Jalopnik: saturn vue

GM Aborts Buick Crossover After Negative Twitter Response

Ray Wert — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 14:00:00 EDT

News today Buick will kill the planned Saturn Vue-platformed plug-in-hybrid-electric crossover comes as no surprise to the consumers and journalists who saw it in person. The "Vue-ick" was horrifyingly atrocious. Now we've uncovered news GM killed it because of Twitter.

We spoke with two unnamed sources at GM, one in design and one in marketing. Both told us the same thing — the Buick crossover was killed after higher-ups read tweets decrying the styling of the plug-in electric platform prostitute of a crossover. Specifically, conversations like the following:

Which echo comments from "consumers" that were also in attendance at the events of last week:

So what does this mean? It means GM's actually listening to people providing feedback and in this case, the, as GM spokesman Jim Hopson told us moments ago, "the overwhelmingly negative response to this vehicle coming out of this event." So there you go kids, join Twitter, and you too can help GM decide which vehicles to build and which vehicles not to build.

Also, you can probably hear about people getting to work, buying a coffee and other asinine and useless information.

Buick To Get First Plug-In Hybrid SUV

Ben Wojdyla — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 10:30:00 EDT

GM just announced plans to give the outgoing Saturn Vue a facelift for Buick and introduce it as a plug-in 2-mode hybrid. It'll use Volt-like batteries and run 10 miles on electricity only, making it the first plug-in hybrid SUV.

The speculation on the future of the Vue platform in the face of the Saturn brand's impending death has been announced, and it's going to Buick. It won't be just a shave and haircut though, it'll also be introduced with the previously announced plug-in 2-mode hybrid system which was destined for the Vue. The new system is a modified version of the previous 2-mode hybrid mating the 3.6L V-6 flex-fuel engine to a new battery pack with the same technology as the Chevy Volt, but with half the capacity. As a result the compact SUV will charge on standard 110V power in four to five hours and run in all-electric mode for at least ten miles.

The BuiVues (Vueicks?) will all get upgraded interiors, but the standard IC models will include a standard powertrain of the 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder or optional upgrades of a 3.0L direct-injected V-6 and all-wheel-drive. The actual name of the vehicle and price point have yet to be announced, but we're very interested to see just what kind of fuel economy that 2-mode plug in will be capable of.

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. - General Motors' plug-in hybrid technology will be introduced in a new Buick crossover vehicle in 2011, Tom Stephens, GM vice chairman of product development, announced here today during the Management Briefing Seminars.

The yet-to-be-named Buick crossover will launch in late 2010 offering a family of fuel-efficient direct-injected gasoline engines, followed in 2011 by the plug-in hybrid model.

"Buick has always been at the forefront of new technology, so it is only fitting that the brand should debut our new plug-in hybrid technology in a beautiful new crossover," said Stephens. "This will firmly put Buick, and GM, front and center in the advanced technology game."

A new Buick for a new customer

The new five-passenger crossover will build on the success of the Buick Enclave, offering the brand's finely crafted execution and premium driving experience in a fuel-efficient package.

"Some customers who have been drawn to the Enclave were looking for something a little smaller, but they didn't want to give up craftsmanship or a quiet ride to get there," said Susan Docherty, general manager of Buick-Pontiac-GMC. "We believe this new Buick will excite those customers, and will continue to broaden the appeal of the brand."

The Buick crossover will be powered by an Ecotec 2.4L direct-injected four-cylinder engine with an optional 3.0L direct-injected V-6, and is expected to deliver 30 miles per gallon or more on the highway. Final fuel economy estimates, as well as additional vehicle details such as name and pricing, will be announced later.

Plug-in hybrid model

The Buick plug-in hybrid is expected to be the first commercially available plug-in hybrid SUV produced by a major automaker.

The Buick plug-in hybrid has the potential to achieve double the fuel economy of comparably-sized SUVs on short trips. This significant boost is achieved by combining a modified version of GM's proven 2-Mode Hybrid system with advanced lithium-ion battery cells and charging technology developed for GM's Voltec system, which will debut in the Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric vehicle in late 2010.

"LG Chem - the supplier of our battery cells for the Volt - has also been selected to supply the lithium-ion cells for the new Buick plug-in hybrid, and its Troy, Mich.-based subsidiary Compact Power will supply the pack," Stephens said.

