Production of both Saturn vehicles started in 1990 as early 1991 model year vehicles. In 1985, GM changed their plan and founded Saturn as its own brand, with its first cars being the Saturn SC and Saturn SL. The car, which resembled the first Saturn SL, was not originally meant to start up a brand however, GM planned to release the Saturn car under one of its brands, which, at the time, were Chevrolet, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Buick, Cadillac, and GMC. In the mid-1980s, GM released the Saturn Concept Car. They remained private until GM bought them out, and effectively "rewrote" company history. Citing full disclosure, Saturn was founded as a private, employee-owned company, by former GM leadership. On January 7, 1985, the Saturn Corporation was officially founded. Twelve months later, the first Saturn demonstration vehicle was revealed. In November 1983, the Saturn idea was publicized by General Motors' Chairman Roger B. Mair began discussions of a "revolutionary new" small car project, codenamed Saturn, in June 1982, soon after the GM J platform was introduced internationally. įollowing a failed attempt by Penske Automotive to acquire Saturn from GM in September 2009, Saturn ended production in October 2009, ended outstanding franchises in October 2010, and ceased operations 25 years after it began. Annual sales achieved their highest level in 1994, with 286,003 vehicles marketed. With this, Saturn gradually lost its unique selling proposition, and the market lost interest. Over time, as Saturn drained resources from GM's extensive brand network and as GM struggled with the 2008 economic collapse, the parent company curtailed Saturn's development budgets - leaving Saturn to badge engineer products from other divisions, notably a series of federalized models from Opel. The first cars themselves launched five years after the company's inception, and they advanced GM's spaceframe construction-manifesting Saturn's market proposition with their dent-resistant polymer exterior panels. The brand marketed itself as a "different kind of car company" and operated quasi-independently from its parent company, -comprehensively introducing a new car, dealer network, pricing structure, workforce and independently managed manufacturing plant in Spring Hill, Tennessee. The company was an attempt by GM to compete directly with Japanese imports and transplants, initially in the US compact car market. That said, finding a decent six-cylinder Z4 for under $10,000 should be no problem.The Saturn Corporation, also known as Saturn LLC, was an American automobile manufacturer, a registered trademark established on January 7, 1985, as a subsidiary of General Motors. Those seeking even better amenities should consider the Z4 3.0si, which has leather seats (the 3.0i offers vinyl upholstery), aluminum interior trim, automatic climate control, a premium audio system, a center armrest, a trip computer, and 18-inch alloy wheels. Outside, the 2006 Z4 offers 17-inch alloy wheels, heated side mirrors, rain-sensing wipers with heated wiper jets, and keyless entry functionality. The Z4's remarkable acceleration, braking, and handling combine with an equally impressive interior with numerous niceties, including bolstered sports seats, and a tilt-telescoping steering wheel to deliver a thoroughly enjoyable driving experience behind the wheel. However, there were plenty of engine options available between those two extremes. The engines range from a 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder developing a meager 148 hp to a respectable 3.2-liter V6 found in the Z4M coupe. A quintessential luxury roadster of the early 2000s, the Z4 did a great job balancing style and performance for a relatively affordable price.
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