Spy Shots/Video: 2008 Saturn Vue and Vue Red Line
The KGP Photography folks went trigger happy when they spotted versions of the 2008 Saturn Vue testing in Death Valley and snapped not only the standard version, but also the hot Vue Red Line, as well. Both models clearly carry the shape of the Opel Antara currently being sold in Europe, but we're told the Saturn versions will carry very distinct front fascias. The Vue Red Line also sports a deep front air dam with embedded projector beam fog lights and larger wheels. Edmunds is reporting that the Honda-sourced 250-hp, 3.5-liter V6 currently being used in the Vue will likely be replaced by GM's own 3.6-liter V6 slated for use in the larger Outlook and detuned for duty in the Vue. We should expect the world premier of the new Vue to happen at the L.A. auto show later this year.
Follow the link to see more pics and video footage of the 2008 Saturn Vue in Death Valley.
[Source: Edmunds]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Ed Kapuscinski 3:24PM (8/08/2006)
This may be a dumb question, but if they already have an engine "tuned", why would they want to "detune" it?
I can only think of two reasons:
1. Fuel economy (but would "detuning" it help this?)
2. They're cheap (does the "tuned" version have THAT many extra bits to jack up the cost?)
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Paul 3:44PM (8/08/2006)
fuel economy and so they can sell two different versions of the same engine
like the nissian and the 3.5 they use.
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Daniel 4:03PM (8/08/2006)
#1. The article explains-
"That engine delivers a healthy 265 hp in the Outlook, but it may get detuned for use in the standard Vue to keep the models from competing with each other."
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James 4:07PM (8/08/2006)
You forgot reason 3: Marketing
Have the smaller vehicle get a slightly less powerful version of the same engine so there's an extra reason to get the next model up.
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Brent 4:12PM (8/08/2006)
$3.75 for unleaded! OUCH!
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John 4:19PM (8/08/2006)
The interior has been nicely uglified from the Antara, to fit the GM corporate radio.
http://www.opel.com/flash.html
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Fabulo 5:32PM (8/08/2006)
Detuned is anti-marketing lingo. The correct term is "rated at 235 bhp."
"But isn't it the same engine in the enclave that spins over 265 hp?"
"Well, yes it is, but in the Vue, it is rated at 235 bhp, which is competitive for the segment/size of the vehicle"
Like it's said before, Nissan does the same thing with their VQ. Now for the $1 question, is that new 3.6 the DOHC that'll be available in the Aura?
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Mad Detroiter 5:37PM (8/08/2006)
Speaking of marketing, Saturn could use a new website. The Opel's website, at least the section for the GT (Sky) is pretty sweet. Saturn's website, much like Ford's Mercury, is dull and juvenille.
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joe 6:37PM (8/08/2006)
The shape reminds me of an Acura RDX, well, only 2 years later and no turbo.
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j 1:31AM (8/09/2006)
Most GM engines are SAE certfifed so I don't know where your getting 235 HP from. The 3.6 in the Outlook has 265 and will probably be tuned near 250 as the Aura 3.6 has 252 HP.
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J 1:33AM (8/09/2006)
I meant to say the 3.6 in the Vue will probably be tuned to near 250hp. I wish you could edit your comments. The 3.6 Outlook still has 265 HP.
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PJ 2:12AM (8/09/2006)
Looking at that interior shot... did anyone else notice the word "INERT" painted on the VUE's Delphi-electric-assisted steering wheel?
How perfect is that?
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MikeW 10:33AM (8/09/2006)
There need to be a clarification in terms, 'tune' is internal to the engine, 'application' is external to the engine.
This application [LY7] had dual mufflers, and hence a smidge more top end power.
http://media.gm.com/us/powertrain/en/product_services/2007/HPT%20Library/HFV6/2007_36L_LY7_Acadia.pdf
Cost cutting, single muffler
http://media.gm.com/us/powertrain/en/product_services/2007/HPT%20Library/HFV6/2007_36L_LY7_Outlook_Single.pdf
Platform limitations, and possibly different intake manifold-no variable resonance valve?
http://media.gm.com/us/powertrain/en/product_services/2007/HPT%20Library/HFV6/2007_36L_LY7_LaCrosse.pdf
'Certified' for the G6/Aura
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Ligor Manushi 2:41PM (8/28/2006)
This will look a lot better than the new Honda Element, and seems like power will also be better.
hopw they don't screw up the interior quality.
Saturn, should never aim at the RDX - it's base price is 33k. The CRV will on the other hand will be the one to beat along with the Mazda CX-7 and the Rav-4
timing will be an issue as all the other are already out,a dn this may look dated by the time it comes out.
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