VeeeDubn
06-20-2004, 12:02 PM
First Drive: 2004 Saturn Ion Red Line
The Ion Done Right
By Ed Hellwig
Date posted: 06-10-2004
If it seems a little odd to you that Saturn would be coming out with a high-performance tuner coupe, you're not alone. This is after all a company that built its reputation on friendly salespeople and cars that were cute, not quarter-mile times and skid pad ratings. But with the right mix of parts, any car can be fast and fun, and Saturn thinks it has put together just such a package with the new Ion Red Line.
First introduced in 2003, the Ion coupe hasn't exactly flown off the lots. It isn't particularly ugly, slow or expensive, but when it comes to sport coupes it's lacking in the personality department. Attacking this problem in the Red Line series involved the usual recipe of performance upgrades: more horsepower, better handling and a good set of brakes to bring it all to a halt. It's a simple formula, but one that can easily go south in a hurry if not done correctly. Thankfully, the performance team at Saturn did its homework and the result is a legitimate sport coupe from a most improbable source.
Like most tuner cars, the Ion's transformation began under the hood where Saturn engineers swapped out the standard 2.2-liter Ecotec engine for a specially prepared 2.0-liter version that's built to withstand the unkind habits of aggressive drivers. Along with the steel crankshaft, oil-cooled pistons and heavy-duty radiator, the reworked Ecotec also features a Roots-type supercharger and an air-to-water intercooler for maximum efficiency. With up to 12 pounds of boost from the Eaton blower, the force-fed engine develops a healthy 205 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque. A low restriction 2.25-inch exhaust system keeps the gases flowing in addition to giving the Red Line a more noticeable snarl from its chrome exhaust tip. A standard five-speed manual transmission coupled to a short-throw shifter delivers the Ion's newfound power to the front wheels while heavy-duty, equal-length half shafts help keep torque steer down to a minimum.
The result of these significant drivetrain enhancements is an Ion that delivers more snap off the line and plenty of pull from just about any engine speed. Saturn claims a 0-to-60-mph time of 6.3 seconds and quarter-mile runs in the 14-second range. During our limited time with the car on a closed-road course, we found the engine a suitable match for the new gearbox, as there was always plenty of midrange grunt for powering out of corners. Buyers looking for a drag strip star might be disappointed, as the Red Line's 205 horsepower will leave it trailing a well-piloted Dodge Neon SRT-4. But when it comes to overall power delivery, the Ion's supercharged power plant feels more tractable than the SRT's peaky turbocharged engine.
Saturn's engineers knew that putting together a legitimate performance package would require more than just adding extra juice under the hood. Extensive track testing resulted in plenty of changes to the suspension, brakes and steering system as well. Spring and bushing rates were retuned, and the Red Line gets a 10-millimeter reduction in ride height and a thicker front sway bar. A larger set of four-wheel disc brakes was also added to the package, along with a set of 17-inch forged alloy wheels wrapped in Dunlop Sport SP9000 tires sized 215/45 at each corner.
Thrown through the long sweeping corners of a proper road course, the Ion Red Line proved itself a capable handler. There's minimal lean, controllable understeer and more than enough power in the brakes. Most eye-opening was the positive feedback from the retuned electric steering box — an often-cited weak link in the standard Ion. Saturn's engineers seem to have finally gotten a handle on this system, as the Red Line has very little on-center slop and a good heft everywhere else. This major improvement coupled with the suspension's overall predictability makes the Red Line a legitimate track car that should be able to hold its own against its numerous competitors and satisfy even the most die-hard enthusiast when driven hard.
Another sore spot that has been cleaned up in the Red Line is the Ion's otherwise lackluster interior. While there's still plenty of cheap plastic and an annoying set of center-mounted gauges, the Red Line is upgraded with heavily bolstered Recaro seats, a sport steering wheel and reconfigured pedals for easier heel-toe shifts. The new seats aren't as aggressive as those found in the SRT-4, but there's little reason to complain as they offer more than enough grip during high-g maneuvers. The new steering wheel is a huge improvement over the goofy-looking piece found in the standard Ion, and even the new pedal placement assures quick and easy shifts on the track.
