Quote, originally posted by Autoblog »

In 2006, the Saturn Vue Green Line became General Motors' first production hybrid vehicle when it debuted with the company's mild hybrid system. In fall 2007, a updated BAS-equipped Green Line version based on the second-generation Vue went into production. GM has now added the second of three hybrid variants to the Vue lineup with the2009 Saturn Vue Green Line 2 Mode. The 2 Mode Vue is based on the same technology used in the award-winning Tahoe and Yukon full-size SUVs. The Vue has the first transverse mounted front-wheel drive application of the 2 Mode system. The 2 Mode transmission is paired up in the Vue with GM's 3.6L twin-cam V6 equipped with direct fuel injection. Like the big SUVs, the engine is equipped with a cylinder deactivation system that allows it to run on three cylinders under light load conditions. The combination of the advanced hybrid system and the V6 helps maintain the V6 Vue's 3,500 tow rating while still achieving a fifty percent boost in urban fuel economy.

Quote, originally posted by General Motors »

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.

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/0...ybrid/

GayCarFans.com | Lotus Enthusiast

The initial start is rough on the engine, but subsequent starts are hard on the starter and battery. Modern oil doesn't make wear a factor once the oil is warm and dispersed.

Vote for energy reform, not just discussions. Bill Richardson for President

Ah. Good to know. I always thought it wasent to smart to have it turning on and off all the time.

I liked the VUE when it first came out, really cant take that new front grill. Would like to see how many mpg this will achieve in real life, ie, towing, or with a full load.

Quote, originally posted by Toaster29 »

Before long, a road race will be nothing more than seeing who can be the fastest "clicker" on their pansy-ass little flappy paddles. I want to heel and toe downshift while on the brakes hard into a corner on my own. to the techno crutches of lesser drivers.

*sidenote, why isn't there more buzz about the tesla roadster in the car lounge.

Also keep in mind that since it's a hybrid it doesn't have a starter in the traditional sense - there is quite literally a big electric motor between the gas engine and transmission and this can either start the gasoline motor or power the vehicle.

Quote, originally posted by Wimbledon »

wow, all that equipment looks like it adds ALLOT of weight! that thing already weighs 4000 pounds doesn't it?

Quote, originally posted by GTI 20v »

I want to buy a dump truck, fill it with gravel, and then drive on the highway in front of other dump trucks and break their windshields.

http://forums.fourtitude.com/zerothread?id=3606632

GayCarFans.com | Lotus Enthusiast

15/20 for the 4WD Pilot.

VW EV, plug-in Hybrid, and/or 1.4-2.0 VVT&VVL T/dual-charged FSI engines for the US would be useful...

07 2WD EX Pilot has an EPA of 18/24 mpg and has a towing capacity of 4500 lbs.

Modified by Dango330 at 4:02 AM 1-6-2008

And it's no wraith in its standard configuration.

Hi, I'm the inflated EPA ratings of years gone bye. Nice to meat you reality.

http://themagsreport.blogspot.com

Quote, originally posted by eluwak »

Our Pilot got 21/25 MPG consistantly

I'm sorry, but I call BS. Either you drive like a grandma with the A/C off ALL the time or you have an extremely "unique" Pilot. I've never gotten better than 23mpg in my Pilot and that was steady cruizing at 70-75 mph over several hundred miles. I routinely average 16-17mpg in my Pilot (75% city/25% highway driving).

Fuel economy feedback/discussion from other Pilot owners:

http://www.hondapilot.org/foru...onomy
http://www.hondapilot.org/foru...onomy

hello, im the 2WD honda pilot, my EPA ratings are 16/22 or not what you said...

If the current 3.6 is rated at 16/24 then we can make some assumptions... 24city and 27 highway will probably be what we end up seeing, which will save a LOT of gas for people... GM is really hitting the 2 mode hybrid stride, really fast. I remember last year ppl were saying the 2 mod Vue would never be out, and then the plug in would never follow... but its going to guys.

Modified by Nourdmrolnmt at 8:29 AM 1-6-2008

GM should make Saturn its hybrid company with every single product a hybrid. That's how you differentiate a brand. Not by putting out a copy of an existing product.

Having said that, I'm not sure where the advantage of the hybrid powertrain is? How does this compare to the Ford Escape hybrid which gets EPA 34 city/30 highway? Is towing the only advantage? (NEVERMIND, the escape hybrid is a 4 cylinder)

If GM is predicting 24/26, the Toyota highlander hybrid already gets 27/25 and that's a 7 seater.


Modified by rosskoss at 9:37 AM 1-6-2008

The 4-cyl hybrid models are out and about, but we have yet to see a 2- mode.

2X dude, we have a 05 Pilot that we took up to Chicago last weekend and barely made 20mpg. Most of the time we get 17 or 18 mixed. Are you sure you don't have a CRV?

It must be actually a Hybrid-Hybrid-Hybrid-Hybrid-Hybrid...... Did I miss any stickers?

Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body,
but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming
"Wow! What a Ride!"