Saturn Vue hybrid goes dual mode in 2008
GM announced the Saturn Vue will become a 2-mode hybri d in 2008. The current Saturn Vue hybrid uses a belt-alternator system to recharge t...
https://iskablogs.blogspot.com/2006/11/saturn-vue-hybrid-goes-dual-mode-in-2008.html
GM announced the Saturn Vue will become a 2-mode hybrid in 2008.
The current Saturn Vue hybrid uses a belt-alternator system to recharge the battery used in the relatively small electric engine. This allows the electric engine to assist the gas engine in acceleration and allows the gas engine to shut off when the SUV stops. That and other improvements gave the new hybrid Vue about 5 mpg increase over the conventional Vue.
With the new front wheel drive, 2-mode hybrid system (the dual mode system will debut in 2007 with the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon full-size hybrid SUVs) should increase fuel economy by 45 percent over the conventional Vue.
The electric engine will be coupled with GM's 3.6L V-6 gas engine, with direct injection and variable valve timing. The battery pack will be nickel-metal hydride powering two active cooled permanent magnet motors.
From the press release:
The front-wheel-drive, 2-mode hybrid system optimizes city and highway fuel efficiency by integrating two electric continuously variable modes with four fixed mechanical gear ratios.
This design is similar to the 2-mode hybrid system for rear-wheel-drive applications, which will debut next year in the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon full-size SUVs.
The 2-mode hybrid system improves fuel economy by the following operations:
* Engine off at idle
* Low speed electric-only propulsion
* Electric boosting during brisk acceleration, climbing steep grades or towing
* Cutting off fuel to the engine during vehicle deceleration
* Regenerative braking
* Engine speed and load control
“The 2-mode hybrid system has the flexibility to improve fuel efficiency across a range of vehicles,” Stephens said. “For example, in 2003, we introduced the 2-mode hybrid system for transit buses. In 2007, the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon 2-mode full-size SUVs will debut, followed by the Vue Green Line 2-mode in 2008.”
By using two electric modes and four fixed gear ratios, the 2-mode hybrid system’s electric motors are smaller, compared with traditional “one-mode” hybrid systems, and impose no significant limitation on the size of the engine.
Consequently, the 2-mode hybrid system fits into the same space as a conventional automatic transmission, minimizing packaging, cost and weight issues. The result is exciting performance and outstanding fuel economy.
The current Saturn Vue hybrid uses a belt-alternator system to recharge the battery used in the relatively small electric engine. This allows the electric engine to assist the gas engine in acceleration and allows the gas engine to shut off when the SUV stops. That and other improvements gave the new hybrid Vue about 5 mpg increase over the conventional Vue.
With the new front wheel drive, 2-mode hybrid system (the dual mode system will debut in 2007 with the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon full-size hybrid SUVs) should increase fuel economy by 45 percent over the conventional Vue.
The electric engine will be coupled with GM's 3.6L V-6 gas engine, with direct injection and variable valve timing. The battery pack will be nickel-metal hydride powering two active cooled permanent magnet motors.
From the press release:
The front-wheel-drive, 2-mode hybrid system optimizes city and highway fuel efficiency by integrating two electric continuously variable modes with four fixed mechanical gear ratios.
This design is similar to the 2-mode hybrid system for rear-wheel-drive applications, which will debut next year in the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon full-size SUVs.
The 2-mode hybrid system improves fuel economy by the following operations:
* Engine off at idle
* Low speed electric-only propulsion
* Electric boosting during brisk acceleration, climbing steep grades or towing
* Cutting off fuel to the engine during vehicle deceleration
* Regenerative braking
* Engine speed and load control
“The 2-mode hybrid system has the flexibility to improve fuel efficiency across a range of vehicles,” Stephens said. “For example, in 2003, we introduced the 2-mode hybrid system for transit buses. In 2007, the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon 2-mode full-size SUVs will debut, followed by the Vue Green Line 2-mode in 2008.”
By using two electric modes and four fixed gear ratios, the 2-mode hybrid system’s electric motors are smaller, compared with traditional “one-mode” hybrid systems, and impose no significant limitation on the size of the engine.
Consequently, the 2-mode hybrid system fits into the same space as a conventional automatic transmission, minimizing packaging, cost and weight issues. The result is exciting performance and outstanding fuel economy.
