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Saturn: Saturn L-Series 2003
As a result of these evolutionary improvements, the L-Series is one of the few cars in its segment with standard head-curtain air bags and ABS. It is also the first in its segment to offer an integrated video entertainment system, which includes a console-mounted DVD system that plays video or audio discs and includes wireless headphones and remote.
The L-Series has been the leader in its segment with the best fuel economy for a four-cylinder engine with automatic transmission (EPA estimated fuel economy: 24 city/33 highway/28 composite), and it scores segment-leading results in low-speed bumper damage tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The L-Series also has made impressive gains in quality, as measured by third-party studies such as the J. D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Survey. Safety and security First introduced in the 2001 model year, Saturn's innovative head curtain air bag technology is designed to help reduce the severity of head and neck injuries in side-impact collisions. The bags drop like inflated curtains on both sides of the passenger compartment in certain side-impact collisions. The head curtain air bag system is standard on all L-Series models.
Even without taking into account the effect of the side-curtain air bags, Saturn has improved its side-impact crash testing performance and expects to receive a 3 star/5 star (front/rear) rating, up from an original 2 star/4 star. The Lateral Impact New Car Assessment Program (LINCAP), conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, measures thoracic and pelvic trauma (chest and hips), not head trauma. The expected rating improvements are the result of strengthening the body structure through the innovative use of a honeycombed composite material with an expansion adhesive. Placed inside the structure at pillar joints, the material expands from the heat of the paint ovens during the production process and solidifies the structure at joints and hinge points.
Other safety enhancements to the L-Series since its debut include the addition of automatic headlamps, the LATCH (Lower Anchors and top Tethers for Children) child seat restraint system, as well as rear head restraints, a center rear three-point seatbelt and a trunk entrapment release for the sedan. If an incident causes any of the vehicle's air bags to deploy, the car's headlamps will continuously flash as a distress signal and the interior dome lamp will automatically come on to aid in exiting the vehicle. L-Series customers now have the option of OnStar, with its array of safety, convenience and information features. Ride and handling The L-Series retains the European-type handling that customers in this segment appreciate. However, the steering system has been tuned to further enhance road feel at highway speeds, and also to better block out road harshness. Revisions to shock and strut valving also make the ride smoother over rough surfaces. Ride and handling also are improved by the addition of 16-inch tires, which first debuted on special-edition 2002 models. The larger tires are standard on the 2003 L300 and LW300, and are optional on the L200 and LW200. Reducing NVH Saturn engineers have gone over every aspect of the L-Series structure, engine and passenger compartment in order to bring noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) to world-class levels. For example, wind noise emanating from the side-view mirror was traced to problems with a seal. That was solved by substituting a molded gasket. A new Bridgestone tire tread design has been implemented to reduce road noise. Many of the improvements in NVH are the result of changing manufacturing processes. For example, magnets were added to the headliner to help operators more easily secure it to the roof. In some cases, new gaskets and fasteners were developed to make it easier for operators to seal holes and gaps. Foam insulation was added around the IP area, and defroster grilles were modified in order to reduce squeaks and rattles.
New/upgraded features The optional DVD entertainment system - unique to the segment - leads the list of available features added to the L-Series since its inception. Back-seat passengers can view a movie on a fold-down, seven-inch screen mounted on the ceiling. Wireless headphones allow them to listen to CDs or watch a movie, while the front-seat passengers can either listen to DVD program or to the car's regular audio system. Other features added since the initial L-Series include optional automatic climate control and a six-disc in-dash CD changer. Powertrain The Saturn L-Series continues to offer the choice of two advanced powertrains. The 2.2-liter Ecotec inline 4, and the 3-liter DOHC V6. The four-cylinder, with automatic transmission, has the best fuel economy in its segment. For both powertrains, the driving range has been increased by adding three gallons to the fuel tank capacity. photos: General Motors
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