The 30-second ad is called "The Right Tool for the Job" and it's part of a new campaign for the Dodge Grand Caravan that will be followed by four more spots in the first quarter of 2012.
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The safety agency said it is also looking to see if the same problem exists in at least two more GM models equipped with similar cable installations used on four-speed automatic transmissions, the 2004-2008MY Chevrolet Malibu and 2005-2008MY Pontiac G6.
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2008-01-14, DETROIT - Saturn announced today at the North American International Auto Show that production may begin as soon as 2010 on a plug-in hybrid electric version of the Saturn Vue Green Line, expected to be the first regular production plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. Depending on a consumer's drive cycle, the Vue plug-in hybrid will be the most fuel-efficient vehicle offered by a major automaker.
Saturn Vue Green Line Plug-in Hybrid
This Vue Green Line will use a modified version of GM's two-mode hybrid system and plug-in technology, a lithium-ion battery pack, highly efficient electronics and powerful electric motors to achieve significant increases in fuel economy. When the lithium-ion batteries are fully charged, the Vue plug-in hybrid will potentially double the fuel efficiency of any current SUV. After electric-only propulsion depletes the lithium-ion energy storage system to a specified level, the battery is replenished by utilizing the two-mode hybrid system's electric motors and regenerative brake systems.
"We announced late in 2006 that a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle was a top priority, and the fact that we're now announcing production timing to bring the industry's first plug-in to market, while tackling many technology hurdles along the way, demonstrates our commitment to diversifying from petroleum and reducing emissions," said Saturn General Manager Jill Lajdziak.
In early testing, the Vue Green Line plug-in hybrid is capable of electric-only propulsion for more than 10 miles at low speeds. At higher speeds or when conditions demand it, such as brisk acceleration, a combination of engine and electric power or engine power-only drives the vehicle.
The vehicle's lithium-ion batteries can be fully recharged in four to five hours by simply connecting the vehicle to any standard 110V household electrical outlet. The connection port on the vehicle will be integrated into the front fender. By recharging rather than refueling, the Vue Green Line plug-in hybrid reduces petroleum consumption.
A plug-in hybrid-electric vehicle differs from a non-plug-in hybrid-electric vehicle by offering extended electric-only propulsion, additional battery capacity and the ability to be recharged from an external electrical outlet.
The two-mode hybrid system to be introduced on the 2009 Saturn Vue Green Line 2 Mode will be altered for use with plug-in technology. In addition to plug-in capabilities and the modified two-mode hybrid system, the Saturn Vue Green Line hybrid SUV's powertrain will feature two interior permanent magnet motors within the two-mode transmission and GM's 3.6L V-6 VVT gasoline engine with direct injection. The lithium-ion energy storage system will be replenished by utilizing the two-mode hybrid system's electric motors and regenerative braking systems.
The Saturn Vue Green Line plug-in maintains two driving modes - one for city driving, the other for highway driving - and four fixed mechanical gears to maximize efficiency while maintaining performance. In addition, special controls will be utilized to enable higher speeds during electric-only propulsion and maintain electric-only propulsion for longer periods of time.
The 2009 Green Line 2 Mode is built on an excellent foundation. You likely know the Vue is an unrepentant clone of the Antara sold in Europe through GM's Opel division. Our miles spent in the Vue/Antara have been singularly pleasing, and based on our experience in GM's full-size SUVs with the two-mode technology, we have high expectation for the more sophisticated Vue 2 Mode.
PreviewsIn case you haven’t been paying attention to GM’s once-neglected brand that for the past few years has been forced to rely on superior customer service to motivate sales, Saturn is back, this time with a full product revitalization plan, including five new-for-2007 models (Sky, Sky Red Line, Aura, Vue Green Line, and Outlook) and two more coming for ’08 (Vue and Astra).
Among the new-for-’07s is Saturn’s largest and most expensive vehicle ever, the Outlook: a three-row, seven- or eight-passenger people-hauler that will replace the forgettable Relay minivan in the lineup.
