From the Clutches of the Grave: Saturn Vue 2-Mode Hybrid rated at 27/30 mpg by EPA

From the Clutches of the Grave: Saturn Vue 2-Mode Hybrid rated at 27/30 mpg by EPA

Filed under: Hybrid, Crossover, Saturn

Saturn Vue 2-Mode Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

While perusing the EPA's fuel economy listings, one of our readers stumbled across a vehicle that we didn't even know had been rated. The 2-Mode Hybrid version of the Saturn Vue had initially been scheduled to go into production in November of 2008. However, as General Motors careened toward financial apocalypse, many product programs were put on hold or canceled altogether. Among those was the new hybrid Vue, which was delayed at least twice before finally being terminated altogether in late spring.

It appears that the EPA had already completed its testing regimen last fall and had officially rated the 2-Mode Vue at 27 city, 30 highway and 28 mpg combined. Compared to the existing mild-hybrid Vue, this doesn't look particularly great, since that one also had a 28 mpg combined rating (25 city and 32 highway). The mild hybrid, of course, used a four cylinder engine while the 2-Mode would have had the 3.6-liter V6, giving it much better performance and a 3,500 pound tow rating.

Saturn did pretty much hit its target of a 50-percent improvement in combined efficiency compared to the non-hybrid V6 Vue, which carries a 19 mpg combined rating. The Vue doesn't look as impressive as the Ford Escape Hybrid that's rated at 34/31 mpg, but the Ford is powered by a four cylinder and is smaller and lighter. A closer comparison might be the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, which while larger is also V6 powered. The Toyota is rated at 27/25 mpg and 26 mpg combined.

We know that the Vue will never be built, but GM has promised to put the new hybrid system into other vehicles in its lineup - perhaps even with a smaller and more efficient engine to improve overall efficiency. Thanks to Mike for the tip!

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Saturn VUE 2 Mode Hybrid

[Source: EPA]
All Photos Copyright (C) 2008 Alex N��ez / Weblogs, Inc.

From the Clutches of the Grave: Saturn Vue 2-Mode Hybrid rated at 27/30 mpg by EPA originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics Aplenty: Tesla finally drops real images of Roadster Sport

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Tesla, Alternative Fuel

Tesla Roadster Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's been seven months since Tesla first announced its intentions to build the Roadster Sport, a higher performing version of its electric sportscar. Seemingly many moons later, the Silicon Valley-based automaker has finally offered up some real high-res images of the EV along with more details explaining what makes the Sport extra special.

First and foremost, the Sport's hand-wound electric motor adds a bit more oomph to the already quick Roadster, taking off two-tenths of a second in the rush to 60 mph (it now checks in at just 3.7 seconds). Also included are bare carbon fiber hood louvers and rear spoiler, a push-button transmission selector to replace the aluminum shift knob and a central touch screen that displays estimated range along with the total number of oil barrels saved over a fossil-fueled automobile. That's worth the $20K price increase itself, don't 'cha think?

Gallery: Tesla Roadster Sport

[Source: Tesla]

Pics Aplenty: Tesla finally drops real images of Roadster Sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo takes to the streets

Filed under: Frankfurt Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Videos, Porsche

2010 Porsche 911 Turbo - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Ah yes. Now that you've read the press release on the new and improved 2010 Porsche Turbo, wouldn't you like to watch the video press release? Sure you would! Warning: if Claude Lelouch's C'�tait un Rendezvous is the automotive video equivalent of bacon wrapped pate de foie gras, the three videos we got after the jump are a rice cake, a sprig of parsley and a can of Tab, respectively. Still, they are videos of the new 997.5 Turbo and in one of them the car is actually moving. That's got to count for something, right?

Gallery: 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo

Continue reading VIDEO: 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo takes to the streets

VIDEO: 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo takes to the streets originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Aug 2009 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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