HybridSaturnVue2GreenLine

Saturn VUE. When the Saturn VUE Green Line 2 Mode (its full
and proper name) arrives near the end of 2008, the VUE will be
the first vehicle to offer a choice of two hybrid powertrains. The
hybrid system in the original VUE Green Line is inexpensive, but
doesn't offer all the fuel savings of a "full" hybrid. The VUE Green
Line 2 Mode, on the other hand, promises a 50-percent increase
in city fuel economy over its gas-only V6 counterpart and an
impressive range of more than 500 miles. Unlike the first VUE
hybrid, the second will be able to run solely on electric power at
low speeds. Expect a starting price in the high $20,000 range.
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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. [Sam Abuelsamid - Autoblog.com - Detroit]