SATURN OUTLOOK DELIVERS CROSSOVER STYLE WITH SUV CAPABILITY
08/01/2007
Saturn
When it made its debut in 2006, the 2007 Saturn Outlook crossover was widely praised for the comprehensive package of style, size, capability and efficiency it brought to the burgeoning crossover market and the role it played in revitalizing Saturn's vehicle portfolio.
For 2008, the Outlook crossover enters its second year of providing Saturn customers with the capability of an SUV - including seating for up to eight, space for their gear and the ability to tow up to 4,500 pounds (2,041 kg) - with car-like efficiency and driving characteristics. It is the largest vehicle in a revamped Saturn lineup - a lineup that is all new within less than two years.
Outlook features a body-frame integral design that enables lower step-in heights and generous interior space. Outlook offers three rows of seating, with the third row capable of comfortably seating adults - and with usable storage space behind the third-row seat. Access to the third-row seat is made easier with an articulated, industry-first Smart Slide (R) second-row seat feature. The vehicle is available in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel drive-models.
For 2008, Outlook AWD models feature a new Active On Demand all-wheel-drive system that delivers a more refined driving experience and optimizes vehicle dynamics and control. The system works by actively managing the torque split between the front and rear axles, based on factors such as vehicle speed, throttle and surface conditions.
Another new feature for 2008 is a rear backup camera, included with the Navigation radio. It helps drivers detect stationary objects behind the vehicle.
The Outlook is produced at GM's new Lansing Delta Township ( Mich. ) assembly plant, the first-ever automobile manufacturing facility to receive a Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program.
Sleek and sporty exterior
The Outlook features Saturn's striking design language, which was first introduced on the Sky roadster. It has an instantly identifiable face, highlighted with a bright grille bar that is flanked by large, jewel-like lighting elements. The headlamps use projector beam technology to deliver bright, precise lighting.
The profile of the Outlook is sleek and aerodynamic, with a sporty, tapered roof line. The rear glass wraps around the corners and is angled slightly toward the roof, enhancing the vehicle's flowing lines. Distinctive, chrome-highlighted horizontal taillamps, a rear spoiler with LED center high-mounted stop lamp and chrome door handles are design cues that reinforce the Outlook's premium appearance, while large, 18-inch wheels and tires (19-inch wheels are available) contribute to the vehicle's optimal proportions.
Three new Outlook exterior colors are available for 2008: Garnet, Carbon Flash and Platinum Ice.
Premium, spacious interior
Like the exterior design, Outlook's interior exudes style and refinement. A car-like "low and away" instrument panel enhances the feeling of openness in the front-row seats and provides a commanding view out of the windshield. The instrument panel and other interior elements feature high-quality, low-gloss materials and tight tolerances. For 2008, the rear wiper button moves to the center stack as part of an overall redesign of the windshield washer stalk.
Outlook can be configured for seven or eight passengers, including two front bucket seats, a 60/40-split second-row bench (three passengers) or two second-row captain's chairs (two passengers) and a 60/40-split third-row bench seat (three passengers). Leather seating surfaces are available. By late summer of 2007, a second-row console will be available for the captain's chair seating configuration, bringing additional convenience and functionality to second-row passengers.
GM's industry-first Smart Slide feature is standard on all second-row configurations, allowing quick and easy access to the third-row seating area. With one-hand operation, the second-row seat cushion flips up while the seatback slides forward, effectively compressing the space occupied by the seat. The second-row seats also offer adjustable fore/aft positioning.
With flat-folding second and third rows, the Outlook also offers generous cargo room, with an estimated 116.9 cu. ft. (3311 L). Outlook even offers an estimated 19.7 cu. ft. (558 L) of cargo space behind third-row seat when it's in its upright position - capacity many other SUVs and crossovers cannot come close to matching. Also, a covered rear cargo convenience center allows items to be stored out of sight beneath the rear cargo floor.
Powerful powertrain
The Outlook XE's 3.6L V-6 VVT produces 270 horsepower (201 kW) and 248 lb.-ft. of torque (336 Nm). The uplevel Outlook XR model, with dual exhaust, provides 275 horsepower (205 kW)* and 251 lb.-ft. of torque (340 Nm).* The four-cam phasing operation of the variable valve timing system ensures linear delivery of torque across the rpm band, while features such as electronic throttle control deliver crisp, immediate response and feedback.
