A compact full-hybrid SUV from GM: 2008 Saturn Vue Green Line will loose its mild alternator belt hybrid system and gain the full hybrid, "two-mode" full hybrid system set to debut shortly in the 2008 Tahoe and Yukon. That front-drive model will use a direct-injection version of the 3.6-liter V-6 and feature regenerative braking and low-speed electric-only propulsion. GM expects a 45-percent increase in combined fuel economy compared with a non-hybrid Vue. The car is based on the Opel Antara and promises higher quality materials and better handling. Look for the car this spring. GM also announced that it is working on a plug-in-hybrid version of the two-mode Vue.
http://www.caranddriver.com/autoshows/12063/2008-saturn-vue.html
A compact (small diesel) SUV from VW: Volkswagen Tiguan is a 50-state-compliant 2.0-liter diesel based on the Golf/Rabbit with 140 hp and 240 lbs of torque!
Volkswagen and DiamlerChrysler are working together to promote low-emission advanced diesel engines
http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2006-11-29-diesel-usat_x.htm
The LA Auto Show runs one week opening tomorrow.
http://www.laautoshow.com
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