Saturn unveiled the production version of its 2007 Vue Green Line Hybrid at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The SUV is the first GM vehicle powered by a new, more affordable hybrid system, and its the first in a new line of fuel efficient vehicles to be sold under the 'Green Line' banner.

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Some the highlights of the system are as follows:

• Hybrid powertrain rated at 170 horsepower (127 kw)
• EPA estimated 27 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway
• Unique, less complex (and less expensive) electric motor/generator
• 2.4L VVT four-cylinder engine and 4T45-E four-speed transmission
• Advanced NiMH hybrid battery pack capable of delivering and receiving more than 10 kW of peak power

The Vue Green Line delivers an estimated 20% improvement in fuel economy, depending on driving conditions. It is expected to deliver an EPA estimated 27 mpg in the city and the best highway mileage of any SUV at 32 mpg. For comparison, a 2005 4-cylinder front-wheel drive automatic Vue gets 22 mpg in city driving and 27 mpg on the highway. In addition, the hybrid powertrain packs 170 hp, 30 more horsepower than its non-hybrid sibling. A Green Line-specific instrument cluster with a new "charge/assist" readout indicates when the vehicle is in the battery charging or electrical assist modes, and a tachometer that has 'AUTO STOP' and 'OFF' readouts. AUTO STOP indicates when the engine shuts off and OFF indicates when the key is either turned off or removed from the ignition. Also, an 'ECO' indicator illuminates whenever instant fuel economy exceeds the EPA-average fuel economy ratings.

"Environmental friendliness has been a core value of Saturn, and will be an important part of its future," Saturn General Manager Jill Lajdziak told Automotive News last year. "As Saturn continues an aggressive product lineup expansion, a hybrid version of the popular Vue is a natural addition," said Lajdziak. "The Vue Green Line strengthens our position as an environmentally aware brand that provides great value – an attribute that has always appealed to Saturn customers." The Vue Green line will be available in the summer of 2006. Saturn says Vue's hybrid system will cost under $2,000, and the full vehicle price will start at less than $23,000. For now, it will be Saturn's only hybrid vehicle, but sources tell SaturnFans.com that a second model is in development.

Follow the links below for information regarding the new hybrid Vue.

• More Vue Green Line Photos
• Hybrid Vue Delivers Great Fuel Economy with Lower-Cost System
• Green Line Vue Uses Less Complex Hybrid System
• Hybrid Vue Preliminary Specifications
• How Does It Work?
• GM Hybrid Vehicle Press Conference Transcript
• More Green Line Links and News Updates

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Source: Saturn