Underpinning the Outlook is an all-new, front-drive unibody architecture, dubbed Lambda, shared with the GMC Acadia, the upcoming and upscale Buick Enclave, and an as-yet-unnamed Chevy version. The four-wheel-independent suspension consists of a strut-front and multilink-rear arrangement.
On the Saturn’s side is price, however, which, at $27,990, starts $2000 lower than the next-cheapest mechanical-twin, the GMC Acadia. Why the price difference? That’s a good question, one even the Saturn reps on hand during our drive couldn’t explain away with feature disparities. One thing the Acadia gets is a standard dual exhaust and, therefore, five more horsepower than a base Outlook XE. Big deal. Other distinctions are more a matter of taste. The Outlook gets unique front and rear sheetmetal and a slightly different interior. We can’t really complain about these big utes’ clean and elegant exterior or the handsome interiors. In fact, we preferred the Outlook’s interior to that of the last Acadia we drove, as the GMC version seems to have gone a little crazy with chrome, which surrounds each vent. In both vehicles, though, the hard-to-the-touch interior plastics whisper “cheap.”Powering every Lambda SUV is the “high feature” 24-valve DOHC 3.6-liter V-6 that’s been spreading throughout the General’s ranks of late. In base Outlook XE models, the smooth V-6 makes 270 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. Uplevel XR trim adds dual exhausts, which increase those numbers to 275 horsepower and 251 pound-feet. The only transmission available is a six-speed automatic with manumatic control.
The Vue Red Line is powered by a DOHC 3.6-liter V6 that delivers 250 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 243 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. It features a larger and lower front air opening, projector-beam foglamps, spoiler, a lowered suspension and 18-inch alloy wheels.
| To complete Saturn’s product overhaul, the company will add the compact, sleek-looking Astra (above) in late 2007 as a 2008 model, replacing the unloved and unlovely Ion (below right) that was introduced for 2003.
Five-door models come in two trims, XE and XR, while the three-door comes only in up-level XR trim. 16-inch wheels are standard (17s optional) on five-doors, while 17s are standard on three-doors with an 18-inch option. Welcome safety gear includes standard anti-lock brakes and available stability control (standard on the three-door, optional on the five). Supposedly the handsome and expensive-looking interior is unchanged from the Opel’s, which was not the case in the Opel Vectra–to–Saturn Aura transformation.
Prices should start around $16,000 for the Astra when it goes on sale this fall. source: www.caranddriven.com |
Saturn’s small sporty utility ditches the Honda engine for something from the corporate candy bin. It was a dirty little secret that Saturn tried to hide, but the press just couldn’t let it go. The last generation Saturn Vue Red Line’s 250 hp came courtesy of a Honda V-6. Nothing quite like using your competitor as a supplier, eh?
For 2008, Saturn is rectifying that predicament by using the same DOHC 3.6-liter V-6 as is found in the Chevrolet Equinox Sport and Pontiac Torrent GXP as well as optional in lesser Vues. The Vue Red Line still makes 250 hp, but now it’s 250 hp with a clean conscience, and that should be good for a few tenths to sixty. The V-6 routes its power through a six-speed automatic with a manumatic function to either the front or all four wheels.
Of course, this largest canvas for the Red Line styling team must be exploited. The Vue’s tall doors and rising beltline already lend it a sporting appearance; with the roof rack gone and the trucklet squatting over 18-inch wheels on a lowered sport suspension, the Vue Red Line becomes a surprisingly attractive mini-SUV. The gaping air intake in the lower front fascia looks capable of inhaling a good-sized mutt, and the smaller intakes flanking it could suck up entire litters of Chihuahuas and dachshunds one at a time, although their size fits with the Vue’s high waistline.
Around back, the Vue Red Line gets unique, multi-element taillamps and a fascia with two chrome exhaust tips. Saturn makes a point of mentioning the spoiler on the Red Line, but it’s the same spoiler as the hybrid Green Line gets. Lowering drag aids both speed and fuel economy, right?
