Production preview from Detroit

Attendees of the 2005 North American International Auto Show in the “Motor City” this January were treated to nearly 70 vehicle introductions, 24 of which were worldwide debuts of production cars and trucks. AEI editors present the technical highlights of some of the more significant 2005 and 2006 production vehicles on the following pages. Significantly this year, the cars we highlight outnumber trucks by more than two to one.

Based on the same architecture as the Pontiac Solstice, the Sky is slated to enter production in 2006 as the first roadster from Saturn. The new roadster was inspired by the Vauxhall VX Lightning concept that was designed at General Motors' Advanced Design Studio in Birmingham, England.

The Sky is 161.1 in (4091 mm) long, 49.8 in (1265 mm) tall, and 71.4 in (1813 mm) tall on a 95.1 in (2415 mm) wheelbase. Curb mass is an estimated 2860 lb (1300 kg).