Comments on: We’re Getting Closer…Introducing the 2-Mode Hybrid Saturn VUE http://gm-volt.com/2008/01/06/were-getting-closerintroducing-the-2-mode-hybrid-saturn-vue/ Real-time news, information, and discussion about the Chevrolet Volt. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:54:54 -0800 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5 hourly 1 By: nasaman http://gm-volt.com/2008/01/06/were-getting-closerintroducing-the-2-mode-hybrid-saturn-vue/#comment-25598 nasaman Wed, 09 Jan 2008 17:08:11 +0000 http://www.gm-volt.com/2008/01/06/were-getting-closerintroducing-the-2-mode-hybrid-saturn-vue/#comment-25598 [quote comment="25224"]Thats a great looking vehicle... I saw a Vue in the parking lot of my grocery store being promoted and it looked great. I'm looking forward to the day when we can get all vehicles with plug-in hybrids... even 10 miles is quite significant. For example I just went out on about an 12 mile roundtrip and would have been almost all electric.[/quote] I agree! And have you noticed how closely the newly-announced Caddy CUV Concept resembles this Saturn 2 Mode VUE CUV?!? The Caddy Provoq Concept is truly “provoq-ative” (exciting, stimulating) ...and so is the new VUE!!! …in case everyone here hasn’t noticed how remarkably similar its overall styling is to this just-announced Saturn 2 Mode VUE, take a second to compare even minor styling details like the hybrid “front fender vents” in both of these high-resolution photos: http://www.autobloggreen.com/photos/detroit-2008-2009-saturn-vue-2-mode-hybrid-1/554680/ http://www.autoblog.com/photos/detroit-2008-cadillac-provoq-fuel-cell-concept-1/565043/full/ MY MOUTH IS WATERING …EVEN MY MORE “SENSUAL” JUICES ARE FLOWING …HEY, IF THE 2009 PLUG-IN SATURN VUE LOOKS *THIS* GOOD, I MAY BE COMPELLED TO BUY IT INSTEAD OF WAITING ANOTHER 2 YRS (?) FOR THE VOLT!!!!!! :) :) :) [quote comment="25224"]Thats a great looking vehicle… I saw a Vue in the parking lot of my grocery store being promoted and it looked great. I’m looking forward to the day when we can get all vehicles with plug-in hybrids… even 10 miles is quite significant. For example I just went out on about an 12 mile roundtrip and would have been almost all electric.[/quote]

I agree! And have you noticed how closely the newly-announced Caddy CUV Concept resembles this Saturn 2 Mode VUE CUV?!? The Caddy Provoq Concept is truly “provoq-ative” (exciting, stimulating) …and so is the new VUE!!!

…in case everyone here hasn’t noticed how remarkably similar its overall styling is to this just-announced Saturn 2 Mode VUE, take a second to compare even minor styling details like the hybrid “front fender vents” in both of these high-resolution photos:

http://www.autobloggreen.com/photos/detroit-2008-2009-saturn-vue-2-mode-hybrid-1/554680/

http://www.autoblog.com/photos/detroit-2008-cadillac-provoq-fuel-cell-concept-1/565043/full/

MY MOUTH IS WATERING …EVEN MY MORE “SENSUAL” JUICES ARE FLOWING …HEY, IF THE 2009 PLUG-IN SATURN VUE LOOKS *THIS* GOOD, I MAY BE COMPELLED TO BUY IT INSTEAD OF WAITING ANOTHER 2 YRS (?) FOR THE VOLT!!!!!! :) :) :)

]]> By: john1701a http://gm-volt.com/2008/01/06/were-getting-closerintroducing-the-2-mode-hybrid-saturn-vue/#comment-25261 john1701a Tue, 08 Jan 2008 14:18:24 +0000 http://www.gm-volt.com/2008/01/06/were-getting-closerintroducing-the-2-mode-hybrid-saturn-vue/#comment-25261 All the guessing about how Prius works is quite troubling. If nothing else, for Volt credibility, it would be best to learn the facts... starting with these: Prius EV mode = 35 MPH Prius STEALTH = 42 MPH Prius PHEV max = 62 MPH Faster than that, the engine can still shut off. The only requirement is that it spin to balance the RPM of the PSD (Power Split Device). STEALTH is EV too, but the engine-on threshold is lower. The big motor is 50kW. The small motor is 10kW. Maximum use is not the point, high MPG at the cleanest emissions is. All the guessing about how Prius works is quite troubling. If nothing else, for Volt credibility, it would be best to learn the facts… starting with these:

Prius EV mode = 35 MPH

Prius STEALTH = 42 MPH

Prius PHEV max = 62 MPH

Faster than that, the engine can still shut off. The only requirement is that it spin to balance the RPM of the PSD (Power Split Device). STEALTH is EV too, but the engine-on threshold is lower.

The big motor is 50kW.

The small motor is 10kW.

Maximum use is not the point, high MPG at the cleanest emissions is.

