REDLINE Series Announced Today

D C · 04-08-2003, 03:45 PM

GM announced some additions to the Saturn Lineup today:

****
Saturn Corp. is adding performance vehicles to its Spring Hill assembly line beginning in December, the company announced today.

The General Motors Corp. division introduced " Redline " versions of its Ion sedan and Vue sport utility vehicle that will have more horsepower, larger tires and other enhancements designed to appeal to a niche market.

*snip*

http://tennessean.com/business/archi...31330952.shtml

D C · 04-09-2003, 09:47 AM

Looks like this is getting a LOT more attention in the ION forum, but for those in here, here's some additional detail:

FOR RELEASE: April 8, 2003

CONTACTS

Saturn Unveils Performance-Tuned VUE Red Line

DETROIT - The 2004 VUE Red Line, the first in Saturn’s new series of performance-tuned vehicles, represents the next step in Saturn’s drive to generate new interest in the brand. Scheduled for public debut at the New York Auto Show, the limited-production sport utility features a lowered body, sport-tuned suspension and steering, a monochromatic exterior including ground effects, and aggressive 18-inch wheels and tires.

The VUE Red Line also has upgrades that will be featured across the 2004 VUE lineup, including a newly available 3.5-liter, 250-horsepower V-6 engine and a number of exterior and interior refinements.

The VUE Red Line will be available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It is scheduled for production around the first of next year at Saturn’s manufacturing facility in Spring Hill, Tenn.

"The VUE Red Line is designed for drivers who enjoy sporty ride and handling, but don’t want to sacrifice the VUE’s exceptional versatility," said Jill Lajdziak, Saturn’s vice president for sales, service and marketing. "This specialty vehicle breaks new ground in the small SUV market and is positioned at the intersection of three important industry trends: surging small SUV sales, strong truck personalization and sport tuning. At the same time, the VUE Red Line calls attention to the many enhancements that we are making on the entire 2004 VUE lineup."

"Red Line" is the name that will be used on all future Saturn performance-tuned vehicles, including a special edition of the ION quad coupe that will come to market in early 2004. Red Line vehicles will carry a specific exterior emblem denoting its status within the Saturn family.

Saturn is developing the Red Line vehicles with assistance from the General Motors Performance Division, an in-house center designed to explore potential enthusiast-oriented versions of production models.

"Like the ION quad coupe, the VUE was designed for personalization, and Saturn was excited to work with the Performance Division on the Red Line series," said Doug Parks, VUE chief engineer. "In the VUE, we took an already significantly enhanced 2004 model and kicked it up a notch."

Performance-tuned features of the VUE Red Line include lower (by 26 mm) vehicle ride height and stiffer springs to reduce the center of gravity and body roll. A sport steering calibration improves responsiveness and has a firmer on-center feel. An aggressive 18-inch aluminum wheel and P245/50R18 Bridgestone Turanza performance touring tire package are also VUE Red Line exclusives. The combination significantly improves ride and handling, increases max lateral g’s and gives the vehicle a distinctive "slammed" appearance.

Its custom looks include new rockers, rear fascia, front fascia with black air intakes, and chrome exhaust tip. Door and liftgate handles, along with mirror housings, are painted body color to finish off the monochromatic theme. The VUE Red Line will be available in Onyx Black, Silver Nickel or Electric Lime.

2004 VUE

The VUE Red Line comes standard with the new, advanced V-6 engine that delivers 250 hp at 5800 rpm and 242 lb.-ft. of torque at 4500 rpm. Available as optional equipment on the 2004 VUE, the 3.5L V-6 will give the vehicle an estimated 0-60 mph time of approximately 7 seconds.

In the standard VUE, the new powertrain also increases towing ability to 3,500 pounds and permits the vehicle to be flat-towed, compared to the 2,500-pound capacity of the 3.0L V-6 engine it replaces. VUEs equipped with the new V-6 will meet the California ULEV-II emissions standard (ultra-low emissions vehicle).

