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Two-Mode (co-developed by GM, BMW, Daimler and Chrysler) is done by putting dual 60-100kw 3-phase electric motors inside the transmission and driven by a 300v NiMH battery.
Detroit News article....
Detroit News article....
Vue gets 'greener' with another hybrid model
Saturn plans to market another "green" Vue -- this one a two-mode hybrid , and the Vue Green Line 2 Mode hybrid will have its world debut at the North American International Auto Show next week.
It is the third hybrid in the Saturn lineup following the Vue Green Line and the Aura Green Line.
Unlike the first Vue Green Line, which cuts off the engine when the vehicle is stopped and restarts it with an electric motor, this hybrid uses two electric motors to drive the vehicle. In essence, it is a scaled down version of General Motors Corp.'s gas-electric system introduced on the Chevrolet Tahoe.
It also demonstrates that GM can use the two-mode hybrid drive system in a number of vehicles down the road, as well as in front-wheel drive configurations.
The '09 Vue Green Line 2 Mode will be powered by 3.6-liter direct injection V-6 engine as well as an electric powertrain to propel the Vue at low speeds and assist the engine at high speeds. When the vehicle slows down, it relies on regenerative braking to recharge its 300 volt nickel-metal hydride battery pack stowed under the second row seat.
It has a 0-to-60 mph time of 7.3 seconds and can tow up to 3,500 pounds, making it quick and powerful.
"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, in a statement. "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 new Vue comes with special 2 Mode badges and other changes harder to notice, such as the lightweight aluminum wheels and low-rolling resistance tires.
The 3.6-liter engine with direct injection also features an isolated fuel injector -- a first in the U.S. auto industry -- to reduce the ticking noise associated with direct injection engines. Acoustic foam was also used in the engine valley and cover to further reduce noise.
Saturn expects to see a 50 percent increase in the Vue's fuel economy compared to the non-hybrid V-6 models. That means this Vue could clear 30 miles per gallon. Saturn estimates the Vue's range at 500 miles per tank.
Production of the Vue Green Line 2 Mode begins in late 2008, and it will roll into dealerships by the end of the year.
Saturn plans to market another "green" Vue -- this one a two-mode hybrid , and the Vue Green Line 2 Mode hybrid will have its world debut at the North American International Auto Show next week.
It is the third hybrid in the Saturn lineup following the Vue Green Line and the Aura Green Line.
Unlike the first Vue Green Line, which cuts off the engine when the vehicle is stopped and restarts it with an electric motor, this hybrid uses two electric motors to drive the vehicle. In essence, it is a scaled down version of General Motors Corp.'s gas-electric system introduced on the Chevrolet Tahoe.
It also demonstrates that GM can use the two-mode hybrid drive system in a number of vehicles down the road, as well as in front-wheel drive configurations.
The '09 Vue Green Line 2 Mode will be powered by 3.6-liter direct injection V-6 engine as well as an electric powertrain to propel the Vue at low speeds and assist the engine at high speeds. When the vehicle slows down, it relies on regenerative braking to recharge its 300 volt nickel-metal hydride battery pack stowed under the second row seat.
It has a 0-to-60 mph time of 7.3 seconds and can tow up to 3,500 pounds, making it quick and powerful.
"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, in a statement. "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 new Vue comes with special 2 Mode badges and other changes harder to notice, such as the lightweight aluminum wheels and low-rolling resistance tires.
The 3.6-liter engine with direct injection also features an isolated fuel injector -- a first in the U.S. auto industry -- to reduce the ticking noise associated with direct injection engines. Acoustic foam was also used in the engine valley and cover to further reduce noise.
Saturn expects to see a 50 percent increase in the Vue's fuel economy compared to the non-hybrid V-6 models. That means this Vue could clear 30 miles per gallon. Saturn estimates the Vue's range at 500 miles per tank.
Production of the Vue Green Line 2 Mode begins in late 2008, and it will roll into dealerships by the end of the year.