12/17/2023 0 Comments Saturn redlineWhen the limit is exceeded, it's usually benign understeer, a problem quickly fixed by a lift of throttle to bring the nose back in line. In this situation, the Ion Red Line hangs on well when it's tossed into the turn, thanks to its good balance, its inch-lower ride height and large 215/45ZR-17 Dunlop SP Sport 9000 tires. rear discs (replacing the standard Ion's rear drums) are on call, controlled by a reassuringly firm pedal that's just what you need when slowing the car from triple-digit speeds for the 90-degree first corner. Based on my dozen or so laps of the infield road course at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, I'd say the mission has been accomplished. One goal of the Performance Division was to make the Red Line Ion capable on a racetrack, with brakes that don't fade after a few laps of hard driving. Spring and damping rates, as well as the bushings and anti-roll bars, have all been considerably firmed, and the rear axle is a heavy-duty unit taken from GM's upcoming Delta platform, on stiffened trailing arms. No modifications were needed to the unit-body chassis, but the Red Line suspension has been thoroughly tweaked. What's more, heavy-duty wheel bearings cope with the added power, as do 5-lug hubs. Although its linkage is a bit clunky, the gearbox delivers power to the wheels via equal-length halfshafts that minimize torque steer. Measured by GM's clock, the Red Line Ion hits 60 mph in a scant 6.3 seconds and the quarter mile in 14.8, and achieves a top speed of 144 mph.īorrowing more from GM's global parts bin, Saturn also employs close-ratio 5-speed manual transaxle in the Red Line. At peak boost, the transverse powerplant puts out 205 bhp at 5600 rpm and 200 lb.-ft. And at $20,000, it's a heck of a bargain, a 205-bhp coupe that benefits from a sporty chassis and great brakes tuned and developed at the Nürburgring.Īlthough GM calls it an Ecotec, the Red Line's 2.0-liter engine is actually based on the aluminum long-block of the, a twincam inline-4 with oil-cooled pistons and sodium-filled valves to help it cope with 12 psi of intercooled boost, courtesy of a large Eaton Roots-type blower normally used on GM's supercharged 3800 V-6. That's right, the Red Line has that kind of wheel-spinning power, and all it takes is one stint in this new front-driver to learn that GM's Performance Division has built a car that deserves a spot on the performance podium right between the and the Dodge SRT-4. A word to the wise, though: You might steer clear of the new Red Line Ion, because this car makes even the best of kids suddenly feel the urge to put down a pair of black stripes on the pavement just outside the study hall. As new cars go, it's affordable and fuel efficient, plus it's hip, what with its center-mounted instruments, unconventional rear doors and optional XM satellite radio. The big M-B was inexpensive, well-built, slow and safe, largely because it was constructed like a tank.įor different reasons, entry-level Ion also shines as off-to-college transport. Saturn also announced that in 2005 it will sell a hybrid Vue that delivers nearly 40 mpg.When my niece Lizzy headed off to college, her dad gave her a 1981 Mercedes-Benz 300D for all the right reasons. It includes monochromatic treatment with ground effects, a unique front fascia with air intakes and a stainless steel grille, a redesigned rear fascia with a three-inch chrome exhaust tip, dark-tinted rear door glass, and a special Red Line badge on the liftgate. The Vue is still no looker, but the body package does help. The Red Line sits 26 mm lower than a standard Vue, and sports stiffer springs, performance-tuned steering, and 18-inch wheels with Bridgestone Turanza tires. Vue Red Lines are available with either front- or all-wheel drive, painted either Black, Silver, or Lime. Saturn says a 3.5-liter-equipped Vue scoots from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 7.0 seconds, and tows up to 3500 pounds. For the Vue, it delivers 250 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 242 pound-feet of torque at 4500 rpm, and is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. Standard in the new Vue Red Line and optional on other 2004 Vues is Honda's 3.5-liter V-6 engine that powers the Pilot and Odyssey. Saturn is giving the Vue sport ute a shot of testosterone and it's turning to Honda Motor Company for the injection.
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