Click Here to Comment at The Motor Portal Blog!! Saturn Vue Green Line     2009 SATURN VUE GREEN LINE 2 MODE HYBRID WILL BE THE WORLD’S MOST FUEL-EFFICIENT V-6 SUV GM’s Advanced Hybrid Technology Delivers Up To 50-Percent Fuel Economy Increase With No Compromises in Performance, Capability First brand to offer two hybrid options on the same model Third hybrid in Saturn’s portfolio Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (ATPZEV) DETROIT – The all-new 2009 Saturn Vue Green Line 2 Mode, the first front-wheel-drive compact SUV in the world powered by General Motors’ two-mode hybrid technology, is designed for customers who want the outstanding fuel savings of an advanced hybrid and the full power and towing capability of an SUV. The Vue Green Line 2 Mode was unveiled today at the North American International Auto Show. The Vue Green Line 2 Mode will deliver an estimated 50-percent fuel economy increase over the non-hybrid V-6 Vue. It also is expected to have a driving range of more than 500 miles (800 km). In addition, the Vue Green Line 2 Mode’s 3.6L VVT V-6 engine with direct injection technology ensures there are no trade-offs between performance and fuel economy. Acceleration time from 0-60 is expected to be around 7.3 seconds, and the maximum towing load will be 3,500 pounds (1588 kg).     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 2009 Saturn Vue Green Line 2 Mode sports the same European-inspired design language of the non-hybrid Vue, completely redesigned for the 2008 model year. Subtle exterior changes include “2 Mode” badging on the front doors and rear liftgate; and lightweight aluminum alloy wheels and low-rolling resistance tires that enhance fuel economy. The Vue Green Line 2 Mode’s appearance is further accented by chrome door handles, chrome dual exhaust tips and chrome skid plates on the front and rear lower fascia. The Vue Green Line 2 Mode features technologies and refinements in the fuel and exhaust systems that classify it as a Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) in the state of California and other states that have adopted California’s motor vehicle emissions rules. When it arrives in dealer showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2008, the Vue Green Line 2 Mode will be Saturn’s third hybrid, joining the Vue Green Line 4-cylinder hybrid SUV and the Aura Green Line sedan. 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 V-8-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. How the Vue Green Line 2 Mode Hybrid works GM’s two-mode hybrid system in the Vue Green Line 2 Mode improves fuel economy by the following operations: Engine off at idle Low-speed, electric-only propulsion Cutting off fuel to the engine during vehicle deceleration Regenerative braking Energy-efficient accessory systems Unlike single-mode hybrid technology found in competitors’ SUVs, the two-mode system maximizes city and highway fuel economy by integrating two electric continuously variable modes with four fixed mechanical gear ratios. The system consists of twin, active-cooled 55-kW electric motors integrated into the 2MT70 automatic transmission. Energy to power the motors comes from a 1.8 kWh, 300V nickel-metal hydride battery pack, which consists of 22 nickel metal hydride modules and is packaged behind the second-row seat below the cargo floor. The transmission is mated to GM’s 3.6L V-6 VVT with direct injection technology. In the first mode, at low speed and light load, the Vue Green Line 2 Mode operates in one of three ways depending on conditions and battery charge level: 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 when conditions demand it, such as trailer towing and climbing steep grades, and to allow the engine to run at its most efficient point under less-demanding conditions. No engine speed changes are necessary for the mode shift to occur. The result is exceptionally smooth, seamless acceleration and responsiveness. At all times, the system’s Hybrid Optimizing System (HOS) collects torque-based