It's no secret that the upcoming new Opel Vectra will eventually morph into the next-generation Saturn Aura, and the new vehicle has begun to take shape in the form of production prototypes recently caught hot weather testing in the U.S.
The big question, of course, is when. While GM's future plan is to launch new versions of Saturn/Opel/Vauxhalls simultaneously across the globe, it appears we'll have to wait a least a year of two after the launch of the new Vectra, which should hit European streets next year, before it becomes the new Aura. This is most likely due to the fact that the present Aura was just launched and GM will likely want to keep it in production for a few years.
The latest Vectra prototype snagged by spy shooters is clearly based on Opel's well-received GTC concept, which debuted this year at the Geneva Motor Show, although two doors have been added. From the looks of the photos, it appears the new sedan's sloped greenhouse employs a coupe-like effect that has become the recent rage in sedan design. Body sides feature a pronounced scallop, as per the concept.
The new Opel, which is based on The General's Epsilon2 platform, is bigger than the current Aura in several dimensions, with a couple inches added to the wheelbase and a wider track. Engines will reportedly run up to a twin-turbo V-6, and GM will offer a direct-injection E85 version of the engine. For Europe, six-speed manual and automatic transmissions will reportedly be offered, but the Aura may only come with an automatic. The chassis is front-drive only for now, but all-wheel drive may be added later. Rear suspension is multilink.
It's possible we'll see an imported wagon version of the Vectra before the sedan, which will most likely be built at GM's Spring Hill, Tennessee plant, where the present Aura is assembled.