A new gas-electric Saturn Vue hybrid will leapfrog models like the Toyota Highlander hybrid to become the world's most fuel-efficient V6 SUV when it goes on sale late this year, General Motors Corp. promises.The Vue Green Line 2 Mode will debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit later this month.
Saturn hasn't revealed fuel economy figures, but tests indicate a 60% improvement in city fuel economy and nearly 50% on the highway. The mileage improvements, GM insiders suggest, would work out to 25 to 26 m.p.g. in the city and around 34 m.p.g. on the highway. Detroit Free Press
This is the dual-mode hybrid transmission that has been developed as a joint venture between Chrysler, GM and BMW that recently appeared in GM's full-sized trucks.
The Saturn VUE was previously offered in a mild hybrid version that drove and recharge/charge system off the alternator belt that didn't offer much mileage improvement.
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