The only reason why the Sky RL would be slower than the Sosltice GXP is because of the presumably lower damping rates and other suspension bits that have been tuned agressively, but not to the racer status that the GXP requires.
Mind you, the regular-grade Sky isn't that much slower than the regular-grade Solstice, but generally speaking, the Sky has a better balance of ride and handeling, despite the more agressive looks. Most of that $3500 boost in price differences is going to come from the better leather seats, better stero equipment, etc.
I'm really not sure how to explain GM's reasoning in the best way, but I can attempt to do so...
GM is hoping that Saturn can play as a multi-purpose company covering all aspects of the different lineups from the assorted companies. However, Saturn must balance the youthful attitude that the brand has carried for more than 10 years, while at the same time becoming more sophisticated to meet the demands of their origional customers. If you could attempt to get yourself into the mindset of a 30 year old person, that might give a clue to what they are doing.
...Saturn has said that they want to be like the "Apple" of the automotive industry, offering high-class yet affordable products that are trendy to folks young and old. Thus the Sky would be as an iPod, not as rugged as say an iRiver or whatever (like the Solstice), but clean and easy to use that would be for the more sophisticated man or woman. Thus, the suspension has been softened up just a bit, offering up some fun when needed, but plenty of comfort otherwise.