A Hydra-Matic 6T75 electronically controlled six-speed automatic transmission backs the 3.6L V-6 VVT. It is an advanced transmission with clutch-to-clutch shift operation for front- and all-wheel-drive vehicles. Clutch-to-clutch operation allows for reduced complexity and compact packaging.
Chassis and suspension
Outlook rides on a long, 118.9-inch (3021 mm) wheelbase and wide, 67.3-inch (1709 mm) front/rear tracks - a combination that enables an exceptionally smooth ride and stable handling. The front independent suspension features a MacPherson strut design, with a direct-acting stabilizer bar. Isolated mounting points help reduce noise and vibration. The rear independent suspension uses a compact, state-of-the-art linked "H" design, which also has an isolated mounting system that reduces noise and vibration transmitted to the passenger compartment.
A strong body-frame integral structure is the foundation for Outlook's responsive chassis systems. The structure is reinforced in numerous areas with high-strength steel, including a stiff steel cross-car beam welded across the floor between the B-pillars. It also uses dual-phase steel in select areas, such as the lower engine compartment rails.
Towing the line (or boat, or trailer)
The utility provided by the 2008 Saturn Outlook extends beyond its ability to comfortably seat eight passengers and their cargo; when equipped with the available factory trailering package it also can tow up to 4,500 pounds, thanks to Outlook's powerful engine-transmission combination. Outlook can confidently pull personal watercraft, snowmobiles, ATVs, pop-up campers and even a 21-foot powerboat.
The factory trailering package includes a Class III hitch and necessary wiring, as well as enhanced powertrain cooling.
Safety and security are Saturn priorities
Saturn Outlook is designed to protect passengers before, during and after a crash. A strong structure is the foundation, and it is augmented by a wide stance and low center of gravity that reduces the likelihood of a rollover. Outlook's responsive four-wheel independent suspension system also enhances safety by providing stable ride and handling characteristics. StabiliTrak and four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes are standard on all Outlook models.
Four-wheel anti-lock brakes are standard and, new in 2008, they feature Panic Brake Assist. When panic braking is detected, the system automatically develops additional brake pressure to quickly enter ABS and minimize stopping distance in order to mitigate a drier's tendency to brake without using enough force.
Outlook is equipped with six standard air bags: two dual-stage frontal air bags for the driver and front passenger, two seat-mounted side-impact air bags in the first row and two head curtain side-impact air bags that cover all three seating rows. The head curtain air bags are among the longest air bags in any production vehicle. Complementing the air bags is GM's rollover sensing system, which can preemptively activate the head curtain air bags if sensors determine a rollover is imminent. In the event of a rollover, the air bags stay inflated longer to provide increased occupant containment and because rollovers are typically longer in duration than non-rollover crashes.
Outlook also comes standard with OnStar Generation 7 (with a one-year Safe & Sound plan), which features the Advanced Automatic Crash Notification system. AACN makes crash data available to participating 911 centers to help them dispatch the appropriate live-saving personnel and equipment to crash scenes faster. OnStar's available Directions and Connections plan includes OnStar's new voice-activated Turn-By-Turn Navigation system.
Comfort and convenience
Rounding the appeal of the Outlook is a wide range of attractive optional and standard equipment, including rear ultrasonic parking assist, which is now available on the XE model; power liftgate, remote vehicle start, heated windshield fluid, DVD entertainment system and DVD navigation system. A 115V power outlet is available with the Advanced Audio Package.
XM Satellite Radio becomes standard, offering more than 130 channels of news, talk, music, sports, comedy and other programming.
Efficient vehicle, efficient assembly practices
While the 2008 Saturn Outlook unites car-like efficiency with SUV capability, the facility where the Outlook is assembled has received its own accolades: The Lansing Delta Township Assembly Plant in Michigan is the only automotive manufacturing plant in the world - as well as the largest facility and the most complex manufacturing site - to receive a prestigious Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program.
During the first 10 years of operations, the all-new facility is expected to save more than 40 million gallons of water and 30 million kilowatt hours of electricity. The facility is one of just 550 buildings worldwide that are LEED certified at any level. Of these buildings, only a third are certified at the Gold level.
*SAE certified.