Stunned, Stupefied and Thoroughly Satisfied

It seems we live life, gain experience, cry, learn, laugh and live a little more, and through the process develop beliefs and opinions about everything from Middle Eastern politics to which company makes the best styling gel, what TV programs are worth watching and which religion to dedicate our lives to, or not.

Although I try to keep an open mind when it comes to my job, there are some brands that keep missing the mark, Saturn used to be one of those. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

I, like the next person, have some pretty entrenched opinions about a variety of subjects, and due to my profession have developed what I believe to be warranted biases toward new vehicles, their nameplates and the automakers that build them. I try to keep an open mind, believing that like every person can make positive changes to a healthier lifestyle, carmakers can adapt and modify their respective models and brands to improve and become more competitive. But for some reason there are manufacturers that keep missing the mark and resultantly get poor reviews from yours truly. Saturn was one such brand.

Everything I believed to be true about Saturn was in jeopardy after driving the new Red Line tuned ION Quad Coupe. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

Was? I have to admit to having my belief system shaken to its roots recently, during my first drive of the new Red Line tuned ION Quad Coupe. Red Line, if you haven't already heard, is the M, AMG, SVT or Type R of Saturn, the internal organization, which goes by the name of GM Performance Division, responsible for spicing up a brand that might be associated a little too much with middle of the road conservatism. The idea is hardly new, with most major nameplates having either created a stand alone skunkworks tuning team, or at the very least made up a racy logo and affixed it to the trunklid, side panels and floor mats of one or more performance enhanced vehicles.

The fact that Saturn is now in the game makes perfect sense, being one of the more import-oriented brands General Motors

The performance tuned Red Line makes perfect sense for the import-oriented Saturn brand. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

oversees. It's strategically positioned to share showroom traffic with Swedish premium carmaker Saab, another GM brand, probably benefiting Saab more than Saturn considering most new car buyers swim upstream when trading in than paddling down, which is all the more reason to enhance Saturn's image and lure more performance-oriented buyers into the family net.

I drove the 2003 ION sedan when it debuted and was only partially impressed. The styling was and still is unique in the compact sector while its 140 horsepower engine performs better than average, and

Saturn listened to the criticisms made by journalists about the 2003 ION's interior, and have improved it noticeably. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

handling is pretty good for the class, but I never felt the engineers had pulled as much out of GM's competent Delta chassis architecture as they could have. The interior quality was a giant letdown as well, with substandard plastics and switchgear.

What a difference a year makes. Saturn listened to complaints donated freely by journalists and owners alike, and improved the tactile quality of the ION interior. I wouldn't go so far as to say the 2004 car is best in class or anything, but it's a far cry better than the 2003 cars were. From what I understand the 2005 sedan will improve on the improvements even further - I'll write more on that subject in a future column.

Back to Red Line, the new performance compact has nothing to do with the sedan - at least Saturn hasn't announced any decisions to parlay a 4-door variant yet. Rather it starts life as a sassy little Quad Coupe;

Unlike many cars in this category the ION coupe's back passenger seats are reasonably comfortable and easily accessible. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

quad because rear seat access is optimized by a slick set of rear hinged half-doors. Unlike many cars in this category the ION coupe's back passenger seats are reasonably comfortable if your height challenge is biased towards the lesser end of the scale. Getting in and out is a cinch due to the extra set of doors, and in Red Line trim the seats are superb. Racing seat maestros Recaro build the exclusive perches, and they're some of the best I've ever tested. Not only are they comfortable, but each effectively holds back and buttocks in lockdown during aggressive maneuvers. Finished in a high-quality blue and black fabric, the upscale seats add a touch of sporty elegance to the compact super coupe.

On that note I wish Saturn had turned to an aftermarket supplier when it came to sourcing the steering wheel. While Mazda looks to Nardi and Subaru opts for Momo in their respective sport models (check across the showroom at the superb example in the Subaru WRX-based

While the steering wheel might not be up to par, the rest of the car is a masterpiece by Saturn standards. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

Saab 9-2x), the ION Red Line makes due with a slightly upgraded stock Saturn wheel. While improved over the previous version, with a thicker, more substantial leather grip, the indented spokes just don't fit my smallish hands comfortably, and by so doing left me feeling less than totally in control.