Further helping the Red Line's cause is a solid list of standard features that includes a CD/mp3 player, power windows and mirrors, remote keyless entry and a security system. Its base price of $20,950 puts it right in line with its most direct competitors and keeps it well within range for the younger enthusiast buyers who Saturn is targeting. Those with cash to spare can also opt for a sunroof, side curtain airbags and XM Satellite Radio.
Without a well-known reputation for performance, Saturn knew that it wouldn't have much leeway when it came to the Ion Red Line. It would either have to be a legitimate performer right out of the gate or face the wrath of finicky young buyers with little brand loyalty. As an overall package, the Ion Red Line is a promising start. It's not the fastest car in the class, but for buyers who are interested in more than just straight-line speed, the Red Line delivers a well-sorted combination of tight handling, strong brakes and predictable behavior. It's not going to dethrone the SRT-4 anytime soon, but unlike its siblings, the Ion Red Line has a shot at luring buyers looking for more than just a smiling salesperson.
http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/media/roadtests/firstdrive/2004/04.saturn.ion/04.ion.redline.f34.500.jpg
http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/media/roadtests/firstdrive/2004/04.saturn.ion/04.ion.redline.r34.500.jpg
Invoice Price: $13,688 - $15,920
List Price: $14,660 - $17,060
The car weighs 2,960 lbs.
1/4 mile: 15.3 sec @ 94.5 mph
Like they say....its not an SRT4...but it does show that saturn isnt far off from the game. I think its a well rounded car for being the first "sports car" that saturn has put out. My thoughts are they should have worked off the SC2 but going with the ion allowed them to have more engine room, a better suspension, and a lighter car. I test drove one the other day and wasnt expecting much, and it actually shocked me. Very smooth, took turns pretty well. In about 2 months im going to go check it out. The good part is...since its a saturn you will get an insurance break.
The Ion Done Right
By Ed Hellwig
Date posted: 06-10-2004
If it seems a little odd to you that Saturn would be coming out with a high-performance tuner coupe, you're not alone. This is after all a company that built its reputation on friendly salespeople and cars that were cute, not quarter-mile times and skid pad ratings. But with the right mix of parts, any car can be fast and fun, and Saturn thinks it has put together just such a package with the new Ion Red Line.
First introduced in 2003, the Ion coupe hasn't exactly flown off the lots. It isn't particularly ugly, slow or expensive, but when it comes to sport coupes it's lacking in the personality department. Attacking this problem in the Red Line series involved the usual recipe of performance upgrades: more horsepower, better handling and a good set of brakes to bring it all to a halt. It's a simple formula, but one that can easily go south in a hurry if not done correctly. Thankfully, the performance team at Saturn did its homework and the result is a legitimate sport coupe from a most improbable source.
Like most tuner cars, the Ion's transformation began under the hood where Saturn engineers swapped out the standard 2.2-liter Ecotec engine for a specially prepared 2.0-liter version that's built to withstand the unkind habits of aggressive drivers. Along with the steel crankshaft, oil-cooled pistons and heavy-duty radiator, the reworked Ecotec also features a Roots-type supercharger and an air-to-water intercooler for maximum efficiency. With up to 12 pounds of boost from the Eaton blower, the force-fed engine develops a healthy 205 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque. A low restriction 2.25-inch exhaust system keeps the gases flowing in addition to giving the Red Line a more noticeable snarl from its chrome exhaust tip. A standard five-speed manual transmission coupled to a short-throw shifter delivers the Ion's newfound power to the front wheels while heavy-duty, equal-length half shafts help keep torque steer down to a minimum.
