This is the first review I've seen. Looks like they benchmarked the SRT-4. Not bad, but room for improvement definitely.

There were the obvious complaints about the center mounted gauges. Leaves a lot of room for aftermarket ones which seem to be a necessity for this car if you race it.

http://www.autoweek.com/cat_content...._code=04395168

EDIT: I have to admit...I looks MUCH better than the SRT-4. And it's not a neon underneath!

 

I would much rather have one of those than the SRT-4.

 

It's a nice image-builder and addition to the Saturn lineup. I hope GM stays competitive with Dodge in the horsepower (the SRT-4 is now rated at 230hp/250lb-ft).

And if you don't want to ditch the center-mounted guages, at least offer an option for a traditionally-mounted tach! (maybe bundled with better tires as a "track" package).

Nice to at least be talking about cars like this from GM.

 

The SRT-4 sedan is quicker, but at least the Redline is a coupe.

That's a tough one.

 

There's a guy named Terry Wilkes that can solve that problem for ya.

 

I wonder how long it will be before the dump it?

Not many seem to like it, and I bet it has scared more than a few people away from buying the car.

 

I think it's in the works as we speak.

 

Does anyone think that the next Cavi/Sunfire/Whatever will get this treatment since they were supposed to be on the same platform as the Ion? Personally, I'd like to see Chevy or Pontiac take a stab at this with some different styling.

 

Cobalt SS should be a mechanical twin of Ion Redline.

In fact, Cobalt SS may have two versions. A cheaper normally aspirated version and a full on supercharged version.

 

Interestingly enough, the article states that's one of the drawing factors for people towards the car. I'm not so sure.

 

Maybe it does till they drive it!

It allowed them to make a smaller steering wheel and the driver to place it as desired without having to look at the instruments. It also provides a less obstructed view of the road. Which really means didly squat when you need to know how fast you're going or what your tach is reading.

 

GM blew this one I think. They've had a concept Cavy floating around for years now with a Turboed (not supercharged) Eco with an output of 200-220 HP (depends on the article) which not only looks alot better than the currently cavy LS sport but this saturn red line also. It's specs are better, and the J-body has alot more recognition, atleast in my experiance, with the younger crowd than any Saturn. They are putting this Ion Redline just under next year's SRT-4's price, and it's not quite up to par.
Sport Compact cars for GM should not come under Saturn's name.
The premier sport compact car for GM, the car that is filling atleast some of the void left by the F-body in cheap GM performance needs better stats than this.

 

if that VUE weren't so dang ugly, it looks like it would be a great vehicle to drive!

I'm not sure what to think about the ION though... AWD would make it much beter IMHO

 

AWD would make it a horrible match for new competition being the STI and EVO.

 

I also think AWD would kick *** on the Neon SRT-4!