But that, and the desire to have interior tactile quality to Mazda3 or VW GTI levels are my only complaints, which you would know is saying a great deal if you make a point of reading my diatribes on a regular basis. The fact is Saturn has created a little masterpiece. While the steering wheel might not be up to par, the response to steering input and general feel from the road is fantastic. It's now one of the more connected cars in its class, capable of steeling bragging rights from just about any rival contender.

What makes it so good? In addition to its steering response, due to due to equal-length half shafts there's an almost complete eradication of dreaded torque steer. What's torque steer? It's that tug on the

The Red Line ION is powered by a 205-hp supercharged and air-to-water intercooled Ecotec 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

steering wheel front-wheel drive cars experience when applying power. Considering the 205 horsepower at 5,600 rpm available from the Red Line's Eaton helical Roots supercharged and air-to-water intercooled Ecotec 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, incidentally producing a maximum boost level of 5.44 kg (12 pounds), and almost equal levels of torque at 200 lb-ft coming on strong at 4,400 rpm, such is an impressive engineering feat. It makes using the power especially enjoyable, by leaving the front wheels alone to do what they were intended to do, steer the car.

The engine is wonderfully flexible too. Power comes on lower in the rev range than most 4-cylinders, remains strong through the somewhat abbreviated 6,450 rpm redline, all the time sporting a healthy yet sophisticated exhaust note - the result of a high-flow, performance-tuned system with a 57 mm (2.25 inch) pipe. What's more, response to the accelerator pedal is immediate due to electronic throttle control (ETC), the same type of non-cable system as used in top-tier premium brands

Response to the accelerator pedal is immediate due to electronic throttle control, the same type of non-cable system as used in top-tier premium brands like BMW. Additionally, the Red Line coupe sports a healthy yet sophisticated exhaust note, the result of a high-flow, performance-tuned system with a 57 mm (2.25 inch) pipe. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

like BMW. The setup of all three pedals is close to ideal as well, optimized for heal-toe "race-style" actuation.

In case you happen to have prior knowledge of GM's standard Ecotec engine, you might have noticed the Red Line's displacement hasn't been raised for the more powerful derivative but ironically lowered by 200 cc. The new powerplant shares the base engine's general architecture, which has proven to be sound, and enhanced it with a high-strength steel crankshaft, oil-cooled lower-compression pistons, sodium-filled exhaust valves and additional components needed to withstand the strain a blower adds. Also, the GM Performance team developed a high-flow air intake and exhaust manifold for freer breathing. The car's cooling system was improved too, with a larger radiator core and bigger cooling fans. The result is pure, unadulterated mechanical adrenalin, designed to put that childlike nervous giggle back into your life.

Adding to the experience is a fantastic, close ratio 5-speed manual with a short-throw shifter - reduced by about an inch (25.4 mm) - and increased torque capacity. A

The close ratio short-throw 5-speed manual is simply fantastic. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

fantastic manual in a domestic compact? Yes, it's that good. I'm not sure where GM sourced it, saying only that it is built internally, but nevertheless it feels more Saab 9-3-like than Chevy Cavalier - boding well for future sport versions of the upcoming Cobalt and Pontiac Pursuit that will share the ION's general architecture. It slips into gear with greater precision than many of its competitors, such as the Dodge SRT-4 or Subaru WRX, and feels good in the palm of the hand.

In case you are concerned that Saturn didn't go all the way and integrate a 6-speed manual in its Red Line coupe, there's really no need. With the car's low curb weight

I raced through the wonderfully serpentine roads of Quebec's picturesque backcountry, at speeds I dare not admit to. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

and wide, flexible, ample torque curve, power is pretty well anywhere you need it. I raced through the wonderfully serpentine roads of Quebec's picturesque backcountry surrounding the townships of Sainte Adele and Mont Tremblant, at speeds I dare not admit to, rarely shifting out of third gear. Exiting tight corners the engine delivered plenty of pull to quickly ramp the coupe back up to straightway speeds.