data, deciphers it, then determines the most fuel-efficient means of propelling the Vue Green Line 2 Mode. Direct injection V-6 boosts efficiency The Vue Green Line 2 Mode’s standard engine is an advanced 3.6L V-6 VVT with direct injection, a member of GM’s family of high-feature V-6s. The direct injection engine uses regular unleaded fuel and represents one of the most sophisticated applications of its kind on a hybrid SUV. Direct injection delivers fuel directly to the combustion chambers and permits a higher compression ratio, improving fuel efficiency. Additionally, the technology reduces cold-start hydrocarbon emissions by up to 25 percent. The 3.6L VVT with direct injection also features a U.S. auto industry-first isolated fuel injector that greatly reduces the ticking noise associated with other direct injection engines. Other noise-reduction features include the use of acoustic foam in the engine valley and cover. Specially tuned chassis for a smooth ride Because the hybrid system changes the weight distribution on the Vue Green Line 2 Mode, special chassis refinements such as revised front and rear spring rates; revised front and rear stabilizer bar rates and recalibrated front struts and rear shock absorbers help ensure a smooth driving experience. The Vue Green Line 2 Mode is equipped with a “fully blended” electro-hydraulic brake system that enables 100-percent regenerative braking (batteries are charged during braking), 100-percent friction braking (traditional four-wheel disc braking) or a combination of the two. During regenerative braking, the system converts kinetic energy to electrical power, then stores the power in the Energy Storage System. A 12V rack-mounted Electric Power Steering system replaces a conventional column-mounted hydraulic system and saves fuel – gaining up to a half-mile per gallon of gas. It also gives the Vue Green Line 2 Mode more precise steering inputs and better overall on-center feel. Intuitive displays keep drivers in the know The Saturn Vue Green Line 2 Mode’s instrument panel lets drivers know that they’re behind the wheel of a sophisticated hybrid, yet with gauges that are easy to understand. An efficiency gauge replaces the tachometer, informing drivers of when they are achieving maximum fuel economy; whether the vehicle is in electric-only mode, engine-only mode or a combination of the two; and, because of the silent start as the key is turned, a telltale indicates when the vehicle is on and ready to drive. In the center console, a full-color VGA power-flow graphic, which is integrated into an available navigation system, continuously informs the driver and passenger whether the vehicle is sending power to the wheels from the battery pack, engine or both. It also indicates when energy is being captured during braking. Vue Green Line 2 Mode is generously equipped In addition to its high-tech propulsion system, the Saturn Vue Green Line 2 Mode boasts a number of standard safety features including four-wheel 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 (driver and front passenger frontal and seat-mounted side-impact, and roof rail curtains for both seating rows). Other features include power-adjustable heated outside mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio and cruise controls; and a six-speaker AM/FM stereo with CD/MP3 player and auxiliary input jack. A navigation system and power sunroof are available. Saturn’s hybrid family is growing The Vue Green Line 2 Mode is the third hybrid to join the Saturn lineup. Other members of the Green Line family include the Vue (4-cylinder) Green Line and the Aura Green Line sedan. They are equipped with the affordable GM Hybrid system, which reduces fuel consumption using sophisticated controls and a unique electric motor/generator mated to a 2.4L Ecotec VVT four-cylinder engine and Hydra-Matic four-speed transmission. PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS: 2009 SATURN VUE GREEN LINE 2 MODE HYBRID Overview Models: 2009 Saturn Vue Green Line 