The clouds are clearing and the Sky is almost ready to appear in showrooms, yet Saturn is already giving buyers a reason to get into a different line at the dealership: the 2007 Saturn Sky Red Line. You knew this car would become a reality as soon as Pontiac trotted out the Solstice GXP at the Los Angeles Auto Show and when the Opel GT debuted in Geneva complete with the same turbocharged, direct-injection engine as the Pontiac.

Under the 2007 Saturn Sky Red Line’s hood is an Ecotec 2.0-liter turbocharged direct-injection four cylinder engine making 260 horsepower at 5,300 rpm and 260 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,500 rpm. That’s a significant bump over the standard Sky’s 170-horsepower four banger, thanks to a dual-scroll turbo with a lightweight turbine, air-to-air intercooler, and dual-cam phasing that optimizes valve timing at lower revs to help create a broad torque band and eliminate turbo lag.

A standard five-speed manual transmission delivers power to the big 18-inch rear wheels, and a five-speed automatic is optional. Thanks in part to a 3.73 rear axle ratio and limited-slip rear differential, the 2007 Sky Red Line will dash from zero to 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds according to Saturn, regardless of which transmission you choose. Other goodies include a sport-tuned suspension, four-wheel-disc brakes with ABS, and a StabiliTrak stability control system. Saturn says the 2007 Sky Red Line boasts a near 50:50 weight distribution for optimum handling.

To differentiate the Sky Red Line from the standard model, Saturn has added dual chrome tipped exhaust outlets, polished 18-inch wheels, and a unique front fascia with brake cooling vents and black headlight surrounds. Inside, the Sky Red Line gets embroidered seatbacks and floor mats, metallic sill plates and pedals, a special gauge cluster, and a turbo boost meter in the Driver Information Center.

Photos by By Ron Perry