2009 Vue 2 Mode Hybrid

For immediate release

2009 SATURN VUE 2 MODE HYBRID

Vehicle Highlights

Model Lineup

 

Engine

Transmission

 

3.6L DOHC V-6

2-mode FWD
(2MT70)

Vue 2 Mode Hybrid

s

s

Key
s standard

2009 SATURN VUE 2 MODE HYBRID WILL BE THE WORLD’S MOST FUEL-EFFICIENT V-6 SUV

The all-new 2009 Saturn Vue 2 Mode Hybrid, 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.

Production of the Vue 2 Mode Hybrid begins later this year, with vehicles expected in Saturn retailer showrooms in early 2009.

“The Saturn Vue 2 Mode Hybrid defies the notion that a compact SUV can’t be both powerful and efficient,” said Jill Lajdziak, Saturn general manager. “Not only will Saturn deliver the world’s most fuel efficient V-6 SUV, but Saturn is the only brand to offer two different hybrid options on the same model.”

The Vue 2 Mode Hybrid is expected to deliver an estimated 50-percent fuel economy increase over the non-hybrid V-6 Vue XR. It also is expected to have a driving range of more than 500 miles (800 km).

It features technologies and refinements in the fuel and exhaust systems that classify it as an Advanced Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (APZEV) in the state of California and other states that have adopted California’s motor vehicle emissions rules. It is GM’s first application of two-mode technology on a front-wheel-drive vehicle.

Powerful 3.6L V-6 VVT engine

The Vue 2 Mode Hybrid’s 3.6L VVT V-6 engine with direct injection technology ensures there are no trade-offs between performance and fuel economy. Horsepower is estimated at 255 (190 kW) and torque is estimated at 252 lb.-ft. (341 Nm). Acceleration from 0-60 is expected to be approximately 7.3 seconds, and the maximum towing load is 3,500 pounds (1,588 kg) – just like the non-hybrid Vue XR.

The direct injection engine, a member of GM’s family of high-feature V-6s, 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 measures in the engine compartment include the use of acoustic foam in the engine valley and cover.

Two-mode hybrid transmission

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, comprising 22 nickel metal hydride modules. It is packaged behind the second-row seat, below the cargo floor.

In the first mode, at lower speed and lighter loads the Vue 2 Mode Hybrid 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 solely by the electric motors.

The second mode is used primarily to optimize fuel economy 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 2 Mode Hybrid.

GM’s two-mode hybrid system also improves fuel economy by the following operations:

Specially tuned chassis

Because the hybrid system changes the weight distribution on the Vue 2 Mode Hybrid, 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 2 Mode Hybrid 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 nickel-metal hydride battery pack.

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. It also gives the Vue 2 Mode Hybrid more precise steering inputs and better overall on-center feel.

Exterior

The 2009 Saturn Vue 2 Mode Hybrid sports the same European-inspired design language of the non-hybrid Vue. Exterior differences include “2 Mode” and “Hybrid” badging, lightweight aluminum alloy wheels, a lowered ride height and low rolling-resistance tires that enhance fuel economy. The Vue 2 Mode Hybrid’s appearance is further accented by chrome door handles, chrome dual exhaust tips and chrome skid plates on the front and rear lower fascia.

Intuitive displays

The Saturn Vue 2 Mode Hybrid’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.

Generously equipped

In addition to its high-tech propulsion system, the Saturn Vue 2 Mode Hybrid boasts a number of standard safety features including four-wheel anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, rollover detection system, electronic trailer sway control, 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

The Vue 2 Mode Hybrid is the third hybrid to join the 2009 Saturn lineup. Other members of Saturn’s hybrid vehicle family include the four-cylinder Vue Hybrid and the Aura Hybrid 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.

# # #

Contacts:
Mike Morrissey
Saturn Communications
Phone: 313-665-4230
E-mail: mike.morrissey@gm.com

Jim Burke
Product Development Communications
Phone: 586-492-2347
E-mail: james.f.burkeii@gm.com

Brian Corbett
GM Hybrid Technology Communications
Phone: 248-857-0323
E-mail: brian.corbett@gm.com

PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS: 2009 SATURN VUE 2 MODE HYBRID

Overview

Models:

2009 Saturn Vue 2 Mode Hybrid

Body style / driveline:

five-door, five-passenger, front-engine and transaxle, front-wheel drive with 2-Mode hybrid assist

Construction:

steel spaceframe with front and rear crumple zones; steel front fenders, door panels, rear quarter panels and bumper beams; galvanized steel hood. roof and liftgate

