2007 Motor Trend Car of the Year: Testing and Finalists
Almost like a miniature Corvette, kind of...
By Mark Williams
Some platforms enjoy multitasking more than others. Introduced as the Pontiac Solstice, then making its debut as the Saturn Sky, then announced as the Opel GT for Europe, this new GM roadster is the poster child for platform sharing. Rated at 260 horses, the high-tech turbo can stand "ready" for a hint of throttle blip. Where typical turbos have to ramp up over seconds, this dual-scroll turbo uses a sophisticated variable-valve-timing software program to keep the exhaust valves open just a smidge to allow more air to flow through and keep the turbo primed. Several judges note this extra power (almost 100 horses over the naturally aspirated 2.4-liter inline-four) allows access to certain chassis characteristics we didn't experience in the base Solstice and Sky. This kick allows the Sky Redline to play against the BMW Z4 and Nissan 350Z convertible, but with a huge price advantage, in some cases tens of thousands of dollars or more.
GM aimed to create a shortened Corvette, and, to its credit, in some cases, it's almost too much like a Corvette--significant chassis rattles and shakes are evident when the pavement isn't glass smooth. Likewise, from the driver's seat, visibility is tight with the top up, and the tiny sun visors are oddly rock-hard and permanently fastened in place. And what were they thinking with putting the window switches where nobody can reach?
Otherwise, there's a lot to like here. The vehicle is a solid performer as a great value and is probably one of the best American roadsters to come out in years. If this combination of styling, performance, and technology is any indication of what GM can do with a little backing (and a lot of time), good things are ahead. In the meantime, this is a great way to slice up a curvy road.
| 2007 Saturn Sky Redline |
| Base price range | $25,195-$28,895 |
| Price as tested | $30,159 (Redline) |
| Vehicle layout | Front engine, RWD, 2-pass, 2-door roadster |
| Engine | 2.0L/260-hp/260-lb-ft turbo DOHC 16-valve I-4 |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Curb weight (f/r dist) | 3044 lb (53/47%) |
| Wheelbase | 95.1 in |
| Length x width x height | 161.1 x 71.4 x 50.1 in |
| 0-60 mph | 5.9 sec |
| Quarter mile | 14.3 sec @ 98.3 mph |
| Braking, 60-0 mph | 118 ft |
| 600-foot slalom | 67.3 mph, avg |
| Lateral acceleration | 0.90 g, avg |
| MT Figure Eight | 26.1 sec @ 0.68 g, avg |
| EPA city/hwy fuel econ | 21/30 mpg |
| Sum Up | Lots to be impressed with here; could be even better. |
| Bet you didn't know | The Saturn Sky is sold in several European markets, but it wears an Opel badge and is called the GT. |
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