Robust Platforms and Aftermarket Performance Parts Demonstrate GM's Commitment to Youth Market

LOS ANGELES – Whether you’re looking for factory-finished performance or a great canvas to create your own tuner, General Motors is offering a variety of vehicles and performance parts for the youth market.

GM’s newest offerings are the 2004 Saturn ION Red Line, a specially modified ION quad coupe, and the 2004 Saturn VUE Red Line, a sporty version of the compact sport utility. Both are part of Saturn’s new performance-tuned series.

With an Ecotec 2.0-liter supercharged 200-horsepower (estimated) engine, racetrack-inspired handling and expressive exterior styling, the Red Line recasts the ION in a total performance mold. The VUE Red Line will include a lowered suspension, ground effects and 18-inch wheels, along with a 3.5-liter, 250-horsepower V-6 that will also be available on the 2004 VUE. Both the ION Red Line and VUE Red Line will go into production early next year.

“The ION Red Line and VUE Red Line are designed for young enthusiasts seeking a ready performance vehicle,” said Jill Lajdziak, Saturn’s vice president for sales, service and marketing. “Their blend of horsepower, handling and sporty looks will generate new interest for Saturn among young buyers who appreciate spirited performance.”

Potent Ecotec powerplant The ION Red Line, along with several Chevrolet Cavalier and Pontiac Sunfire models, demonstrates GM’s range of possibilities with the potent Ecotec powerplant that makes them come alive. GM leveraged its worldwide engineering capability to develop the flexible inline four-cylinder engine, with a displacement range of 1.8 to 2.4 liters, single or dual overhead cams, turbocharger and direct fuel injection capability, balance-shaft options and broad range of peak power outputs.

“Entry-level doesn’t necessarily mean compact or cheap,” said Mark Reuss, GM Performance Division executive director. “Customers in this burgeoning market segment are looking for performance, pure and simple. A look at all the performance and appearance parts dedicated to entry-level vehicles tells you customers are willing to spend the money necessary to achieve their performance goals.”

All-aluminum engine delivers Technological efficiency garners respect among entry-level performance enthusiasts, and GM’s advanced Ecotec all-aluminum engine delivers. It was designed to be light and compact. For example, a single roller chain drives the twin overhead camshafts, resulting in a shorter overall engine length than would be possible with a more traditional toothed rubber belt. Also, a pair of counter-rotating balance shafts, longer head bolts and an oil pan that serves as a structural member contribute strength and smoothness to the Ecotec’s operation. These attributes were also built into the engine so that it could be efficiently modified for high horsepower and torque output.

"The Ecotec engine was destined for high performance on the drawing board – turbocharging, supercharging, direct fuel injection, you name it,” said Reuss. “GM anticipated the rise in entry-level performance among young car enthusiasts, and a plan was formed during Ecotec’s development to give those enthusiasts an engine that would put GM vehicles at the head of the pack. These customers are very conscious of technology and expect to extract a lot of power from a small package.”

The recently formed GM Performance Division worked with the Cavalier, Sunfire and ION product teams to formulate strategies for integrating high performance into their Ecotec-powered vehicles. Engineering and marketing experts in the Performance Division suggested concepts that reached farther than mere horsepower increases.

“Each vehicle represents a unique package,” said Reuss. “It’s one thing to give a vehicle more power, but in the market we’re targeting, the entire look and feel of the car is just as important as how much power it has. The wheels, body enhancements and even the vehicle’s stance are all very important.”

Taking it to the track Involvement in sanctioned front-wheel-drive and compact-car drag racing is another avenue GM is using to reach out to entry-level enthusiasts and explore the limits of performance. Front-wheel-drive competitors, such as Pontiac Sunfire driver Marty Ladwig, are turning 8-second ETs in the quarter-mile. Ladwig is currently leading the championship in the NHRA Summit Sport Compact Hot Rod class having outperformed race cars from Honda, Acura and Dodge to capture GM’s first event win on April 6 in Palm Beach, Fla. Meanwhile, GM driver Nelson Hoyos has been approaching a 7-second ET in a FWD drag Cavalier and leads the Pro FWD class, which also fields a number of Honda and Toyota entries. Both drivers’ vehicles are powered by a specially prepared, turbocharged Ecotec engine.

GM Performance Parts GM Performance Parts also has focused its attention on the booming front-wheel-drive market. An example of its efforts is the debut of the much-anticipated 2.4L Twin Cam Supercharger Kit for vehicles with automatic transmissions. Available for Chevrolet, Pontiac and Oldsmobile owners, the supercharger kit provides maximum horsepower and torque – where drivers can use it most – without sacrificing durability. Offering more than just power, GM Performance Parts also is making available an Extreme Sport Suspension Kit for S-Truck owners and five unique race suspension parts for the sports enthusiast.

In addition, GM is continuing its long history of providing racer-friendly "open architectures," by providing a build book and parts list to consumers who want to build their own 1000-hp Ecotec drag race motor. No other manufacturer makes it this easy to develop a FWD professional race motor.

Targeted entries With the Ecotec engine as the foundation, GM Performance Division and the other GM nameplates that utilize the advanced engine will continue to roll out exciting and targeted entry-level performance vehicles.

“GM is aggressively pursuing the entry-level performance arena,” said Reuss. “Through special production models and lightning-quick racecars, we’re just getting started in this new world of high-tech performance.”