carfan01
carfan01
View My AgentPage

Print this Page | Digg It | del.icio.us

Tags: 2008, Saturn, Sky, is, Revealed

Tag Links: 2008, Saturn, Sky, is, Revealed

2008 Saturn Sky is Revealed
Price : $24,975
Engine : 2.4 liter
Weight : 2933 lbs
Aspiration : natural
Torque : 167 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
HP : 172 hp @ 5800 rpm
HP/Weight : 17.1 hp per liter
HP/Liter : 71.7 hp per liter 1/4 mile

Saturn’s much-in-demand Sky roadster has helped usher in an unprecedented product renaissance, and it makes a bold statement about the brand’s new design language that emphasizes a bold, European-inspired look, as well as fun, responsive driving.

The affordable, head-turning performance roadster enters its second model year of wowing driving enthusiasts without draining their bank accounts. Built on GM’s global rear-wheel-drive compact performance platform, the Sky features a striking profile and sophisticated interior design. For 2008, Saturn adds standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control for more sure-footed travel; and a limited-slip differential on all models. An upgraded standard radio system and newly standard XM Satellite Radio, as well as an available Monsoon audio system, amp up the entertainment factor.

With an affordable MSRP, the Sky delivers on Saturn’s longstanding reputation of providing solid value against its key competitors.

The Sky has the hardware to back up its bold styling. It is equipped with a 2.4L DOHC Ecotec engine with variable valve timing and a five-speed Aisin manual transmission with a short-throw shifter. A five-speed automatic is available. To comply with more stringent emission and diagnostic regulations, the 2.4L-equipped Sky will receive a new catalytic converter system with slightly elevated exhaust system backpressure. To ensure accurate horsepower and torque ratings GM Powertrain will certify the power ratings to SAE standards and update this information as soon as it becomes available. It also features electronic throttle control (ETC) for remarkably precise engine control and response.

Sky models equipped with the five-speed manual transmission have a new torque beam to reduce noise, vibration and harshness by isolating noise associated with abrupt torque transfer away from the passenger compartment. The system was originally developed specifically for the added power and torque outputs of the Sky Red Line’s 2.0L turbo, and then added to all manual transmission models later in the 2007 model year.

The Sky uses a hydroformed tube structure for an extremely strong and rigid chassis, especially for a convertible. With its purpose-built chassis, Sky looks the part of a true sports car and has all the stiffness and torsional rigidity necessary to make it a nimble, fun-to-drive roadster for the enthusiast driver.

The Sky’s suspension was engineered to optimize ride without compromising handling. Key design elements enabling the Sky’s impressive handling include a short-long arm suspension featuring forged aluminum control arms, Bilstein monotube shocks and hollow stabilizer bars with ball joint sockets. The result is impressive handling with high lateral acceleration capability and minimum body roll.

The vehicle’s power rack-and-pinion hydraulic steering system provides the performance expected from a high-end roadster or sports sedan. The system exhibits excellent on-center feel and minimal lag, enabling the driver to feel closely connected to the road. The result is a vehicle that is precise, yet easy to drive.

The Sky’s standard four-wheel disc braking system is designed to provide optimal driver feedback. The power-assisted dual-diagonal brake system features 11.7-inch ventilated front and 10.9-inch solid rear discs. Working together, these components yield a responsive, solid and linear braking feel with minimal pedal travel.

In addition, Sky has a standard anti-lock braking system (ABS) with dynamic rear proportioning (DRP). DRP, or electronic brake distribution, provides superior braking stability by continuously optimizing front/rear brake balance to accommodate a variety of driving conditions, including deceleration, surface traction levels and vehicle loading conditions.

The Sky features 18-inch by 8-inch five-spoke aluminum wheels, Goodyear Eagle RSA P245/45R18 96V and high-performance all-season tires that enhance the stance of the car. The combination offers excellent all-season performance, excellent longitudinal grip that contributes to best-in-class stopping distance (60-0 mph in 116 feet) and road-gripping ability with a maximum lateral acceleration of approximately 0.90g. Five-spoke alloy wheels with chrome, painted and polished finishes are available
 Read Article



Comments:

Images hosted in your AgentSpace can now be posted in the comments section using the following syntax (case matters):
[img]IMAGE URL[/img]
Example: [img]http://agent004.myautospies.com/users/150/Sample-Gallery/sample1.JPG[/img]
1995e341995e34 - 9/6/2007 11:12:24 AM
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
add a fixed roof. remove $2k from msrp.

reply to this comment
bagwellbagwell - 9/7/2007 8:55:40 AM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
retractable hard-top is mandatory for me thanks.....a la the MX-5 (Miata)


CynicalCynical - 9/6/2007 2:43:16 PM
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
I don't understand why this isn't more of a hit


reply to this comment
SilentNightR34SilentNightR34 - 9/6/2007 5:33:37 PM
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
I agree.. I like the front end of the sky better than the solstice.. The rear end is kinda eh...