]]> By: aa2 http://gm-volt.com/2008/01/06/were-getting-closerintroducing-the-2-mode-hybrid-saturn-vue/#comment-25224 aa2 Tue, 08 Jan 2008 08:38:28 +0000 http://www.gm-volt.com/2008/01/06/were-getting-closerintroducing-the-2-mode-hybrid-saturn-vue/#comment-25224 Thats a great looking vehicles.. I saw a Vue in the parking lto of my grocery store being promoted and it looked great. I'm looking forward to the day when we can get all vehicles with plug-in hybrids.. even 10 miles is quite significant. For example I just went out on about an 12 mile roundtrip and would have been almost all electric. Thats a great looking vehicles.. I saw a Vue in the parking lto of my grocery store being promoted and it looked great. I’m looking forward to the day when we can get all vehicles with plug-in hybrids.. even 10 miles is quite significant. For example I just went out on about an 12 mile roundtrip and would have been almost all electric.

]]> By: Jim F. http://gm-volt.com/2008/01/06/were-getting-closerintroducing-the-2-mode-hybrid-saturn-vue/#comment-25144 Jim F. Tue, 08 Jan 2008 00:49:50 +0000 http://www.gm-volt.com/2008/01/06/were-getting-closerintroducing-the-2-mode-hybrid-saturn-vue/#comment-25144 I just don't follow GM's thinking in emphasizing performance over economy. GM should offer two engine options on the Vue two mode hybrid - a V6 for the driver who wants performance with some fuel economy and a Ecotech 4 for the driver who desires economy with some loss of performance. I'm considering buying a two mode Vue, but wish I had more engine options. I just don’t follow GM’s thinking in emphasizing performance over economy. GM should offer two engine options on the Vue two mode hybrid – a V6 for the driver who wants performance with some fuel economy and a Ecotech 4 for the driver who desires economy with some loss of performance. I’m considering buying a two mode Vue, but wish I had more engine options.

]]> By: Randy http://gm-volt.com/2008/01/06/were-getting-closerintroducing-the-2-mode-hybrid-saturn-vue/#comment-25107 Randy Mon, 07 Jan 2008 23:43:45 +0000 http://www.gm-volt.com/2008/01/06/were-getting-closerintroducing-the-2-mode-hybrid-saturn-vue/#comment-25107 Why on earth is everyone here complaining by comparing this to the Vibe/Matrix? They are in two completely different categories. The Vibe is essentially a 5-door hatchback. The Vue is a small SUV (although I wouldn't take it off-road). For those that really don't have clue, here's quick comparison of the 2008 Vue and Vibe: Length - Vue: 180.1 in; Vibe: 171.9 in Width - Vue: 72.8 in.; Vibe: 69.9 in. Height - Vue: 67 in.; Vibe: 62.2 in. Weight - Vue: 3825 lbs.; Vibe: 2700 lbs. Put 1000 lbs in the back of your Vibe and see how your fuel economy is. This is a step in the right direction. If you don't like it, you don't need to buy it. But more availability generally equates to more sales. And more sales means the cost comes down. So when that car you've been waiting for finally comes out (Volt, plug-in Vue, whatever), it will be more affordable because of vehicles like this. So I would hope everyone here cheers for announcements like this, even if it isn't exactly for you. Why on earth is everyone here complaining by comparing this to the Vibe/Matrix? They are in two completely different categories. The Vibe is essentially a 5-door hatchback. The Vue is a small SUV (although I wouldn’t take it off-road). For those that really don’t have clue, here’s quick comparison of the 2008 Vue and Vibe:

Length – Vue: 180.1 in; Vibe: 171.9 in
Width – Vue: 72.8 in.; Vibe: 69.9 in.
Height – Vue: 67 in.; Vibe: 62.2 in.
Weight – Vue: 3825 lbs.; Vibe: 2700 lbs.

Put 1000 lbs in the back of your Vibe and see how your fuel economy is. This is a step in the right direction. If you don’t like it, you don’t need to buy it. But more availability generally equates to more sales. And more sales means the cost comes down. So when that car you’ve been waiting for finally comes out (Volt, plug-in Vue, whatever), it will be more affordable because of vehicles like this. So I would hope everyone here cheers for announcements like this, even if it isn’t exactly for you.

]]> By: Michael http://gm-volt.com/2008/01/06/were-getting-closerintroducing-the-2-mode-hybrid-saturn-vue/#comment-25104 Michael Mon, 07 Jan 2008 22:36:57 +0000 http://www.gm-volt.com/2008/01/06/were-getting-closerintroducing-the-2-mode-hybrid-saturn-vue/#comment-25104 Most cars today are way overpowered for how the average person uses them. Most cars today are way overpowered for how the average person uses them.

