saturn vue green

The gas engine powering the Vue Green Line 2 Mode will be GM's high-feature, direct-injection 3.6-liter V-6 that has been working its way around the automaker's lineup. In the conventional Vue, the engine makes 257 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque. Electric power comes from two 55 kilowatt electric motors integrated into the transmission. GM claims fuel economy for the Vue 2 Mode will be 50 percent better than that of the gas-only V-6 (which is rated at 16 city/22 highway) and that it will have a range of over 500 miles. The hybrid Vue's 0-60 time is expected to be around 7.3 seconds, with maximum towing load pegged to 3500 pounds, according to the automaker.

Chassis adjustments to compensate for the Vue Green Line 2 Mode's 189 pounds of extra heft include revised spring and stabilizer bar rates, along with recalibrated front struts and rear shock absorbers.

Not much is changing visually on the hybrid Vue. Of course, there are 2 Mode badges on the front doors and rear liftgate, and lightweight aluminum alloy rims shod with low-rolling resistance tires designed to further aid with fuel savings. Other subtle changes include chrome door handles, chrome dual exhaust tips and chrome skidplates front and rear. The tachometer is replaced by a fuel-efficiency gauge that also tells the driver when the vehicle is in electric-only mode, engine-only mode, or a combination of the two and serves as a reminder the vehicle is on even if the engine is off.