Saturn ION

Saturn ION (2003-2004)

The Saturn ION was a compact car of the American General Motors car brand that was manufactured by the beginning of 2003 until the end of 2007. It was based on the GM Delta platform. In North America, he was one of the small cars. A peculiar feature is the coupe, which had called suicide doors.

History

2003-2004

In early 2003 came the ION comes standard with a 2.2-liter DOHC Ecotec I4 engine with 104 kW (140 hp) four-door sedan and as a so-called four-door coupe ( suicide doors included) on the market.

The speedometer unit was not mounted behind the steering wheel but the center of the dashboard. A Getrag F23 5 - speed manual or an Aisin AF23 5 -speed automatic transmission were optional available. The compact 5 -speed automatic had several unique features. There was an overdrive so that five forward gears were packed into the size of a typical four -speed manual transmission. Both brought a close gear ratio for better acceleration and better fuel efficiency.

For model year 2004, there were in addition to better interior materials and the offer of new sound systems an electric power steering as standard.

2004-2006

In the fall of 2004, the Aisin 5 -speed automatic transmission was replaced with the GM 4-speed 4T45 -E, the 2005 models received a new steering wheel.

Mid-2005 was the base model higher remuneration of seats and a height adjustment. In addition, the Quiet Steel laminate multi- sound technology to reduce engine and internal noise was introduced in the vehicles. The front of the body has been redesigned with a larger grille and redesigned bumpers. In addition, there were new wheel trims and alloy wheels.

The 2006 model year saw only minor cosmetic changes before. The Level 2 - Level 3 and models were offered new GM radio with MP3 playback. Additionally, a 170 hp (127 kW) 2.4-liter inline four- cylinder engine with variable valve timing now was available. Many owners of the 2006 Ion models were dissatisfied with the reliability of the ignition and the lack of adequate customer service / warranty.

2006-2007

In the fall of 2006, the 2.2-liter Ecotec engine in the power of 104 kW was (140 PS) increased to 108 kW ( 145 hp ), the 2.4-liter Ecotec received an increase of 127 kW ( 170 PS ) to 130 kW ( 175 hp). The coupe was redesigned front and rear bumpers, side moldings, elliptical fog lamps and a chrome tailpipe.

The sedan was discontinued in March 2007. In the autumn of the same year it was replaced by the Saturn Astra, being the Opel Astra H hatchback.

End of 2007, ended the sale of the ION Coupe, which was replaced in spring 2008 by the Saturn Astra GTC ( Opel Astra H GTC ).

Red Line Edition (2004-2007)

From mid- 2004 until the fall of 2007 produced the Saturn ION Red Line edition of the Coupe. This was in collaboration with the GM Performance Division developed and tested at the Nürburgring. The engine was a 2.0 - liter Ecotec LSJ engine, which made ​​with a Eaton M62 Roots-type supercharger and intercooler 153 kW ( 205 hp). In addition there was the stronger F35 5 -speed manual transmission from the Opel - shelf.

The landing gear was lowered relative to the standard coupe by 10 mm and had larger 4 -wheel disc brakes. The car was also equipped with 17- inch alloy wheels and Recaro sport seats. Also included was an exhaust system with a chrome tailpipe, which made ​​for a more aggressive engine sound from the exhaust. The ION Red Line started with a base price of $ 20,950.

For the 2005 model year, an optional Competition Package was introduced. That included 17mm Gunmetal Painted aluminum rims, boost gauge, differential lock and Projector -beam fog lights.

In mid-2006 there were two optional motor kit upgrades, the power to 31 rose to 236 hp for around $ 500 USD. For around $ 750 USD you could again increase to 241 hp.