Is the Saturn Vue Two-Mode hybrid DOA? Not yet
Click above to view high-res gallery of the Saturn VUE 2 Mode Hybrid We got a comment from a reader the other day on a post we published back in December indicating that the Saturn Vue 2-mode hybrid had been canceled. Our reader had placed an order for one of the new hybrid crossovers last summer but received a call from his dealer this week. The aspiring Vue driver was informed that the vehicles would not be built. Since Saturn had not made any official announcements about the fate of the Vue, we contacted spokesman Brian Corbett. It turns out that what the dealer said was only partly true. According to Corbett, “due to a variety of factors including decreases in consumer spending, demand for vehicles and demand for hybrid vehicles in particular, the decision has been made to begin production of the Vue 2-Mode for the 2010 model year. It will hit the market this summer. ” So there won’t be any 2009 Saturn Vue 2-mode hybrids built. At this point of course, it’s impossible to predict what will happen between now and summer. All of GM’s product plans remain in flux, as does the future of Saturn. If things continue to get worse for GM, it’s possible this vehicle will never be produced. The most likely scenario may in fact be that GM will simply install the Vue’s hybrid system in the new Chevy Equinox instead and call it a day. Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Saturn VUE 2 Mode Hybrid All Photos Copyright (C) 2008 Alex Núñez / Weblogs, Inc. [Source: General Motors] Auto Blog: Hybrid , Saturn Is the Saturn Vue Two-Mode hybrid DOA? Not yet originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 26 Feb 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds .Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green
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Is the Saturn Vue Two-Mode hybrid DOA? Not yet
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Leave a commentLotus possibly delays new Esprit to 2011, may add hybrid drive
Filed under: Hybrid , BMW , Lotus The original Lotus Esprit was one of the most iconic sports car shapes ever penned and remained in production through various refreshes for 28 years. An all-new Esprit has been anticipated by Lotus fans for some time and most recently was expected to debut in 2010. The latest plan for the Esprit was to derive it from the platform of the new Evora but with significantly more power. Most of the powertrain rumors revolved around using BMW’s 4.4L V8 or possibly the 5.0L V10 from the M5. The latter is unlikely since BMW is moving toward smaller turbocharged and direct injected powerplants. The Esprit has now reportedly been pushed back by a year (to 2011), which is probably a good thing given the problems that other high end cars are currently having in the marketplace. The delay is believed to be cause, in part, by Lotus adding a hybrid drive to the Esprit. If Lotus is indeed planning to use the BMW 4.4L turbo V8 from the X6 and new 7 series, the most likely scenario would be for the British company to use the mild hybrid system that will debut in the 7-series and the Mercedes S-Class this summer. The mild hybrid adds relatively little weight while providing start-stop capability, reduced parasitic losses and a bit of electric boost and regenerative braking. [Source: World Car Fans ] Lotus possibly delays new Esprit to 2011, may add hybrid drive originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 10 Jan 2009 20:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Car Blog Green|Car Blog Green|Car Blog Green|Car Blog Green
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Lotus possibly delays new Esprit to 2011, may add hybrid drive
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