The Buick plug-in hybrid will use the same manganese-spinel based chemistry and polymer battery cells as the Volt. The 8 kwh battery - containing half the energy of the Volt battery pack - will be packaged in a rectangular-shaped box under the cargo floor.

The lithium-ion battery can be fully recharged in four to five hours by simply connecting the vehicle to any standard 110V household electrical outlet. By recharging rather than refueling, the Buick plug-in hybrid significantly improves fuel economy and reduces petroleum use. In early testing, the plug-in hybrid is capable of electric-only propulsion for more than 10 miles at low speeds.

On the road, GM's 2-Mode plug-in hybrid system can use any combination of electric or gasoline engine power to move the vehicle, depending on the driving conditions. This differs from GM's Voltec technology, which provides the Volt with up to 40 miles of emissions- and petroleum-free electric-only propulsion, and an overall range of more than 300 miles with its flex-fuel engine-generator.

In addition to the lithium-ion battery pack, the Buick plug-in hybrid's powertrain features two powerful electric motors, sophisticated electronic controls and battery management systems and an efficient direct-injected 3.6L V-6 flex-fuel engine.

[GM Inside News]

Unsolicited Suggestions For Detroit Automakers

Ben Wojdyla — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 16:30:00 EDT

An artist calling himself "Lunchbreath" has put together eight rather amusing proposals for the big-wigs at the Detroit automakers to consider. We like this one: sending up-armored Saturn Vues abroad for funny-looking military duty. [Core77]

Best. Vanity License Plate. Ever.

Matt Hardigree — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EDT

Today's hilariously inappropriate vanity license plate comes from the great State of California and one person who likes... well... just add an "I," a "U" and a dirty mind. NSFW. (H/T to Jeff) [Motive]

20 Least Expensive Cars To Insure For 2009

The Auto Insider — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 14:00:00 EDT

Like salt and pepper, chocolate and vanilla, our look at the 20 most expensive cars to insure for 2009 has a flip-side. Today we'll be looking at the 20 least expensive cars to insure for 2009.

In addition to the most expensive to insure list, the folks at Insure.com put together this list of the least expensive cars to insure. Come join us on this journey to find out what makes these econo-boxes so damn cheap to own that it'd almost be a crime to not consider them for your next purchase. Almost.

[via thecarconnection, edmunds, insure.com]

20.) Dodge Grand Caravan

Price: $22,725
Cost To Insure: $960
Curb Weight: 4321 lbs
Engine Displacement: 3.3 liter V6
HP: 175
TQ: 205

Driver Stereotype: Soccer Mom

Jalopnik Insurance Cost Analysis: The ability to blend into the suburban landscape has allowed the Grand Caravan to slip seamlessly to and from soccer games, the grocery store and at times, Mexican border crossings without detection.

19.) Chevrolet Impala
Price: $23,790
Cost To Insure: $959
Curb Weight: 3555 lbs
Engine Displacement: 3.5 liter V6
HP: 211
TQ: 214

Driver Stereotype: Vanilla ice cream-favoring used car salesmen

Jalopnik Insurance Cost Analysis: Sharing its appearance with multitudes of non-descript cop cars causes the surrounding public to drive very, very carefully around the Impala lessening the likelihood for any direct accidents and adding to the overall value of driver safety.

18.) Mazda B-Series Truck
Price: $16,060
Cost To Insure: $957
Curb Weight: 2999 lbs
Engine Displacement: 2.3 liter inline-four
HP: 143
TQ: 154

Driver Stereotype: Has poor credit

Jalopnik Insurance Cost Analysis: Based on the long-in-the-tooth Ford Ranger, the B-Series Truck shows its age with strong, virtually unbreakable bones.

17.) Lincoln Town Car
Price: $46,385
Cost To Insure: $955
Curb Weight: 4345 lbs
Engine Displacement: 4.6 liter V8
HP: 239
TQ: 287

Driver Stereotype: Mafia fat cats

Jalopnik Insurance Cost Analysis: Carefully driven due to multiple dead bodies in the trunk, the Town Car rarely sees an insurance claim except for the frequent bloody interior replacement. Typically these are burned to the ground near the docks without much concern for an insurance claim.

