New crossover SUV offers great looks, eight-passenger seating and refinement
Saturn today unveiled the all-new Outlook crossover SUV at the New York International Auto Show. Outlook offers seating for up to eight and combines the capability of an SUV with carlike driving characteristics. Its contemporary styling represents the new face of Saturn design.
Engineered to provide an ideal balance of style, size and capability, the Outlook is the latest all-new product that is expanding Saturn’s product lineup. It joins the Sky and Sky Red Line roadsters, Aura sedan and Vue Green Line hybrid, all of which hit Saturn showrooms this year. The Sky already is on sale.
“Saturn’s portfolio of vehicles has never been broader, more diverse or more refined,” said Jill Lajdziak, Saturn general manager. “Outlook blends a new dimension of capability with optimal proportions, a stable stance and distinctive design .”
Outlook features a body-frame integral design than enables lower step-in heights and generous interior space. Outlook offers three rows of seating, with the third row capable of comfortably seating adults – and with usable storage space behind the third-row seat. Access to the third-row seat is made easier with an articulated, industry-first Smart Slide ® second-row seat feature.
Powering the Outlook is the GM 3.6L V-6 VVT. The engine features variable valve timing, designed for high fuel economy, low emissions and exceptional smoothness. The uplevel XR model (with dual exhaust) provides an estimated 267 horsepower (199 kw) and 247 lb.-ft. of torque (335 Nm). The single-exhaust XE model is rated at an estimated 265 horsepower (198 kw) and 244 lb.-ft (331 Nm) of torque. The engine is backed by a new, fuel-saving Hydra-Matic 6T75 six-speed automatic transmission. Outlook is available in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models.
Production of the Outlook will begin in the fourth quarter of this year at GM’s new Lansing Delta Township ( Mich.) assembly plant.
Design
The Outlook features Saturn’s striking new design language, which was first introduced on the Sky roadster. It has an instantly identifiable face, highlighted with a bright grille bar that is flanked by large, jewel-like lighting elements. The headlamps use projector beam technology to deliver bright, precise lighting. High-intensity discharge lamps are available.
The profile of the Outlook is sleek and aerodynamic, with a sporty, tapered roof line. The rear glass wraps around the corners and is angled slightly toward the roof, enhancing the vehicle’s flowing lines. Distinctive chrome-highlighted horizontal tail lamps, a rear spoiler with LED center high-mounted stop lamp and chrome door handles are design cues that reinforce the Outlook’s premium appearance, while large 18-inch wheels and tires (19-inch wheels are available) contribute to the vehicle’s optimal proportions.
Interior
Like the exterior design, Outlook’s interior exudes style and refinement. A carlike “low and away” instrument panel enhances the feeling of openness in the front-row seats and provides a commanding view out of the windshield. The instrument panel and other interior elements feature high-quality, low-gloss materials and tight tolerances.
Outlook can be configured for seven or eight passengers, including two front bucket seats, a 60/40-split second-row bench (three passengers) or two second-row captain’s chairs (two passengers) and a 60/40-split third-row bench seat (three passengers). Leather seating surfaces are available.
GM’s industry-first Smart Slide feature is standard on all second-row configurations, allowing quick and easy access to the third-row seating area. The second-row seat cushion flips up while the seatback slides forward, effectively compressing the space occupied by the seat. It operates with one hand and enables adjustable fore/aft positioning of the second-row seat. When adjusted rearward, the second-row seat provides more legroom for taller passengers; when adjusted forward, it provides more storage space.
Outlook also offers generous cargo room, including an estimated 116.9 cu. ft. (3310.6 L) when the second- and third-row seats are folded. In fact, Outlook even offers an estimated 19.7 cu. ft. (557.9 L) of cargo space behind third-row seat when it’s in its upright position – capacity many other SUVs and crossovers cannot come close to matching. Also, a covered rear cargo convenience center allows items to be stored out of sight beneath the rear cargo floor. In addition, Outlook’s second- and third-row seats fold flat for even more cargo-carrying capacity.
Chassis and suspension
Outlook rides on a long, 118.9-inch (3020.7 mm) wheelbase and wide, 67.28-inch (1709 mm) front/rear tracks – a combination that enables an exceptionally smooth ride and stable handling. Sharp ride and handling reflexes also are supported by independent front and rear suspensions. The front suspension features a MacPherson strut design, with a direct-acting stabilizer bar. Isolated mounting points help reduce noise and vibration. The rear suspension uses a compact, state-of-the-art linked “H” design, which also has an isolated mounting system that reduces noise and vibration transmitted to the passenger compartment.
A strong body-frame integral structure is the foundation for Outlook’s responsive chassis systems. The structure is reinforced in numerous areas with high-strength steel, including a stiff steel cross-car beam welded across the floor between the B-pillars. It also uses dual-phase steel is select areas, such as the lower engine compartment rails.
Safety
Saturn Outlook is designed to protect passengers before, during and after a crash. A strong structure is the foundation and it is augmented by a wide stance and low center of gravity that reduces the likelihood of a rollover. Outlook’s responsive four-wheel independent steering system also enhances safety by providing stable ride and handling characteristics. Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes are standard.
Outlook is equipped with six standard air bags: two dual-stage frontal air bags for the driver and front passenger, two seat-mounted side-impact air bags in the first row and two head curtain side-impact air bags that cover all three seating rows. The head curtain air bags are among the longest air bags in any production vehicle. Complementing the air bags is GM’s rollover sensing system, which can preemptively activate the side-impact air bags if sensors determine a rollover is imminent. In the event of a rollover, the air bags stay inflated longer to provide increased occupant containment and because rollovers are typically longer in duration than non-rollover crashes.
Outlook also comes standard with OnStar Generation 6 (with a one-year Safe and Sound plan), which features the Advanced Automatic Crash Notification system. AACN makes crash data available to participating 911 centers to help them dispatch the appropriate live-saving personnel and equipment to crash scenes faster.
Comfort and convenience
Rounding the appeal of the Outlook is a wide range of attractive optional and standard equipment, including ultrasonic parking assist, power liftgate, remote vehicle start, heated windshield fluid, DVD entertainment system and DVD navigation system.