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Saturn For 2001 |
By Carey Russ |
Saturn made its reputation with small sedans, wagons, and coupes. Its future centers around expansion, first evidenced by the introduction of the mid-size L-Series last year. Although 2001 sees mostly minor detail changes and increased safety equipment including available head curtain air bags on all models, Saturn has announced that it will be introducing more new vehicles. A sport-utility vehicle will be the first, debuting as a 2002 model.
VUE
A different kind of sport-utility vehicle from the different kind of car company. The VUE will be a Saturn through and through, with space-frame construction and dent-resistant polymer body panels. The 2.2-liter four-cylinder and 3.0-liter V6 engines are familiar from the L-Series. But it will have innovative new technology, including an available continuously-variable transmission (CVT) for the four-cylinder engine and electrically-assisted power steering. Saturn's goal is to combine the style, versatility, and safety of an SUV with the comfort, performance, and efficiency of a car.
S-Series
Saturn's small S-Series is offered in sedan, wagon, and coupe body styles. All received a restyled interior last year, and the sedans and wagons got freshened exterior styling as well. The 2001 SC coupes debuted last Spring, with new bodywork. Front head-curtain air bags are available on all S-Series models.
L-Series
The mid-size LS sedans and LW wagons enter their sophomore year with larger fuel tanks and optional front and rear head-curtain air bags.
Saturn Specifications 2001 VUE ENGINE 2.2-liter inline four-cylinder Peak horsepower: 138 @ 5600 rpm Peak torque, lb-ft: 145 @ 4000 rpm 3.0-liter V6 Peak horsepower: 181 @ 4000 rpm Peak torque, lb-ft: 190 @ 3600 rpm DRIVE TRAIN Front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive I4: 5 - speed manual or continuously-variable automatic V6: 5 - speed automatic CHASSIS & SUSPENSION unit construction Front suspension: independent strut Rear suspension: independent multilink BRAKES Disc/drum, antilock optional EPA ESTIMATED FUEL ECONOMY City / Highway: N/A Fuel tank: N/A gallons