Saturn Ion

Infobox Automobile
name = Saturn Ion


manufacturer = General Motors
production = 2003–2007
predecessor = Saturn S-Series
class = Compact
successor = Saturn Astra
body_style = 4-door sedan
4-door quad coupe
platform = GM Delta platform
layout = FF layout
engine=2.2 L "L61" I4
2.4 L "LE5" I4
2.0 L "LSJ" supercharged I4
related = Chevrolet Cobalt
Chevrolet HHR
Opel Astra
Pontiac G5
wheelbase = auto in|103.2|0
length = auto in|184.5|0 (sedan)
auto in|185.0|0 (coupe)
assembly = Spring Hill, Tennessee
width = auto in|67.2|0 (sedan)
auto in|67.9|0 (coupe)
height = auto in|57.4|0 (sedan)
auto in|56.0|0 (coupe)
auto in|55.6|0 (Red Line coupe)
fuel_capacity=Convert|13|usgal|L impgal|1
transmission = 5-speed Getrag "F23" manual
5-speed Getrag "F35" manual
4-speed "4T45-E" automatic
5-speed Aisin "AF33" automatic
"VTi" CVT

The Saturn Ion was a compact car sold by the Saturn marque of American automaker General Motors between the 2003 and 2007 model years. It used the GM Delta platform. The Ion replaced the Saturn S-Series in 2003 [cite press release
title = GM Hopes to Win over Drivers with Saturn Ion
publisher = Detroit Free Press
date = 2002-10-31
url = http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-8956273_ITM
accessdate = 2008-09-20 ] , and was replaced by the new Saturn Astra in 2008. As of 2006, the Ion was the longest compact car sold in North America. Production of the Ion ended on March 27, 2007.

2003-2004

The 2003 Ion came standard with a 140 hp (104 kW) DOHC Ecotec I4 engine. The Ion's instrument panel was mounted on the top center of the dashboard, rather than behind the steering wheel. The Ion is available in sedan and coupe forms; the coupe is called a "quad coupe" due to the two smaller rear-opening "suicide doors" behind the front doors.

A Getrag F23 5-speed manual or an Aisin AF23 5-speed automatic transmission were available. The compact 5-speed automatic had several unique characteristics. The transmission lacked an overdrive, allowing for five forward gears to be packaged in the size of a typical four-speed manual gearbox, both providing close gear ratios for better acceleration and fuel efficiency while eliminating the heat and parasitic loss generated by the additional planetary gearset. The unit was also “fill-for-life”, meaning that it was not intended to be serviced for the life of the vehicle. The 2003 and 2004 Ions were available with the VTi continuously variable transmission.

. [cite press release
title = Saturn's Ion Red Line offers fun, good mileage
publisher = The San Diego Union-Tribune
date = 2005-10-15
url = http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20051015/news_lz1d15saturn.html
accessdate = 2008-09-20 ] Stiffer springs with a lowered ride height, larger front brakes with rear discs, performance sway bars, revalved shock absorbers, Recaro racing seats, and a special ground effects package were also included. This model used a 2.0L version of General Motors' Ecotec engine, termed the 'LSJ', developed with GM's Performance Division and track tested at Germany's famous Nürburgring Nordschleife. Also available for 2004 in limited production was a "Special Edition" model. It was basically a Saturn Ion 3 Sedan with upgrades such as two-tone leather interior, ultra-bright machined face wheels with unique lug nuts and center cap. Also included was a Chrome-tipped exhaust pipe, embroidered floor mats, and an automatic dimming rear-view mirror with compass and temperature display. It was offered in 3 different colors: Black Onyx, Chili Pepper Red, and Electric Blue. The Special Edition Sedan was marketed to bring a premium presence to the sedan, and appeal to more people.

For 2004, Saturn also re-calibrated the electric power steering, as well as upgrading Interior Materials, and offering new sound systems.

2005-2006

In 2005 the Aisin 5-speed automatic, along with the VTi CVT used in the quad-coupes from 2003 to mid-2004 were both discontinued for various issues, with reliability being the main issue for the VTi; the Aisin had a common documented problem called shift-flare, which also was somewhat common in other manufacturers that used Aisin transmissions, such as Toyota. [cite press release
title = In the Hybrid's Wake, Trying to Catch Up
publisher = The New York Times
date = 2005-10-20
url = http://www.nytimes.com/2005/10/20/business/worldbusiness/20hybrid.html?pagewanted=print
accessdate = 2008-09-20 ] GM's 4-speed 4T45-E replaced both transmissions and is the only automatic transmission available. While less technologically advanced than the previous offerings, it is a long term proven design.

Also in 2005, the 'hockey puck' style steering wheel was discontinued and the design used in the 2004 Red Line model became standard on all models. In mid-2005, the seats in the base Ion1 model were upgraded with new fabrics and a height adjustment feature. 2005 also saw the introduction of "quiet steel" multilaminate technology for sound reduction. The front fascia of the sedan was upgraded as well with a much larger grille opening.

Wheel covers were redesigned in 2006.

Level 2 and 3 Ions switched to GM's new standard radio with MP3 plug-in.

The ECU was switched from a speed density system to a mass air system. An acoustic engine cover was added to reduce engine noise.

In 2006, the long-rumored Convert|170|hp|kW|0|abbr=on 2.4 L I4 engine with variable valve timing became available for the Ion3. This engine produces Convert|170|hp|kW|0|abbr=on and Auto ft.lbf|162|0 torque.

2007

The 2007 Saturn Ion's 2.2 L Ecotec engine had an increase in power from 140 hp (104 kW) to 145 hp (108 kW) at 5600 rpm and an increase in torque from 145 ft·lbf (197 Nm) to 150 ft·lbf (203 Nm) at 4200 rpm. It also received the ECU from the 2.4L engine.

The 2.4 L Ecotec had an increase in power from 170 hp (127 kW) to 175 hp (130 kW) at 6500 rpm and an increase in torque from 162 ft·lbf (219 Nm) to 164 ft·lbf (222 Nm) at 4800 rpm.

The 2007 Ion 3 Quad Coupe came with an available Appearance Package that included front and rear sport bumpers, side moldings, elliptical fog lamps, and a chromed exhaust tip.

The Recaro seats on the Red Line were replaced with black leather-appointed seats with passenger sensing system.

2008

Originally, the Ion was supposed to be redesigned for 2008. There were even pictures of the 2008 Ion floating around the internet. But, instead, GM discontinued the Ion in March 2007, and it was replaced by the European-built Saturn Astra hatchback, which is a rebadged Opel Astra. [cite press release
title = Ion makes room for the Astra
publisher = San Francisco Chronicle
date = 2007-03-10
url = http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/03/10/MTGM4OI2NT1.DTL
accessdate = 2008-09-20 ]

References

External links

* [http://www.cheersandgears.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=1422&st=0 C&G Spy Shots: Ion replaced by Astra]
* [http://media.gm.com/division/2005_prodinfo/powertrain/transmissions/05_auto_trans_specs.html#m43 GM Powertrain information]