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2007 Saturn Sky Convertible
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What’s New?
The 2007 Sky is an all-new model, and is the first roadster and “sports car” for Saturn. It’s based on General Motors’ “Kappa” architecture, and shares its underpinnings with the Pontiac Solstice. Saturn says this is the first model with the look and image that will influence the future lineup for the entry-level brand. In addition, the Sky also will add a higher-performance Red Line version this fall that will include more power, along with a unique interior loaded with Red Line-specific features. The Red Line version also will have exterior styling touches to differentiate it from the regular Sky model.
Overview
Although GM has been accused of letting the Saturn brand flounder while it bolsters the other badges under its umbrella, for 2007 and beyond Saturn plans to take back market share, and believes that the new Sky will help it achieve that goal rather quickly. The Sky is like nothing else from the Saturn division—it is small, sporty, and sleek. It has a strong front end that represents the new face of the nameplate, with a prominent fender peak and a chrome bar with an integrated Saturn badge. Eighteen-inch wheels and tires, a convertible soft top, and a clamshell hood add to the roadster’s overall appeal. The affordability of the Sky (base MSRP around $25,000) will make it a serious contender in the Small Roadster segment.
Inside is more of the same; lots of piano black/chrome finish, available leather seating surfaces, and a jewel look to the controls that contrast with the more sporty look of its sister vehicle, the Solstice. Under the hood is a 2.4L, 170-hp Ecotec engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. A 5-speed automatic is optional. Ride and handling characteristics should be superior, thanks to the Bilstein shocks, wide track, near 50/50 weight distribution, hydroformed longitudinal rails for a stiffer chassis, and hydraulically assisted rack-and-pinion steering. All Skys will get dual-stage front air bags, three-point seat belts, occupant classification sensors, and four-wheel disc brakes with ABS.
The performance-oriented Red Line edition will get a turbocharged version of the Ecotec 2.0L, good for 260 hp and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. Exterior differences over the stock Sky are the addition of 18-inch tires on polished aluminum rims, and functional brake cooling vents. Inside, the Sky Red Line gets a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, unique seatback and floor mat embroidery, stainless pedal covers, Red Line gauges, a boost gauge, and metallic sill plates.
The Competition
The Saturn Sky competes in the Compact Sporty segment, which consists of 10 models. Buyers in this segment look for exterior styling, fuel economy, and performance, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Avoider StudySM and the Escaped Shopper Study.SM
The top sellers in the segment during calendar year 2006, according to the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Report,SM were the Scion tC (79,125), Subaru Impreza (41,148), and Mitsubishi Lancer (23,167). The Saturn Sky sold 8,671 units in 2006 in its first year on the market. Other models offered in the Compact Sporty segment include the Pontiac Solstice, Hyundai Tiburon, Mazda MX-5, Volkswagen Eos, and Subaru Outback Sport.
The 2007 Sky is an all-new model, and is the first roadster and “sports car” for Saturn. It’s based on General Motors’ “Kappa” architecture, and shares its underpinnings with the Pontiac Solstice. Saturn says this is the first model with the look and image that will influence the future lineup for the entry-level brand. In addition, the Sky also will add a higher-performance Red Line version this fall that will include more power, along with a unique interior loaded with Red Line-specific features. The Red Line version also will have exterior styling touches to differentiate it from the regular Sky model.
Overview
Although GM has been accused of letting the Saturn brand flounder while it bolsters the other badges under its umbrella, for 2007 and beyond Saturn plans to take back market share, and believes that the new Sky will help it achieve that goal rather quickly. The Sky is like nothing else from the Saturn division—it is small, sporty, and sleek. It has a strong front end that represents the new face of the nameplate, with a prominent fender peak and a chrome bar with an integrated Saturn badge. Eighteen-inch wheels and tires, a convertible soft top, and a clamshell hood add to the roadster’s overall appeal. The affordability of the Sky (base MSRP around $25,000) will make it a serious contender in the Small Roadster segment.
Inside is more of the same; lots of piano black/chrome finish, available leather seating surfaces, and a jewel look to the controls that contrast with the more sporty look of its sister vehicle, the Solstice. Under the hood is a 2.4L, 170-hp Ecotec engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. A 5-speed automatic is optional. Ride and handling characteristics should be superior, thanks to the Bilstein shocks, wide track, near 50/50 weight distribution, hydroformed longitudinal rails for a stiffer chassis, and hydraulically assisted rack-and-pinion steering. All Skys will get dual-stage front air bags, three-point seat belts, occupant classification sensors, and four-wheel disc brakes with ABS.
The performance-oriented Red Line edition will get a turbocharged version of the Ecotec 2.0L, good for 260 hp and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. Exterior differences over the stock Sky are the addition of 18-inch tires on polished aluminum rims, and functional brake cooling vents. Inside, the Sky Red Line gets a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, unique seatback and floor mat embroidery, stainless pedal covers, Red Line gauges, a boost gauge, and metallic sill plates.
The Competition
The Saturn Sky competes in the Compact Sporty segment, which consists of 10 models. Buyers in this segment look for exterior styling, fuel economy, and performance, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Avoider StudySM and the Escaped Shopper Study.SM
The top sellers in the segment during calendar year 2006, according to the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Report,SM were the Scion tC (79,125), Subaru Impreza (41,148), and Mitsubishi Lancer (23,167). The Saturn Sky sold 8,671 units in 2006 in its first year on the market. Other models offered in the Compact Sporty segment include the Pontiac Solstice, Hyundai Tiburon, Mazda MX-5, Volkswagen Eos, and Subaru Outback Sport.
