Saturn's Astra Tuner concept for SEMA

The Saturn Astra is one of the most-anticipated small cars from GM in years, and Saturn's Astra Tuner concept on display this week at the 2007 SEMA show is hopefully a sign that the automaker is planning some serious performance upgrades for its European compact.

Based on the Astra XR three door, the Astra's 1.8-liter four gets a modest bump of about 20 horsepower over the base engine to 160 horsepower through the use of an exhaust header, cold-air intake and a modded throttle body.

The other updates are cosmetic, with several interior and exterior enhancements, trick rims and a lowered ride height. We're not so sure about the color combo, especially those Recaros, yikes... Here's hoping an Astra Red Line -- powered by GM's 260-horsepower, turbocharged Ecotec four and a tuned-up suspension -- will be on tap at next year's show at the latest. Official details from GM below.

Saturn Astra Tuner concept highlights:

* Astra XR three-door
* 1.8L Ecotec DOHC four-cylinder with approximately 160 horsepower, via exhaust header, cold-air intake and modified throttle body
* Five-speed manual transmission
* Lowered ride height
* New front and rear fascia extensions
* New grille surround finish
* Tinted headlamps, taillamps and windows
* Rear center-outlet exhaust
* Production side moldings deleted
* High-performance Recaro seats
* Unique interior trim
* Unique sill plates and parking brake handle

GM Accessories (production and concept)
* OPC 19-inch wheels (concept)
* OPC rockers (concept)
* OPC rear spoiler
* GMA pedals (part number 93183691)
* Blaupunkt sound system