Flash.(Briefs)

Saturn's Opel future

We've reported Saturn will be the beneficiary of rebadged Opel products under General Motors vice chairman Bob Lutz's vision of the global future, but here are the latest specifics: Starting in late 2007 rebadged Opel Astras built in Belgium will replace the anemic Ion as the entry-level Saturn, Automotive News reports. The Saturn-ized Opel sedan, which may carry the Astra name into the U.S. market, is expected to start around $16,000-about $3,500 more than the Ion sedan that goes out of production in December.

Acura to drop RSX

Acura plans to kill the RSX coupe at the end of the 2006 model year, replacing it with a coupe version of the larger, more upscale TSX.

John Mendel, American Honda senior vice president, told Automotive News the company is considering replacements for the RSX, but would not elaborate. Dealers say Acura will add a coupe version of the TSX.

Dropping RSX, at $20,940 Acura's least expensive vehicle by about $8,000, fits with Acura's long-term plan to move upscale into BMW territory, and separate Acura from sibling brand Honda. Consumers can now buy a 197-hp Honda Civic Si for about the same price as a base 155-hp RSX.

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