When it came to exhaust, engineers maintained the "move air quickly" ideal with a 2.25-inch exhaust system that incorporates a low restriction catalytic converter and low restriction muffler. Along with the new engine, the vehicle’s cooling system is upgraded with a larger radiator core and larger cooling fans. A high-flow air intake and a high-flow exhaust manifold are tuned to move air quickly through the engine. The Red Line engine is a special 2.0L Ecotec engine, built with lower-compression pistons and other components necessary to handle the unique requirements of a supercharged application. "Įngineers did not simply add a supercharger and intercooler to the existing ION 2.2L Ecotec engine. "Coupling the supercharger with an air-to-water intercooler was a simple, effective way to build even more horsepower. "The supercharger provides instant power," said Tracy Thueme, ION Red Line program engineering manager. In the Red Line, the supercharger and intercooler system produces a maximum boost level of 12 pounds. This cooler air enhances the effectiveness of the supercharger. Engineers also added an air-to-water intercooler to reduce the temperature of air entering the engine. "The base ION was systematically enhanced to deliver uncompromising performance, function and style – traits that will make it extremely competitive in the sport compact market."Īn Eaton helical Roots supercharger was selected because of the immediacy of its horsepower delivery and its relative ease of implementation. "The ION Red Line was designed for enthusiasts seeking a ready performance vehicle," said John Heinricy, GM Performance Division director. Inspired by the "tuner" cars popularized in Southern California, ION Red Line was developed with assistance from the GM Performance Division, an in-house center designed to explore potential enthusiast-oriented versions of production models. "Customers have told us that ride-and-handling is their favorite attribute of ION with the Red Line we’ve built on that strength." ![]() "ION Red Line is a street car that is also at home on the racetrack," said Parks. ![]() ETC utilizes an electronic signal, rather than a traditional cable between the gas pedal and engine, for immediate throttle response. In addition to outstanding performance, ION Red Line incorporates many technological firsts for Saturn, including the supercharger, an air-to-water intercooler and the use of electronic throttle control (ETC). From its visual features, such as the aggressive wheels, to components you can’t see, like the equal-length drive shafts, which are used to limit torque steer, it’s a comprehensive package developed to recast the entire car in a performance mold." "But the Red Line is not simply an ION with more power. "The supercharger provides instant response and a dramatic feeling of performance when you’re behind the wheel," said Doug Parks, ION chief engineer. Performance front seats and steering wheel Unique front and rear fascias, rocker moldings and a family of available rear wings Racetrack-bred suspension tuning, including revised springs, shocks, bushings and stabilizer barsġ7 x 7 inch, five-spoke forged alloy wheelsĬontinental 215/45 W-rated performance tires Large four-wheel disc brakes (with standard ABS) High-flow, performance-tuned exhaust and air induction system And while the ION Red Line delivers a unique driving experience, it does so in different ways."Ģ.0-liter, supercharged and intercooled version of the Ecotec four-cylinder engineįive-speed transmission with increased torque capacity, close ratio gearing and short-throw shifter "Saturn vehicles inspire fun while driving. "Performance-tuned vehicles are an important component of Saturn’s expanding portfolio," said Lajdziak. Production of the ION Red Line is scheduled to begin in early 2004. "We have pulled no punches with the ION Red Line. "The 2004 ION Red Line will introduce Saturn to sport compact enthusiasts," said Jill Lajdziak, Saturn vice president for sales, service and marketing. Saturn ION Red Line Supercharges Sport Compact MarketĭETROIT - With a snarl in its exhaust note, an imposing stance from its racetrack-tuned suspension, and the immediate rush of its Ecotec 2.0-liter supercharged, 200 horsepower (estimated) engine, the 2004 ION Red Line has a character like nothing else to come out of Saturn.Īffirming its intention to create expressive performance-tuned vehicles, Saturn announced the production version of the ION Red Line at the International Auto Salon.
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