16.) Suzuki Forenza
Price: $11,134
Cost To Insure: $954
Curb Weight: 2756 lbs
Engine Displacement: 2.0 liter inline-four
HP: 127
TQ: 131

Driver Stereotype: Molly Maid employee

Jalopnik Insurance Cost Analysis: Not much can happen to a car when it spends the majority of its life sitting outside of large Hollywood mansions all day.

15.) Honda Accord
Price: $20,905
Cost To Insure: $951
Curb Weight: 3230 lbs
Engine Displacement: 2.4 liter inline-four
HP: 177
TQ: 161

Driver Stereotype: Anti-Toyota

Jalopnik Insurance Cost Analysis: The sedate Accord lulls drivers to a meditative state causing perfect driving habits and extreme awareness, lessening any sort of slip ups.

14.) Jeep Wrangler
Price: $20,710
Cost To Insure: $939
Curb Weight: 3782 lbs
Engine Displacement: 3.8 liter V6
HP: 202
TQ: 237

Driver Stereotype: Obnoxious Dave Matthews Band-listening, bandanna-wearing frat boys

Jalopnik Insurance Cost Analysis: The Wrangler was specifically built for douchebag frat boys and therefore features a virtually indestructible body and chassis making repairs all but non-existent.

13.) VW Passat
Price: $28,300
Cost To Insure: $936
Curb Weight: 3344 lbs
Engine Displacement: 2.0 liter inline-four
HP: 200
TQ: 207

Driver Stereotype: Grown Dub boys

Jalopnik Insurance Cost Analysis: Considering the Passat never moves due to repetitive electrical problems it is never put in harms way, allowing for a much lower insurance premium.

12.) Mazda Mazda5
Price: $17,995
Cost To Insure: $929
Curb Weight: 3417 lbs
Engine Displacement: 2.3 liter inline-four
HP: 153
TQ: 148

Driver Stereotype: MX-5 driver's family car

Jalopnik Insurance Cost Analysis: Typically driven by MX-5 drivers when they've got their kids in toe, the Zoom, Zoom nature of the Mazda5 allows for quick maneuvers to escape from the rest of the crazy drivers out there.

11.) Scion xB
Price: $15,750
Cost To Insure: $881
Curb Weight: 3020 lbs
Engine Displacement: 2.4 liter turbo inline-four
HP: 158
TQ: 162

Driver Stereotype: E-tards

Jalopnik Insurance Cost Analysis: The typical driver of a Scion xB never really leaves the rave, instead spends hours upon hours upon delicious hours licking the glass repeating, "The snozberries taste like snozberries."

10.) Chrysler Town & Country
Price: $26,355
Cost To Insure: $871
Curb Weight: 4387 lbs
Engine Displacement: 3.5 liter V6
HP: 244
TQ: 240

Driver Stereotype: Self fulfilling prophecy

Jalopnik Insurance Cost Analysis: A perceived level of luxury is exhibited by the typical Town & Country driver, causing them to drive even more carefully back and forth from their kids Montessori schools and cricket matches. See Caravan to see the lesser of the ChryCo minivan driver's habits.

9.) Mazda Tribute
Price: $19,730
Cost To Insure: $913
Curb Weight: 3276 lbs
Engine Displacement: 2.5 liter inline-four
HP: 171
TQ: 171

Driver Stereotype: I haz no care for Zoom, Zoom

Jalopnik Insurance Cost Analysis: Tribute drivers lurk quietly in traffic with hardly anyone ever taking notice, not even enough to ram them from behind.

8.) Saturn Vue
Price: $23,280
Cost To Insure: $911
Curb Weight: 3689 lbs
Engine Displacement: 2.4 liter inline-four
HP: 169
TQ: 161

Driver Stereotype: I'm a new kind of car company

Jalopnik Insurance Cost Analysis: Brought over as the Saturn version of the Opel Antara, most people avoid the Vue with the expectation that the Euro-wannabe driver won't speak English causing an annoying, pain-in-the-ass insurance swap.

7.) Smart ForTwo
Price: $11,990
Cost To Insure: $881
Curb Weight: 2315 lbs
Engine Displacement: 1.0 liter inline-three
HP: 70
TQ: 68

Driver Stereotype: Tries to out-smug a Prius driver

Jalopnik Insurance Cost Analysis: Like the annoying fly that you just can't swat and kill, the ForTwo manages to avoid all conflict by being small and zippy, plus nobody seems to want manslaughter charges for when the driver gets squashed after a 10 mph accident.

