2008 Saturn Astra Unveiled

[Superman]

Well, sure, lots of companies can make more power than that with a 1.8, but they aren't getting the gas mileage, or the reliability that the Ecotec might have. The point here is that this is a very good thing for the general public. The general public is much more concerned about MPG, then about torque. And what's good for the general public, ends up being good for us in the long run. I believe that's part of why the ION doesn't get much aftermarket support, because it didn't sell all that well to the general public.

[TheWastedYears]

The b18 and b16 engines don't have good reliability and fuel economy?

[redline13]

[Superman]

Originally Posted by TheWastedYears

The b18 and b16 engines don't have good reliability and fuel economy?

Honestly, I have no idea. I'm not even sure which engines those are. I don't know many engines by their acronyms.

All I was saying is that comparing the Ecotec 2.2L in the IONs, to the Ecotec 1.8L in the Astra, it will be a great change.

It'll still get good publicity in the fact that they can say "it's 'such-and-such' better than the previous ION was".

[TheWastedYears]

Better than an Ion, sure. But that's like saying "better than a Neon." It's easy to build a car that's better than one w/ no credibility.

Personally, I think the 1.8L will be a good change for them. Their old engines are tired and lackluster (see DJ's comment about head flow.) Less displacement and higher revs are what people seem to be looking for.

My only concern is that GM has always primarily relied on displacement to make power, whereas Honda relies on technology (a la VTEC) which brings up my correlation between this engine and the b18C5 (195hp.)

Not to mention... as sporty-looking as the interior is, they really should give it more than 140hp.

[Superman]

Originally Posted by TheWastedYears

Better than an Ion, sure. But that's like saying "better than a Neon." It's easy to build a car that's better than one w/ no credibility.

Personally, I think the 1.8L will be a good change for them. Their old engines are tired and lackluster (see DJ's comment about head flow.) Less displacement and higher revs are what people seem to be looking for.

My only concern is that GM has always primarily relied on displacement to make power, whereas Honda relies on technology (a la VTEC) which brings up my correlation between this engine and the b18C5 (195hp.)

Not to mention... as sporty-looking as the interior is, they really should give it more than 140hp.

No credibility? The ION is far from having no credibility. The 2.2L in the ION has had a lot of good press. It's the stupid plastic body/cheap interior comments that Saturns have always got that have hurt it the most. As I said, having driven a 2.2L ION Sedan for a couple years, I REALLY liked the way that engine drove. Way better than a lot of other cars I've driven.

And it's really not fair at all to compare the current 1.8L 140 HP coming in the Astra to the b18C5 (which I assume is in the Civic SI?). One is designed to be a performance engine, one is designed for economy. I'm sure GM could crank 200 hp out of a 1.8L engine if they want to, but that isn't what's going to sell the Astra out of the gate. I'm sure there will be an engine option with higher HP once they are building them over here. It's too expensive to offer a whole bunch of options when they are only going to be building/shipping so many in the first place.

[ninja_of_d00m]

Originally Posted by redline13

Blechk. I want my instruments back in the middle of the dash dammit! Can't you Eurocrappians get anything right?!

And Superman - I agree with you about the 2.2's. So it ain't the greatest thing in the world; it still makes for a fun drive. I can launch that thing with the baseline Civic's and Focus's (Focuses? Focii? Hmm...) easily. The Si and the SVT's still pull out ahead in the long run, but I can make them respect their Saturn brethren nonetheless.

[Black05]

Originally Posted by vandy0419

Not to screw your sister and you walk in, but actually the 1.8 has the same power ratings as the 2.2. Also, what the hell do you mean what does torque have to do anything. Are you a freaking ricer?!

Well not to bitch slap that hog in your avatar, but i was talking about the variable manifolds in those cars, not the torque you tard.

[Dominik]

Originally Posted by REDFOCZ

I hope the bring the VXR model over here

I really like the way it looks.

VXR Model actually sold in Europe

2.0 Turbocharged engine
stock 240hp and 240lbf

after sofware upgrade
285hp and 340lbf

very impressive , but way too much for a front driven car
and not the best fuel economy

Also availabel engines in Europe

1.4 90hp
1.6 105hp
1.8 140hp
1.6 Turbo 180hp better fuel eficency than the old 2.0 Turbo 170hp version
2.0 Turbo 170hp replaced through the 1.6 turbo 180hp
2.0 Turbo 200hp
2.0 Turbo 240hp diferent internals , bigger turbo as the engine above

also available diesel engine
1.9cdti engine 150hp 240lbf after software uprade up to 200hp and 320lbf