Far from falling, the Sky is actually raising Saturn’s normally conservative profile and adding more luster to General Motors’ expanding crop of fun and sporty automobiles.
Although the new rear-drive roadster is mechanically identical to the Pontiac Solstice, the Sky has been blessed with its own identity. The front fascia, including a traditional Saturn-style grille protected behind a ribbed-shaped bumper and twin slotted air inlets that also house the running lights, are some of the key physical traits that separate it from its Solstice cousin.
As with the Solstice, the Sky opens with a 177-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. By comparison, the crosstown rival Mazda MX-5 serves up 170-horsepower. Keep in mind, though, the Sky’s 2,950-pound curb weight exceeds the Mazda’s by about 500 pounds.
To help offset its apparent bulk, the Sky Red Line uses a 260-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that runs on regular gas, although that version carries the same size wheels (The Red Line’s are polished) and brakes as the base model. Regardless of engine, the Sky comes with a five-speed manual transmission or optional five-speed automatic. Red Line performance is roughly on par with the Solstice GXP (0-60 m.p.h. in a claimed 5.5 seconds), which packs the same engine.
Although costing slightly more money than a Solstice, the Sky comes with more standard equipment such as air conditioning, anti-lock brakes, cruise control and power windows and locks, all of which are optional on the Pontiac, although you’ll have to get out of the car to manually raise and lower the top. Other notable standard Sky features include remote keyless entry, a six-speaker CD stereo and a one-year subscription to GM’s OnStar satellite-based help desk.
On the base-model extra-cost list are chrome-coated wheels, performance suspension, rear spoiler, tonneau cover, up-level audio system and a premium trim package that features leather seats, steering-wheel audio controls and stainless-steel pedals and door-sill plates.
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Base price: $23,700 (including destination)
Type: Two-door roadster
Base engine (hp): 2.4-liter DOHC I-4 (177)
Optional engine (hp): 2.0-liter DOHC I-4, turbocharged
?(260)
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel drive
Transmissions: Five-speed manual; five-speed automatic
? (opt.)
Mileage (city/hwy): 20/28 (MT)
Safety: Front airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control,
?tire-pressure monitoring (opt.)
Weight (lb.): 2,860
Basic warranty: 3/36,000
Roadside assistance: Yes
Web: saturn.com
