Is the Saturn Ion Red Line a performance car?

Is the Saturn Ion Red Line a performance car?

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.

When did the Saturn Ion first come out?

The Saturn ION was a compact car sold by Saturn between the 2003 and 2007 model years.

What kind of car is the Red Line?

The new Red Line high-performance Saturns seemingly spell the end of the line for the Reds who were running down Saturn. An in-house performance division, like Ford’s SVT or BMW’s M, Red Line started with the Vue sport-ute and now is trying its hand with the Ion.

Where does the car company Saturn come from?

The birth of this company is due to the success of automobile importations in the US. Saturn’s identity was actually “a different kind of Car Company” and started out differently from General Motors. Its assembly plant is located in Spring Hill, Tennessee.

When did the Saturn Ion Red Line come out?

From the Archive: Ill-conceived spoiler aside, the tweaked version of the Ion is a car that tears down the wall that has separated enthusiasts from the Saturn brand for so long. From the October 2004 issue of Car and Driver.

When did the Saturn Ion set a land speed record?

On October 17, 2003 at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, the Saturn Ion Red Line, piloted by the GM Performance Division’s “Saturn Land Speed Record Project” set a new land-speed record in the “G/Blown Fuel Altered” Class at 212.684 mph.

The new Red Line high-performance Saturns seemingly spell the end of the line for the Reds who were running down Saturn. An in-house performance division, like Ford’s SVT or BMW’s M, Red Line started with the Vue sport-ute and now is trying its hand with the Ion.

What kind of car is the Saturn Ion?

For different reasons, entry-level Ion also shines as off-to-college transport. 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.

Is the Saturn Ion the end of the line?

The Ion is so resolutely utilitarian that Sen. Joe McCarthy, were he alive, would likely fear that Communists had infiltrated GM. But there is hope. The new Red Line high-performance Saturns seemingly spell the end of the line for the Reds who were running down Saturn.

What kind of transaxle does Saturn Red Line use?

Borrowing more from GM’s global parts bin, Saturn also employs close-ratio 5-speed manual transaxle in the Red Line. Although its linkage is a bit clunky, the gearbox delivers power to the wheels via equal-length halfshafts that minimize torque steer. What’s more, heavy-duty wheel bearings cope with the added power, as do 5-lug hubs.

Are there any problems with the Saturn Ion?

In the nearly two years that have passed since Saturn brought us the compact Ion sedan and quad coupe, tweaks to improve sound deadening and revisions to the interior that eliminate the mismatched plastics and colors address some of the more glaring problems with the Ion.

Is the Saturn Ion Red Line being replaced?

Furthermore, this looks to be the last year for the Ion as we know it — it’s said that Saturn will replace it by year’s end with the Astra, a more modern small car from Opel, GM’s European division. The 2007 Saturn Ion lineup includes two body styles and three trim levels — Ion 2, Ion 3 and Red Line. (There is no “Ion 1.”)

The Ion is so resolutely utilitarian that Sen. Joe McCarthy, were he alive, would likely fear that Communists had infiltrated GM. But there is hope. The new Red Line high-performance Saturns seemingly spell the end of the line for the Reds who were running down Saturn.

In the nearly two years that have passed since Saturn brought us the compact Ion sedan and quad coupe, tweaks to improve sound deadening and revisions to the interior that eliminate the mismatched plastics and colors address some of the more glaring problems with the Ion.

What are the different levels of Saturn Ion?

The Ion is also available in sedan level 1, 2, or 3; level three signified a more user friendly setup with power windows and power locks, while lower levels included crank windows and plastic wheel covers. Other extras included fog lights, sunroof, and spoiler.

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.

Borrowing more from GM’s global parts bin, Saturn also employs close-ratio 5-speed manual transaxle in the Red Line. Although its linkage is a bit clunky, the gearbox delivers power to the wheels via equal-length halfshafts that minimize torque steer. What’s more, heavy-duty wheel bearings cope with the added power, as do 5-lug hubs.

What’s the top speed of a Saturn Ion?

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.

What’s the price of a 2006 Saturn Ion?

2006 saturn ion redline – $8800 (horsham)