2009 Saturn Vue plug-in hybrid is a go

General Motors is planning to start selling an electric plug-in version of its 2008 Saturn Vue compact SUV sometime "in 2009," Detroit Free Press is reporting citing Saturn's general manager Jill Lajdziak.




Having a powertrain combining lithium-ion batteries and GM's two-mode hybrid system, the electric-powered Vue will be capable of traveling up to 10 miles on a single charge before switching to an internal-combustion engine.



The batteries will possibly be recharged on the go with the help of regenerative braking technologies. There will also be a less convenient option of plugging-in the car to the electric grid via a standard 110-volt household outlet; although the company says nothing about how long will it take to recharge the batteries to full capacity.

There is still no info about the vehicle's price.

See also: Audi Q7 Hybrid SUV: more info

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2008 Saturn Vue rivals Toyota RAV4. In terms of price

General Motors has finally announced pricing on the 2008 Saturn Vue car-based SUV. Still struggling to find its niche in the compact SUV segment, the new second generation Saturn Vue will be $3,295 more expensive than the outgoing model.



The new Saturn Vue will start at impressive (for the Saturn) $21,395, which makes it more expensive than the new Honda CR-V but exactly $200 cheaper than the latest Toyota RAV4.



Although, both Japanese SUVs are clearly superior to the American competitor, GM insists that an average buyer still gets value for money opting for the Saturn Vue. For example, GM's chief engineer for compact and crossover vehicles Robert Reuter said in his interview to Automotive News that for additional $3.3K a customer will get a more powerful 169 hp 2.4-liter inline four-banger and an automatic gearbox, which previously was available as an option.



The 2008 Saturn Vue will also be available with standard 16-inch wheels, ABS, collapsible pedals, side curtain airbags and stability control.



See also: 2007 Saturn Outlook is almost a steal

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2007 Saturn Outlook is almost a steal

The latest 2007 Saturn Outlook large crossover has eventually been priced. The entry-level front-wheel-drive Outlook SE trim will come to market at a starting price just under $28,000.

The base model comes equipped with a decent 3.6-liter V6 VVT engine, capable of delivering some 270 hp and 248 lb-ft (336 Nm) of peak torque. The Saturn Outlook SE delivers 18/26 city/highway mileage measured by the EPA. The same model with an all-wheel drive is rated at 17/24 mpg.


The range-topping Saturn Outlook XR gets slightly more powerful engine, featuring 275 hp and 251 lb-ft (340 Nm) of torque. The FWD model will start at $30,290 and the AWD Saturn Outlook XR will set you back for at least $32,290, Inside Line is reporting.

All CUVs come equipped with the same Hydra-Matic 6T75 six-speed automatic gearbox.

It is not yet clear, whether the large eight-seater will be able to substitute the Saturn Relay MPV when the latter will eventually retire, since the Outlook still costs some $6,000 more than the 2007 Relay.

See also: Mitsubishi Outlander gives birth to the Citroen C-Crosser and Peugeot 4007

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