The Gear Shift

It’s Saturn’s turn now, and, like other GM presentations, I really enjoyed this launch. As I said before, GM is clearly focused on bringing several different fuel-efficient alternatives to market – quickly.

Later this year, Saturn will debut a two-mode hybrid Vue, which will provide a 50% improvement in fuel economy over the current non-hybrid Vue XR (which gets 16 city /22 hwy mpg). It’s got a 250 hp engine and can go 500 miles on a single tank of gas.  I’m not just saying this when I say that I will seriously consider this for the next car for our family.  I’m looking for a nice, relatively inexpensive, fuel-efficient crossover, and I think this fits the bill. Of course I guess my husband should have a say in it, too. :-)

Then, Saturn brought out a plug-in hybrid Vue – one that takes only 4-5 hours to charge in your own garage.  That one could be available as soon as 2010. Cool!

Saturn Flextreme Concept

Lastly, they brought out the funky Saturn Flextreme, which is the follow-up to last year’s Chevy Volt. The diesel engine on board is only used to power the battery, which can run on its own without the help of that engine for about 35 miles.  That would get many commuters to and from work with zero emissions, including me.  See more details about the Flextreme.

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