Saturn Vue Green Line 2 Mode revealed

[minnfang]

Here's some new info on the new Vue 2 Mode.

I found the following tidbit interesting...

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.

I didn't know it was going to have direct injection - cool.

More at link:
http://www.leftlanenews.com/saturn-v...-revealed.html

[SJZ3]

I thought the failure of the Accord Hybrid showed that most folks in this price range want economy in a hybrid, not power. GM should be pairing the two-mode system with the 2.4L ecotec.

[suckstobeyou]

i wonder what the epa estimates are,

sjz3:
To be fair people did bitch about the performance of the vue, so i think they weighed the good against the bad

going by the current 15/22, it seems that it would be 22/33?

[jasaero]

Also, the comment on Towing suggests they want this to be a capable utility and not just a jacked up car with more room inside. I think this is important as we move to Hybrids. Particularly since Toyota's setup isn't any good if you are looking for the economy gains, but still need to tow things.

[paul38469]

It is interesting that they are going with the 3.6 DI for this 2 mode. They used the 6.0 L smallblock for the SUVs rather than the 5.3, so I am guessing the system works much better with a more powerful engine. I bet it is only a short matter of time before this powertrain works its way out to the Lambdas and other vehicles, such as the CTS.

[jasaero]

This needs moved to the front page!

[63GrandSport001]

I kinda agree with the idea that hybrids should be made for fuel economy and not for performance.

Honestly if you want a SUV for towing don't get a cross over like a Saturn Vue but get a truck based one or even better get something like a GMC Canyon or Chevy Colorado in crew cab.

[Jimmy Jive]

Nicest wheels on a hybrid yet. But what's with the cheesy pasting of the word "Hybrid" all over? I hope this is only for auto-show showings, and not production...

[dratnol]

Originally Posted by paul38469

It is interesting that they are going with the 3.6 DI for this 2 mode. They used the 6.0 L smallblock for the SUVs rather than the 5.3, so I am guessing the system works much better with a more powerful engine. I bet it is only a short matter of time before this powertrain works its way out to the Lambdas and other vehicles, such as the CTS.

I believe that they went with larger engines so that they can stay in 4 cylinder mode for longer periods of time. I have not heard anything about DoD/AFM on the 3.6 though.

[montrealvue]

Originally Posted by Jimmy Jive

Nicest wheels on a hybrid yet. But what's with the cheesy pasting of the word "Hybrid" all over? I hope this is only for auto-show showings, and not production...

Exactly what I was thinking.....I like the idea but wouldn't want to be a rolling bulletin board either!

[chakis24]

good. 33/22 isnt bad at all. the ford escape hybrid is 34 (not sure if thats pre or post 2008 ratings though). maybe itll be like alot of gm's and get better than epa. anyone have real life figures for the tahoe two mode4s?