Saturn Sky

Saturn Sky

2009 Saturn Sky Redline Ruby Red Limited Edition
Overview
Manufacturer Saturn (General Motors)
Also called Opel GT
Daewoo G2X
Production 2006–2009
Model years 2007–2010
Assembly Wilmington, Delaware, USA
Designer Franz von Holzhausen
Body and chassis
Class Sports car
Body style 2-door roadster
Layout FMR layout
Platform GM Kappa platform
Related Pontiac Solstice
Powertrain
Engine 2.4 L LE5 I4
2.0 L t/c LNF I4
Transmission 5-speed Aisin AR5 manual
5-speed 5L40-E automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 95.1 in (2,416 mm)
Length 161.1 in (4,092 mm)
Width 71.4 in (1,814 mm)
Height 50.2 in (1,275 mm)
Curb weight 2,940 lb (1,330 kg) (Base) or 3,071 lb (1,393 kg) (Red Line)

The Saturn Sky is a roadster that was produced by Saturn, and was initially released in the first quarter of 2006 as a 2007 model. It uses the Kappa automobile platform shared with the Pontiac Solstice and Opel GT. The Sky concept was shown at the 2005 North American International Auto Show, with the production version following at the 2006 show. It was built at GM's Wilmington, Delaware plant, alongside the Solstice and the Opel GT. The Sky features 18-inch (457 mm) wheels and a 2.4 L Ecotec LE5 straight-4 engine that produces 177 hp (132 kW), a new straight-4 2.0 L turbocharged direct injected engine that makes 260 hp (194 kW) as well as an optional dealer-installed turbo upgrade kit that makes 290 hp (216 kW). Both five-speed manual and automatic transmissions are available.

The styling for the Sky, penned by Franz von Holzhausen, was based on the Vauxhall VX Lightning Concept's design. It was available in some European markets as the Opel GT. A rebadged version named the Daewoo G2X was unveiled as a concept vehicle for the South Korean market in 2006. The production version was released in September 2007.[1] The Sky, Solstice, GT, and G2X were built in Wilmington, Delaware. The aggressive styling garnered praise as a welcome departure from traditional Saturn design. The Wilmington Assembly plant closed in July 2009, ending production as both the Pontiac and Saturn nameplates were retired.[2]

Red Line Model

Saturn Sky Red Line interior
2009 Saturn Sky

A Red Line model of the Sky was introduced on April 11, 2006 at the New York Auto Show. It uses the same 260 hp (194 kW) turbocharged Ecotec engine as the Solstice GXP and Opel GT, as well as the same standard 5-speed Aisin manual transmission. An automatic transmission is optional.

The Red Line had a standard torque-sensing limited-slip differential, standard StabiliTrak stability control, and an enhanced sport suspension over the standard Sky (available as a dealer-add on for regular Skys). Other exterior enhancements included dual exhausts, 18-inch wheels, and a specific front fascia modeled for the Red Line. On the inside the Red Line had a special leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, special embroidery on the seats and floormats, metallic door sill covers and stainless steel pedals, special tachometer and gauges, and a digital boost gauge in the Driver Information Center. The Red Line model started shipping in the third quarter of 2006, with a retail price starting at $29,795.

Models
TrimEnginePowerTorqueTransmission
Base2.4 L LE5 I4177 hp (132 kW)173 lb·ft (235 N·m)5-speed Aisin AR-5 manual, or
5-speed GM 5L40-E automatic
Red Line2.0 L LNF I4260 hp (194 kW)260 lb·ft (353 N·m)
Red Line with
Turbo Upgrade Kit 		2.0 L LNF I4290 hp (216 kW)340 lb·ft (461 N·m) (MT)
325 lb·ft (441 N·m) (AT)

Specifications

2007 Saturn Sky (Base model) specifications:

Source: Car and Driver http://media.caranddriver.com/files/2007-saturn-sky2007-saturn-sky-specs.pdf

2007 Saturn Sky Red Line (turbo model, without Turbo Upgrade Kit) specifications:

Source: Car and Driver http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2007-saturn-sky-red-line-short-take-road-test-specs-page-2

Limited Editions

2008

For the 2008 model year, GM offered the Carbon Flash Special Edition Saturn Sky. Unlike the two Limited Edition models launched later in 2009, its production was slightly higher at 550 units.[3] The Carbon Flash Special Edition featured a unique metallic Carbon Flash paint color, removable silver racing stripe standard, and Monsoon premium audio standard. The largest differentiator however, is Carbon Flash Edition's silver inserts in the interior seating and steering wheel that provide a black-on-silver appearance.

