It is possible this could end up being the most popular hybrid SUV yet.  Saturn is preparing to begin production of a totally redesigned Vue Green Line, and this time they are using GM’s two-mode hybrid system.  Unlike the mild hybrid Vue that has been around for the past couple of years, the all new Vue will feature the same technology found in the hybrid Tahoe and Yukon.  The difference should be worth the wait.

The 4-cylinder 2007 / 2008 Saturn Vue Green Line models have been judged as something less than full hybrid suvs.  Like the current Saturn Aura hybrid and the Chevy Malibu hybrid, the green Vue uses General Motor’s belt alternator starter (BAS) system.  In these vehicles, a large electric motor assists the traditional gas engine during acceleration. The electric motor is powered by a Nickel Metal Hydride battery, which in turn is partially charged through regenerative braking.  With a BAS system, the gas engine stops running when the car or suv comes to a halt and restarts automatically during initial acceleration.  In the Green Line, the resulting fuel savings is about 20% better than a base model Vue, improving to 27/32 mpg (one of the best highway fuel economy ratings of all SUV’s).

The 2009 Saturn Vue Green Line will be the first front wheel drive vehicle to get GM’s 2-mode hybrid system.  This system was developed under a joint effort between GM, BMW, and the former DaimlerChrysler.  According to Saturn, “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 Vue’s more sophisticated hybrid technology will be coupled with a 3.6 liter, V6 engine that is reported to go from 0-60 in 7.3 seconds while improving gas mileage by about 50% over the non-hybrid V-6 model, currently rated at 16 city/22 highway.  It will also be able to tow 3,500 pounds and can reach speeds of up to 30 miles per hour in electric mode only.  Standard safety features will include four wheel anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, rollover detection, six air bags, tire pressure monitoring, and more.  An AWD version doesn’t appear to be an option yet.  If this hybrid SUV is reasonably priced, look for it to fly off dealer lots - especially if gas prices continue to climb.

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Additional resources on the ‘09 Saturn Vue Green Line:

Car Connection
MotorTrend
Jalopnik
CNET Video of 2009 Saturn Vue
USAToday article