2007 Saturn Sky Redline

Update: The Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky have been a smash hit for General Motors, and the automaker is looking to keep it that way. Shortly after launching the cars, GM responded to media and consumer feedback by adding a reinforcing brace added between the transmission and differential, implementing a more usable third gear, and improving wind noise.
Now, the company is making further changes to ensure continued positive reviews. According to Edmunds, GM is adding power door locks to both roadsters, as well as height-adjustable drivers' seats. The company is also said be looking at improving the cup-holders and adding a brighter radio display that won't be washed out by the sun.

Saturn continues its product revitalization with the 2007 Sky Red Line performance roadster, which is debuting at the 2006 New York International Auto Show. The Red Line, available at Saturn retailers during the fall of 2007, builds on the Sky's established performance character, offering even more power and sportier driving dynamics combined with a bold design and driver-focused interior.
The Red Line gets a boost in performance from an Ecotec turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, GM?s first direct injection offering in North America. It produces 260 horsepower* (194 kw) at 5300 rpm and 260 lb.-ft. of torque* (353 Nm) at 2500 rpm, making it GM's highest specific output engine ever at 2.1 horsepower per cubic inch of displacement (130 hp / 97 kw per liter) and the most powerful engine in the Ecotec family.
Gasoline direct injection technology helps the Ecotec engine produce more power while maintaining the lower fuel consumption of a small displacement port-injected engine.
With direct injection, fuel is delivered directly to the combustion chamber to create a more complete burn of the air/fuel mixture. Less fuel is required to produce the equivalent horsepower, especially at normal cruising speeds, of a conventional port-injection combustion system.
Direct injection technology works well with turbocharging and helps deliver a great balance of power and economy.
Other Red Line technical highlights include:
--Standard torque-sensing limited-slip differential
--Standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control
--Performance-tuned suspension
Technical elements also standard on the 2007 Sky roadster include:
--Four-wheel independent short/long arm suspension for optimal handling and stability
--Coil-over Bilstein monotube shocks for excellent wheel control and road isolation
--Hydraulically assisted rack-and-pinion power steering for quick, responsive vehicle control
--Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS for excellent stopping performance
--Wide track for excellent stability and superior handling
--Near 50/50 weight distribution for balanced handling
--Structural tunnel design and hydroformed longitudinal frame rails for a stiff body that results in greater vehicle responsiveness and better overall feel
The Red Line also features several unique interior and exterior differences compared to the Sky roadster, including dual exhaust with chrome polished outlets, 18-inch polished aluminum alloy wheels, and specific front lower fascia with large brake cooling vents and black headlamp bezels.
The interior features a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, unique seatback and floormat embroidery, metallic sill plates, stainless steel pedal covers, Red Line-specific gauges and a digital boost gauge included in the Driver Information Center.
The Sky Red Line has numerous safety features, including dual-stage frontal air bags, GM's Passenger Sensing System, four-wheel disc brakes with standard ABS, side-impact door beams, three-point safety belts with pretentioners and load-limiting retractors, and more.
*Preliminary, pending certification. A new voluntary power and torque certification procedure developed by the SAE Engine Test Code committee was approved March 31, 2005. This procedure (J2723) ensures fair, accurate ratings for horsepower and torque by allowing manufacturers to certify their engines through third-party witness testing. GM was the first auto manufacturer to begin using the procedure and expects to use it for all newly rated engines in the future.
(source: GM)
GM Promises No Dealer Premiums on Saturn Sky Red Line.
Saturn General Manager Jill Lajdziak said that orders are still being taken for the upcoming 2007 Saturn Sky Red Line and she promises Saturn dealers won't gouge customers who want the hottest version of the new roadster.
"The dealers won't charge a premium, because it doesn't fit with the brand [image]," she explained in an interview with Inside Line. Saturn built its reputation on no-dicker stickers, along with strict attention to customer service.
Lajdziak would not specify what the base price of the Red Line will be, although GM insiders say it's likely to come in around $3,000 above the price of a base Sky. Pricing on the Sky Red Line will be announced at the end of June, she said. The 2007 Sky starts at $23,690, including a $575 destination charge.
"The good news is that the turbo Sky is not sold out and we're still taking orders on it," she said. Lajdziak also confirmed that there would be no Sky Green Line or hybrid edition, at least "not this generation." The current version of the Sky is too small to accommodate a hybrid battery pack.
Lajdziak confirmed that the Sky is sold out for calendar year '06 but dismissed reports that the Sky was also sold out for next year. "People are taking orders for calendar year '07," she said.
The highly anticipated Sky Red Line gets a boost in performance from an Ecotec turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, GM's first direct-injection offering in North America. It produces 260 horsepower at 5,300 rpm and 260 pound-feet of torque at 2,500 rpm, making it GM's highest-specific-output engine at 2.1 hp per cubic inch of displacement, and the most powerful engine in the Ecotec family.
The Sky Red Line features dual exhausts, 18-inch polished aluminum alloy wheels and unique chrome trim.
(source:Edmunds.com)