Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[First Drive: 2009 Saturn Vue 2 Mode Hybrid]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/24/first-drive-2009-saturn-vue-2-mode-hybrid/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/24/first-drive-2009-saturn-vue-2-mode-hybrid/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/24/first-drive-2009-saturn-vue-2-mode-hybrid/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Saturn VUE 2 Mode Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

We attended the New York-area "GM Collection" event this week, which is basically an opportunity for journalists to drive a variety of 2009 models up at Bear Mountain, an hour or so outside Manhattan. What we didn't know going in was that GM would bring along three production-spec examples of the '09 Saturn Vue 2 Mode Hybrid, and that this would be the first opportunity to take the new gas-electric 'ute for a spin. Bear in mind that this impression is based on about 25 minutes of shared time with the car (we buddied up with Jalopnik's Wes Siler). The official full-dog-and-pony-show media launch event is set to take place in December, and we'll be on hand for that as well. For now though, follow the jump to see some initial impressions of the new Saturn hybrid.


Gallery: First Drive: Saturn VUE 2 Mode Hybrid


All Photos Copyright (C) 2008 Alex Núñez / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading First Drive: 2009 Saturn Vue 2 Mode Hybrid

First Drive: 2009 Saturn Vue 2 Mode Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Oct 2008 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2 mode20092009 saturn vue 2 mode hybrid2009SaturnVue2ModeHybrid2Modefeaturedfirst driveFirstDrivefull hybridFullHybridgm collectionGmCollectionhybridsaturnsaturn vueSaturnVuevueFri, 24 Oct 2008 12:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercedes S-Class hybrid coming in 2008]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/17/mercedes-s-class-hybrid-coming-in-2008/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/17/mercedes-s-class-hybrid-coming-in-2008/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/17/mercedes-s-class-hybrid-coming-in-2008/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

DaimlerChrysler is reportedly preparing a hybrid version of its S-Class luxury sedan for sale in 2008. Likely spurred on by Lexus introducing the LS600h L at the 2006 New York auto show, Mercedes plans to offer a slightly different set up than its Japanese competitor. Whereas the LS600h L is a full hybrid pairing a 4.3L V8 with a pair of electric motors (it's named the LS600h L because Lexus claims the engine's power is equivalent to that of a 6.0-liter V12), the Mercedes-Benz S-Class hybrid will likely be a mild hybrid. Both the Direct Hybrid and Bluetec Hybrid concepts shown at the 2005 Frankfurt motor were mild hybrids, meaning the electric motors only assist the engine, though the former paired its electric motor with a 3.5-liter gasoline engine and the latter used the 3.0-liter Bluetec diesel.

Furthermore, Mercedes will introduce the S-Class hybrid in the U.S. and Japan first, mainly because diesels are the powerplant of choice in Europe for those looking for high mileage.

[Source: Autoblog.nl]

Mercedes S-Class hybrid coming in 2008 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Jul 2006 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>full hybridFullHybridmild hybridMildHybridS-ClassMon, 17 Jul 2006 17:57:00 EST<![CDATA[GM, DaimlerChrysler, BMW debut new full hybrid system]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/27/gm-daimlerchrysler-bmw-debut-new-full-hybrid-system/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/27/gm-daimlerchrysler-bmw-debut-new-full-hybrid-system/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/27/gm-daimlerchrysler-bmw-debut-new-full-hybrid-system/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



The Global Hybrid Cooperation partnership - a joint venture of General Motors, DaimlerChrysler and BMW - took the wraps off its new state-of-the-art "full hybrid" system Thursday.

The system integrates electric motors with a fixed-gear transmission into a unit comparable in size and complexity to a conventional automatic transmission. The magic happens via the unit's combination of four fixed gears with two electric continuously variable transmission (ECVT) modes, granting a total of six distinct operating modes:
  • Input-split ECVT mode, or continuously variable Mode 1, operates from vehicle launch through the second fixed gear ratio.
  • Compound-split ECVT mode, or continuously variable Mode 2, operates after the second fixed gear ratio.
  • First fixed-gear ratio with both electric motors available to boost the internal combustion engine or capture and store energy from regenerative braking, deceleration and coasting.
  • Second fixed-gear ratio with one electric motor available for boost/braking,
  • Third fixed-gear ratio with two electric motors available for boost/braking.
  • Fourth fixed-gear ratio with one electric motor available for boost/braking.

In comparison to conventional hybrid systems, the GHC design is claimed to provide better combined city/highway fuel economy, better performance, and better towing capability.

More details in the full press release after the jump.


[Source: DaimlerChyrsler]

Continue reading GM, DaimlerChrysler, BMW debut new full hybrid system

GM, DaimlerChrysler, BMW debut new full hybrid system originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Apr 2006 06:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternative energyalternative fuelAlternativeEnergyAlternativeFuelEPAfuel economyFuelEconomyfull hybridFullHybridghcglobal hybrid cooperationhybridtransmissiontwo mode hybridThu, 27 Apr 2006 06:56:00 EST