Automotive News reports that Saturn is considering building a Red Line version of its upcoming Aura midsize car � compete with at least a 300 horsepower powerplant. "It makes sense to get there, and we're talking about proposals that could make it happen," Gene Stefanyshyn, the previous vehicle line executive for GM's Epsilon architecture told Automotive News. "The intent is to go up-level with this product," he says. "There will be two or three trim levels, and Red Line seems reasonable." However, the vehicle still needs to get GM's approval before any production plans can be made.

Saturn's General Manager, Jill Lajdziak, told Automotive News that "Red Line is an important part of the brand, and it would send the signal that you're going to get real performance," Lajdziak says. "A big jump in horsepower would send a distinct message about the brand."

The Aura is expected to be launched next summer. Saturn told Automotive News that Red Line sales "average 3 percent to 5 percent of total Ion and Vue volume."

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Source: Automotive News