Saturn introduced the all-new second generation 2008 Saturn Vue at the 2007 Greater Los Angeles Auto Show (held in Nov-Dec 2006) and is a re-badged Opel Antara with minor modifications, such as a unique center console. A preview of the new design was shown at the 2006 New York International Auto Show as the Saturn PreVue concept, which itself was the same car as the Opel Antara GTC concept displayed in Frankfurt in 2005. While the PreVue had only two doors, production Vue models have four. Production moved to Ramos Arizpe, Mexico, where the Chevrolet HHR is produced.[7] Even though produced at that plant, the vehicle is sold in Mexico as the Chevrolet Captiva, because of the Saturn brand not marketed there. The second-generation Vue Red Line uses the same 3.6 L DOHC V6 from the XR trim level, making the same 257 hp (192 kW) as in the XR, but adds several more sporting changes to separate the Red Line from the XR. This includes Tapshift, allowing manual shifting of the 6-speed automatic transmission, a reduction in ride height of approximately 1-inch (25 mm), and a sport tuned suspension "has differently-tuned shocks and struts, different spring rates, and unique bushings and stabilizer bars." Exterior appearance changes include 18 in alloy wheels, more aggressive front bumper, tail lamps and exhaust tips. The Vue Green Line Hybrid uses with the same mild hybrid BAS Hybrid system with the 2.4 L Ecotec as first generation Vue. Software updates and optimizations to smooth the operation as well as improve fuel economy. Fuel economy under the new 2008 EPA standards is 25 mpg-US (9.4 L/100 km; 30 mpg-imp)/32 mpg-US (7.4 L/100 km; 38 mpg-imp) city/highway. The Green Line hybrid is not offered with a 4WD transmission, limiting its abilities in poor driving conditions when compared with the other VUE trims and competitors like the Ford Escape.Second generation
Also called Chevrolet Captiva Sport (Colombia, Mexico, Brazil) Model year(s) 2008–2010
2008–present (Mexico & Brazil)Assembly Ramos Arizpe, Mexico Engine(s) 2.4L LE5 I4
3.5L LZ4 V6
3.6L LY7 V6
3.6L LCS V6Transmission(s) 6-speed automatic
4-speed automatic
4-speed/cvt (hybrid only)Wheelbase 106.6 in (2708 mm) Length 180.1 in (4575 mm) (SWB)
182.6 in (4638 mm) (LWB)Width 72.8 in (1849 mm) Height 66.3 in (1684 mm) (SWB)
Hybrid: 66.2 in (1681 mm)
67.7 in (1720 mm) (LWB)Curb weight 3,867 lb (1,754 kg) (FWD V6 XR) Related Opel Antara
GMC Terrain
Pontiac Torrent
Cadillac SRX
Chevrolet Equinox
Suzuki XL7
Trim levels include the XE, XR, the sporty Red Line and hybrid Green Line. The standard engine is a 169 hp (126 kW) 2.4 liter I4 Ecotec with variable valve timing. Optional engines include a 222 hp (166 kW) 3.5 liter V6 and a 257 hp (192 kW) 3.6 liter DOHC V6.Red Line
Green Line and 2-Mode Hybrid models
A full/strong hybrid model featuring GM's Two-Mode system was to have been introduced for the 2009 year model. Combined with a "hybridized" version of the 3.6L V6 dubbed the LCS, a direct injection derivative of the standard 3.6 liter engine providing 262 hp (195 kW) and 250 lb·ft (340 N·m) torque. This version was to have maintained the 3,500 lb (1,600 kg) towing capacity of the standard 3.6 liter engine. The 2-mode was to have utilized the 2mt70 transmission (media.gm.com/ca/gm/en/products/VehiclesEng_docs/e9Vue-hybrid_PIG.doc). Saturn also to dropped the "Greenline" badge for 2009. For the 2010 model year GM was expected to release a plug-in hybrid version of the same 2-mode hybrid platform. This was to have been the first plug in hybrid with the system as original equipment.
Following GM's announced closing of the Saturn brand, the company announced the 2-mode hybrid vehicle would be sold as a compact Buick crossover as 2011. It would include 8 kwh lithium-ion battery pack found in Chevrolet Volt. However, the production plan was cancelled following negative feedback, but the plug-in hybrid powertrain would be transferred to another vehicle in 2011.
