The ’08 Saturn Sky Redline
This is the car I would deem Perfect For a Weekend Road Trip for Two.
While up at GM’s Milford Proving Ground this week (see yesterday’s post for details), I test drove the Saturn Sky and its sister car, the Pontiac Solstice. Personally I found the Solstice a little too soft looking and soft driving. The Sky, with it’s stronger lines and more aggressive feel, was definitely more fun to take around the test track.
A true roadster, the Sky Redline boasts an Ecotec turbocharged 2.0L engine, GM’s first direct-injection offering in North America, and the most powerful production engine in the Ecotec family, producing 260 horsepower that rockets this small, pit bull of a car off the line. Big 18-inch alloy wheels, performance-tuned suspension and StabiliTrak electronic stability control keep you tight in the curves, even at faster-than-you-should-be-going speeds. Not once did I feel like the Sky’s back end was going to let loose on me. (No comment to GM’s reps on how fast I was going.)
Inside, the Sky is snug by design. The racing inspired seats hold you tight as you snake the Sky through winding roads. I’m 6-feet and still felt comfortable, but you bigger guys may feel like you’re driving a sardine can. But then roadsters weren’t designed with you in mind anyway. The leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and stainless steel pedal covers complete the sport feel.
A definite chick magnet, drop the top and you’ll have no problem finding a riding partner who wants to feel the wind blowing through her hair. Or if you’ve already got someone, with just enough trunk space for a couple of overnight bags, you can take her on that trip to the country to see the leaves change she’s been nagging you about. And actually enjoy the ride.
