2004 Saturn Curve Concept

Remaking a Brand Identity

Am I the guy that Saturn has been targeting all these years? While Im in my early 40s now, I was in my early 30s when the GM division launched its first car. I drove it, was unimpressed and remained loyal to imports in recent years.

Ive driven all Saturns since, none of which would inspire me to give up a similar Honda, Mitsubishi, Nissan or Toyota, but I have to admit they have made major improvements in styling, build quality and performance.

But really, does anyone put street racing and Saturn together in the same sentence, however negative the connotations? That may change with the addition of the brands Redline series, starting with hopped up versions of the ION Quad Coupe and compact VUE sport utility, but something like the new Curve concept that debuted at this years Detroit auto show would do a heck of a lot more to modify perceptions.

Ive heard negative and positive comments on the cars styling, but personally I like it a lot. Its aggressive compared to all of Saturns current and previous offerings that are just simply happy to see you.

The Curves grille is a variation on the last years SKY convertible concept, but larger, bolder and like the name implies, curved at each corner. The entire car is curvaceous actually, especially the front and rear fender swells that jut out like classic pontoons, contrasting the subtle tapered arc of the roofline.

Its glass all around, with a slim hat-like "floating" metal roof atop. A long front-hinged, clamshell hood reaches up from a set of simple, elegant headlamp clusters that flank the grille, just above an equally tasteful front fascia.

From the rear the Curve looks sassy, like the hind end of a bulldog that just chewed up the power cord to your laptop. Its near Kamm-like tail, the end result of its rear-hinged trunklid, appears to incorporate good aerodynamic properties, and black undertray looks a lot like a rear diffuser. The angled tailpipes mirror the attractive taillamps just above, in what is altogether an extremely cohesive design.

But the Curve isnt just another possible addition to GMs import fighting brand, it is an import. The sexy lines come direct from GMs European Advanced Design Center in Sweden, in collaboration with GMs North American Advanced Design Team. The one-off design study received its final construction by none other than Italys famed Pininfarina, best known for any number of classic and current Ferraris.

The Curve should have the performance to back up the racy styling too, being that it rides on GMs much touted Kappa architecture. It shares its undercarriage and drivetrain with the Pontiac Solstice, a car every sports car enthusiast has been talking about since debuting as a concept last year.

First of all Kappa cars, including the Curve, are rear-drive, optimal for sporty driving dynamics. The suspension is independent front and back, connected to a rigid chassis made up of full-length hydroformed frame rails, enhancing ride and handling.

Saturn has added a sticky set of F245/40R20 front and F245/45R20 rear Continental performance tires wrapped around 20-inch diameter 7-spoke wheels. Framed inside are impressive 14-inch discs, clamped down on by twin-piston front calipers and large singles in the rear, which should make light duty of heavy braking forces.

And the Curve will need strong brakes too, with a supercharged 2.2-L Ecotec 4-cylinder delivering 230 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 220 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm, it should be able to ramp up immoral speeds quickly. Ive driven this engine in normally aspirated 140-hp guise, and it had plenty of pep then. I can only guess at its impish attitude with a blower strapped on.

But its not just about raw muscle. Rather GMs 4-cylinder gets variable valve timing technology, which not only improves power but reduces fuel consumption while cleaning up emissions. A 5-speed Getrag manual, what would most likely be standard equipment if the Curve is produced, takes care of changing gears.

That shifter is gated like a Ferrari, a racy addition that contrasts with what Saturn describes as a "relaxed" interior design. I like the layout. It reminds me of simpler cars from my past. A circular theme displays three HVAC dials, three ancillary gauges just above them, and three primary gauges in the instrument cluster, consisting of a speedometer, tachometer and temperature gauge - good choice on that last one. Four round air vents are placed across the dash as well, complimenting a few additional buttons on the center stack. Saturn didnt go as far to make the foot pedals round, but theyre oval which is about as close as theyd want to get and still keep it functional.

I like the floating blonde-colored wood console, allowing a little air space between its surface and the driveshaft tunnel underneath. Im not sure about the yellow contrasting color, in what is otherwise a handsome cabin of charcoal shades and terracotta hues. Maybe Ill get used to it, and after all the yellow does match the gauges tying the whole idea together.

Unlike the 2-seat Solstice the Curve features a 2+2 layout, with a pair of abbreviated buckets added behind in the same charcoal and terracotta color scheme as those in front. Saturn has added tilting front seats to make getting in and out of the back less cumbersome.

Like I said in the beginning of this review, Saturn would do very well to build something similar to the Curve. It would add to showroom traffic while building positive brand awareness at the same time.

And its not like they would have to create it from scratch, something the autonomous division has had to do in the past. Now GM has pulled Saturn in from the far reaches of its plastic body-paneled oblivion, to share parts across the board with the rest of its extended family, as recently displayed with the brands upcoming Relay minivan.

The Curve could be built, and should be built. I, for one, might just get excited about a Saturn, and that would be an unprecedented achievement indeed.