lajdziak, Saturn General Manager. “For Saturn, the Sky is not the limit. It's only the beginning.”

Harmony through technology

The original inspiration for the Sky roadster came from the Vauxhall VX Lightning Concept, designed at the GM Advanced Design Studio in Birmingham, UK. Its exterior is a combination of taut, sharp lines and fluid surfaces. It features a powerful front end, including a chrome bar carrying an integrated Saturn logo.

The technological sophistication which is key to the Sky’s image is also hinted at in the wide stance and short overhangs, with a convertible roof which folds neatly into the rear compartment. The headlamps feature halogen low beams and reflector optic halogen main beams, rounding off the exterior look.

This same design concept is maintained in the Sky’s interior, with driver-centred displays and controls. Attention to detail can be found in the piano black and chrome finish, optional leather seats, and fine, jewel-like details on the lighting controls and HVAC.

Sports performance

Not only does the Sky feature bold design and styling, but it is also backed up by powerful hardware. The roadster houses a 2.4-litre Ecotec engine, with the ability to produce 170 bhp. The engine also features variable valve timing, and is controlled through a 5-speed Aisin manual gearbox with short throw shifter. There is the option to add a 5-speed automatic.

The engine is just one of a number of technical innovations boasted by the Saturn Sky. It features hydraulically assisted rack and pinion power steering, ABS disc brakes on all four wheels, hydraulic engine mounts which give a smoother engine feel, coil-over Bilstein monotube shocks and a tunnel-design structure with hydroformed lateral rails for a stiff, responsive body.

Safety first

The Saturn Sky makes GM the only manufacturer to offer not only OnStar navigation and tracking systems, but also Automatic Crash Notification technology. If the airbags are deployed as a result of an impact, an automatic signal is sent to an OnStar emergency Advisor, who then contacts the occupants to see if assistance is required. On top of this, a next-level Advanced Automatic Crash Notification system (AACN), exclusive to GM, is offered in the Sky, which detects collisions and rollovers without requiring the airbag trigger.








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© 2006 Martin Hemmings and Ken Leonard for www.sport-cars.org