I don’t really do much with the 2000s, so I thought I’d change that.
This is the third generation Monolith Saturn, launched in late 2006 and to this day the most successful Monolith. The 3rd generation Saturn (internal code 06MS) is a 7-seater Executive SUV, the last in the series to use a ladder chassis, and also the last available with a V8 engine, although the latter is due to the twin turbocharged JGT-series inline 6 replacing the RL-series V8 in IMPs executive cars from 2015 onwards. The V8 only made up a small portion of overall sales anyways. The majority of 06MS would be sold with the 3.3L Inline 6 Petrol engine and, in Europe, the 3.0L inline 6 Turbodiesel. The Turbodiesel was noteworthy for being the first and so far only Diesel engine in the world to use 5-valve per cylinder technology. It produced 235hp and 520Nm of torque and was highly efficient when combined with the standard 6-speed manual transmission or 6-speed automatic, being capable of a combined average fuel economy of 6,6-6,9L/100km depending on transmission choice. The suspension design was a refined version of the previous generations double wishbone/ multilink design with coil springs and air suspension being fitted on the top of the line Super Saturn
All-wheel drive was standard equipment on all Saturns except for the 2.5L base model which was RWD by default. A viscous type limited slip rear differential was fitted to petrol engined Saturn, with an electronic locking center differential on AWD cars. All Diesels used a mechanical limited slip differential.
2007 Monolith Saturn (06MS) 300D Technical Specifications.
7-seat Executive SUV, fully boxed AHS Steel Ladder Frame, Corrosion resistant steel body.
Double Wishbone front suspension, independent five-link rear axle with coil springs (optional air suspension) and anti-roll bars
4-wheel hydraulically assisted vented disc brakes, 335mm all around
Engine code D630R-T23
DOHC 30V Inline 6 Turbodiesel with compacted graphite iron block and aluminium cylinder head
Common rail direct injection, VTG Turbocharger
Bore x Stroke 85x87mm, 2962cc
Compression ratio 18.6:1
230hp @ 5400rpm, 518Nm @ 2300rpm
Engine weight 199kg
6-speed manual transmission, optional 6-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission.
Speed sensitive, hydraulically assisted rack and pinion steering
245/55R19 wheels
Total weight 2147kg
Fue economy (avg): 6,6-6,9L Diesel per 100km
0-100kph 9.4-10.3s, Top speed 226kph
Price: (2007): €47,499