6.) Honda Odyssey
Price: $26,355
Cost To Insure: $871
Curb Weight: 4387 lbs
Engine Displacement: 3.5 liter V6
HP: 244
TQ: 240

Driver Stereotype: Does not drive for the thrill of driving

Jalopnik Insurance Cost Analysis: Odyssey drivers are busy reaching around and smacking the shit out of their kids, leaving very little time for accidents, so they generally avoid them.

5.) Kia Rio5
Price: $13,325
Cost To Insure: $870
Curb Weight: 2438 lbs
Engine Displacement: 1.6 liter inline-four
HP: 110
TQ: 107

Driver Stereotype: Typically doesn't care about cars

Jalopnik Insurance Cost Analysis: The Rio5 is so ugly that most drivers avoid any physical contact with them in fear that some of the ugly will rub off. Score one for Kia.

4.) Kia Sedona
Price: $21,245
Cost To Insure: $857
Curb Weight: 4365 lbs
Engine Displacement: 3.8 liter V6
HP: 250
TQ: 253

Driver Stereotype: Anti-Odyssey

Jalopnik Insurance Cost Analysis: This thing is so boring that they should have named it the Kia Sedative. It rarely leaves the driveway unless absolutely necessary, dramatically reducing its potential for road carnage.

3.) Hyundai Entourage
Price: $23,995
Cost To Insure: $848
Curb Weight: 4400 lbs
Engine Displacement: 3.8 liter V6
HP: 250
TQ: 253

Driver Stereotype: Anti-Odyssey/Sedona

Jalopnik Insurance Cost Analysis: Should be renamed to Hyundai Ento...zzzzz. See Kia Sedona.

2.) Kia Sportage
Price: $16,695
Cost To Insure: $840
Curb Weight: 3230 lbs
Engine Displacement: 2.0 liter inline-four
HP: 140
TQ: 136

Driver Stereotype: High school band geek

Jalopnik Insurance Cost Analysis: Typically the Sportage is doing exactly the opposite of what its name implies, instead it spends its life carting tubas and other brass instruments between Mom's house and band practice which coincidentally is just down the street. Also, the lack of party invites virtually eliminates any sort of under-the-influence driving.

1.) Hyundai Santa Fe
Price: $21,695
Cost To Insure: $832
Curb Weight: 3727 lbs
Engine Displacement: 2.7 liter V6
HP: 185
TQ: 183

Driver Stereotype: Not concerned with brand image

Jalopnik Insurance Cost Analysis: The Santa Fe, while having an unbelievably ridiculous name, is actually quite attractive limiting surrounding driver's desire to crash repeatedly into it. For complete opposite, see Kia Rio5.

Aural Leakage: Battery Problems Short-Circuit Saturn Hybrid Sales

Andrew Stoy — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 07:30:00 EDT

In the midst of a $4/gallon-inspired run on every ride that gets more than 12 MPG, we were more than a little surprised to hear that the 2008 Saturn Aura Green Line has racked up a measly 69 sales through the end of April. Wot's the deal? Turns out that leaky batteries, courtesy of supplier Cobasys, have sent the Saturn hybrids into the realm of vaporware at the same time GM's marketers are touting the company's green credentials to any buyer who will listen. The same issue has plagued the Saturn Vue Green Line, which saw sales numbers fall to 326 through April, vs. 2,683 in the first four months of 2007. Cobasys claims to have solved the problem and is now shipping defect-free battery packs. Knowing GM's luck with timing the market, a betting man might expect fuel prices to drop back below a buck a gallon at about the same time as production ramps back up.