The new V-6, which is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission, is just one of the enhancements Saturn is making to its VUE lineup for 2004. VUE customers can also continue to choose an Ecotec inline four-cylinder engine, available with either a five-speed manual or the advanced VTi variable transmission.

Like the powertrain, the VUE Red Line benefits from enhancements being made to the interior of all 2004 VUE models, including new acoustical treatments to reduce noise inside the cabin, available six-way power driver seat, two new CD radios with MP3 readability, a leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel and shift knob (V-6 models), a back-lit instrument cluster with white gauge faces and chrome rings, and automatic headlamp control (standard on V-6, optional on I-4).

Safety enhancements on all 2004 VUE models include front seat-belt pretensioners and dual-stage air bags. Dual-stage air bags are designed to detect vehicle deceleration and, based on the deceleration data, provide an appropriate amount of air-bag inflation. The dual-level air-bag system senses the severity of a crash and determines whether to deploy the air bag with primary or "lower" amount of inflation or with primary and secondary "higher" amount of inflation. Dual-stage air bags are designed to help reduce the occurrence of inflation-induced injuries by deploying the air bag less forcefully in lower speed crashes.

Exterior changes for 2004 include dark-tinted rear door glass and new 17-inch machined aluminum wheels that are standard on all-wheel-drive V-6 models, optional on the front-wheel-drive V-6. Body-color door handles and chrome "SATURN" lettering in the liftgate eyebrow will be standard on non-Red Line V-6 models.

The versatility of the VUE has been a major factor in its sales success since its introduction as a 2002 model. The VUE can carry five passengers, or can be configured to carry 32 cubic feet of cargo with features such as a second-row seat and front passenger seat that fold flat. VUE exceeded its sales goals in 2002 by more than 50 percent, topping 75,000 units, and sales through the first three months of 2003 are 40 percent ahead of 2002. March retail sales calendar-year-to-date were up 71 percent over the previous year.

Announcement of the VUE Red Line comes on the heels of the disclosure that Saturn will introduce a VUE with a hybrid powertrain - gasoline engine and dual electric motors - in 2005. The hybrid, expected to deliver nearly 40-mpg city/highway composite fuel economy, is another example of how Saturn is growing its brand.

# # #

2004 VUE RED LINE SPECIFICATIONS

POWERTRAIN

Engine:

3.5-liter SOHC 60-degree V-6
Electronic throttle control
Sequential fuel injection
Induction and exhaust tuning
Isolated engine cradle
250 horsepower @ 5800 rpm
242 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4500 rpm
ULEV-II emissions compliant
Transmission & Driveline:

5-speed automatic transmission with grade logic
All-wheel-drive and front-wheel-drive configurations
4.06:1 final drive ratio
Exhaust:

High-flow catalytic converter and muffler
3-inch diameter chrome exhaust tip
CHASSIS

Brakes:

Front/rear vented disc/drum with power assist and standard ABS
11.7-inch front, 9.8-inch rear
Suspension:

Independent strut-type with coil springs, anti-roll bar in front, independent trailing arm with three lateral locating links, anti-roll bar and coil springs in rear
Performance-tuned springs
26-mm lower ride height
Steering:

Electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion, performance-tuned
Wheels & Tires:

18-inch, 6-spoke aluminum wheels
P245/50-series Bridgestone Turanza performance touring tires
STYLING

Exterior:

Monochromatic exterior with ground effects
Specific front fascia with black air intakes and stainless steel grille
Specific rear fascia with 3-inch chrome exhaust tip
Dark-tinted rear door glass
VUE Red Line badging on liftgate
Vehicle colors: Black Onyx, Silver Nickel, Electric Lime
Interior:

New acoustical package – door, roof, floor, engine area
Available 6-way power driver’s seat
Two new CD radios with MP3 playback
XM Satellite Radio
Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
Backlit instrument panel with white gauge faces and chrome rings
Automatic headlamp control
Front seat belt pretensioners
Dual-stage air bags

peccles · 04-09-2003, 11:04 AM

I wonder how many model years this
3.5L engine will stay in the VUE. GM
is introducing two other new V-6s.
A 3.5L with 200HP/210 ft-lbs and
a 3.6L with 255HP and 252ft-lbs. The
Malibu is getting the 3.5L and the
Caddy CTS and Buick Rendevous Ultra
get the 3.6L for '04. Also, GM is introducing
the Series III version of the 3800 V-6
which will be 260HP/280 ft-lbs in
supercharged form. With all these choices
why does Saturn get a unique V-6?

