With the Saturn Vue Hybrid, General Motors started a green line that aimed first and foremost at being accessible. According to the manufacturer, the model is actually the most economical hybrid car in its category. One of the specificities of this motor is the way it receives gasoline: the fuel is sent directly to the engine by means of a motor-generator that makes a great substitute to the traditional alternator. The difference between the Saturn Vue Hybrid and other full hybrids is that the vehicle can’t get autonomous by using electrical power only. The dual-mode hybrid power device is planned for full launching at the end of this year, with market availability in 2009.
Another future project that General Motors envisage on the basis of their Saturn Vue Hybrid is the plug-in hybrid, but the design of such a model is closely connected with the availability of the lithium-ion batteries. Presently, a prototype running on this type of batteries is undergoing tests, while the Saturn Vue Hybrid remains to enjoy its market success. Negative reviews claim that this hybrid model is just a scheme on the part of General Motors to promote an appearance of concern for the environment; yet, not even the ill-intended can deny this car its clear advantages.
Saturn Vue Hybrid uses a ?belt alternator starter? according to General Motors, in a system that relies on a large electric motor that is linked to the crankshaft by means of a special drive belt, all being possible thanks to an improved automatic transmission. The engine starts and stops automatically, but not in a ?start-stop? system, with the electric power contributing to the acceleration force as well. Like with all the other hybrid models, Saturn Vue Hybrid recharges the electrical battery by regenerating the braking energy and storing it.
If compared to the regular gas-fueled vehicles, the Saturn Vue Hybrid saves you around 20% of the regular fuel consume. Several models of the Saturn Vue Hybrid have been launched with a growing improvement in terms of acceleration times and standard speed per hour from one model to another. A careful analysis of the technical features of the designs together with the fuel consume and the gains you’ve got from the hybrid function should be conclusive for any purchase. If you are willing to wait a little further, and you are not pressed to buy a car right away, you could wait until the new Saturn Vue Hybrid with plug in features is launched in 2009.
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