2009 Saturn Vue Green Line 2 Mode

The all-new 2009 Saturn Vue Green Line 2 Mode, 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. The Vue Green Line 2 Mode was unveiled today at the North American International Auto Show.

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

In addition, the Vue Green Line 2 Mode’s 3.6L VVT V-6 engine with direct injection technology ensures there are no trade-offs between performance and fuel economy. Acceleration time from 0-60 is expected to be around 7.3 seconds, and the maximum towing load will be 3,500 pounds (1588 kg).

Production is slated to begin in late 2008.

“The Saturn Vue Green Line 2 Mode challenges the notion that a compact SUV can’t be both powerful and efficient,” said Jill Lajdziak, Saturn general manager. “Customers tell us they want a compact SUV that will respect the environment and save money at the gas pump, but they don’t want to give up performance and utility. We’ve responded with the Vue Green Line 2 Mode.”

The 2009 Saturn Vue Green Line 2 Mode sports the same European-inspired design language of the non-hybrid Vue, completely redesigned for the 2008 model year. Subtle exterior changes include “2 Mode” badging on the front doors and rear liftgate; and lightweight aluminum alloy wheels and low-rolling resistance tires that enhance fuel economy. The Vue Green Line 2 Mode’s appearance is further accented by chrome door handles, chrome dual exhaust tips and chrome skid plates on the front and rear lower fascia.


The Vue Green Line 2 Mode features technologies and refinements in the fuel and exhaust systems that classify it as a Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) in the state of California and other states that have adopted California’s motor vehicle emissions rules. When it arrives in dealer showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2008, the Vue Green Line 2 Mode will be Saturn’s third hybrid, joining the Vue Green Line 4-cylinder hybrid SUV and the Aura Green Line sedan.

The Vue Green Line 2 Mode is GM’s first application of two-mode technology on a front-wheel-drive vehicle. The system is currently on the V-8-equipped Chevrolet Tahoe 2 Mode and GMC Yukon 2 Mode full-size SUVs, and becomes available in 2008 on the Cadillac Escalade 2 Mode luxury SUV and Chevrolet Silverado 2 Mode full-size pickup.



How the Vue Green Line 2 Mode Hybrid works
GM’s two-mode hybrid system in the Vue Green Line 2 Mode improves fuel economy by the following operations:


Engine off at idle
Low-speed, electric-only propulsion
Cutting off fuel to the engine during vehicle deceleration
Regenerative braking
Energy-efficient accessory systems


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, which consists of 22 nickel metal hydride modules and is packaged behind the second-row seat below the cargo floor.

The transmission is mated to GM’s 3.6L V-6 VVT with direct injection technology. In the first mode, at low speed and light load, the Vue Green Line 2 Mode 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 by the electric motors.

The second mode is used primarily 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 Green Line 2 Mode.


Direct injection V-6 boosts efficiency
The Vue Green Line 2 Mode’s standard engine is an advanced 3.6L V-6 VVT with direct injection, a member of GM’s family of high-feature V-6s. The direct injection engine 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 features include the use of acoustic foam in the engine valley and cover.


Specially tuned chassis for a smooth ride
Because the hybrid system changes the weight distribution on the Vue Green Line 2 Mode, 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 Green Line 2 Mode 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 Energy Storage System.

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 of gas. It also gives the Vue Green Line 2 Mode more precise steering inputs and better overall on-center feel.


Intuitive displays keep drivers in the know

The Saturn Vue Green Line 2 Mode’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.

Vue Green Line 2 Mode is generously equipped
In addition to its high-tech propulsion system, the Saturn Vue Green Line 2 Mode boasts a number of standard safety features including four-wheel anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, rollover detection system, 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 is growing
The Vue Green Line 2 Mode is the third hybrid to join the Saturn lineup. Other members of the Green Line family include the Vue (4-cylinder) Green Line and the Aura Green Line 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.

2008 Citroen C8

Building on the commercial success of its compact MPV range, recently bolstered by the C4 Picasso and Grand C4 Picasso, Citroën is continuing to develop models with spacious interiors by combining elegance and driving pleasure in its top-end C8 MPV.

Depending on the country, from the start of 2008 the C8 will be restyled inside and out, making its decidedly modern lines even more dynamic and enhancing the luxury of the cabin.


At the same time the C8 range will be extended, in some countries, with a new HDi diesel engine developing 173 bhp DIN (125 kW or 170 bhp EC), complete with a particulate filter (DPFS) and mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. In the course of 2008, the engine will also be available in some countries with a 6-speed automatic gearbox.

