October 29, 2007 11:55 AM by Frank de Leeuw van Weenen Filed Under: TunersSEMASaturn
Euro inspired
Last week GM announced their SEMA line-up and I talked briefly about the Saturn Astra Tuner Concept and whether the Saturn design team would be able to 'tune' an Astra as well as their German counterparts.
The Saturn Astra Tuner Concept is based on the production three-door Astra XR powered by the 1.8 liter EcoTec engine which has been boosted by 20 hp to 160 hp through a new exhaust header, cold-air intake and modified throttle body. The Astra Tuner looks quite like the European Opel Astra GTC but with a new rear end, 19 inch OPC wheels and OPC roof spoiler.
With its lean, taught bodywork stretched over a long wheelbase and wide track, the all-new Saturn Astra has an undeniably sporty stance. Fortunately, its European-inspired driving dynamics and energetic 1.8L Ecotec engine back up those aggressive good looks with commensurate performance, making the Astra prime material for all-out tuner treatment. Saturn got the ball rolling at SEMA with the Astra Tuner, a concept vehicle that applies some of the latest bolt-on performance and appearance components to show what’s possible with this all-new compact. The Astra Tuner is based on a production XR three-door and features approximately 20 more horsepower and a lowered ride height. Numerous exterior enhancements – including 19-inch wheels –give the car a racier look. It may be the first, but this unique Saturn certainly won’t be the last personalized Astra.
Vehicle highlights:
Astra XR three-door
1.8L Ecotec DOHC four-cylinder with approximately 160 horsepower, via exhaust header, cold-air intake and modified throttle body