D C · 04-09-2003, 11:39 AM

If you recall the agreement a while back that GM signed with Honda to provide each other with engines, I think it was supposed to be for a 'few' years. 3-5 maybe? GM got Honda V6's to use as they saw fit, and Honda got diesel engines through Isuzu. (I think)

misterkite · 04-09-2003, 01:17 PM

Sounds like the non red-line version , call it the 'basic' V6 Vue gets a lot of nice enhancements to the interior, sound proofing, that 250 HP V6, etc... everything but the aero package trim, lowering and tires. Am I reading that right?

I think I am glad I waited. Now - come on zero financing!!! Come to Papa!

Misterkite

99 SL2 w/ 75K
90 Cherokee w/ 196K

D C · 04-09-2003, 02:32 PM

The base VUE gets a lot of enhancements that the REDLINE just builds off of. The 'aero package', 18" wheels & tires, springs, shocks, & steering tuning are specific to the REDLINE. They all add up to a nice performance enhancement.

VUE_This · 04-10-2003, 08:14 PM

Sounds like it is time to start saving my pennies so I can start Modding my VUE!

04-08-2003, 03:45 PM	#1
D C Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 1,564	REDLINE Series Announced Today GM announced some additions to the Saturn Lineup today: **** Saturn Corp. is adding performance vehicles to its Spring Hill assembly line beginning in December, the company announced today. The General Motors Corp. division introduced " Redline " versions of its Ion sedan and Vue sport utility vehicle that will have more horsepower, larger tires and other enhancements designed to appeal to a niche market. snip http://tennessean.com/business/archi...31330952.shtml

