Cars.com 2007 Saturn Sky Redline: First Drive

[Axel]

2007 Saturn Sky Redline: First Drive

Saturn introduced the Sky roadster in March, and ever since it's been moving off dealership lots faster than almost any model in the country. The stunner is an exercise in cost efficiency — it’s only $25,195, and offers a sporty feel — though it never delivers a true sports-car feel because of its anemic 177-hp engine. The Red Line version features a turbocharged version of the Sky’s four-cylinder engine, bumping power to 260 hp. Did it help?

Mike Hanley: I don't think small-roadster enthusiasts will be disappointed in the Red Line. The regular Sky is an eye-catching roadster, and putting a turbocharged 260-hp engine under its hood finally fulfills the promise of its looks. The Red Line's engine hits its stride at around 4,000 rpm and pulls strongly up to its redline. I just wish the redline were a little bit farther up the tach; it's all too easy to hit the rev limiter when pushing the smooth-spinning four-cylinder. There are some clanking sounds in the driveline at parking lot speeds, but they disappear once you're under way.

The suspension is firm, but it delivered a relatively compliant ride on the predominately rough roads I drove. There's not much extra room in the cockpit, but it's not overly snug for its class, either.



Kelsey Mays: Mike and I lament the same phenomenon. The Red Line comes on right about where the regular Sky’s 2.4-liter engine calls it quits, but the turbo motor has less room to run; its redline is 6,300 rpm, versus the regular Sky’s 7,000 rpm. Still, winding out each gear in the Red Line offers fleeting moments of joy I’ll take any day over the Sky’s comparatively pedestrian experience.



Handling and braking remain Sky-like — which is to say, very good — though 260 hp can get you into more trouble than the four-wheel-disc brakes can handle. Upgraded braking hardware would likely be a prudent investment for Red Line owners who plan to take their cars to the track.


Sky Red Line on the left and the base model on the right.

David Thomas: This has how much horsepower? Besides some extra grunt I can’t really tell. The regular Sky feels noticeably underpowered when you slam your right foot down, while the Red Line launches with a lot more authority. But is it an extreme performer? Did it knock my socks off? Nah. It does take a corner with gusto, however, and only costs $28,895, but I was expecting more. Driving enthusiasts will definitely be disappointed, while the ordinary Joe might want the added power for only $4,000 over the base model. Oh, and like Mike mentioned, I managed an embarrassing clunk noise out of the transmission when trying to navigate the parking area.

http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2...aturn_sky.html

[reedred]

Originally Posted by Axel

Sky Red Line on the left and the base model on the right.

The difference in appearance is really pronounced in these pics! The base Sky is happy and carefree, and the RL just looks like it wants to destroy something! Wow!

[Rustyknight]

Nice article the comment by Dave Thomas just shows he is not that bright, since the power will be right in line with the S2000

As for the 6300 rpm redline, if I remember correctly the redline is rated at 2100 rpm at 60 mph so if my memory serves correctly 6300 rpm equals 180 mph of course it runs out of power at 142 mph so that means add another 70 hp and we can actually hit the 180mph


Of course next stop after we goose the sky to 330hp and run it at redline in 5th gear is we get sing with the

[Ken]

David Thomas comes off with a nose turned in the air....as if a car that cost under 50 grand isn;t worth his time. I'm not really diggin the blacked out headlights though.

[Antonio]

Originally Posted by Ken

David Thomas comes off with a nose turned in the air....as if a car that cost under 50 grand isn;t worth his time. I'm not really diggin the blacked out headlights though.

The blacked out headlights do look a little funny on lighter colors. I imagine they'd look better on the darker blues, greens, and black especially.

[Ken]

yeah, probably right about that...

[Keeferno]

Originally Posted by Ken

David Thomas comes off with a nose turned in the air....as if a car that cost under 50 grand isn;t worth his time.

Sounds that way to me too.

[lasstss]

I think its looks more sinister, rightly so.. Now, to remove that chrome T bar in the grille!

[akinmb]

The car does 0-60 in 5.5 sec's...this Dave guy must weigh about the same as a boat anchor for him to not be impressed with the cars' speed. As for the blacked out headlight housing...that's the first I've ever seen it...man that'll look cool on my black beauty.

[Moparrbust]

The black headlights give it the "aftermarket riced out honduh look"..........hopefully they'll put chromes in by the time my R/L is made.

[TOY4TWO]

dammit, the Redline is a CLUNKER, I was hoping that would be fixed in the 07's

[GeneralPatton]

To have ~250HP, RWD, Convertable and the looks of the SKY is just absolutly amazing, and for that price..sheesh! Makes me cry at night though knowing its just a dream to own the RedLine

[Fformula88]

Originally Posted by TOY4TWO

dammit, the Redline is a CLUNKER, I was hoping that would be fixed in the 07's

What would be fixed? The appearance?

Why is it a clunker? The redline has not even hit the street yet, and the Sol GXP just took down a BMW Z4 in a comparo test.

[soltino]

Originally Posted by Fformula88

What would be fixed? The appearance?

Why is it a clunker? The redline has not even hit the street yet, and the Sol GXP just took down a BMW Z4 in a comparo test.

Referring back to this:

"Oh, and like Mike mentioned, I managed an embarrassing clunk noise out of the transmission when trying to navigate the parking area."


tino