(From
Press Release) NEW YORK – 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 this fall, 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.