1996 Sedan
1996 Wagon
The "disguise", as hinted by folks within Saturn, are the
Oldsmobile-like qualities of the front end.
Supposedly, the real things will be more "Saturn-like".
Overview...
As we approach actual production time of mid-July, rumors about the
changes are becoming clear. Possible items follow.
- Chassis
- The sedans and wagons are supposed to be gaining slightly in
overall length, adding legroom to the rear seats. They are also to get
about an inch or so taller, alllowing for greater headroom. They are,
however, to be about two inches narrower, ostensibly to permit easier
export to Asian markets.
No word of any major suspension changes, though the new frames are
expected to be stiffer, lending improvement to both ride and handling
while reducing the chance road noise, creaks, etc.
- Style
- New colors are to be offered, some already appearing at the end of
'95 production. New interior fabrics are likely (particularly in the
case of the SC2), as is adoption of the
"Teardrop II" wheel for the SL2.
- Drivetrain
- The least-revealed dimension of the new Saturns, some rumors
forsee an improved version of the twin-cam engine will produce higher
power. Other rumors say that Traction Control will be available on
manual transmission models.
- Pricing
- Price changes are expected to be in the 2% range
($200-300 on base price). This change would be in line with GM's
corporate-wide announcement that '96 price changes would average
around 2.7%. Word leaking from the plant is that the new cars are
designed to be easier to build. So despite any content increases,
the cars won't be costing that much more to assemble.
|
![[Saturnalia]](satal.gif)
![[This is *NOT* the Saturn corporate site!]](ses.logo.gif){kind=logo}
