Webster defines radical as effecting revolutionary change. Saturn, whose identity is built on the image of being a "different kind of company," is introducing a new product that's a "RAD-ical" departure from the everyday coupe.

"This 1999 Saturn is the world's first three-door coupe," said Joe Kennedy, Saturn's vice president of sales service and marketing. "Unlike traditional hatchback styles, our innovative approach adds a driver's side Rear Access Door that provides impressive accessibility to the rear seat area for cargo loading/unloading and even child seat installation. It's a unique added convenience for the user that doesn't detract from the coupe's sporty appearance."

The revolutionary third-door will be a standard feature for all 1999 SC1 and SC2 models produced after November, 1998.

Through intensive computer-aided design and rapid prototyping techniques, Saturn designers, engineers and technicians were able to take the idea from concept to production in under 24 months.

The additional door has not taken away from the Saturn's clean, contemporary exterior shape. In fact, other than the door seam in the quarter panel, exterior appearance changes from earlier '99 coupes are almost non-existent. The window glass in the new door is permanently fixed in place, and the glass panel in the C-pillar receives a black treatment.

In keeping with Saturn's user-friendly characteristics, this third door will also help meet the needs of some members of the disabled community, especially for those who require a wheelchair.

Introduction of the three-door coupe with its rear access door feature is the latest example of just why Saturn truly is "a different kind of company."