Saturn is adding another Green Line hybrid to its lineup for the 2009 model year. While the regular Vue Green Line is a so-called mild hybrid setup with a four-cylinder gasoline motor, the new Green Line 2 Mode delivers V6 power with even more advanced hybrid technology.
The Vue Green Line 2 Mode delivers an estimated 50-percent fuel economy increase over the non-hybrid V6 Vue, GM claims. The crossover also is expected to have a driving range of more than 500 miles.
GM says overall performance is not compromised — the sprint to 60 mph takes just 7.3 seconds and maximum towing load is 3,500 lbs. The 3.6 liter V6 features variable valve timing and direct injection for increased power and efficiency.
The Vue Green Line 2 Mode is GM’s first application of two-mode technology on a front-wheel-drive vehicle. The system is currently on the V8-equipped Chevrolet Tahoe 2 Mode and GMC Yukon 2 Mode full-size SUVs, and becomes available in 2008 on the Cadillac Escalade 2 Mode luxury SUV and Chevrolet Silverado 2 Mode full-size pickup.
Subtle exterior changes include “2 Mode” badging and lightweight aluminum alloy wheels. Low-rolling-resistance tires help enhance fuel economy. The Vue Green Line 2 Mode is accented by chrome door handles, dual exhaust tips and skid plates.
Availability is expected to begin in late 2008.
Two-mode Technology
The two-mode system works by integrating two electric continuously variable modes with four fixed mechanical gear ratios. The system consists of two active-cooled 55-kW electric motors integrated to the transmission. Electric power comes from a 1.8 kWh, 300V 22-module nickel-metal hydride battery pack. Regenerative braking also generates additional electricity.
In the first mode — at low speed and light load — the vehicle operates in one of three ways: all-electric power, internal combustion engine power or a combination of the two. All reverse operation is driven by the electric motors.
The second mode is used primarily at highway speeds to optimize fuel economy. It provides electric assist in addition to six-cylinder power. This is usually activated during trailer towing and climbing steep grades, and to allow the engine to run at its most efficient point under less-demanding conditions.
Other fuel-saving measures include: automatically shutting the engine off at idle and cutting off fuel to the engine during vehicle deceleration.
Model-specific features
Since the hybrid powertrain changes the weight distribution on the Vue Green Line 2 Mode, special chassis refinements such as revised springs, modified stabilizer bars, and re-tuned front struts and rear shocks help ensure a smooth ride.
An all-electric steering system replaces the typical hydraulic technology, improving fuel economy by half a mile per gallon.
An efficiency gauge replaces the tachometer, informing drivers of when they are achieving maximum fuel economy.
Standard features include: anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, rollover detection system, pedestrian impact protection, tire pressure monitoring system, Pedal Release System, front active head restraints, and six air bags.
01/06, 12:54 AM
posted by:
C6Racer
Probably the first and only time I will ever have a first comment.
Anyway, anything is better than the previous Vue Green Line.
01/06, 1:52 AM
posted by:
Brendino
this seems cool?
i’m lazy…does anyone know what the V6 vue pulls down for fuel economy?
01/06, 2:26 AM
posted by:
rfblue42
I like this and agree, this is much better than the other Vue Green Line.
01/06, 3:38 AM
posted by:
Commodore
Awesome. Now it is has near the fuel mileage of a small car
01/06, 5:35 AM
posted by:
Rover3500
You have to give GM Kudos for their efforts. This is a great little vehicle. 0 to 60 in 7.3 secs, plus that economy is excellent. Not to mention, its probably one of the prettiest of all the small SUV/CUS’s right now.
01/06, 9:20 AM
posted by:
Htay9500
not a bad car, but cargo can be an issue and the vue has 22% less cargo room
01/06, 11:06 AM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Looking at that powertrain image, I have newfound respect for the GM technician who has to repair it. There’s a heck of a lot going on under the hood of this baby.
01/06, 11:16 AM
posted by:
youngm7
i hope they don’t keep that gawd awful hybrid decal down the side. that’s tacky as hell.
01/06, 12:03 PM
posted by:
sj79
I believe the FWD Vue gets 18/24. Expect 27/27 on this vehicle when ratings are revealed.
