Cumberford on AURA

[red]

Robert Cumberford recently reviewed the Saturn AURA design in Automobile Magazine, but mainly focused on the continuance of GM's bean-counter dominance.

He alluded to a prototype previewed to the media in 2004 - remember that buzz of class-leading, innovative interiors? - and how the ultimate product was nothing like the original. He said something along the lines of "the AURA is an example of everything right and wrong within GM - designers and engineers build amazing cars, but it's everyone else in the process that screw things up."

An interesting read, worthy of checking out. Being an outsider, I've got to credit the guy for giving me (what I feel is) a more educated eye for automotive design.

[regfootball]

i've always found cumberford's 'analysis' to be drivel.

[Intrepidation]

The production model differed from the concept only in wheels, fender flair size, front bumper, rear bumper, exhaust location, and the steering wheel trim.

Granted, I liked the concept better, but if there's a Red Line version, it could very well look like the concept.

[aaaantoine]

I wonder why they didn't keep those supa-bling rims...

[Guest YellowJacket894]

Cumberford = Cumbersome

Simple logic there. I agree with a few things the guy has to say, but otherwise he just puts me to sleep.

[GMTruckGuy74]

I wonder why they didn't keep those supa-bling rims...

222764[/snapback]

Those rims, or a design 99% like them, are available for the SKY through GM Accessories. Too bad they're 18" rims and my XE has 17"ers, otherwise I would have gotten them for my AURA.

[Bizz]

Those rims, or a design 99% like them, are available for the SKY through GM Accessories.  Too bad they're 18" rims and my XE has 17"ers, otherwise I would have gotten them for my AURA.

222832[/snapback]

how overpriced were they? i was hoping they would come on an aura redline.

[MyerShift]

I thought that it was a rather disappointing review on the design itself. I'm "sure" he'd praise the designs of the new Civic or Camry though.

Sure, the interior isn't going to be as good as the concepts, but the matierals used within the Aura are much better than any other mainstream GM product that I've encountered.

[Matt276]

I kind of agree with him that GM is still a bean counters company. G6 and Aura concepts were great, but production cars are just ok. why?

[enzl]

I thought that it was a rather disappointing review on the design itself. I'm "sure" he'd praise the designs of the new Civic or Camry though.

Sure, the interior isn't going to be as good as the concepts, but the matierals used within the Aura are much better than any other mainstream GM product that I've encountered.

223498[/snapback]

He recently bashed the Lexus LS460, and generally has little nice to say about most design...He's a design critic more than an automotive guy, so he generally comments on aesthetics, not the true quality of the vehicle itself.

[red]

To clarify, he was referring to a production prototype rather than the concept shown at last years show circuit.

Not to say I praise the guy, as he also recently lauded the gag-inducing FJ Cruiser.

[Aura XR]

how overpriced were they? i was hoping they would come on an aura redline.

223061[/snapback]

They're $415.00 a piece, plus shipping.

Edited: Oops forgot to put in the linky

Edited December 7, 2006 by Aura XR

[FUTURE_OF_GM]

First of all, GM has no choice BUT to be a company of bean counters to an extent.

They have labor and pension responsibilities so there will always be cost cutting.

Secondly... This is the same Cumberford that about 2 years ago told us that the classic muscle cars that go for 1 million on Barret-Jackson weren't "in good taste" and "never really served a purpose" so I'd take whatever he has to say with a grain of salt.