2009 Saturn Vue Hybrid

I discuss the 2009 Saturn Vue hybrid in this article, including topics such as its engine, fuel economy, design, and availability.

Introduction

At long last, General Motors have officially and finally announced their long talked about 2009 Saturn Vue Hybrid. This car is considered to be an innovation among hybrids since it has something more to offer compared to other hybrid vehicles in the market.

Popularity At Its Best

Most experts consider that the 2009 Saturn Vue Hybrid would be the most popular among all hybrids. This kind of expectation may be due to several reasons, mostly related to what the car has to offer its consumers. Nevertheless, Saturn still keeps up with consumer expectations as they continue to improve their Vue model.

Their 2009 model has been the talk of the town lately since it was noted that this car makes use of General Motor's newest motor system, which is the Two-Mode Green System.

It's All About The Engine

Since hybrids are known well for their engines, then you should expect this car to have a pretty specialized one. It actually has a gas engine that has 3.6-liter V-6 direct-injection, which has been working its way up the automaker's lineup.

For starters, you should know that the conventional Vue would have an engine that has the ability to make 248 lb-ft of torque and 257 horsepower. Its electric power consequently comes from two transmission integrated 55 kilowatt electric motors. It's really noteworthy that merely the older model can already be considered to be a mean machine.

What is pretty interesting though is that General Motor actually claims that the fuel economy for their newest model, which is the Vue 2 Mode would be 50% way better in contrast to their gas-only V-6. Additionally they claim that their new model would also have a 500 mile range.

Believe it or not, the 2009 Saturn Vue Hybrid is so powerful that its 0-60 time is actually expected to be about 7.3 seconds. It would also have a maximum towing load fixed at a maximum of 3500 pounds.

The Results Of Good Team Work

What most people don't know is that this car's 2-Mode system is actually co-developed with former DaimlerChrysler and BMW. This system actually has the ability for regenerative braking. Another perk would be its engine idle off feature. The system also has various modes like electric-only operation during low speeds, around 30 mph.

The 2-Mode system also has well-organized accessory systems such as the electric power steering. Additionally, this car wouldn't have any traditional reverse gear. Hence, there's no more need to worry about doing scary reverse maneuvers, since all your reversing operations would be powered by your car's electric motors.

Viewing Down Under

The 2009 Saturn Vue Hybrid vehicle doesn't only impress from the outside nor the inside, but even its down under view can impress anyone. In fact, this model has gone chassis improvements and adjustments, so that it could compensate for its massive 189 pounds of additional heft, which includes stabilizer bar rates and revised springs. It also has recalibrated front struts, along with rear shock absorbers.

The Outer Make-Up

Generally, the physical appearance of the 2009 model is somewhat the same with the older version. In reality, not much has changed visually for this model. However, of course, you would find this car to have 2 Mode badges on its front doors. The bandages could also be found at its rear liftgate.

The car also sports rims that are made up of lightweight aluminum alloy. It also has special tires that are actually low-rolling resistance, which are designed to additional aid you with your fuel savings.

Additionally, subtle changes have been. One of these would be the car's chrome door handles. In fact, it also has dual exhaust tips and rear and front skid plates that are all made up of chrome. The older version's tachometer was also replaced with a fuel-efficienct gauge, which also informs you whenever your vehicle is currently on engine-only mode, electric-only mode, or the combination of both. Hence, your gauge also serves to be a reminder that your car is actually turned on, even if you know that your engine is turned off.

The arrival of the Vue Green Line 2 Mode, which is scheduled to go into production in late 2008, questions the future of the existing "mild-hybrid" Vue Green Line. It appears GM is going to keep that model around as a lower-cost alternative, but the presence of two similarly named models may confuse some customers. Pricing and other details of the Vue Green Line 2 Mode will be released closer to launch.

For sure, the 2009 Saturn Vue Hybrid would definitely be a great buy if you're really on the hunt for something that can save you money and at the same time has a deadly engine!