Whether you want speed (Red Line) or economy (Green Line) the price should be right around $25,000.
source: www.caranddriven.com
Remember when Saturn offered buyers a different kind car because it was a different kind of car company? While a brilliant advertising campaign, it used to be true. Saturns had their own chassis, polymer body panels, engines, manufacturing plants, dealerships … the works. If you haven't been paying attention (and millions haven't) Saturn is now just another division of General Motors. This may not be a bad thing. The old L-Series were forgettable, Ions were lamentable, and their Relay minivans don't even warrant a pejorative adjective.
Saturn's soon-to-be current line up looks much better. The Aura sedan is terrific. The Sky is an o-so-fine roadster. And the new Outlook crossover is available just as people are awakening to the stupidity of using big SUVs for minivan tasks. The recently announced 2008 Astra completes the picture, adding a dash of European flair to the division that GM neglected like an ugly stepchild for so many years.
An OverVue
But what about the 2007 Saturn Vue? How does it fit in? Actually, it's a holdover from the original Saturn way of doing things. Unlike other vehicles that share its basic architecture (Chevrolet Equinox, Pontiac Torrent, Suzuki XL7), the Vue has rust-proof and dent-resistant body panels and its own engine line up. For years the Vue has been GM's only SUV to offer the corporation's efficient Ecotec 4-cylinder. The optional motor, strangely, was a fine Honda-sourced 3.5-liter V6. For 2007, Saturn added another unique engine, a mild-hybrid. This is the topic de jour.
A different green technology
Since plenty has been written about the gasoline-powered Saturn Vue in standard and high-performance Red Line trim, we'll focus attention on what makes the Vue Green Line different. It's all under the hood. Pop it open and you'll see what looks like a standard 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with a really big alternator. A skilled backyard mechanic would also recognize that there is no hydraulic power steering pump, and that the engine control module is super-sized. If this is supposed to be a hybrid, it sure doesn't look like what's under the hood of a Ford Escape or Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The Vue Green Line looks downright conventional.
This is absolutely by design, as GM's goal with the Green Line is to offer a 20-percent increase in fuel economy at a very low cost. The Green Line hits both goals, achieving an estimated 27 mpg city and 32 highway (29 mpg combined). This is a considerable improvement over the less-powerful base Vue that racks up figures of 22 mpg city/27 highway (25 mpg combined). The cost premium for the Green Line is less than $2000 over that of the standard 4-cylinder Vue. To keep things in perspective, the Ford Escape Hybrid, a much more sophisticated full gasoline-electric hybrid, is priced a full $5,500 over its conventionally powered counterpart. In this trade of green for green, the Escape hybrid provides a whopping 50-percent increase in city fuel economy combined with an 18-percent on the highway (36 city/31 highway).
The go behind the green
The star of the Green Line's engineering show is the dual-purpose motor-generator—that big alternator. Hung off the side of the engine in plain view, it not only performs the function of an alternator, but performs like an electric motor, delivering torque back to the gasoline engine when the power is needed most. The gasoline engine produces 170 horsepower and 164 pound-feet of torque, with another 115 lb-ft of torque on call from the electric motor.
This solution is elegant in its simplicity, as it enables the balance of the powertrain to remain much closer to a standard non-hybrid unit, saving on engineering and manufacturing costs. Electric power for the power steering, climate control and other accessories is driven by a modest battery pack that fits unnoticed behind the rear seat under the cargo floor.
Driving the green mile
On the road, the Green Line performs much like any other Vue, only you'll go farther on a tank of gas. The Vue starts conventionally, with no unfamiliar noises or physical sensations. Under acceleration, the 4-speed automatic shifts smoothly. It's only when you lift off the accelerator pedal that you note something different. Most vehicles coast with only a vague sense of slowing — not the Green Line. If you're not on the accelerator, you're slowing down, a result of the Green Line's regenerative braking system that is busy converting kenitec energy into electricity stored for later use. Applying the brakes also takes some getting use to, as they grab quickly and take lots of practice to achieve a smooth chauffer's stop.
