30.11.2006
Front-wheel-drive, 2-mode hybrid system debuts in 2008

GM will expand the industry’s most diverse portfolio of hybrid technologies in 2008 with the debut of its front-wheel-drive, 2-mode hybrid system in the Saturn Vue Green Line SUV, GM announced at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show.

By using this sophisticated hybrid technology, the Vue Green Line 2-mode Hybrid is expected to deliver up to a 45-percent improvement in combined city and highway fuel economy compared with the non-hybrid Vue, based on current federal test procedures.

“We are delivering on our promise to continue our steady rollout of additional hybrid applications, each offering different levels of affordability, fuel savings and performance,” said Tom Stephens, GM group vice president, GM Powertrain. “This will be the auto industry’s first front-wheel-drive vehicle to use a 2-mode hybrid system, which improves fuel economy while maintaining performance and capability.”

The Vue Green Line 2-mode Hybrid SUV will be powered by GM’s 3.6L V-6 gas engine, with direct injection and variable valve timing, a nickel-metal hydride battery pack and two active cooled permanent magnet motors.

This design is similar to the 2-mode hybrid system for rear-wheel-drive applications, which will debut next year in the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon full-size SUVs.

The 2-mode hybrid system improves fuel economy by the following operations:

Engine off at idle
Low speed electric-only propulsion
Electric boosting during brisk acceleration, climbing steep grades or towing
Cutting off fuel to the engine during vehicle deceleration
Regenerative braking
Engine speed and load control