2009 Saturn Vue hybrid gets 300HP V6
#1
2009 Saturn Vue hybrid gets 300HP V6
http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dl...829545584/1056
Isn't this the same mistake Honda made with their accord hybrid. Going with a big V6 over a smaller V6 or 4 cyl.?
I think they should have saved the DI 3.6L for Cadillacs new Theta II crossover and gave the Vue a Direct injection 2.8L or even the 2.4L. The goal should be to best the Ford Escape in fuel economy. Could this 2 mode Vue do that? Personally I doubt it will get better mileage than a Mild hybrid Vue.
Vue 3.6L FWD = 16/23
Vue Mild hybrid 2.4L = 25/32
Vue 3.6L hybrid =? 24?/34? (that is 50% over the 3.6L Vue )
The 2009 Vue Green Line 2 Mode mates a direct-injection, 3.6-liter V6 with a front-drive transmission that houses two 55-kilowatt electric motors
I think they should have saved the DI 3.6L for Cadillacs new Theta II crossover and gave the Vue a Direct injection 2.8L or even the 2.4L. The goal should be to best the Ford Escape in fuel economy. Could this 2 mode Vue do that? Personally I doubt it will get better mileage than a Mild hybrid Vue.
That setup lets the Vue 2 Mode run in electric-only mode at low speeds and reverse. It also has fuel shutoff during deceleration and regenerative braking. GM says this hybrid Vue will get 50 percent better fuel economy than its nonhybrid counterpart, with a range of 500 miles on a full tank.
Vue Mild hybrid 2.4L = 25/32
Vue 3.6L hybrid =? 24?/34? (that is 50% over the 3.6L Vue )
Last edited by Z28x; 01-07-2008 at 02:50 PM.
#2
I bet it is tuned differently than the 304 hp Caddy version. How is the Vue going to get 34 mpg highway when the more aero-friendly CTS only gets 27-28 on the highway?
I would think it might be tuned for more of a lean burn, lower power output setup.
I would think it might be tuned for more of a lean burn, lower power output setup.
#4
Those are not the real number. GM says 50% increase so I just multiplied both the city and hwy. Like the Tahoe, I expect the city to improve much more than the hwy.
#5
Also FWIW I dont know why they didnt drop the DI I4 in there, and it might have been packaging or a hundred other reasons...
#6
The Car Connection is estimating 24/28, which makes the 2-mode's mileage worse than the 27/32 of the mild hybrid Green Line - though they quote 7.3 seconds to 60 vs. 10.3. But I think you're right. Same mistake Honda made. This system paired with a 4 cylinder could have provided some really meaningful economy gains - and if mileage is the ultimate goal, won't most buyers give up a little acceleration to achieve it? I guess it is a huge improvement over the normal V6 Vue, though, which is just a pig for this class.
#7
I too find this an odd move from Saturn/GM. The whole point of having a hybrid is to get better fuel economy. Unless GM plans to only offer one engine choice soon then this would work for both those wanting some power and those for hybrid duty. But if Saturn plans to keep the non-hybrid engine around make the hybrid one a 4 cyl. and get all the gas savings possible. It's ok to get over 30mpg city in a small SUV the public won't be mad!
#8
GM did the same thing with the two mode tahoe. It put the 6.0L engine in it instead of a 5.3. I wonder what this system and the system in the tahoe would do with smaller engines.
Could their be a reason that the need it? Would the car feel sluggish without enough low torque maybe due in part because the extra weight of the batteries?
Could their be a reason that the need it? Would the car feel sluggish without enough low torque maybe due in part because the extra weight of the batteries?
#9
...but doesn't this allow you to have the performance you may need and great milage? You aren't going to tow much with a little 4-banger hybrid in there. Remember, this is a Sport-Ute, not a little family sedan.
The 0-60 of 7.3 seconds is dang impressive for a hybrid.
Dan
The 0-60 of 7.3 seconds is dang impressive for a hybrid.
Dan
#10
GM did the same thing with the two mode tahoe. It put the 6.0L engine in it instead of a 5.3. I wonder what this system and the system in the tahoe would do with smaller engines.
Could their be a reason that the need it? Would the car feel sluggish without enough low torque maybe due in part because the extra weight of the batteries?
Could their be a reason that the need it? Would the car feel sluggish without enough low torque maybe due in part because the extra weight of the batteries?
#13
#14
New. And that's the new BAS Vue rather than the old one. It actually gets slightly better mileage than the 2007 even under the new ratings. There will be two Vue Green Line models now, BAS and two-mode, both on sale at the same time.
#15
I know people are saying it should get better mileage than the escape, but has anyone driven one of these? I haven't, but the HP ratings for a vehicle this large seem to be quite small.
I do have some relatives in FL that have a prius. They say they have problems when going up some hills, small hills. Maybe that is what they are trying to avoid with this one. I would like to see the official numbers on the mileage though. I hope they are good.
I do have some relatives in FL that have a prius. They say they have problems when going up some hills, small hills. Maybe that is what they are trying to avoid with this one. I would like to see the official numbers on the mileage though. I hope they are good.