The new engine completes a range comprising a 2-litre 143 bhp 16V petrol injection engine available with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic gearbox, and two diesel engines, the HDi 120 and the HDI 138 DPFS, both with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

Already available on the C5 and C6, the HDi 173 DPFS is the flagship of Citroën’s range of 4-cylinder HDi engines. A number of innovative features (double parallel sequential turbo and new combustion and injection systems) provide outstanding driving pleasure by offering maximum torque of 273 lb/ft at a low 1,500 rpm. To complete the upgrade, Citroën has made changes to the running gear and brakes.

Finally, in addition to the new engine launch, new comfort equipment and driving aids have been added to the already richly equipped C8 range.

Updated, prestige styling
With its powerful and dynamic styling, the C8 stands out at first glance. The MPV features style changes that strengthen its top-range positioning and consolidate Citroën’s position in the large MPV segment.

The C8 front end features new, enlarged chevron motifs in the centre of tauter radiator grill lines, featuring small chrome bars stressing the vehicle’s statue-like elegance. The grille rim, with its more pronounced lines, provides the perfect junction with the bonnet and the headlights, taking perceived quality to new heights. The top-range appearance of the MPV is also reflected in new chrome door handles and painted body protectors with a chrome strip at front and rear.

As though echoing the front end, the rear chevrons are more imposing than before, clearly denoting that the MPV forms an integral part of the Citroën range. Finally, the reversing lights are translucent.


A new interior that says "top of the range"
The restyling of the C8 cockpit is in keeping with the exterior style changes. They stress the MPV’s top-of-the-range position and ensure a refined onboard atmosphere.



All the door wood trims, the steering wheel, the carpet, the mats and the upper dashboard arch are now black. The main contact parts (stowage compartments in front doors, glove box handle, air vent thumbwheels…) have been treated in soft paint for a more pleasant feel. Lastly, the top-range positioning of the C8 cabin is underlined by the use of a brilliant chrome finish on the door handles, gear lever and air vent cursors.


Roomy and versatile interior
All the changes made inside the C8 stress the space and comfort on board. With a 2.82 m wheelbase, the C8 meets the requirements of top-range MPV clients who want a truly spacious interior.





The design of the seats is a perfect illustration of the model’s versatility and stresses that all passengers are treated equally in terms of individualised comfort. The C8 can seat up to eight people on three rows of identical seats. Furthermore, the highly modular approach to seating means the luggage compartment can vary in size from 225 litres to 2,948 litres depending on the needs of the moment. This large volume, the width of at least 1,153 mm between the wheel arches, and the interior height are extremely practical.


Lastly, the cabin is particularly welcoming thanks to the electric sliding side doors which ensure easy boarding in all circumstances, even if the MPV is parked close to a wall or between two other vehicles.


An engine with many advantages
Supple and discreet

The HDi 173 DPFS engine brings excellent driving pleasure thanks to the double parallel sequential turbo, a genuine innovation on a 4-cylinder diesel engine. The double parallel sequential turbo ensures both ample torque at low engine speeds and instant response when the turbo is activated. The maximum torque of 273 lb/ft is reached at a low 1,500 rpm, and remains constant right up to 2,700 rpm, at the top of the most frequently used engine speed range.

The double parallel sequential turbo involves the use of two fixed-geometry turbo compressors identical in size. At low engine speeds, i.e. below 2,700 rpm, only one of the turbos operates. Its low inertia ensures that the engine is perfectly responsive. Above 2,700 rpm, it is bolstered by the second turbo to deliver the air intake needed over the full range of higher engine speeds.
A transitory phase, as the second turbo starts to rotate but is not yet connected to the admission, makes for smoother activation. The whole system is entirely controlled by the engine computer.

The use of two balancer shafts helps enhance the sense of driving pleasure by limiting engine vibration.





The HDi 173 DPFS engine is used in conjunction with a 6-speed manual gearbox that provides outstanding driving pleasure, ensuring extremely precise and rapid gear changes. The 6-speed gearbox is also compact, no bigger than a 5-speed unit, and results in no increase in turning circle.

In the course of 2008, this engine will also be made available in some countries with a 6-speed automatic gearbox.


Strict control of consumption and emissions
This engine also features a new ECCS combustion chamber (Extreme Conventional Combustion System) which optimises the air/fuel mix, and a third generation common rail whose pressure has been pushed up to 1,800 bars to ensure a finer fuel spray. This combination cuts emissions by around 30% compared with the previous generation 2.2-litre HDi while at the same time enhancing performance levels.

The new engine, which is systematically fitted with a particulate filter (DPFS), thus delivers combined-cycle consumption of 7.2 litres per 100 km and CO2 emissions of 191 g/km.


Upgraded running gear
The C8’s running gear has been adapted to match the more dynamic powertrain performance.




