Green Articles
Saturn On the 'Green'
Saturn cements its credentials as GM’s green brand with the unveiling of three hybrids.
By Mark Wheeler : autos.msn.com : January 14, 2008
Saturn confirmed its commitment to being part of the solution to the energy issue with “affordable technology” demonstrated by three hybrids unveiled in Detroit.
In a trio of exclusives for Saturn, President and General Manager Troy Clarke introduced what is expected to be the world’s most fuel-efficient V6 SUV; the industry’s first plug-in hybrid electric production vehicle; and the North American debut of a plug-in electric concept that achieves up to 34 miles of all-electric, emissions-free propulsion.
Clarke announced that the 2009 Saturn Vue Green Line 2 Mode hybrid will go on sale late this year but could not confirm prices. Saturn also announced production may begin as soon as 2010 on a plug-in hybrid electric version of the Vue Green Line.
Saturn Vue Green Line 2 Mode Hybrid
The Vue Green Line 2 Mode Hybrid is Saturn’s third hybrid and the first front-wheel-drive V6 compact SUV to use GM’s two-mode hybrid technology. It delivers the fuel savings of an advanced hybrid and the power and towing capability of an SUV.
While final testing is not yet complete, the Vue Green Line 2 Mode is expected to deliver an estimated 50 percent fuel economy improvement compared with the non-hybrid Vue XR.
In addition, the Vue 2-Mode Green Line’s 250-horsepower 3.6-liter VVT V6 engine with direct injection technology ensures that there are no trade-offs in performance.
The acceleration time from 0-60 mph is expected to be approximately 7.3 seconds and the maximum towing load will be 3,500 lbs. The hybrid system includes automatic transmission with twin 55 kW (approx. 74 hp) motors; and a 300-volt Energy Storage System.
The Vue Green Line 2 Mode features technologies and refinements in the fuel and exhaust systems that classify it as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero-Emissions Vehicle (ATPZEV) in the state of California and other states that have adopted California’s motor vehicle emissions rules.
Saturn Vue Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle
Production may begin as soon as 2010 on what is expected to be the industry’s first production plug-in hybrid electric vehicle and potentially the world’s most fuel-efficient production vehicle.
The Vue Green Line plug-in hybrid 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 would potentially double the fuel-efficiency of the Vue 2 Mode Hybrid.
The hybrid is currently capable of electric-only propulsion for around 10 miles at slow to moderate speeds. At higher speeds a combination of engine and electric power or engine power-only drives the vehicle. Clarke said the vehicle development was highly advanced but the limiting factor was battery technology.
To recharge the vehicle’s lithium-ion batteries when the vehicle is parked, Vue plug-in owners will simply connect the vehicle to any standard household electrical outlet. The connection port on the vehicle is located on the front fender.
Saturn Flextreme Concept
The electric-drive Saturn Flextreme concept showcases GM’s E-Flex electric propulsion technology that provides up to 34 miles of all-electric, emissions-free range. Flextreme’s monocab design was produced through a collaborative effort between Saturn and Opel showcases the future design direction of both brands.
Multiple aesthetic and functional innovations include cameras that replace side-view mirrors and gullwing doors to ease access. Unlike typical vehicles and gas-electric hybrids, the Saturn Flextreme concept features GM’s E-Flex System that uses an electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery to propel it for up to 34 miles of electric-drive-only range. The battery can be recharged in just three hours.
On the road, an efficient 1.3-liter turbodiesel engine generates additional electricity to replenish the battery and extend the vehicle’s driving range.