2009 Saturn Vue Green Line. Click image to enlarge |
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2009 Saturn Vue Green Line
Detroit, Michigan - Saturn has announced it will debut the all-new 2009 Saturn Vue Green Line 2 Mode at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit next week. The company says it will be the world's most fuel-efficient V6 SUV.
The Green Line 2 Mode's 3.6-litre V6 engine with direct injection technology provides zero to 96 km/h acceleration around 7.3 seconds, with maximum towing load of 1,588 kg (3,500 lbs), but will deliver an estimated 50 per cent fuel economy improvement over the non-hybrid V6 Vue. It is also expected to have a driving range of more than 800 km (500 miles). Production is slated to begin in late 2008.
"The Saturn Vue Green Line 2 Mode challenges the notion that a compact SUV can't be both powerful and efficient," said Jill Lajdziak, Saturn general manager. "Customers tell us they want a compact SUV that will respect the environment and save money at the gas pump, but they don't want to give up performance and utility. We've responded with the Vue Green Line 2 Mode."
The Green Line 2 Mode will be Saturn's third hybrid, alongside the Vue Green Line four-cylinder hybrid and Aura Green Line. It is GM's first application of two-mode technology on a front-wheel drive vehicle; the system is currently available on the V8-equipped Chevrolet Tahoe 2 Mode and GMC Yukon 2 Mode full-size SUVs, and will be available in 2008 on the Cadillac Escalade 2 Mode and Chevrolet Silverado 2 Mode.
The system uses twin, active-cooled 55-kW electric motors integrated into the automatic transmission, with a 1.8-kWh, 300-volt nickel-metal hydride battery pack. It improves fuel economy through engine-off at idle, low-speed electric-only propulsion, cutting fuel to the engine during deceleration, regenerative braking, and energy-efficient accessory systems. Depending on conditions and battery charge level, the vehicle operates in all-electric power, gasoline engine power or a combination of the two, with all reverse operation driven by the electric motors.
