While Dodge turbocharged its econobox to 215 horses, GM will supercharge a 2.0-liter four now used in Europe, primarily because supercharging—though more expensive—offers strong low-end power often lost in turbocharging, says Performance Division chief Mark Reuss.

The 2.0-liter carries lower-compression pistons and other parts more suited for supercharging than the standard Ion’s 2.2-liter four. Its Eaton supercharger, coupled with an intercooler, is capable of 12 pounds of boost. Output should be about 200 hp and 200 lb-ft of torque.

The Ion Red Line carries a load of track-bred changes, including a heavy-duty five-speed with a short-throw shifter. Although the vehicle keeps the oft-criticized electronically assisted steering rack, Reuss says his performance-minded tuners significantly adjusted steering calibration toward more aggressive driving. He says a “driver’s wheel” replaces the Ion’s standard miniature plate, and equal-length half-shafts reduce the front-driver’s tendency to torque steer.

The Performance Division reworked the springs, shocks and bushings, lowered the vehicle slightly, and upgraded the rear suspension and rear axle to bias the driving experience in a track-worthy direction. Disc brakes are mounted all around, instead of the rear drums used on the standard Ion. Another welcome change is a pair of black Recaro buckets occupying the cabin. A 2.2-inch chromed-tip exhaust tube and the choice of rear-wing style, modest or not so modest, dresses up the exterior.

Originally posted by guionM
Umm.... Isn't Sunbird scheduled to continue for a few more years?

Seems we're going to have another example of old-car being sold along side it's replacement.

Originally posted by muckz
Something that needs to be cleared up... Chevy is getting Cobalt in 2005, at which point it will replace the existing Cavalier. Also, Sunfire will continue its production in its current form (really old shape) along with the new Cobalt? And apparently, Canada will get the same old Sunfire, except it will be renamed to Pursuit? What's the point?

Originally posted by R377
Close. The Sunfire will die north of the 49th but live on in the US. The Canadian Pursuit is a badge-engineered Cobalt built on the new delta platform.

Originally posted by Darth Xed
Yes. This is what is to happen... and to be honest, I can't figure out the logic.

If you are going through the trouble of making a Pontiac varient of the Delta platform.... why not replace the dinosaur Sunfire here in the US as well???

Originally posted by jrp4uc
Unless you plan to fill the Sunfire gap here with the Solstice...

Originally posted by Darth Xed
Interesting thought... but can a sports-type car with 2 seats fill an economy 4-seat car void?

I dunno....

Originally posted by Darth Xed
Interesting thought... but can a sports-type car with 2 seats fill an economy 4-seat car void?

I dunno....