2 Mode Hybrid Body style / driveline: five-door, five-passenger, front-engine and transaxle, front-wheel drive with 2-Mode hybrid assist Construction: steel spaceframe with front and rear crumple zones; steel front fenders, door panels, rear quarter panels and bumper beams; galvanized steel hood. roof and liftgate EPA vehicle class: sport utility vehicle Manufacturing location: Ramos Arizpe, Mexico Key competitors: Toyota Highlander Hybrid; Ford Escape Hybrid Engine(s) Type: 3.6 V-6 VVT (variable valve timing) with spark-ignition, direct injection (DI) Application: Saturn Vue Green Line 2 Mode Hybrid Displacement (cu in / cc): 217 / 3564 Bore & stroke (in / mm): 3.7 x 3.37 / 94 x 85.6 Block material: sand-cast aluminum with cast-in-bore liners Cylinder head material: cast aluminum Valvetrain: DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, variable valve timing (VVT) Ignition system: individual coil-on-plug, individual cylinder knock control Fuel delivery: direct high-pressure fuel injection Compression ratio: 11.3:1 Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm): TBD Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm): TBD Recommended fuel: unleaded regular Maximum engine speed (rpm): 6000 w/automatic transmission Emissions controls: dual close-coupled catalytic converters, positive crankcase ventilation; inlet and exhaust cam phasers with internal exhaust gas recirculation (no EGR / AIR required); evaporative emissions system. Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV) Estimated fuel economy (mpg city / hwy): TBD Hybrid System Transmission type two-mode continuous electric ratio hybrid transmission with four fixed gears (2MT70) Application: Saturn Vue Green Line 2-Mode Hybrid Gear ratios (:1)   First: 3.26 Second: 1.88 Third: 1.0 Fourth: .64 Reverse: EV – 2.2 EVT1: Infinite – 1.70 EVT2: 1.70 -- .4 Final drive ratio: 3.02 Motors (2): 55 kilowatts each Battery type / quantity: nickel-metal hydride / 22 modules Energy Storage System: 1.8 kWh, 300V Power control: AC / DC Chassis/Suspension Front: independent, strut-type with coil springs, anti-roll bar (recalibrated) Rear: independent, trailing arm with three lateral locating links, anti-roll bar and coil springs (recalibrated) Steering type: electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion (REPS) Steering ratio: 17.2:1 Steering wheel turns, lock-to-lock: 2.75 Turning circle, curb-to-curb (ft / m): 40 / 12.2 Traction control: all-speed using engine torque reduction and brake intervention Brakes Type: 4-wheel anti-lock disc; fully blended electro-hydraulic system with 100% regenerative braking, 100% friction braking or combination of both Front disc (diameter x thickness, in / mm): 11.7 x 1.14 / 296 x 29 Rear disc (diameter x thickness in / mm): 11.9 x .78 / 303 x 20 Total swept area (sq in / sq cm): 67 / 38 Wheels/Tires Wheel size and type: 17-in. x 7-in. forged aluminum Tires: P225/65R17 ALS low-rolling resistance Dimensions Exterior   Wheelbase (in / mm): 106.6 / 2707 Overall length (in / mm): 180.1 / 4576 Overall width (in / mm): 72.8 / 1850 Overall height (in / mm): 66.2 / 1681 Track (in / mm): 61.4 / 1562 Minimum ground clearance (in / mm): 6.9 / 175 Approach angle (degrees): 14.4 Departure angle (degrees): 16.25 Step-in height (in / mm): front: 16.5 / 418 rear: 17.0 / 433 Curb weight (lb / kg): 4265 / 1934.5 Weight distribution (% front / rear): 58 / 42   Interior Front Rear Seating capacity: 2 3 Headroom (in / mm): 40.2 / 1023 39.3 / 1000 Legroom (in / mm): 40.7 / 1036 36.9 / 939 Shoulder room (in / mm): 56.0 / 1424 55.9 / 1422 Hip room (in / mm): 52.6 / 1338 52.9 / 1344 Capacities EPA passenger volume (cu ft / L): 97.7 / 2769 EPA interior volume (cu ft / L): 126.9 / 3596 Cargo volume (cu ft / L): behind front seat: 56.4 / 1598 behind second-row seat at normal position: 27.0 / 764.5 Trailer towing maximum (lb / kg): 3500 / 1588 Fuel tank (gal / L): 18.4 / 69.6 Engine oil (qt / L): 5.5 / 5.2 Cooling system (qt / L): TBD Note: Information shown is current at time of publication.       