04-09-2003, 09:47 AM	#2
D C Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 1,564	Looks like this is getting a LOT more attention in the ION forum, but for those in here, here's some additional detail: FOR RELEASE: April 8, 2003 CONTACTS Saturn Unveils Performance-Tuned VUE Red Line DETROIT - The 2004 VUE Red Line, the first in Saturn’s new series of performance-tuned vehicles, represents the next step in Saturn’s drive to generate new interest in the brand. Scheduled for public debut at the New York Auto Show, the limited-production sport utility features a lowered body, sport-tuned suspension and steering, a monochromatic exterior including ground effects, and aggressive 18-inch wheels and tires. The VUE Red Line also has upgrades that will be featured across the 2004 VUE lineup, including a newly available 3.5-liter, 250-horsepower V-6 engine and a number of exterior and interior refinements. The VUE Red Line will be available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It is scheduled for production around the first of next year at Saturn’s manufacturing facility in Spring Hill, Tenn. "The VUE Red Line is designed for drivers who enjoy sporty ride and handling, but don’t want to sacrifice the VUE’s exceptional versatility," said Jill Lajdziak, Saturn’s vice president for sales, service and marketing. "This specialty vehicle breaks new ground in the small SUV market and is positioned at the intersection of three important industry trends: surging small SUV sales, strong truck personalization and sport tuning. At the same time, the VUE Red Line calls attention to the many enhancements that we are making on the entire 2004 VUE lineup." "Red Line" is the name that will be used on all future Saturn performance-tuned vehicles, including a special edition of the ION quad coupe that will come to market in early 2004. Red Line vehicles will carry a specific exterior emblem denoting its status within the Saturn family. Saturn is developing the Red Line vehicles with assistance from the General Motors Performance Division, an in-house center designed to explore potential enthusiast-oriented versions of production models. "Like the ION quad coupe, the VUE was designed for personalization, and Saturn was excited to work with the Performance Division on the Red Line series," said Doug Parks, VUE chief engineer. "In the VUE, we took an already significantly enhanced 2004 model and kicked it up a notch." Performance-tuned features of the VUE Red Line include lower (by 26 mm) vehicle ride height and stiffer springs to reduce the center of gravity and body roll. A sport steering calibration improves responsiveness and has a firmer on-center feel. An aggressive 18-inch aluminum wheel and P245/50R18 Bridgestone Turanza performance touring tire package are also VUE Red Line exclusives. The combination significantly improves ride and handling, increases max lateral g’s and gives the vehicle a distinctive "slammed" appearance. Its custom looks include new rockers, rear fascia, front fascia with black air intakes, and chrome exhaust tip. Door and liftgate handles, along with mirror housings, are painted body color to finish off the monochromatic theme. The VUE Red Line will be available in Onyx Black, Silver Nickel or Electric Lime. 2004 VUE The VUE Red Line comes standard with the new, advanced V-6 engine that delivers 250 hp at 5800 rpm and 242 lb.-ft. of torque at 4500 rpm. Available as optional equipment on the 2004 VUE, the 3.5L V-6 will give the vehicle an estimated 0-60 mph time of approximately 7 seconds. In the standard VUE, the new powertrain also increases towing ability to 3,500 pounds and permits the vehicle to be flat-towed, compared to the 2,500-pound capacity of the 3.0L V-6 engine it replaces. VUEs equipped with the new V-6 will meet the California ULEV-II emissions standard (ultra-low emissions vehicle). The new V-6, which is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission, is just one of the enhancements Saturn is making to its VUE lineup for 2004. VUE customers can also continue to choose an Ecotec inline four-cylinder engine, available with either a five-speed manual or the advanced VTi variable transmission. Like the powertrain, the VUE Red Line benefits from enhancements being made to the interior of all 2004 VUE models, including new acoustical treatments to reduce noise inside the cabin, available six-way power driver seat, two new CD radios with MP3 readability, a leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel and shift knob (V-6 models), a back-lit instrument cluster with white gauge faces and chrome rings, and automatic headlamp control (standard on V-6, optional on I-4). Safety enhancements on all 2004 VUE models include front seat-belt pretensioners and dual-stage air bags. Dual-stage air bags are designed to detect vehicle deceleration and, based on the deceleration data, provide an appropriate amount of air-bag inflation. The dual-level air-bag system senses the severity of a crash and determines whether to deploy the air bag with primary or "lower" amount of inflation or with primary and secondary "higher" amount of inflation. Dual-stage air bags are designed to help reduce the occurrence of inflation-induced injuries by deploying the air bag less forcefully in lower speed crashes. Exterior changes for 2004 include dark-tinted rear door glass and new 17-inch machined aluminum wheels that are standard on all-wheel-drive V-6 models, optional on the front-wheel-drive V-6. Body-color door handles and chrome "SATURN" lettering in the liftgate eyebrow will be standard on non-Red Line V-6 models. The versatility of the VUE has been a major factor in its sales success since its introduction as a 2002 model. The VUE can carry five passengers, or can be configured to carry 32 cubic feet of cargo with features such as a second-row seat and front passenger seat that fold flat. VUE exceeded its sales goals in 2002 by more than 50 percent, topping 75,000 units, and sales through the first three months of 2003 are 40 percent ahead of 2002. March retail sales calendar-year-to-date were up 71 percent over the previous year. Announcement of the VUE Red Line comes on the heels of the disclosure that Saturn will introduce a VUE with a hybrid powertrain - gasoline engine and dual electric motors - in 2005. The hybrid, expected to deliver nearly 40-mpg city/highway composite fuel economy, is another example of how Saturn is growing its brand. # # # 2004 VUE RED LINE SPECIFICATIONS POWERTRAIN Engine: 3.5-liter SOHC 60-degree V-6 Electronic throttle control Sequential fuel injection Induction and exhaust tuning Isolated engine cradle 250 horsepower @ 5800 rpm 242 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4500 rpm ULEV-II emissions compliant Transmission & Driveline: 5-speed automatic transmission with grade logic All-wheel-drive and front-wheel-drive configurations 4.06:1 final drive ratio Exhaust: High-flow catalytic converter and muffler 3-inch diameter chrome exhaust tip CHASSIS Brakes: Front/rear vented disc/drum with power assist and standard ABS 11.7-inch front, 9.8-inch rear Suspension: Independent strut-type with coil springs, anti-roll bar in front, independent trailing arm with three lateral locating links, anti-roll bar and coil springs in rear Performance-tuned springs 26-mm lower ride height Steering: Electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion, performance-tuned Wheels & Tires: 18-inch, 6-spoke aluminum wheels P245/50-series Bridgestone Turanza performance touring tires STYLING Exterior: Monochromatic exterior with ground effects Specific front fascia with black air intakes and stainless steel grille Specific rear fascia with 3-inch chrome exhaust tip Dark-tinted rear door glass VUE Red Line badging on liftgate Vehicle colors: Black Onyx, Silver Nickel, Electric Lime Interior: New acoustical package – door, roof, floor, engine area Available 6-way power driver’s seat Two new CD radios with MP3 playback XM Satellite Radio Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob Backlit instrument panel with white gauge faces and chrome rings Automatic headlamp control Front seat belt pretensioners Dual-stage air bags Last edited by D C; 04-09-2003 at 09:59 AM.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
2008 Vue Pricing Announced Today	fperez728	2008 Vue	58	04-20-2007 09:21 AM
new redline Ion today	IMkenNY	Ion Red Line	0	11-14-2004 09:41 AM
Bought a new ION Redline today!	SaturnGuy3	Ion General	18	10-21-2004 01:24 PM
Redline is in the shop today.	jsheppard1976	Ion General	17	08-20-2004 08:34 PM
ION Coupe Pricing Announced Today 3/26/03	TNSATURN	Ion General	26	04-08-2003 05:17 PM

