Saturn Announces ION Red Line Pricing

New Performance Vehicle Debuts In Mid-April

Detroit - Saturn has announced that its first performance coupe - the ION Red Line - will carry a MSRP of $20,950 (including a destination freight charge of $565). The new vehicle goes into production in mid-April in Spring Hill, Tenn.

"We've placed an attractive price on a vehicle that offers a high level of performance," said Jill Lajdziak, Saturn general manager. "The ION Red Line is a capable vehicle engineered for sport compact enthusiasts. It's an exciting addition to our growing line-up."

The ION Red Line, which was developed with the GM Performance Division, includes a standard 2.0-liter supercharged, intercooled, 205 horsepower engine; a racetrack-bred suspension; large four-wheel disc brakes; 17-inch forged alloy wheels; and close-ratio 5-speed manual transmission. The vehicle sports a lowered suspension, high-flow stainless-steel exhaust, leather-accented Recaro performance seats, spoiler, and exterior styling specific to the Red Line model.

Other standard equipment includes: ABS, AM/FM stereo with CD and MP3 player, power windows and outside rearview mirrors, remote keyless entry and security alarm. Also, the performance coupe features standard dual rear access doors and Saturn's unique dent-resistant polymer body panels. A few options are available, like power sunroof, front and rear head-curtain side airbags and XM Satellite Radio.

Saturn's entry into performance vehicles is new and began with the VUE Red Line, which went into production in January. The Red Line series is part of a larger expansion of the Saturn portfolio, a line-up that will double within the next 30 months. Saturn has announced plans to build a small sports car on GM's Kappa architecture, a larger SUV, and an all-new midsize vehicle. This fall, Saturn will begin selling RELAY, a crossover sport van.