SpectatorSpectator - 9/7/2007 11:01:02 AM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Easy Cynical...its a Saturn. Let's be honest Saturn was never great when it first started and lately has not endeared itself with anyone over the past few years...save for my brother-in-law who thinks his Vue is the greatest thing in the world and actually is proud when he tell us the front is made of plastic. When most people go to buy a roadster, depending on the funds they want to spend, they go only a couple places, Mazda, BMW, MB and Porsche (S2000 is going away so I'm not including it). And the SKY's direct competitor is the Miata..er...MX5, which has dominated the market for the past 2 decades (just like AlphaRomeo did before it and Truimph and MG before it). So when people thing fun cheap sporty roadster...they immediatly think Miata.

Also that 2.4L Ecotec engine needs to go away. And I agree with Porschinator that it needs to go on a diet. My 4 door sedan weighs less.

Personally I like the Saturn Sky's design (can't believe I used the words 'like' and 'Saturn' in the same sentence) though I prefer the pontiacs design over it. Just my preference.


PorschinatorPorschinator - 9/6/2007 5:45:01 PM
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
MSRP is fine...wish they could drop 300lbs in weight!

reply to this comment
TybeeZ4TybeeZ4 - 9/13/2007 11:36:28 PM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
... and it needs a some usable storage space! You can fit a set of golf clubs in the Miata's trunk. In the Saturn/Pontiac, a toothbrush and a few rolls of TP and that's it.

reply to this comment
To post a comment for this story, you must first Login.

If you do not have an account, you will need to Register (It's Free!).

Most Recent Stories
Peugeot Builds 50 Millionth Peugeot CarBrazil receives a new Volkswagen Gol 2009 modelSeat reveals schedule until 2010, includes first ever Seat SUVBritish companies plan a new kinetic hybrid flywheel systemGordon Murrays T25 City Car SketchesInterior spy pictures of the next-generation BMW 5-seriesSpy pictures of the BMW X6 HybridNew Tatra concept revealed, the 903 concept modelOpel to feature the Insignia hatchback and sedan at the British Motor ShowThe Chevrolet Beat is being considered for the U.S marketBugatti wants a new model, maybe even a four-door-coupeToyota Canada Reduce Retail Prices on 11 ModelsMaybach Exelero Concept for sale for $7.8 millionDetails emerge on 2010 Toyota Prius, more power and better fuel-economy2009 Ford Focus RS images leaked before debutGM To Unleash Corvette S-Limited in JapanA Sneak Peek At Mercedes Benz's European SLR Code Name Z199Leaked Images Have Hit The Web But The Spies Are The First With Full Details Of The New 7-SeriesSTUD or DUD? The 2009 BMW 7 Series Leaks It Way On The WebMINI SUV to spawn a 5-door hatchbackThink June Sales Were Bad? Both GM and Toyota Say Their Sales Will Fall Even FurtherBMW 135i with carbon fiber partsMerrill says GM bankruptcy possibleAUTOEXPRESS UK: Jaguar XKR-S vs Audi R8 vs Nissan GT-RPorsche 997 TARGA Refresh Leaked Before LaunchAudi A5 3.2 Quattro ReviewToyota struggling to meet small car and hybrid demandNow Just What Would You Do For A Tank Of Gas?High Gas Prices Causing European Market DownturnThe Good The Bad And the Ugly - Who Will Rise And Who Will Fall In 2008?Video: New Lexus RX goes testing at Nurburgring2008 JE Design Audi Q7 Street Rocket2008 BMW Z0 Concept Design by Andrei Avarvarii2008 Lamberti LS1 ConceptThe New Kia Forte Sport Sedan2008 Volvo & DOE Expand Drivelines2008 Audi R8 DTM Safety CarB&B Tuned Audi TTS Sportcoupe With 362HPHyunda-Kia is the 5th largest automaker in the world, beats HondaFord to launch ECOnetic version of Fiesta with 67mpgLand Rover Lr3 Hse ReviewMeltdown of US car giantsElectric power for MercedesHot News: New Alfa 8CNext-gen Mercedes SLK 63 AMG TOYOTA TUNDRA 5.7-Liter V-8 Supercharger Rated at 504-HorsepowerKTM X-BOW It will hit you in the heart! First DriveNissan Sales Plummet 18.5% In June - Infiniti Slides 11.9%Bucking the Trend: Audi Sales Increase 5.3% For JuneToyota Tundra Sales Tanking - H.D. Tundra In Trouble?