The result of these significant drivetrain enhancements is an Ion that delivers more snap off the line and plenty of pull from just about any engine speed. Saturn claims a 0-to-60-mph time of 6.3 seconds and quarter-mile runs in the 14-second range. During our limited time with the car on a closed-road course, we found the engine a suitable match for the new gearbox, as there was always plenty of midrange grunt for powering out of corners. Buyers looking for a drag strip star might be disappointed, as the Red Line's 205 horsepower will leave it trailing a well-piloted Dodge Neon SRT-4. But when it comes to overall power delivery, the Ion's supercharged power plant feels more tractable than the SRT's peaky turbocharged engine.
Saturn's engineers knew that putting together a legitimate performance package would require more than just adding extra juice under the hood. Extensive track testing resulted in plenty of changes to the suspension, brakes and steering system as well. Spring and bushing rates were retuned, and the Red Line gets a 10-millimeter reduction in ride height and a thicker front sway bar. A larger set of four-wheel disc brakes was also added to the package, along with a set of 17-inch forged alloy wheels wrapped in Dunlop Sport SP9000 tires sized 215/45 at each corner.
Thrown through the long sweeping corners of a proper road course, the Ion Red Line proved itself a capable handler. There's minimal lean, controllable understeer and more than enough power in the brakes. Most eye-opening was the positive feedback from the retuned electric steering box — an often-cited weak link in the standard Ion. Saturn's engineers seem to have finally gotten a handle on this system, as the Red Line has very little on-center slop and a good heft everywhere else. This major improvement coupled with the suspension's overall predictability makes the Red Line a legitimate track car that should be able to hold its own against its numerous competitors and satisfy even the most die-hard enthusiast when driven hard.
Another sore spot that has been cleaned up in the Red Line is the Ion's otherwise lackluster interior. While there's still plenty of cheap plastic and an annoying set of center-mounted gauges, the Red Line is upgraded with heavily bolstered Recaro seats, a sport steering wheel and reconfigured pedals for easier heel-toe shifts. The new seats aren't as aggressive as those found in the SRT-4, but there's little reason to complain as they offer more than enough grip during high-g maneuvers. The new steering wheel is a huge improvement over the goofy-looking piece found in the standard Ion, and even the new pedal placement assures quick and easy shifts on the track.
Further helping the Red Line's cause is a solid list of standard features that includes a CD/mp3 player, power windows and mirrors, remote keyless entry and a security system. Its base price of $20,950 puts it right in line with its most direct competitors and keeps it well within range for the younger enthusiast buyers who Saturn is targeting. Those with cash to spare can also opt for a sunroof, side curtain airbags and XM Satellite Radio.
Without a well-known reputation for performance, Saturn knew that it wouldn't have much leeway when it came to the Ion Red Line. It would either have to be a legitimate performer right out of the gate or face the wrath of finicky young buyers with little brand loyalty. As an overall package, the Ion Red Line is a promising start. It's not the fastest car in the class, but for buyers who are interested in more than just straight-line speed, the Red Line delivers a well-sorted combination of tight handling, strong brakes and predictable behavior. It's not going to dethrone the SRT-4 anytime soon, but unlike its siblings, the Ion Red Line has a shot at luring buyers looking for more than just a smiling salesperson.
http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/media/roadtests/firstdrive/2004/04.saturn.ion/04.ion.redline.f34.500.jpg
http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/media/roadtests/firstdrive/2004/04.saturn.ion/04.ion.redline.r34.500.jpg
Invoice Price: $13,688 - $15,920
List Price: $14,660 - $17,060
The car weighs 2,960 lbs.
1/4 mile: 15.3 sec @ 94.5 mph
Like they say....its not an SRT4...but it does show that saturn isnt far off from the game. I think its a well rounded car for being the first "sports car" that saturn has put out. My thoughts are they should have worked off the SC2 but going with the ion allowed them to have more engine room, a better suspension, and a lighter car. I test drove one the other day and wasnt expecting much, and it actually shocked me. Very smooth, took turns pretty well. In about 2 months im going to go check it out. The good part is...since its a saturn you will get an insurance break.