2008 Saturn
VUE RL & GL Press Release
CHICAGO – Saturn announced two new variants of the completely
redesigned 2008 Vue crossover utility at the Chicago Auto Show: the
performance-tuned Red Line and the affordable, fuel-saving Green
Line hybrid.
The Red Line builds on the new Vue’s bold styling with 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 exhaust tips. A lowered suspension, 18-inch alloy
wheels and Red Line badges complete the performance-inspired
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 250 horsepower (186 kW) at 6,500 rpm and 243 lb.-ft. (329
Nm) of torque at 4,400 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-only Ebony interior,
including black leather sport seats with suede fabric inserts. The
vehicle also features Red Line-logo instrument cluster graphics and
embroidered floor mats.
Green Line hybrid
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 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 electrical 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 50-percent improvement in fuel
economy compared to its non-hybrid counterpart.
Additionally, General Motors committed to producing 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
for the company.
The Vue XR (and base-level XE) will arrive at Saturn retailers this
spring. 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.
All-new Vue
All 2008 Vue models feature the Saturn’s new design cues and
European-inspired performance characteristics. Standard equipment
highlights include:
- MacPherson strut independent front suspension with
stabilizer bar
- Independent multi-link rear suspension with stabilizer bar
- Double-isolated engine cradle
- Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS
- GM StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover
sensing system
- Traction control
- Hydraulically assisted power steering on V-6 models
- Dual-stage frontal air bags, front-seat side thorax air bags
and head curtain air bags covering front and rear rows
- Front-row safety belt pretensioners
- Collapsible pedals
- Active head restraints
- OnStar with one year Safe & Sound service
The 2008 Vue Saturn joins the Sky roadster, Aura sedan and the
Outlook crossover utility in the revitalized Saturn portfolio.
Saturn also introduced the 2008 Astra small car at the Chicago show.