2009

For the 2009 model year, GM launched two limited-edition Saturn Sky roadsters jointly; Ruby Red Special Edition and Hydro Blue Limited Edition. Both are VIN-coded[4] and some blue books track it as a limited edition vehicle. All limited editions featured Monsoon premium stereos.

The Ruby Red Edition featured the Ruby Red color and a unique, removable carbon racing stripe that was exclusive to the 500 Sky units produced in this trim.

The Hydro Blue Edition featured a Hydro Blue color, as well as matching blue-colored stitching in the seats and gear shifter. Also, the word Sky stitched into the seats is changed to matching-blue color as well. All Hydro Blue Edition Saturn Sky units were sold with the removable silver racing stripe.

GM had planned to make 500 Hydro Blue units to match the 500 Ruby Red Special Edition Sky build count. However, Hydro Blue units were being built as GM was declaring bankruptcy, resulting in the immediate termination of the Kappa platform. As such, only 89 Hydro Blue Edition Saturn Sky roadsters were built.[5]

The Hydro Blue paint color (and seat/shifter blue stitching) was offered on the Pontiac Solstice. However, it is not VIN coded as a unique/limited edition, racing stripes were not standard, and seats do not have blue-colored lettering. Hydro Blue is the rarest color in all three vehicles; Sky Roadster, Solstice Roadster, and Solstice Coupe.

2010 Production

Starting in April 2009 the Wilmington, DE. plant was business as usual and pre-production builds began for the 2010 model year. Between April 21, 2009 and May 28, 2009 thirty 2010 model year VIN-coded cars were built on the Kappa platform. Of those, 8 were Saturn SKYs. The other remaining included 12 Pontiac Solstice Coupes, eight Pontiac Solstice roadsters, and two Opel GTs. They were then used as GM company vehicles to be evaluated and also as special event display vehicles. These vehicles were built to the 2010 model year specs with 2010 model year changes and had legal 2010 VIN numbers. Following the end of use term within the GM fleet, the vehicles were sent to auction. All 8 2010 SKYs were purchased by the same dealer in Minnesota and subsequently sold as used vehicles. Among changes to the SKY for the 2010 model year were the addition of remote start on automatic equipped cars, option package changes and additions, and three new colors. Those colors were Kinetic Blue, Opus Green, and Dark Labyrinth Metallic. No 2010s were built in Opus Green.

2010 SKYs Produced

Production by model year

Model Year Total Saturn Sky Production[6]
2007 16,567
2008 13,662
2009 4,178
2010 8
Total 34,415

As the above statement reads the plant closed in July 2009. In the final days of production, thirty 2010 model year VIN-coded cars were built on the Kappa platform: Eight Saturn SKYs, 12 Pontiac Solstice Coupes, eight Pontiac Solstice Convertibles, and two Opel GTs.

Yearly American sales

Calendar Year Total American sales
2006[7] 8,671
2007 11,263
2008[8] 9,162
2009[9] 3,399
Total 32,495

Motorsport

An extremely modified Saturn Sky competes in the Formula D drifting series, sponsored by Falken Tires. It produces 800 hp and sports an aluminum turbocharged V8 that displaces 6.7 liters. The car was built by Autosport Dynamics.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "'G2X Roadster' released!" (in Korean). GM Daewoo. 2007-08-23. Retrieved 2012-02-06.
  2. ↑ "GM Pulls Ahead U.S. Plant Closures; Reaffirms Intent to Build Future Small Car in U.S.". GM Media Online. Retrieved 2009-06-01.
  3. ↑ "OFFICIAL Carbon Flash Numbers... - Saturn Sky Forums: Saturn Sky Forum". skyroadster.com.
  4. ↑
  5. ↑ "OFFICIAL Hydro Blue Numbers... - Saturn Sky Forums: Saturn Sky Forum". skyroadster.com.
  6. ↑ "General Motors: Investors: Sales and Production Reports: Historical Production". GM. 2009-07-10. Retrieved 2009-09-27.
  7. ↑ "GM Media Online". Media.gm.com. 2007-01-03. Archived from the original on April 23, 2009. Retrieved 2009-05-01.
  8. ↑ "GM Media Online". Media.gm.com. 2009-01-05. Archived from the original on April 23, 2009. Retrieved 2009-05-01.
  9. ↑ "Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac Post Sales Gains". Media.gm.com. 2010-01-05. Retrieved 2010-01-05.
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