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REPORT: Upcoming Buick CUV may get 2-Mode hybrid powertrain [w/VIDEO]

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Crossover, Buick, GM, Rumormill

Click above to watch the video after the jump

For all those weeping and gnashing their teeth over the loss of the 2-Mode Hybrid Saturn Vue, a ray of hope may be on the horizon from a seemingly unlikely source. According to a posting on GM-Volt.com, there's a possibility that an upcoming sub-Enclave crossover from Buick could be granted access to the sophisticated hybrid technology that GM had initially intended for the latest Saturn Vue.

The world may have gotten a sneak peek at the new Buick 'ute on a recent CBS News piece that featured an interview with GM design head Ed Welburn. As the rumors go, the new CUV will share the same platform as the soon-to-be-departing Saturn Vue, so it theoretically shouldn't be too difficult to port the technology over to Buick for a 2011 model year release. Of course, there still remains the possibility that the 2-Mode could also make an appearance in the latest Chevrolet Equinox or Cadillac SRX. Either way, you can check out the CBS News footage after the jump or read more about the possibility of a Buick 2-Mode at the link below.

[Sources: GM-Volt.com, CBS News]

Continue reading REPORT: Upcoming Buick CUV may get 2-Mode hybrid powertrain [w/VIDEO]

REPORT: Upcoming Buick CUV may get 2-Mode hybrid powertrain [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saturn drops Green Line name from hybrids

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Marketing/Advertising, Saturn

The Saturn Green Line is no longer. In its stead, the planetary brand's hybrid models will simply be known as hybrids. We think this is a good idea considering that the word 'hybrid' is much more readily associated with saving gas than the Green Line moniker. According to Mike Morrissey, a Saturn spokesman, "It was simply a practical matter. As we expand our hybrid lineup, the names were getting a bit long. It's hard to write a short sentence about the Saturn Vue Green Line 2-Mode Hybrid." Amen to that. Though the Green Line name will disappear, the performance version of Saturn's models will retain their Red Line badges.

Saturn's current ~~green~~ line of hybrids includes two models, the Aura and the Vue, both equipped with the so-called "mild hybrid" system that is not capable of moving the vehicle under electric power alone. Next year, a version of the Vue utility vehicle will be offered with a system derived from what is currently available in the Tahoe and Yukon full-sizers known as the 2-Mode. That model will be a full hybrid and should return much better mileage than the current Vue hybrid, which is rated at 25 mpg in the city and 32 on the highway.

[Source: Kicking Tires]

Saturn drops Green Line name from hybrids originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2007: 2009 Chevy Silverado Hybrid

Alex Nunez — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 08:31:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Truck, Green, Chevrolet, GM

Click image for hi-res gallery

GM is spreading the full-size 2-Mode hybrid wealth from its big SUVs to its trucks. While the last Silverado Hybrid's claim to fame was its ability to act as a worksite generator, the all-new 2009 version is designed to deliver markedly improved fuel economy. Powered by the same 332 hp/367 lb-ft 6.0L V8 hybrid drivetrain as the Tahoe, Yukon and Escalade hybrids, GM claims that the truck will see a 40% increase in city fuel economy and a 25% overall bump compared to its non-hybrid sibling, making it the most fuel-efficient full-size pickup on the market (EPA numbers are still TBD). It can run in all-electric mode up to 30 mph, even when towing (up to 6,100 lbs). Depending on the state of battery charge, all-electric operation can continue for up to one full mile. GM engineers also implemented a number of improvements to make driving quieter under all conditions, which is a.) nice for the occupants and b.) makes for a more seamless transition between electric-only and engine-on modes. In addition to the quiet tuning, the Silverado Hybrid receives aero tweaks in the form of a new front air dam and a standard tonneau cover for the bed. The most obvious tradeoff owners have to make is the loss of some potential in-cabin cargo space, as the battery pack resides under the back seat. That floorspace is normally unoccupied in non-hybrid Silverados and can be used to haul items when the seat bottom is flipped up and out of the way. Some of that utility is obviously lost in this application. Pricing hasn't been announced yet, but expect to pay a premium for the green tech when the truck arrives in showrooms during the latter half of 2008.

[Source: GM]

Gallery: 2008 Chevy Silverado Hybrid

Continue reading LA 2007: 2009 Chevy Silverado Hybrid

LA 2007: 2009 Chevy Silverado Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Nov 2007 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid

Alex Nunez — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, SUV, Green, Cadillac, GM, Misc. Auto Shows

Click image to enlarge

Early details on the 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid leaked onto the web yesterday morning, and you can read Damon's early rundown on the essentials here. Now that Cadillac has released the full info and tech specs, we can break it down pretty simply. The Cadillac Escalade Hybrid uses the exact same 2-Mode hybrid powertrain as both the Yukon and Tahoe hybrids. Unlike its platform cousins, however, the Escalade does not incorporate any weight-saving measures. It does incorporate Hybrid badges in the fender vents and "H" logos by the rear windows. We're assuming (and hoping) the giant "H Y B R I D" door decals are to make the display car stand out on the floor at the auto show down in Miami this week.

We talked to a Caddy rep who told us that the decision was made not to diminish the Escalade in any way, so the seats retain all their stuffing, the front end gets no aero tweaks, and the bodywork doesn't get any lightweight elements like the Chevy and GMC trucks. Now, according to GM, the use of the hybrid system increases fuel economy by at least 50% anyway. If you figure that the standard 6.2L Escalade is good for 9 or 10 real-world MPG combined, it should be good for at least 18 mpg or so on the highway. We doubt it'll match the 21/22 (2WD) and 20/20 (4WD) city/hwy EPA ratings of the Tahoe Hybrid simply because the 'Slade outweighs it by 110 pounds in 2WD form and 181 when equipped with 4WD.

That said, if the Escalade really can actually get mileage in the mid to upper-teens it's an impressive feat, no matter how you look at it. This is a 3-ton truck after all, and we've driven midsize crossovers that struggle to get that kind of fuel economy. Those interested in towing stuff can pull 6,000 lbs with the 2WD truck and 5,700 lbs with the 4WD variant. As for the target audience, it's basically Escalade shoppers willing to pony up an additional premium to use less gas or to simply flash some green cred via the Hybrid badges.

GM's full press release is included after the jump and the gallery contains 14 hi-res photos.

[Source: GM]

Gallery: 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid

Continue reading Officially Official: 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid

Officially Official: 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Nov 2007 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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