]]> By: Demetrius http://gm-volt.com/2008/01/06/were-getting-closerintroducing-the-2-mode-hybrid-saturn-vue/#comment-25083 Demetrius Mon, 07 Jan 2008 19:24:17 +0000 http://www.gm-volt.com/2008/01/06/were-getting-closerintroducing-the-2-mode-hybrid-saturn-vue/#comment-25083 This Vue looks very complex to me. I don't see how anyone would want one of these complex machines. I could only see people leasing one of these for 3 or 4 years before the warning lights kick in. Theres got to be a simpler way to get an SUV to 30 MPG. This Vue looks very complex to me. I don’t see how anyone would want one of these complex machines.

I could only see people leasing one of these for 3 or 4 years before the warning lights kick in.

Theres got to be a simpler way to get an SUV to 30 MPG.

]]> By: Jeff M http://gm-volt.com/2008/01/06/were-getting-closerintroducing-the-2-mode-hybrid-saturn-vue/#comment-25073 Jeff M Mon, 07 Jan 2008 18:33:22 +0000 http://www.gm-volt.com/2008/01/06/were-getting-closerintroducing-the-2-mode-hybrid-saturn-vue/#comment-25073 Looks like Thorprime and I were both posting at the same time (but I was a little slow taking a bathroom break). In any case, as mentioned above, these parallel hybrids, including the Prius, are very complex... on top of an ICE system which is already very complex (ie. tons of moving parts and points of failure). Series hybrid EV's like the Volt (or as GM marketing prefers to call it, "extended range EV") are much more efficient, a lot less complex (and reliable), and hopefully the wave of the future. The only place parallel designs seem to make sense is in vehicles designed for towing. Looks like Thorprime and I were both posting at the same time (but I was a little slow taking a bathroom break).

In any case, as mentioned above, these parallel hybrids, including the Prius, are very complex… on top of an ICE system which is already very complex (ie. tons of moving parts and points of failure).

Series hybrid EV’s like the Volt (or as GM marketing prefers to call it, “extended range EV”) are much more efficient, a lot less complex (and reliable), and hopefully the wave of the future.

The only place parallel designs seem to make sense is in vehicles designed for towing.

]]> By: Jeff M http://gm-volt.com/2008/01/06/were-getting-closerintroducing-the-2-mode-hybrid-saturn-vue/#comment-25072 Jeff M Mon, 07 Jan 2008 18:23:54 +0000 http://www.gm-volt.com/2008/01/06/were-getting-closerintroducing-the-2-mode-hybrid-saturn-vue/#comment-25072 From the base post... "This is different than the current crop of hybrids (like the Prius) which have only one motor for low-speed" I don't think this is quite true, or is at least mis-leading. It's true that EV only mode on the Prius is only at low speed (less than 30mph), but the electric motor is still used to assist the ICE even at highway speed. I've only been in a Prius once and as a pssenger, but seem to recall the in dash guage showing the battery being drained (because it was powering the electric motor) when accelerating or going up hill, and being charged when slowing down. Please correct me if I'm wrong. From the base post… “This is different than the current crop of hybrids (like the Prius) which have only one motor for low-speed”

I don’t think this is quite true, or is at least mis-leading. It’s true that EV only mode on the Prius is only at low speed (less than 30mph), but the electric motor is still used to assist the ICE even at highway speed. I’ve only been in a Prius once and as a pssenger, but seem to recall the in dash guage showing the battery being drained (because it was powering the electric motor) when accelerating or going up hill, and being charged when slowing down.

Please correct me if I’m wrong.

]]> By: Thorprime http://gm-volt.com/2008/01/06/were-getting-closerintroducing-the-2-mode-hybrid-saturn-vue/#comment-25070 Thorprime Mon, 07 Jan 2008 18:16:17 +0000 http://www.gm-volt.com/2008/01/06/were-getting-closerintroducing-the-2-mode-hybrid-saturn-vue/#comment-25070 Actually, your remark about the prius only having one electric motor is incorrect. It in fact uses two electric motors along with it's ICE. There is a complicated system that splits power and generator duties between the two motors, and both are capable of propelling the vehicle. It is simply a mechanical issue prevents the ICE from turning off at highway speeds. (as well as the fact that the two motors are not powerful enough to accelerate at highway speeds) You can read more on how the Prius/Hihglander/Lexus hybrid drive works here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hybrid_Synergy_Drive The 2-Mode system in the new vue is very similar, expect that at higher speeds both electric motors act as motors for a short time,then take turn acting as generators and motors. Just like the prius, the ICE must run at highway speeds. Actually, your remark about the prius only having one electric motor is incorrect. It in fact uses two electric motors along with it’s ICE. There is a complicated system that splits power and generator duties between the two motors, and both are capable of propelling the vehicle. It is simply a mechanical issue prevents the ICE from turning off at highway speeds. (as well as the fact that the two motors are not powerful enough to accelerate at highway speeds)

You can read more on how the Prius/Hihglander/Lexus hybrid drive works here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hybrid_Synergy_Drive

The 2-Mode system in the new vue is very similar, expect that at higher speeds both electric motors act as motors for a short time,then take turn acting as generators and motors.
Just like the prius, the ICE must run at highway speeds.

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