Aura XR The Aura XR was the top-line Aura model. The XR was fitted with the 3.6 L
DOHC V6 with VVT, rated at at 6200 rpm and of torque at 3100 rpm. This engine was first used in the
Cadillac CTS as well as the
Cadillac STS and marks its third use in a North American GM car. With this 3.6 L engine, the Aura was the first
front-wheel drive GM passenger car to use the new Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic transmission. The Aura XR was the performance-oriented version with a taut, but not harsh, suspension and the more powerful engine. Available interior colors in the XR were tan and grey leather (available in the XE), along with the XR-specific black or Morocco Brown leather. Cloth was standard. Other standard features included the Advanced Audio Package, 18 inch alloy wheels, chrome exterior door handles, and remote vehicle start. Given the 2007 Saturn Aura's European roots—the car's chassis was also used for the Saab 9-3. The Aura also used hydraulic power steering (V-6 models only) that provided more feedback and a more linear feel than the fussy electric power-assist units. For 2009, an entry level XR became available. It included the 17 inch 10 spoke alloy wheels available on the XE and the 2.4 L
LE5 Ecotec engine mated to GM's all new
6T40 6-speed automatic transmission with TAPshift. The 3.6L VVT with 18" wheels was optional.
Aura XE The base version was the Aura XE. Equipped with the 3.5 L VVT V6 (
LZ4), the engine was matched with the 4T45-E four-speed automatic transmission. In the Aura, the engine produced and of torque. Traction Control, six airbags, V6, automatic, auto headlights, CD with AUX, 17 inch wheels, among other features, comes standard.
Aura Green Line The Aura Green Line was a
mild hybrid, following the
Vue Green Line as the second vehicle in Saturn's lineup incorporating GM's
belt alternator starter system. It rode on the XE's suspension. It was sold from late March 2007 to 2010. As in the Vue, the Aura Green Line was equipped with the 2.4L
Ecotec engine mated to an electric motor/generator and the 4T45-E four-speed automatic transmission. The Saturn Aura Green Line was eligible for a $1300 US Federal tax credit, as well as several state tax credits. Prior to the shutdown of Saturn, General Motors said that they would introduce a new hybrid system in summer 2010.
Recall On September 21, 2012. General Motors recalled 473,841 vehicles involving the
Chevy Malibu,
Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura from model years 2007 through 2010 equipped with four-speed automatic transmissions. The problem is a condition that could make cars roll when in park. The recall affects 426,240 in the United States, 40,029 in Canada and 7,572 in other markets. ==Engines==