VUE RED LINE AND GREEN LINE HYBRID DELIVER BOLD LOOKS, PERFORMANCE TUNING AND VALUE
Source: GM Media
Two popular models return to the lineup with the all-new 2008 Saturn Vue: the performance-oriented Red Line and the Green Line hybrid. Each builds on the new Vue’s European design, and sporty ride and handling characteristics.
Red Line details
The Vue Red Line features an aggressive front-end design, including a large, lower air opening and projector beam fog lamps. The rear of the vehicle features a special fascia, spoiler and chrome trapezoid exhaust tips. A lowered suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels and Red Line badges complete the aggressive appearance.
From a performance perspective, the Red Line comes with standard tap up/tap down transmission control and sport-tuned ride and handling. It is powered by a dual overhead cam 3.6L V-6 VVT engine that delivers 257 horsepower (192 kW) at 6,500 rpm** and 248 lb.-ft. (336 Nm) of torque at 2,100 rpm.** The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The Vue Red Line will be available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
Interior modifications include a Red Line-exclusive black interior, including leather sport seats with red stitching and perforated suede fabric inserts. The vehicle also features unique Red Line instrument cluster graphics and embroidered floor mats.
Green Line hybrid details
The 2008 Vue Green Line hybrid will continue to provide consumers with an affordable hybrid that also provides uncompromised utility.
The hybrid system on the Vue Green Line combines sophisticated controls with an electric motor/generator mated to a 169-horsepower (126 kW) 2.4L four-cylinder engine and a modified four-speed automatic transmission. The system saves fuel by p roviding an electric power assist during acceleration; shutting off the engine at idle; early fuel cut-off during deceleration and capturing energy through regenerative braking. Fuel economy figures for the 2008 Vue will be announced later.
The 2008 Vue was first shown last November at the Greater Los Angeles International Auto Show, as an uplevel XR model. At the show, Saturn also announced it will offer a version of the Vue Green Line with GM’s new two-mode hybrid system, in the third quarter of 2008 . This system will provide a 4 5-percent improvement in fuel economy compared to its non-hybrid counterpart.
Additionally, General Motors committed to the production of a plug-in version of the Vue Green Line that will double the fuel economy performance of any SUV currently on the market. No date has been set for the introduction of the plug-in hybrid, but it is a top-priority program for the company.
The Vue Red Line will arrive in the third quarter of 2007 and the Vue Green Line hybrid will arrive in the fourth quarter of 2007.
