Vehicle Overview
Saturn decided to reach out to sports car enthusiasts when it released the Sky roadster. This rear-wheel-drive roadster is also available in a high-performance model, the Red Line. The Sky competes in the same market segment as the Mazda MX-5 Miata and Honda S2000.
New for 2009
There are no significant changes for 2009.
Exterior
The rear-wheel-drive Sky has a wide stance with short overhangs. Auxiliary openings flank a large lower air intake, and large concave depressions extend from the front fenders through the doors. The convertible top folds completely into the rear compartment. The body measures 161 inches in length and 71 inches in width, just a tad larger than its competitors.
- Clamshell hood
- Polished aluminum exhaust tip
- In Red Line, dual polished aluminum exhaust tips
- New 18-inch by 8-inch five-spoke painted aluminum alloy wheels
- 18-inch chrome or polished wheel wheel finish available
- Red Line has larger grille mesh pattern for better airflow
Interior
The Sky features a two-tone interior. The stereo includes a speed-sensitive volume feature that stabilizes volume to compensate for outside noise. Interior passenger volume measures 50 cubic feet, larger than the S2000. Figures for the MX-5 are unavailable. There’s 5.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the top up, which is comparable to the MX-5 and S2000. The Sky’s cargo space shrinks to 2 cubic feet with the top down.
- Standard leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Available leather upholstery
- Standard AM/FM and XM Satellite Radio
- Optional Monsoon 225-watt seven-speaker system
- Stainless steel pedal covers (Red Line)
- Metallic sill plates (Red Line)
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls (Red Line)
Under the Hood
The Sky has two engine choices, both available with manual or automatic transmissions. Manual transmissions are now equipped with a torque beam that reduces noise and vibration. The high-performance model packs more power and gets better fuel economy on the highway.
- 172-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder (167 pounds-feet of torque)
- Red Line: 260-hp, turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder (260 pounds-feet of torque)
- Five-speed manual gearbox
- Optional five-speed automatic transmission
- Near 50/50 weight distribution
- Equipped with coil-over Bilstein monotube shock absorbers
- Four-wheel-independent suspension
Safety
There are many safety features on the Sky, but side-impact airbags aren’t among them. Standard safety equipment includes:
- Electronic stability system
- Limited-slip differential
- Front dual-stage airbags
- All-disc antilock brakes
- Passenger sensing system that turns off front passenger airbag depending on size of passenger and position of front seat
