![]() ![]() The Opel based Astra replaced the Ion in 2008, but there was no direct replacement for the Ion Red Line. The larger selling Ion coupe could not have done that. However late or unrefined the Ion Red Line was, it was not enough to save Saturn. Within GMs brands, more people opted for the Cobalt SS or even the generic looking Pontiac G5 GT. Often finishing well behind these cars in mass comparison tests, it simply lacked the refinement to be a solid contender-even if it were a better car for the frugal everyday driver. With a crowded field including the class leading Mazdaspeed3, Impreza WRX and Volkswagen GTi, the Ion did not stand a chance in the fight for attention. The center oriented dashboard was off-putting to many, who felt that a performance oriented car should have a more driver centered display. Many of the components of the Ion were shared with the Cobalt which not surprisingly got similar criticism. The same 2007 Car and Driver article that praised the Ion’s stopping ability, harped on its interior describing it as having a “cheap plastice feel”. The exterior was distinctive, with its trick rear door, but the problem was inside. The previous record was 183mph.įor all the Ion’s great performance numbers, it was still hampered by much of what saddled the regular Ion coupe. In an effort to promote the Red Line performance cars, Saturn set a land speed record in the “G/Blown Fuel Altered” class by running a Ion to 212 mph in 2003. The stage two kit added even more tweaks for a total of 241 hp, all within the factory warranty. The Stage one kit boosted power to 236 with revised fuel injectors and a re-calibrated ECU. In 2006 GM offered a two stage engine upgrade kit for both the Cobalt SS and Ion Red Line. The most significant item was a limited slip differential. The revisions were not just for looks as extensive testing at the famous Nurburgring track helped produce skidpad figures of 0.85g.Īs if the Ion Red Line’s performance was lacking, in 2005 Saturn offered an optional Competition Package. ![]() A lower ride height thanks to re-tuned brushing and spring rates added to the aggressive stance created by the gun-metal painted alloy rims. from 70 mph, a figure Car and Driver Magazine at the time said was “Porsche territory”. Due to the light weight of the Ion to start with, breaking from the larger four-wheel discs was a short 164 ft. 0 to 60 times of 6.0 seconds was faster than the next closest GM car, the Cobalt SS. The European sourced five speed manual transmission (shared with the Colbalt SS) managed power from the front wheels. Under the hood the standard 2.0 Ecotec engine was massaged to 205 hp thanks to a Eaton supercharger. The Ion RLE was distinguished immediately by its larger 17’ wheels, not so subtle ground effects and revised front and rear end treatments. The Ion coupe got the Red Line treatment shortly thereafter. The resulting collaboration with GMPD was the Red Line brand of performance cars within Saturn. In an attempt to expand the Ion’s appeal, Saturn worked with the GM Performance Division (GMPD) to develop a special coupe only Ion. Saturn’s replacement for the S cars was the Ion in 2003. Although not hard-core performance cars, they did manage to blend a fun to drive factor with frugality. Saturn began to make a name for itself with the ’90s SC2/SL2 coupe and sedan. That was unfortunate because the Ion Red Line was great performance value. Unfortunately, it did not appeal much to performance minded shopper who more than likely looked at the Civic Si first. That appealed to a lot of people who might have otherwise chose a Honda or Toyota. Overbearing apple pie and All-American propaganda was toned down in favor of attention to detail (in customer service at least). They were also assumed to be free of some with the baggage that came with the rest of GM. True or not, Saturn cars were perceived to be a small step up in quality from a typical Chevrolet. Not really known for performance, Saturn made a name for itself by appealing to people who were intimidated by the typical dealership experience. ![]()
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