Modifications inside include heavily-bolstered Recaro racing-style seats, special foot pedals, and a short throw shifter. All IONs now get improved materials and fabrics inside, including "soft touch" paint on the center stack. That stack includes Saturn's traditional center-mounted instrument cluster, a feature that receives high customer approval, according to the company.

Aesthetic improvements, both inside and out, are well appreciated by the tuner crowd. However, the real magic has to occur behind the sheetmetal. Fortunately for Saturn, the considerable effort invested into making the guts of the ION Red Line race worthy show.

Start with the engine. The 2.2-liter Ecotec inline-4 that propels base IONs has undergone extensive reworking. Most notably, an Eaton supercharger with a water-to-air intercooler was added to the engine's intake system. This required a stronger crank and connecting rods, as well as a slight drop in compression ratio (9.5:1 vs. 10.0:1). Larger valves, a heavier alternator, and an all-new drive-by-wire throttle system have also been added. A high-flow, performance tuned exhaust system releases waste gases. Displacement has decreased slightly to 2 liters, but with the addition of a blower Saturn says the Red Line is good for 200 hp. and 200 lb.-ft. of torque. Compared to the 140 hp. and 145 lb.-ft. in the naturally aspirated 2.2, this output is largely significant in a vehicle this small. Power is routed through a 5-speed Getrag manual transmission - Red Lines will not see the 5-speed automatics or continuously variable automatic versions used in other ION variations.