Autoblog

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.


All Photos Copyright © 2008 Alex Núñez / Weblogs, Inc.

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]

Typos...they happen. Sometimes, however, they're pretty funny and this is one of those times. Saturn of Oxford Valley, a Pennsylvania dealer, has apparently (and unwittingly) decided to either lead the GM mothership into a new profit renaissance or set a new standard for dealer markups, as this listing for a 2008 Saturn Vue XE suggests. We like the new Vues; they're nice -- just not two-million-dollars-nice. Sheesh, we shudder to think what dealers in that area are going to ask for the Shelby GT500KR and Dodge Challenger SRT8 now that even Vues have seven-figure price tags. Thanks for the link, Dennis.

[Source: Saturn of Oxford Valley]

GM is working hard to ensure that its newest automotive division, Saturn, is considered cool, hip and edgy. In this day and age, that means the interwebs, specifically a blog and social networking site. According to a post by Saturn General Manager Jill Lajdziak on GM's FastLane blog, www.ImSaturn.com will feature news about Saturn along with photos and videos you haven't seen anywhere else. Like other social networking sites, you can join in on the fun by starting or joining groups where people with like-interests gather together and talk. The first 400 members get a free t-shirt, but if you want one you'd better hurry 'cause there are already 300-plus members.

What uber-hip marketing strategy would be complete without internet speak? Saturn's got that covered too. I M Saturn and U R 2!

[Source: I M Saturn]

Every year the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) pick the top new vehicles by category to give their Canadian comrades a reference point for potential purchases. The AJAC tested 177 vehicles in an event at Niagra they call "Test Fest" to come up with their final list, which you can find after the jump.

Even though Canadians have different automotive tastes than us Yanks, they seem to like many of the same cars we do. The AJAC picked the Audi R8 as its "Most Coveted Vehicle", the Honda Accord was honored as best family car, and the Audi S5 took honors for best sports car over $50,000, all of which are fine picks with us. We do, however, question the Nissan Rogue as Best New SUV/CUV under $35,000. It's also interesting to note that no Toyotas made the final list of 12, and GM was the only U.S. domestic to hit the list, impressively taking four categories.

[Source: Auto North]

click above image to enlarge

Ever wonder what a rebadged version of the Saturn Vue, which is already a rebadged version of the Euro-only Opel Antara, would look like? Wonder no more, as GMC unveiled just such a vehicle earlier this month at the Dubai Motor Show called the Terrain. Since we missed that show (next year it's Dubai or bust, baby!), we had to wait until the Terrain showed up at the Kuwait International Automobile Exhibition 2007 this week for GMC to release an official image of the vehicle. The Terrain is GMC's first compact CUV ever and will be sold at least in the Middle East; we've not heard any plans about possible exporting it to additional markets.

Truth be told, the Terrain is pretty handsome. We find that the simple cues of GMC's design language look good when applied to a blank canvas like this little CUV or the brand's Lambda-based CUV, the Acadia. While we know the Terrain is earmarked for the Middle East, we're curious to learn whether or not it's also being considered for sale in the U.S. With three different versions of the larger Lambda CUV on sale in the U.S., what would be the harm in giving the Saturn VUE an identical twin?

[Source: GM via egmcartech]

Click any image for hi-res photo gallery

The introduction of the 2008 Saturn Vue is the latest element of the Saturn's ongoing product overhaul. In the wake of the Sky, Aura, and Outlook, we had high expectations for the all-new Vue. Gone are the outgoing model's clunky styling, cheesy faux grille, plastacular body panels and ho-hum street presence. In its place, we're given a smart-looking, well-packaged Opel Antara clone that's positioned as an obvious step up from its predecessor. Sure, the old Vue had some things going for it -- after its last facelift it had a decent-looking interior, and despite its outward visual shortcomings, it offered plenty of useful cargo room -- but it just wasn't very exciting in the grand scheme of things. Its departure is decidedly unlamented, and we eagerly accepted the keys when GM entrusted us with a spanking-new Vue Red Line for a week. Read on to see how well the newest Saturn lives up to the hype.


All photos Copyright ©2007 Alex Núñez / Weblogs, Inc.

Click image for full review at AutoblogGreen

Did we say Autoblog Garage? We meant to say AutoblogGreen Garage, because that's where we've posted our thoughts about Saturn's first hybrid vehicle. Yes, it still sports the "classic" plastic-fantastic bodywork. No, it can't run in all-electric mode. But despite its age, silly faux radiator grille, and the fact that its current powertrain isn't of the fancy-schmancy Toyota or Ford variety, there's still quite a bit to like about the lame-duck Vue in Green Line trim. Our full thoughts about the ride are at AutoblogGreen, so please be sure to head over and check out the review in its entirety.

In his latest blog post, GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz talks about Saturn. And more specifically, the new Saturn Vue. Bob tells us that the new CUV will launch at the Los Angeles Auto Show later this month. The PreVue concept that was shown in New York in April was a good preview (pun definitely intended), but even better was seeing the Opel Antara at the Paris Motor Show in September.

Just like the Saturn Aura, itself a mildly reworked corporate cousin from Opel, there are high hopes for the new Vue. The Aura sedan has apparently been getting terrific reviews besides our own. And knowing that, Saturn is relying on another solid starting point in the Antara, although Lutz assures us the Vue "will remain Saturn, through and through." Well, if the new definition of a Saturn is a wonderful badge-engineered vehicle that smartly meets the needs of buyers and enthusiasts, then yes. Follow the jump for a pic of the PreVue and more of the story.

[Source: GM FastLane Blog]

Your daily wrap-up of stories from yesterday's AutoblogGreen. It was an international day, with three stories coming from Down Under.

Toyota recalls about 320,000 Priuses
Saturn Vue delivers best SUV highway fuel economy
Australia bans two types of plants that were going to be used to make biodiesel
Dublin Bus shifts to biodiesel at start of European Union Green Week
Lack of government support for biodiesel could mean trouble ahead
Australian government funding fuel efficient vehicle development
High gas prices here to stay, says IMF managing director
The American Spectator on drilling for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
Alternative Powertrain Research: Argonne's Mobile Automotive Technology Testbed
Shell invests in coal to diesel in Australia