Video highlights of this vehicle

What Is It?

Saturn Curve Concept

What's Special About It?

Sharing GM's new Kappa vehicle platform with the production Pontiac Solstice and the Chevrolet Nomad concept, the Curve's goal is to add a bit of flair to the Saturn lineup. With its bold and aggressive look, the Curve is a design study that shows what's possible when applying 2+2 sport coupe styling to the Kappa platform. Because the Curve utilizes the Kappa architecture, it is a rear-wheel-drive vehicle that should offer stiff, sporty handling. Independent suspension in the front and rear should help to back up the Curve's sporty image with performance to match. A forward-opening "clamshell"-type hood insures that the Curve's sports car theme is obvious.

Under the hood is a 2.2-liter supercharged version of GM's Ecotec four-cylinder engine and it's hooked up to a five-speed manual transmission. The engine is good for about 230 horsepower and 220 pound-feet of torque. Two piston front and rear discs bring the car to a stop while 20-inch billet-aluminum wheels shod with Continental tires help keep it glued to the road.

Inside, the Curve has lots of wood trim and presents a relaxing environment by using "floating" door panels and a center console that appears to float as well. Unlike its stablemate, the Nomad, the Curve has no heritage or retro styling cues. Fully contemporary, the Curve shows what Saturn has up its sleeve should the carmaker be called up to produce a small, sporty car based on the new Kappa architecture.

What's Edmunds' Take?

Saturn has not typically been associated with bold-looking sport coupes, but the Curve could indicate a change. With the introduction of Saturn's Red Line vehicles, the Curve would fit right in. — Brian Moody