SATURN VUE GREEN LINE HYBRID DELIVERS GREAT FUEL ECONOMY THROUGH NEW, LOWER-COST HYBRID SYSTEM     DETROIT – Saturn unveiled the production version of the 2007 Vue Green Line Hybrid, the first GM vehicle powered by a new, more affordable hybrid system. The Vue Green Line delivers an estimated 20-percent improvement in fuel economy, depending on driving conditions. It is expected to deliver an EPA estimated 27 mpg in the city and the best highway mileage of any SUV at 32 mpg. The Vue's hybrid system will cost under $2,000. The full vehicle price will start at less than $23,000. “The Vue Green Line is expected to be the lowest-cost hybrid-powered SUV in the market,” said Mark LaNeve, GM North America vice president of Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing. “Its lower price allows us to offer the fuel-saving benefits of hybrids to a wider group of customers.” The Vue Green Line uses sophisticated controls and a unique electric motor/generator mated to a 2.4L VVT four-cylinder engine and 4T45-E four-speed transmission. It is a simple and flexible hybrid design that provides additional power from the motor/generator during acceleration and allows increased fuel economy through engine shut-off at idle, fuel cut-off during deceleration and the capability to capture electrical energy through regenerative braking. The Vue Green Line will be available in the summer of 2006. It is based on the popular Vue SUV, which was restyled for 2006 with distinctive exterior appointments and a more refined interior. “As Saturn continues an aggressive product lineup expansion, a hybrid version of the popular Vue is a natural addition,” said Saturn General Manager Jill Lajdziak. “The Vue Green Line st rengthens our position as an environmentally aware brand that provides great value – an attribute that has always appealed to Saturn customers.” Along with the Vue Green Line, Saturn will introduce the Sky roadster, Aura midsize sedan and Outlook crossover utility vehicle during 2006.     Fuel-saving performance Vue Green Line’s innovative 2.4-liter hybrid powertrain is rated at 170 horsepower (127 kw), a powerful increase from the 143 hp provided by the 2.2-liter engine in the conventional four-cylinder Vue. This maintains the vehicle’s sporty feel, with acceleration better or equal to many non-hybrid SUVs. The Vue’s hybrid system reduces fuel consumption by: Shutting off the engine when the vehicle is stopped, to minimize idling Restarting the engine promptly when the brake pedal is released Enabling early fuel shut-off during vehicle deceleration Capturing vehicle kinetic energy during deceleration (regenerative braking) to charge an advanced nickel metal hydride battery Performing intelligent battery charging when it is most efficient Additionally, the system provides additional power from the electric motor/generator during launch, when required. At wide-open throttle, such as during a passing maneuver, the system improves acceleration feel by using the motor/generator to bolster the gasoline engine to achieve maximum power. The new hybrid system also is designed to automatically maintain full accessory functionality, including climate control, when the vehicle is stopped, so that hybrid operation is transparent to the driver and passengers. The Vue Hybrid allows an appropriate balance between fuel economy and comfort by providing a system with two driver-selectable operating modes. An economy mode favors fuel economy by limiting the affect of air conditioning, while the other mode favors maximum passenger comfort and defogging performance. Three hybrid systems The Vue Green Line is one of 12 hybrids GM will launch, providing customers with several levels of fuel economy savings at different price points on vehicles ranging from cars to full-size SUVs. GM launched the world’s first hybrid pickup trucks in 2004, with retail availability expanding nationwide with the 2006 model year. GM also will introduce an all-new, two-mode hybrid system that is uniquely compact and scalable to vehicles of all sizes. This new system will debut in GM’s new, full-size Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon SUVs in 2007. 