Like other hybrids, the gasoline engine shuts down when the Vue is at rest. It is a funny sensation to have the engine just stop, and it took days to fight the urge to restart the engine at each traffic light. The electric motor/generator comes into play most often when accelerating from a rest. As the driver's foot releases the brake pedal, the motor-generator spins the engine's crankshaft up to speed in order to assist the gasoline engine with a smooth launch from a stop. The motor is also capable of providing additional torque when maximum acceleration is called for. Unlike other current hybrids, however, the Green Line does not run any distance on pure electric power; the motor-generator is a hybrid "helper."
Keeping track of all that is happening is a conventional gauge cluster. Unlike the unique instruments found in a Toyota Prius, Camry Hybrid, or the Escape Hybrid (imagine active diagrams charting energy use and flow), the Green Line's instrumentation is basic. Close inspection reveals a charge gauge that indicates when power is being added to or sucked from the onboard battery pack. Once under way, a telltale light illuminates "ECO" (for economy) when you're driving in a frugal manner — beating the EPA's fuel-economy figures. For those who pay attention to the tachometer, it has a position below zero rpm. Interesting, eh? The needle points there when the gasoline engine is not running in situations such as being stopped at a traffic light.
Shorts in the system
The entire system works well, but with two minor hiccups. The Ecotec engine doesn't re-start with buttery smoothness. Every the engine comes to life, it transmits a vibration through the passenger compartment, acting as a reminder that it's again burning fossil fuel. The 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid starts more smoothly.
The second issue is the steering. The Green Line utilizes electrically-assisted power steering. With the advances in video game technology, it would be an insult to the video games to compare the two in regards to steering feel. For many drivers the Green Line's lack of steering feel will not be a critical flaw. Driving pleasure is not part of this SUV's DNA, as it is with the Sky or Aura.
Other performance benchmarks are completely acceptable for parents hauling kids or environmental activist doing whatever they do when they're not cursing auto manufacturers. Acceleration to 60 mph comes up in a bit over 10 seconds, and there is adequate power to feel comfortable at a 75 mph cruise. Wind noise, especially along the windshield header, infiltrated an otherwise pleasant and comfortable cabin (the Vue received a refreshed, contemporary interior in 2006).
A lame duck
Saturn showed the 2008 Saturn Vue in November at the LA auto show. This model will replace the 2007 Vue sometime this summer with a Green Line version due in the fall of 2007. The newer model should prove to be a better performing vehicle, as it will use GM's new two-mode hybrid system that delivers a 45-percent gain in combined fuel economy verses the non-hybrid Vue model, GM says.
If you feel the need to drive a hybrid SUV, the current Vue Green Line is a solid choice. Keep in mind that a $2000 premium will require about eight years of driving 15,000 miles per year to earn back your savings in saved fuel.
Base Price: $22,370
Engine: 2.4-liter I4 with 170 hp/164 lb-ft, plus 115 lb-ft electric motor
Drivetrain: Four-speed automatic, two-wheel drive
Length x width x height: 181.3" x 71.6 x 65.3"
Wheelbase: 106.3"
Curb weight: 3474 lbs
Fuel economy (EPA city/hwy): 27 city/ 32 highway
Safety equipment: Front air bags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, available head curtain side airbags
Major standard equipment: Air conditioning, remote keyless entry, rear-window defroster, steering wheel radio controls, power windows, driver seat height adjustment, AM/FM/CD audio system, cruise control
Warranty: Three years/36,000 miles bumper to bumper, five years/100,000 miles on powertrain components
source: The Auto Channel
Making its official debut at the Chicago auto show, the Astra is the latest in Saturn’s product synergy between European Opel and U.S. Saturn products, and this one doesn’t even get a different name for North America. It will be nearly identical to the 2007.5 Opel Astra (below left) and sold in the U.S. and Canada in both three-door and five-door configurations.
All models will be powered by a 140-hp 1.8-liter Ecotec four-cylinder connected to either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. The new, much stricter ‘08 fuel economy ratings should put the Astra’s numbers around 23 city and 31 highway (roughly equivalent to 27/34 by ’07 fuel economy standards). Unfortunately, we don’t get the 200-hp 2.0-liter turbo and the six-speed manual that are available in the Opel.