Zero to 100 km/h is in the 7 second range (although Road&Track's March 2004 issue showed it achieving 6.3 seconds to 60 mph) while the car's official top speed wasn't announced. Just the same, it is expected to top out a fair bit shy of the land speed record breaking heavily-modified ION Red Line coupe's Bonneville Salt Flats velocity at 342.282 km/h (212.684 mph) in the G/Blown Fuel Altered sport compact class. The production model's actual top speed should be closer to Road&Track's findings at 232 km/h (144 mph).

If you've driven through rural Quebec then you have truly experienced the Western world's worst road surfaces, no exaggeration. Why would a car company choose

Thanks to its well tuned suspension, the ION Red Line was the epitome of grace under pressure. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

to "impress" a group of picky, jaded automotive journalists in an area that could easily destroy their car's respective suspension systems, wheels and low-profile performance tires, and along with it any chance of a positive review? Obviously because they feel confident in what they've built, knowing that if a person can drive these roads at high-speed the car will manage the comparatively smooth roads of Ontario, Alberta or BC, or anywhere else in Canada for that matter, with ease.

Quebec's infrastructure doldrums aside, the ION Red Line was the epitome of grace under pressure. Its suspension, a sophisticated setup made up of independent front struts and a semi-independent torsion beam in the rear, plus an all-new, heavy-duty rear axle designed specifically for mounting the new rear disc brakes - more on these in a second - incorporates performance-tuned spring rates and damping, beefier shocks and bushings, plus larger diameter stabilizer bars, all combined with a reduction in ride height by 10 mm. The setup is further enhanced by standard 17-inch 5-spoke forged alloy rims riding on Dunlop P215/45R-17 Sport SP9000 performance tires - especially chosen for ION Red Line application.

The ION Red Line absorbed the worst of what the abhorrently crude Quebec roads could throw at it. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

Saturn states its ION Red Line has "racetrack-bred" tuning, a claim that is legitimized by the choice of Germany's legendary Nürburgring - a seriously challenging circuit that is said to be a good choice for developing a car with real world capabilities - for suspension tuning.

The results speak for themselves. While staying true to the line that its front wheels are pointed, the overly harsh roads of Quebec didn't upset the car's balance one iota. I can't say the same for other cars I've tested on these roads previously, even the revered Porsche Boxster S. A suspension system needs to allow a little give in order to maintain contact with the tarmac over the rough stuff, with rigid setups loosing grip and therefore speed. The ION Red Line, on the other hand, absorbed the bumps well, rarely finding itself airborne and therefore achieving uncanny stability.

The upgraded brakes were a surprise too. The Red Line features ION's first application of 4-wheel discs, a fact the model's product managers may want to contemplate, with large 294.6 mm (11.6 inch) diameter rotors up

The result of the standard Red Line appearance package is a racy yet somewhat mature looking coupe. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

front, which incidentally are about 25.4 mm (1 inch) larger than those fixed to standard IONs, and 269 mm (10.6 inch) rotors in the rear. The wheel hubs are more robust too, 5-bolt units that enhance stability, while larger calipers and higher grade pads shorten stopping distances. Saturn adds a standard Bosch 4-channel ABS system to take the bite out of emergency braking, a comfort when traveling at high speed.

To reduce wind resistance, and enhance the ION Red Line's styling, the front fascia has been lengthened downward by 25.4 mm (1 inch) to keep air from rushing underneath. The design incorporates three massive air inlets for trapping that air and using it for cooling the engine and brakes, while diverting excess air toward the outside of the vehicle. Sill extensions continue that flow towards the rear of the car, which features a lowered rear fascia with cutouts for the chrome exhaust tip plus an effective but hardly overstated decklid spoiler (larger rear spoilers are available). The result of the standard Red Line appearance package, painted in one of three colors, Black, Blue or Silver, is a racy yet mature looking coupe.