01/06, 12:47 PM
posted by:
SkiD666
Actually I would expect 24 city/26 highway based on the 50% city improvement and 30% overall improvement.
01/06, 12:49 PM
posted by:
DeansterTJ
supposed to say: “I don’t believe EPA ratings”
01/06, 1:02 PM
posted by:
autonut
johnnycanuck, actually the beauty of 2 mode system that all complexities of hybrid are within transmission. As long as its working there are no more complexities for mechanic then existing ones. Which still makes it quite complicated proposition.
My confusion is why GM need V6 in the first place? If there are 2 electric motors 55 kW each (or 75 hp a-piece) ecotec 4 cyl 160 hp motor would work just as well with much better mileage. I think they followed failed Honda hybrid strategy for Accord.
01/06, 1:18 PM
posted by:
Htay9500
*22% less cargo room than the crv.
01/06, 2:00 PM
posted by:
bcjohnso99
“*22% less cargo room than the crv.”
Vue (even this Hybrid version) has much higher towing capacity than CRV which makes the cargo capacity MUCH greater when you consider all utility options.
01/06, 9:10 PM
posted by:
CA36GTP
Now THIS is the star of GM’s hybrid technology. The mild hybrids were underwhelming, but this is a fantastic powertrain. The 3.6L V6 is already one of GM’s best and most refined engines, to merge it with a hybrid system was inevitable. 7.3 seconds to 60 is very quick for a CUV, and consistent mid-to-high 20s in a CUV is fantastic. Honda’s hybrid system had nothing on this, and Toyota should look out if GM uses this system to crank up the mileage of its 2.4L ECOTEC engine, providing a much more powerful and agile alternative to the usual “piss-weak-power-but-it-gets-good-mileage” mindset that drives the Prius.
01/06, 10:09 PM
posted by:
Bull09
I like it… go Opel err Saturn!
All kidding aside, looks good… can’t wait to test drive the 2-mode system.
01/07, 9:30 AM
posted by:
richt62167
Way to go LP640 Im glad you finally came out!
01/07, 9:55 AM
posted by:
cardesigner5
of course commodore goes AWESOME! over something that is basically a Daewoo. then that guy CA36GTP who put down Honda and Toyota hybrid systems over this when the the leaders in next generation powertrain tech.
younggm7 worries about the “gawd awful hybrid decal down the side” I think that should be the last of GMs t worries ; that interior is cheaper than a date with courtney love at KFC
01/07, 11:12 AM
posted by:
SwerveEarly
Looks heavy, expensive and extremely complicated. But less complicated and better thought out then Toy/Hon systems. So thats an improvement. But that better be one bullet proof transmission-mic-thingy.
01/07, 11:33 AM
posted by:
TomF
The conventional-powertrain AWD VUE is heavy enough with a curb weight of 4325 lbs. The current Green Line is FWD so actually weighs less (3800). Maybe this version will weigh less also.
I was in a Saturn dealership this weekend tire-kicking the V6 VUE XR with AWD and I had a salesman insist it could get up to 30mpg highway. That’s total bull****, of course, as the EPA numbers are 16 city / 23 hwy and those are probably high… this is a CONCRETE BRICK of a little SUV.
For the record the EPA numbers on the current Green Line are 25/32. I’d be happy with numbers like that for Green Line 2.
01/07, 11:56 AM
posted by:
CA36GTP
Grammar is not your strong suit, is it cardesigner? I’m not even entirely sure what it was you said to me.
01/07, 12:58 PM
posted by:
Get Real
I want resale value on these complex powertrains after 3 years on the road.
Who’s you’re daddy ?
Yes….only the dealer can fix it….pay !!!!
01/07, 2:21 PM
posted by:
CTS DRIVER
^ you know how to fix a prius…. didnt think so, i sure dont, besides at 3 years you are still under warranty.
01/07, 3:01 PM
posted by:
CA36GTP
Pretty much every garage you can find will refuse to go near a Prius. Doubt it’s much different with any hybrid.
01/09, 4:55 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
Another version of the best cute-ute ever!
Gotta have the “2-mode” badging. I like the Escape Hybrid commercial for making fun of all these “look at me” hybrids.