With the announcement of the Camaro's re-entry into the market looming over the heads of most GM enthusiasts, it's hard to think about any other car. But if you need something to tide you over in the meantime, a more practical alternative, or just a daily driver, check out this year's lineup. To those of you who read last year's new car guide, the most notable addition is the Saturn Sky and the turbocharged Sky Red Line. Having driven both cars just a few days prior to publication of this article, I can attest firsthand that the Sky is a true import killer. The 260-horse Red Line has the benefit of one of the most smooth and civilized yet potent four-cylinder turbocharged engines under $30,000. Meanwhile, revised gear ratios help the rev-happy naturally aspirated Ecotec (in the base Sky) challenge the Miata for the ultimate autocross roadster. If you can't bear the thought of buying anything but a V-8, a whole host of LS-powered vehicles await--from front- to rear- to all-wheel drive, from coupe to sedan to truck. For 2007, GM has truly served up one delicious plate of performance vehicles. Bon appetit!
2007 Saturn Ion Red Line
| HP/TQ | 205 hp, 200 lb-ft |
| ENGINE | Ecotec supercharged 2.0 Liters, Inline four-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC |
| TRANS | Five-speed manual |
| DRIVE | Front-wheel drive |
What's New?
Not much has changed on the Red Line model; the base 2.2L motor has received a minor output increase.
Advertised Perf
0-60 in 6.2 sec., 60-0 in 119 ft, 14.7 at 96 mph in the 1/4-mile, .85g lateral accelerationBase Price $20,420
Why Buy?
The practicality of front-wheel drive meets a gutsy, blown 4-banger combined with serious handling-where else are you going to find this level of performance for this money? In case you are wondering, the Red Line is not simply an engine swap; it also separates itself from the base Ion with a racetrack-tuned suspension, 17-inch wheels, 10mm lowered ride height, a high flow stainless steel exhaust, and beefier equal-length halfshafts. The sub-3,000-lb curb weight and 4.05 gear also help burn the 215/45ZR17 hides off with ease, assisted by a Quaife limited slip differential.2007 Chevy Cobalt SS Supercharged
| HP/TQ | 205 hp, 200 lb-ft |
| ENGINE | Ecotec supercharged 2.0 Liters, Inlinefour-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC |
| TRANS | Five-speed manual |
| DRIVE | Front-wheel drive |
What's new?
There have been a few minor upgrades to the interior refinement such as a three spoke, height adjustable steering wheel. A new seven-speaker Pioneer sound system boasts a 228-watt, six-channel amp and a 10-inch subwoofer. XM Satellite Radio and an auxiliary input jack for your iPod are also standard with the single disc CD/MP3 player and optional in-dash six-disc changer.
Advertised Perf
0-60 mph in 6.4 sec., 14.9 in the 1/4-mile, 143 mph top speed
Base Price $21,465
Why buy?
Recaro seats, a tight suspension, and 18s make this a fierce competitor for autocross. The torquey Eaton M62-inspired 2.0L Ecotec provides plenty of grunt down low, laying to rest any four-cylinder criticisms. With more horses than your typical sport compact, this could be the perfect daily driver for the money. Stage 1 and 2 performance packages can also ensure at least a few car lengths between you and the Civic Si in the next lane.