Saturn L-Series

Saturn L-Series
NEW YORK - We'd hate to unfairly accuse Saturn of releasing all-new products just once in a blue moon, but as it turned out, the lunar clock struck twice in March on the day Saturn chose to debut their L-Series Sedan and Wagon. So pardon our astronomical observation, but this is, after all, Saturn.

Of course, the L-Series platform has debuted before ... as the European-market Opel Vectra. General Motors is bringing the midsize platform to America to give the Saturn cult something to grow into. Saturn is tired of losing sales to Accord and Camry buyers, and the L-Series will provide Saturnites with an in-house alternative.

The L-Series will offer two engine choices: a 2.2-liter four-cylinder unit or a 3.0-liter V6. The smaller engine will be available on the LS, LS1 and LW1, and the larger engine is standard on the LS2 and LW2. The inline four develops 137 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 135 foot-pounds of torque at 4400 rpm. Opt for the V6 and get 182 horsepower and 184 ft-lbs. of torque. A four-speed automatic is standard on V6 models and optional on the entry-level cars, which come with a five-speed manual.

All L-Series cars offer a four-wheel independent suspension, front disc/rear drum brakes (ABS with traction control is optional), and a spacious interior. The LS offers 18 cubic feet of trunk space, which is a full four cubic feet more than you'll find in either Camry or Accord. With rear seats folded, cargo capacity in the wagon is a generous 59 cubic feet.

Unlike other Saturns, the L-Series gets steel quarter-panels (remember, this thing was intended as an Opel). Nevertheless, engineers were able to fit Saturn's signature dent-resistant polymer panels on the doors and fenders.

The L-Series will be built in Saturn's new assembly plant in Wilmington, Del. How many they build depends on consumer demand, but offering something in the midsize segment opens Saturn up to 41 percent of the total U.S. vehicle market. Now, for Saturn's sport-utility vehicle to debut, do we have to wait another blue moon? No. Our sources predict the sport-ute will bow sometime next year. The L-Series, however, will be on sale at your local Saturn retailer sometime this summer.