Can't wait to become part of The Green Revolution? You're in luck, Al and Kermit, because 2008 should be your year. High-mileage hybrids are blooming like lily pads in a pond fertilized by too much farm runoff. Case in point, by the end of this year you'll be able to hop on over to your local Saturn retailer and have your pick of three politically correct models.
The four-cylinder Vue and Aura Green Lines have been on sale for months, offering drivers a practical, low-cost green option. An even greener choice (in terms of MSRP) will be the Vue Green Line 2 Mode. It arrives in dealerships later this year, and showcases GM's first front-wheel-drive application of their two-mode hybrid technology that was co-developed with BMW and the old DaimlerChrysler.
Unlike the previous edition of the Vue Green Line (2007), 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.
While we can't comment on how the new Vue hybrid drives, we can tell you what GM told us leading up to the little ute's Detroit auto show introduction. The powertrain combines GM's corporate 3.6-liter direct-injected V-6 with variable valve timing (as in the Cadillac CTS) with a pair of electric motors rated at 55 kilowatts each. Fuel economy is claimed to be up to 50 percent better, compared to similarly equipped V-6 Vues. By our estimates, this would put city mileage at 24 mpg. Highway mileage won't increase by 50 percent, but it would be reasonable to assume that 28 mpg is attainable, as Saturn did boast a more than 500-mile range from the 18.4 gallon tank - do the math.
This type of mileage increase is in line with the gains seen on GM's full-size two-mode SUVs. However, we wonder why it falls short of Toyota's city EPA rating of 27 mpg for their Highlander Hybrid … we'll ask at the press conference. At 28 mpg, the Green Line 2 Mode outsips the Toyota's V-6, single-mode hybrid by 3 mpg on the highway. (Do keep in mind that if maximum economy is your goal, the standard Vue Green Line racks up EPA numbers of 27/32 mpg.)
The hybrid system in the Vue Green Line 2 Mode works its fuel economy magic by turning the engine off at idle; using electric-only low-speed propulsion; by cutting off fuel to the engine during vehicle deceleration; by using regenerative braking via its four-wheel discs with anti-lock control; by incorporating energy-efficient accessory systems such as electric power steering; and by providing electric assist at city and highway speeds.
Additionally, and unlike single-mode hybrids, the Vue's two-mode system maximizes city and highway fuel economy by integrating two electric (as compared to one) continuously variable motors with four fixed mechanical gear ratios. This combination is capable of electric-only low-speed drive like single-mode hybrids, and also includes the ability for the electric motors to take on a significant amount of the work necessary to run at highway speeds. Single-mode and mild hybrids only provide bursts of power at higher speeds, not a continuous source of power.
Energy to power the 55-kW motors comes from a 1.8-kWh, 300-volt nickel-metal hydride battery pack, which consists of 22 nickel-metal-hydride modules packaged behind the second-row seat below the cargo floor. Interestingly, reverse is driven by the electric motors.
Saturn knows that those attracted to the Green Line 2 Mode want more than just economy. These buyers want a full-function, no-compromise SUV. The newest Vue is rated to tow 3500 pounds and is expected to run 0-60 mph in approximately 7.3 seconds. By comparison, the standard Green Line takes another three seconds to hit the same mark, and its towing capabilities are still listed as TBD on GM's press-only product information Web site. The 2 Mode's performance achievements are all the more impressive given that the more capable Green Line weighs 200 pounds more than a non-hybrid V-6 Vue.
In terms of no-compromise performance, the new Vue should be on par with the 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid and Lexus RX400h - no small achievement. Regardless of whether it's worth the premium Saturn must charge for this effective but complex technology, the 2 Mode's appeal should be especially strong to those who see the world through Al Gore's eyes … or Kermit's.
;)