[Autoblog]

2008 Saturn VUE XE On Sale For $2.3 Million

Ben Wojdyla — Thu, 15 May 2008 17:40:00 EDT

With the emerging global Saturn Vue shortage crisis biting into the supply of crossovers, global prices of the US-ified Opel are spiking to unheard of levels. Case in point comes from Saturn of Oxford Valley — ground zero for the desperate shortages. With so few Vues on the market, and demand so incredibly high, prices there have surged to $2,293,500. Of course, this particular model may be the one equipped with 70 lbs of platinum body panels so, you know, that would be market price. [Saturn of Oxford Valley] (Thanks Dillon)

Detroit Auto Show: Saturn Vue 2 Mode Hybrid

Travis Hudson — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 18:14:33 EST

Saturn's lawyers are at it again — this time they are declaring a world's first. The Saturn Vue Green Line 2 Mode is the world's first front-wheel-drive compact hybrid SUV in the world, or so they say. The obvious key feature is the two-mode hybrid technology capable of increasing fuel economy by 50 percent compared to the non-hybrid V6 Vue. A 500 mile driving range also sounds pretty nice, at least on paper. The Vue Green Line 2 Mode features a 3.6-liter VVT V6 engine that can go 0-60 in 7.3 seconds. Expect this SUV to hit the dealer floor in late 2008.

Detroit Auto Show: Saturn Vue Plug-In Hybrid

Travis Hudson — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 13:44:28 EST

In a mere two years Saturn will make its Vue Plug-In Hybrid available for masses. Wait for it, wait for it, yes, this hybrid will plug into the standard 110V household electrical outlet and connect to the car at the front fender, utilizing an adapted two-mode hybrid system from GM. The battery will fully recharge in four to five hours. In addition to the rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, the Plug-In Hybrid will also feature GM's 3.6-liter V6 VVT engine. Even though it does contain a V6 engine, the Plug-In Hybrid will be capable of electric-only propulsion of 10 miles or so at low speeds according to the early testing. I would hate to see what this would do to household electronics. I have problems running the toaster and the dryer at the same time and who knows what would happen if a car was plugged into the mix.

GMC Terrain Revealed in Kuwait

Matt Hardigree — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 11:15:00 EST

Not content to have their spotlight stolen by a bunch of lousy Pats fans at the New England International Auto Show, the Kuwait auto show has unveiled the new-for-them GMC Terrain. If it looks to you exactly like a rebadged Saturn Vue, that's because that's what it is. While this does mark the first compact SUV entry into the Middle Eastern market by GM, the company sells almost every other SUV in their line in the region. Built in the South Korean Daewoo plant, the model will be available in SLE and SLT trims with "two distinct powerplants," whatever that means. Press release below the jump.

Kuwaiti Premier for the All-new GMC Terrain at the Kuwait Automobile Exhibition

Kuwait City, Kuwait - GMC's mantra of "Professional Grade" takes on a whole new meaning with the arrival of GMC's first Compact SUV, the stylish Terrain. Having made its world debut earlier this month at the Dubai Motor Show, the all-new Terrain now makes its first appearance at the Kuwait International Automobile Exhibition 2007 (November 28th to December 4th).

A whole new wave of thinking has gone into creating the exciting new Terrain, which joins the SUV range with state-of-the-art engineering and high levels of quality, safety and comfort as its core DNA. It is the smallest member of the GMC family, but the professional grade philosophy is at the core of the newest model to make its entry in the region. This technologically sophisticated compact SUV, which will enter the Middle East market this year, is proficient for everyday use and equally capable of being used as a leisure vehicle.

At 4,575mm long, 1,850mm wide and 1,704mm high, the GMC Terrain has all the credentials of a highly versatile Compact SUV, offering an ideal combination of practicality, performance and all the comfort of a lifestyle sedan. The Terrain features generous interior space, compact dimensions, high levels of functionality, a raised seat position and innovative transport features such as "Flex-Fix".

GMC's Terrain combines dynamic, elegant design with an All Wheel Drive system that combines the benefits of front-wheel drive, such as stability control when accelerating and increased driving dynamics, with those of permanent four-wheel drive. The electronically-controlled electro-hydraulic differential ensures optimal torque distribution between the front and rear axles in all situations. The drivetrain is fully integrated with ABS and ESP systems, enhancing vehicle control and active safety.

Other standard functions include Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA), Active Rollover Protection (ARP) and, unusually for the Compact segment, Descent Control System (DCS).

The new Terrain is available in SLE and SLT trims with two distinct powerplants. Furthermore, the Terrain's appeal is enlivened by an eye-catching palette of colours such as Galaxy white; Granada black mica; Poseidon blue; Kadinsky red mica; Sandrift grey metallic; Dark denim grey mica; Oak green mica and Poly silver metallic. [GM via WorldCarFans]