Fitted in all versions with pseudo-MacPherson strut suspension at the front and a torsion beam axle at the rear, the C8 has excellent directional stability and steering precision.
In its HDi 173 DPFS version, the C8 is also equipped with special rear shock absorbers and a special anti-roll bar, while the stiffness of the front struts has been stepped up. The overall result of these enhancements is the best possible trade-off between roadholding and comfort for active safety and top-level driving pleasure.


Optimised braking
To adapt the braking components to the C8’s enhanced performance levels, they have been resized: the ventilated 310 x 32 mm discs at the front have been enlarged, and are linked to dual-piston calipers. This configuration provides the C8 with precise, fade-free and easy-to-gauge braking.

Concentrated technology for exemplary well-being and safety


Intelligent driving assistance
The inclusion of the HDi 173 DPFS engine in the C8 range is accompanied by the arrival of complementary equipment to ensure the highest possible level of well-being.



The largest Citroën MPV is now equipped, in its Exclusive version, with front and rear parking aid systems.
Sensors in the front and rear bumpers detect obstacles near the vehicle. Audio signals played through the various loudspeakers, and a representation of the parking manoeuvre on the multi-function dashboard screen, show the precise location of any obstacles in the detection zone.

The C8 is equipped as standard on the Exclusive version with the new NaviDrive telematics system. Complete with a large colour screen, this system combines, together with the features of an integrated GSM phone, audio functions (radio, MP3-compatible CD player, hard disk storage up to 30 gigabytes, 10 of which are available in the Jukebox) and GPS navigation. The NaviDrive system has also been designed to offer complementary features: Citroën Emergency, Citroën Assistance, and Citroën On Line. Combined with the GPS and telephone functions, Citroën Emergency enables, depending on the country concerned, the determination of the vehicle’s location in the event of accident or driver incapacity, and access to call centre services.


The C8 can also be fitted with a Bluetooth hands-free kit, depending on the trim level, enabling the driver to easily use a cell phone while focusing complete attention on the driving situation.


Comprehensive safety equipment
To provide the driver with all the information and assistance needed for peace of mind, the C8 is equipped with a speed limiter, combined with the standard equipment cruise control depending on the country, and a low-tyre pressure detection system (available in some equipment packs) which identifies the wheel concerned.

Furthermore, to ensure maximum safety for occupants, all C8 models are equipped with a series of active safety systems, such as ABS, ASR, ESP, EBA and automatic warning light activation. And to ensure exemplary protection for all passengers, 6 airbags are available as standard equipment.

The effectiveness of all this equipment, combined with the car’s outstanding structural resistance, is reflected in the 5-star rating awarded to the C8 in the EuroNCAP test.



By seamlessly matching the C8’s features with the most powerful four-cylinder HDi engine in the Citroën range, the C8 HDi 173 DPFS offers outstanding motoring comfort, unique styling, remarkable spaciousness and equipment that make it one of the best in its class.

Alfa Romeo SUV to look like this?

Alfa Romeo will launch its first SUV in 2010. It will come to compete with Audi Q5 or BMW X3, and will feature sporty ambitions and extravagant design as well as excellent comfort.

It will be based on the Kamal SUV Concept launched in 2003 at the Geneva Motor Show. It will be offered in both three- and five-doors versions and is supposed to be based on the same Premium platform, which is now being used by models 159 and Brera vehicles.

Little under five meters, the future Alfa SUV will inherit the aggressive nature of the Kamal Concept. It will be powered by a 3.2 V6 engine with an output of 250 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. A diesel engine will also be available. The 2009 CXover will have a top speed of around 140 mph and will make the 0 to 60 mph sprint in 7 seconds

Cayenne GTS coming without manual transmission?

The Cayenne GTS has been announced in September 2007. But even before it even hits the streets, Porsche is coming with a bad news: the six-speed manual which appears for the first time in a NAR-market Cayenne V8 - may be missing.

Dubspeed Driven tried to post an order for a six-speed GTS with all the trimmings, but was surprised to receive a call from his dealer today informing him that availability of manual-transmission GTS models would be delayed until further notice, or perhaps indefinitely. The only way to retain his spot in the GTS line would be to spend the extra $3,000 and take the Tiptronic transmission.

Porsche has made much hay of the GTS prior to its arrival. The 405-horsepower SUV, which starts at $69,300 but easily reaches to $95,000 or more with the leather dashboard, full-length sunroof, and convenience options, was meant to fill the massive gap between the $57,900, 385-horsepower Cayenne S and the $93,700, 500-horsepower Cayenne Turbo. Mating the aggressive looks of the Turbo with a special steel-spring suspension and available six-speed manual transmission, the GTS was positioned as the enthusiast’s choice in the Cayenne family.