2007 SATURN VUE GREEN LINE PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS Overview Model: 2007 Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid Body style / driveline: 5-door, 5-passenger, transversely-mounted front-engine and transaxle, front-wheel drive with hybrid assist Construction: steel spaceframe with front and rear crumple zones; polymer front fenders, door panels, rear quarter panels and bumper fascias; galvanized steel hood, roof and liftgate EPA vehicle class: sport utility vehicle Manufacturing location: Spring Hill , Tenn. Key competitors: Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Ford Escape Hybrid, Honda Accord Hybrid Engine Application: Ecotec 2.4L Type: 2.4L DOHC inline 4-cylinder Displacement (cu in / cc): 145 / 2376 Bore & stroke (in / mm): 3.46 x 3.85 / 88 x 98 Block material: cast aluminum with iron cylinder liners Cylinder head material: aluminum Valvetrain: dual overhead camshafts, roller-type finger followers, 4 valves per cylinder Ignition system: distributorless, coil-on-plug module and extended-life platinum-tipped spark plugs Fuel delivery: sequential injection with returnless fuel delivery system Compression ratio: 10.6:1 Horsepower (hp / kw @ rpm): 170 / 127 @ 6600 rpm Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm): 162 / 220 @ 4400 rpm Recommended fuel: 87 octane unleaded Maximum engine speed (rpm): 6900 Emissions controls: positive crankcase ventilation, variable valve timing, catalytic converter, evaporative system Engine control: E67 controller with Hybrid Supervisory software Estimated fuel economy: (mpg city / highway): 27/ 32 (with GM hybrid) Hybrid System Application: GM Hybrid System System type: motor / generator Max. auto-start torque (lb.-ft. / Nm): 115 / 156 Battery pack: NiMH Battery pack peak power (kW): 14.5 (delivering or receiving)   Transmission   Hydra-Matic 4T45-E Type: Hydra-Matic 4T45-E 4-speed automatic Hybrid features: auxiliary oil pump, specific electronic controls Gear ratios (:1)   First: 2.95 Second: 1.62 Third: 1.00 Fourth: 0.68 Reverse: 2.14 Final drive ratio (:1): 3.63 Chassis/Suspension Front: independent, strut-type with coil springs, anti-roll bar Rear: independent, trailing arm with three lateral locating links, anti-roll bar and coil springs Traction control: all-speed using engine torque reduction Steering type: electric-power-assisted rack-and-pinion Steering ratio: 17.8:1 on-center Steering wheel turns, lock-to-lock: 3.46 Turning circle, curb-to-curb (ft / m): 38 / 11.6 Brakes Type: front / rear vented disc/drum with power assist and std ABS Rotor diameter x thickness (in / mm): front: 11.7 x 1.0 / 296 x 26; rear: 9.8 x 1.7 / 250 x 45 Wheels/Tires Wheel size and type: 6.5-in x 16-in machine cast aluminum Tires: P215/7016 ALS low rolling resistance Dimensions Exterior   Wheelbase (in / mm): 106.6 / 2707 Overall length (in / mm): 181.3 / 4605 Overall width (in / mm): 71.6 / 1818 Overall height (in / mm): 65.3/1659 Track (in / mm): front: 61.3 / 1557; rear: 61.2 / 1554 Minimum ground clearance (in / mm): 6.9/175 Step-in height (in / mm): 16.4/415.5 Approach angle (degrees): 17.3 Departure angle (degrees): 22.4 Curb weight (lb / kg): 3474 / 1576 Weight distribution (% front / rear): 59 / 41 Interior Front Rear Seating capacity: 2 3 Headroom without sunroof (in / mm): Headroom with sunroof (in / mm): 40.6 / 1030 39.3 / 999 40.5 / 1028 40.2 / 1021 Legroom (in / mm): 41.3 / 1048 36.5 / 926 Shoulder room (in / mm): 54.7 / 1389 54.7 / 1389 Hip room (in / mm): 51.9 / 1317 52.6 / 1337 Capacities EPA passenger volume (cu ft / L): 113 / 2871 Cargo volume (cu ft / L): 30.8 / 872 Trailer towing maximum (lb / kg): 1500 / 680 Maximum tongue weight (lb / kg): 350 / 113.5 Fuel tank (gal / L): 16.3 / 62.5 Engine oil (qt / L): 5 / 4.7 Cooling system (qt / L): 9 / 8.5 Note: Information shown is current at time of publication.