#SATURN REDLINE 200 MANUAL#
#SATURN REDLINE 200 PLUS#

One goal of the Performance Division was to make the Red Line Ion capable on a racetrack, with brakes that don't fade after a few laps of hard driving. Spring and damping rates, as well as the bushings and anti-roll bars, have all been considerably firmed, and the rear axle is a heavy-duty unit taken from GM's upcoming Delta platform, on stiffened trailing arms. No modifications were needed to the unit-body chassis, but the Red Line suspension has been thoroughly tweaked. What's more, heavy-duty wheel bearings cope with the added power, as do 5-lug hubs. Although its linkage is a bit clunky, the gearbox delivers power to the wheels via equal-length halfshafts that minimize torque steer.

#SATURN REDLINE 200 MANUAL#

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.īorrowing more from GM's global parts bin, Saturn also employs close-ratio 5-speed manual transaxle in the Red Line. At peak boost, the transverse powerplant puts out 205 bhp at 5600 rpm and 200 lb.-ft. And at $20,000, it's a heck of a bargain, a 205-bhp coupe that benefits from a sporty chassis and great brakes tuned and developed at the Nürburgring.Īlthough GM calls it an Ecotec, the Red Line's 2.0-liter engine is actually based on the aluminum long-block of the, a twincam inline-4 with oil-cooled pistons and sodium-filled valves to help it cope with 12 psi of intercooled boost, courtesy of a large Eaton Roots-type blower normally used on GM's supercharged 3800 V-6. 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. A word to the wise, though: You might steer clear of the new Red Line Ion, because this car makes even the best of kids suddenly feel the urge to put down a pair of black stripes on the pavement just outside the study hall.

#SATURN REDLINE 200 PLUS#

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. The big M-B was inexpensive, well-built, slow and safe, largely because it was constructed like a tank.įor different reasons, entry-level Ion also shines as off-to-college transport. When my niece Lizzy headed off to college, her dad gave her a 1981 Mercedes-Benz 300D for all the right reasons.

Saturn redline 200