04-09-2003, 11:04 AM	#3
peccles Member Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: San Diego Posts: 140	I wonder how many model years this 3.5L engine will stay in the VUE. GM is introducing two other new V-6s. A 3.5L with 200HP/210 ft-lbs and a 3.6L with 255HP and 252ft-lbs. The Malibu is getting the 3.5L and the Caddy CTS and Buick Rendevous Ultra get the 3.6L for '04. Also, GM is introducing the Series III version of the 3800 V-6 which will be 260HP/280 ft-lbs in supercharged form. With all these choices why does Saturn get a unique V-6?

04-09-2003, 11:39 AM	#4
D C Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 1,564	If you recall the agreement a while back that GM signed with Honda to provide each other with engines, I think it was supposed to be for a 'few' years. 3-5 maybe? GM got Honda V6's to use as they saw fit, and Honda got diesel engines through Isuzu. (I think)

04-09-2003, 01:17 PM	#5
misterkite Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 24	Sounds like the non red-line version , call it the 'basic' V6 Vue gets a lot of nice enhancements to the interior, sound proofing, that 250 HP V6, etc... everything but the aero package trim, lowering and tires. Am I reading that right? I think I am glad I waited. Now - come on zero financing!!! Come to Papa! Misterkite 99 SL2 w/ 75K 90 Cherokee w/ 196K

04-09-2003, 02:32 PM	#6
D C Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 1,564	The base VUE gets a lot of enhancements that the REDLINE just builds off of. The 'aero package', 18" wheels & tires, springs, shocks, & steering tuning are specific to the REDLINE. They all add up to a nice performance enhancement.

04-10-2003, 08:14 PM	#7
VUE_This Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: San Jose Posts: 22 2003 VUE 3.0L	Sounds like it is time to start saving my pennies so I can start Modding my VUE!

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)