Mature is a word that kind of describes all aspects of the car, actually. Of course, there are some that think anything with a manual shifter and sporting pretensions is

Compared to some of its rivals, such as the Dodge SRT-4, the ION Red Line is a car that I didn't feel out of place (read too old) driving. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

immature, but to those I say, "Stick to your minivan and leave us kids well alone." It's mature in comparison to one of the ION Red Line's most ardent rivals though, the Dodge SRT-4. Both cars are great fun, with the SRT-4 delivering more of a barely legal racecar feel, with a fairly punishing suspension and irreverent ripping exhaust note, hardly for the feint of heart. It's a blast to drive, but maybe not everyday commuting across town. It's the poor man's BMW M3, while the ION Red Line is more like the poor man's Audi S4. The difference is the Red Line is easier to live with, sporty but not as audibly expressive, nimble but not giving up ride comfort to do so, and featuring a more sophisticated gearbox and much better low-speed maneuverability. Don't get me wrong. I love the SRT-4, but the ION is slightly more similar to the girl your mom would have had you marry rather than the one she warned you to stay away from.

In the end the ION Red Line most likely won't break your heart either. Saturn, as a brand, rated just above average in last year's J. D. Powers&Associates vehicle dependability study (VDS), as categorized by

Despite the flatlining Red Line logo, the new "heartbeat" advertising campaign for Saturn's sportiest models is an ideal way to visually convey the performance of the ION Quad Coupe version. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

nameplates, with a 273 problems per 100 vehicle average. While the 2004 survey hasn't been compiled, the independent research firm does have up to date stats on its latest initial quality survey (IQS) in which Saturn placed 29th out of 37 brands in 2004, an incremental improvement from its 32nd place standing last year. Both rankings are unfortunately well below average, but at least the problems per 100 crept forward by 9 points, from 158 to 149 - some automakers went backwards. Another research company, Strategic Vision, rates the ION number one in the small car segment, tied with Hyundai's Elantra, in the 2004 Total Quality Awards. To achieve the award the two cars had to beat out a raft of cars including the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. A Strategic Vision vice president Daniel Gorrell stated, "The real challenge for GM and other brands who are turning their products around is to convince potential buyers, particularly entrenched Toyota and Honda owners, to take a look."

With regards to the new ION Red Line I have to agree unequivocally. I'm a prime example of an entrenched import supporter, and I've grown to really appreciate Saturn's newcomer, and more importantly respect it as an equal, and in some ways superior entry among its peers. I never thought I would be backing a Saturn, but the Red Line is just another example of why it's necessary to keep an open mind. Congratulations Saturn, you've really built a stellar car.

Specifications:

• Price Range (MSRP): $26,995
• Body Type: 4-door coupe
• Layout: front engine, FWD
• Engine: 205 hp, 200 lb-ft of torque, 2.0-L, 16-valve DOHC supercharged I-4
• Transmission: 5-spd manual
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS
• Curb Weight (estimated): 1,343 kg (2,960 lbs)
• Acceleration (estimated 0 - 100 km/h): 7.0 seconds
• Quarter Mile (estimated seconds / speed): 15.3 / 152 km/h (94.5 mph)
• Lateral Grip (estimated 300 ft skidpad): 0.85 G
• Slalom Speed (estimated): 103.8 km/h (64.5 mph)
• Seating Capacity: 4
• Braking (from 96.6 km/h / 60 mph): 119 ft
• Cargo Volume (trunk): 402 L (14.2 cu ft)
• Fuel Economy (city/hwy): N/A
• Warranty (mo/km): 36/60,000 comprehensive - 60/100,000 powertrain
• Direct Competitors: Dodge SRT-4, Ford SVT Focus, Honda Civic SiR, Hyundai Tiburon, Mazda3 GT, MINI Cooper S, Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart, Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec-V, Subaru Impreza, Toyota Celica / Corolla XRS, VW GTI
• Web Site: www.gmcanada.com

Note: Additional larger photos are available in the photo album.