Saturn
For release: Jan. 14, 2008, 12:01 a.m. EST
Vue Green Line 2 Mode, Vue Plug-In Green Line and Electric Flextreme Concept Dramatically Boost Fuel Efficiency and Reduce Emissions
DETROIT – In a trio of exclusives for Saturn at the North American International Auto Show, Saturn introduced what is expected to be the world’s most fuel-efficient V-6 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.
The 2009 Saturn Vue Green Line 2 Mode hybrid will go on sale late this year and is expected to be the world’s most fuel-efficient V-6 SUV. Saturn also announced production may begin as soon as 2010 on plug-in hybrid electric version of the Vue Green Line. In addition, Saturn revealed its Flextreme plug-in electric concept, which, in addition to its all-electric, emissions-free propulsion, features several unconventional customer-focused amenities.
“Saturn has always been about approaching the design, manufacture and sale of vehicles in an innovative and environmentally sensitive way,” said Jill Lajdziak, Saturn general manager. “On the heels of our complete product revitalization, we’re showing two new Vue Green Line hybrids and an exciting plug-in electric concept that demonstrate we are already looking ahead.”
Here’s a deeper look at what Saturn is introducing in Detroit:
Saturn Vue Green Line 2 Mode : The 2009 Saturn Vue Green Line 2 Mode Hybrid, Saturn’s third hybrid and the first front-wheel-drive, V-6 compact SUV in the world powered by General Motors’ two-mode hybrid technology, delivers the fuel savings of an advanced hybrid and the full 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 to the non-hybrid Vue XR.
In addition, the Vue 2-Mode Green Line’s 3.6L VVT V-6 engine with direct injection technology ensures that there are no trade offs in performance. The acceleration time from 0-60 is expected to be approximately 7.3 seconds and the maximum towing load will be 3,500 pounds. The hybrid system includes a sophisticated hybrid automatic transmission with twin 55-kW motors; and a 300-volt Energy Storage System, or battery pack.
The Vue Green Line 2 Mode features technologies and refinements in the fuel and exhaust systems that classify it as a 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 Flextreme Concept : The electric-drive Saturn Flextreme concept showcases General Motors’ breakthrough E-Flex electric propulsion technology that provides up to 34 miles of all-electric, emissions-free range. With its sleek, monocab design, the Flextreme looks as clean as it drives.
Multiple aesthetic and functional innovations include cameras that replace side-view mirrors and unconventional doors that allow easy entry and exit. 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, a clean and efficient 1.3L turbo-diesel onboard engine generates additional electricity to replenish the battery and extend the vehicle’s driving range.
A collaborative effort between Saturn and Opel, the Flextreme concept was developed to showcase the future design direction of both brands.
Saturn Vue Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle : Production may begin as soon as 2010 on a plug-in hybrid electric version of the Saturn Vue Green Line, expected to be the industry’s first 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 on the market.
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 electric vehicle will potentially double the fuel-efficiency of the Vue 2 Mode Hybrid.
In early testing, the Vue Green Line plug-in hybrid is capable of electric-only propulsion for more than 10 miles at slow to moderate 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.
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 will be located at the trailing edge of the front fender.
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Contact:
Kyle Johnson
Saturn Communications
Phone: 313-665-1113
E-mail: kyle.1.johnson@gm.com
Jim Burke
Product Development Communications
Phone: 586-492-2347
E-mail: james.f.burkeii@gm.com
Brian Corbett
GM Powertrain Communications
Phone: 2458-857-0323
E-mail: brian.corbett@gm.com