2004 Saturn Ion Red Line Oklahoma

provided by:

(Continue to more photos from MyRide.com)

Introduction

General Motor's Performance Division has been responsible for several of the latest automobile enthusiast's entrees. Included are the Chevrolet Silverado SS and the Pontiac Grand Prix GXP. Both of these vehicles are sport-tuned, high power versions of already-existing base models. GM titles them "High-Performance Variants." Now, souped-up Chevys and Pontiacs are nothing new. However, for 2004, a new player cycles through the Performance Division wash. Saturn's ION can now be stained "Red Line," as enthusiast-oriented modifications evoke spirited driving at the limits. Red Line is part of an effort at Saturn to revamp the image of this carmaker known for being "different" and "family friendly". That is, the Saturn brand does not just represent economical, no-haggle vehicles with "hip" modern styling. ION Red Line specifically targets the 'tuner" market, or those customers seeking compact, FWD, 4-cylinder cars that are easily modifiable. Think Honda Civic with neon paint, ground effects, and front and rear spoilers. Tuner cars like the Civic originated in Southern California, but have grown popular nationwide. Saturn hopes to expand its customer base by appealing to the twenty-somethings who typically invest in these cars. Saturn will even offer a Red Line version of the VUE SUV. Glance quickly at the ION Red Line, and you know it exceeds basic transportation status. Rocker moldings along the sides accentuate the connection with the pavement, while unique front and rear fascias wrap the ends. Up front, a large air dam is located in the standard position below the grille and headlights.

Ion Red Line Tech

However, auxiliary vents positioned directly ahead of the front wheels collect air from the front, and provide even more flow. A special fascia covers the tail end, but the real attraction back there is the large wing mounted to the trunklid. Several different versions are available. Modifications inside include heavily-bolstered Recaro racing-style seats, special foot pedals, and a short throw shifter. All IONs now get improved materials and fabrics inside, including "soft touch" paint on the center stack. That stack includes Saturn's traditional center-mounted instrument cluster, a feature that receives high customer approval, according to the company. Aesthetic improvements, both inside and out, are well appreciated by the tuner crowd. However, the real magic has to occur behind the sheetmetal. Fortunately for Saturn, the considerable effort invested into making the guts of the ION Red Line race worthy show. Start with the engine. The 2.2-liter Ecotec inline-4 that propels base IONs has undergone extensive reworking. Most notably, an Eaton supercharger with a water-to-air intercooler was added to the engine's intake system. This required a stronger crank and connecting rods, as well as a slight drop in compression ratio (9.5:1 vs. 10.0:1). Larger valves, a heavier alternator, and an all-new drive-by-wire throttle system have also been added. A high-flow, performance tuned exhaust system releases waste gases. Displacement has decreased slightly to 2 liters, but with the addition of a blower Saturn says the Red Line is good for 200 hp. and 200 lb.-ft. of torque. Compared to the 140 hp. and 145 lb.-ft. in the naturally aspirated 2.2, this output is largely significant in a vehicle this small. Power is routed through a 5-speed Getrag manual transmission - Red Lines will not see the 5-speed automatics or continuously variable automatic versions used in other ION variations.

 

Continue to 2004 Saturn Ion Red Line Review from MyRide.com

Sävy Strategic Creative

The Finest in European Automotive in Bend.

1.541.359.3068
Service Rd
Bend, OK
http://www.getsavy.com/

The Finest in European Automotive in Bend.
The moment one walks through the doors at German Master Tech in Bend, Oregon, its meticulously kept, white floored shop currently home to an impressive lineup of detail and restoration in progress: the bright silver Porsche spec racer being built in the center of the room, the Porsche 911 S undergoing a full restoration and the variant of others, from BMWs to Ferraris, it is quickly understood why German Master Tech, with some of the finest European auto technicians and restoration specialists in the country, supports some of the finest European cars on the West Coast. This German-apprenticed, master-trained company, that refers to its work as “a craft”, is known to many by the unmatched service and support they provide their racing and restoration clients across the country, to others by the niche expedition preparation service they provide all-terrain vehicles, and still to their most dedicated customer, the fine European car enthusiast, German Master Tech is truly the one to many in this town.
German Master Tech’s President, a BMW Master Technician, Tim Morris, brings with him over 25 years experience in the industry and has been awarded several achievement and master technician status awards though BMW specialized factory schools. Tim has also achieved BMW’s Center of Excellence Award twice and is a seven-time BMW President’s Club Technician. German Master Tech’s co-founder and past partner, Jay Audia, won the 07 SCCA Regional Championships for GT2 in his German Master Tech-prepared Panoz. The company’s third founder is one of Bend’s most passionate Porsche enthusiasts, John Audette.

“Restorations have been a large part of our focus,” said Morris, describing some of his company’s award winning roots. “From our very first restoration, a 58’ BMW Isetta 300, which we took to the Forest Grove Concours d’ Elegance in 05 and won our class, in addition to taking home the President’s Award, which was judged by Pacific College’s President as “the car the college student would most want to drive,” said Morris. “I drew on my past car show and restoration experience to pull off a surprise win. It was a good deal of timing and the right car, with the right colors. We stole the show with a micro car, it was great!” Morris said standing next to his red Porsche hot rod parked inside his shop. “Car shows and racing are my passions,” he said with a smile.
“Our tuning business is the best around,” continued Morris of the company’s capabilities. “The application of our developed performance packages to already great cars really creates a ‘wow’.” German Master Tech provides full warranty BMW performance upgrades as a Dinan-authorized dealer, and Porsche performance programs that take the 911 to the next level. “Our tuning business has led us to organized racing, which has been a life-long dream of mine.” Included in German Master Tech’s list of champion racing cars are a 64’ BMW 1800 TISA owned by Steve Walker of Salem. The 1800 TISA is BMW’s first post-war racer based on a production car in regional vintage racing. A 911 Porsche racer owned by Bend’s Mark Powell will be racing in one of the West Coast’s fastest growing amateur racing classes, Spec 911. “Mark’s car is special as it ties together the whole business: a restoration with an extreme tuning package.”

“German Master Tech has worked on all my cars, including a Range Rover, BMW, three Ferraris and a Porsche,” said Ervin Richards, a long-time German Master Tech customer. “I bring my cars here because they consistently do it better and because they’ve always gone way beyond the call of duty in their service and support of my vehicles.” “If I can bring it to German Master Tech,” said Richards, “I will.”
To learn more about German Master Tech, contact them directly at 541.322.9647.