The Auto Writer

On the second day of the press preview, I had the opportunity to spend some time with Mike Allen who is the the Vehicle Line Director for Saturn’s VUE SUV. Allen clarified several points for me about the VUE and where this model is going, so I’m happy to report to you that what GM is planning for this important SUV is encouraging.

Mode 2 For The VUE Hybrid

Just prior to our interview, Saturn had their press conference where they rolled out a concept E-Flex vehicle as well as a concept plug-in view. The third vehicle, which is set to go into production later this year is the 2009 Saturn Vue Mode 2 Green Line Hybrid, discussion of which was a big part of my conversation with Allen.

To give you some background information, the 2008 VUE is the second generation of this SUV. The first hybrid VUEs were introduced as 2007 models, of which 8000 copies were sold. The current VUE Green Line uses a four cylinder engine which sees a 27% increase in fuel economy over the base gas-powered four cylinder. The hybrid SUV has EPA city/highway figures of 26/32 and achieves 170 h.p. All this translates into a six mpg improvement over the base engine and a fueling range of 500 to 600 miles.

Make That Two VUE Hybrids

The 2009 Saturn VUE Green Line Two Mode Hybrid will be the second hybrid model for the VUE. This will make the VUE the only model in the world with two different hybrids under one model name.

50% Improvement In Fuel Economy

Allen shared that the new hybrid would operate with a six cylinder engine and achieve 250 h.p. In addition, this vehicle will realize a fuel increase of 50% over the base gas model making it the most fuel efficient hybrid SUV in the world. Like the first hybrid, the range for the heavier SUV will also be in excess of 500 miles.

One of the key features of the new hybrid is that it will have a towing capacity of 3500 lbs. compared to 1500 lbs. for the base hybrid. Hybrid technology up to this point has meant that all vehicles so equipped lacked torque and towing capacity, but GM’s Mode 2 technology has resolved that problem without sacrificing fuel economy.

Additional key features with the new Vue is that it will turn the engine off at idle, use electric only propulsion at low speeds and offer seamless regenerative braking. Finally, the VUE will be able to fully recharge within 4-5 hours, which is ideal for people who are at work.