EPA vehicle class:

sport utility vehicle

Manufacturing location:

Ramos Arizpe, Mexico

Key competitors:

Toyota Highlander Hybrid; Ford Escape Hybrid

Engine

Type:

3.6 V-6 VVT (variable valve timing) with spark-ignition, direct injection (DI)

Application:

Saturn Vue 2 Mode Hybrid

Displacement (cu in / cc):

217 / 3564

Bore & stroke (in / mm):

3.7 x 3.37 / 94 x 85.6

Block material:

sand-cast aluminum with cast-in-bore liners

Cylinder head material:

cast aluminum

Valvetrain:

DOHC, four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing (VVT)

Ignition system:

individual coil-on-plug, individual cylinder knock control

Fuel delivery:

direct high-pressure fuel injection

Compression ratio:

11.3:1

Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm):

255 / 190 @ 5800 (est)

Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm):

252 / 341 @ 4000 (est)

Recommended fuel:

unleaded regular

Maximum engine speed (rpm):

6000

Emissions controls:

dual close-coupled catalytic converters, positive crankcase ventilation; inlet and exhaust cam phasers with internal exhaust gas recirculation (no EGR / AIR required); evaporative emissions system. Advanced Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (APZEV)

Estimated fuel economy (mpg city / hwy):

TBD

Hybrid System

Transmission type

two-mode continuous electric ratio hybrid transmission with four fixed gears (2MT70)

Application:

Saturn Vue 2-Mode Hybrid

Gear ratios (:1)

 

First:

3.26

Second:

1.88

Third:

1.00

Fourth:

0.64

Reverse:

EV – 2.2

EVT1:

infinite – 1.70

EVT2:

1.70 – 0.4

Final drive ratio:

3.02

Motors (2):

55 kilowatts each

Battery type / quantity:

nickel-metal hydride / 22 modules

Energy Storage System:

1.8 kWh, 300V

Power control:

AC / DC

Chassis/Suspension

Front:

independent, strut-type with coil springs, anti-roll bar (recalibrated)

Rear:

independent, trailing arm with three lateral locating links, anti-roll bar and coil springs (recalibrated)

Steering type:

electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion (REPS)

Steering ratio:

17.2:1

Steering wheel turns, lock-to-lock:

2.75

Turning circle, curb-to-curb (ft / m):

40 / 12.2

Traction control:

all-speed using engine torque reduction and brake intervention

Brakes

Type:

four-wheel anti-lock disc; fully blended electro-hydraulic system with 100% regenerative braking, 100% friction braking or combination of both

Front disc (diameter x thickness, in / mm):

11.7 x 1.14 / 296 x 29

Rear disc (diameter x thickness in / mm):

11.9 x .78 / 303 x 20

Total swept area (sq in / sq cm):

67 / 38

Wheels/Tires

Wheel size and type:

17-in. x 7-in. forged aluminum

Tires:

P225/65R17 ALS low-rolling resistance

Dimensions
Exterior

Wheelbase (in / mm):

106.6 / 2707

Overall length (in / mm):

180.1 / 4576

Overall width (in / mm):

72.8 / 1850

Overall height (in / mm):

66.2 / 1681

Track (in / mm):

61.4 / 1562

Minimum ground clearance (in / mm):

6.9 / 175

Approach angle (degrees):

14.4

Departure angle (degrees):

16.25

Step-in height (in / mm):

front: 16.5 / 418
rear: 17.0 / 433

Curb weight (lb / kg):

4265 / 1934.5

Weight distribution (% front / rear):

58 / 42

Interior

 

Front

Rear

Seating capacity:

2

3

Headroom (in / mm):

40.2 / 1023

39.3 / 1000

Legroom (in / mm):

40.7 / 1036

36.9 / 939

Shoulder room (in / mm):

56.0 / 1424

55.9 / 1422

Hip room (in / mm):

52.6 / 1338

52.9 / 1344

Capacities

EPA passenger volume (cu ft / L):

97.7 / 2769

EPA interior volume (cu ft / L):

126.9 / 3596

Cargo volume (cu ft / L):

behind front seat: 56.4 / 1598

behind second-row seat at normal position: 27 / 764.5

Trailer towing maximum (lb / kg):

3500 / 1588

Fuel tank (gal / L):

18.4 / 69.6

Engine oil (qt / L):

5.5 / 5.2

Cooling system (qt / L):

TBD

Note: Information shown is current at time of publication.

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