Saturn Vue hybrid payback time lowest in industry

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ Jun 17 2006, 04:40 PM) [snapback]272780[/snapback]</div>

Well, good luck with that, anyone who buys a Saturn Vue hybrid. Auto123 has no credibility in my book, at any rate.

 

zzz

 

what happened to all the Saturn dealers here on the mainland, most have gone tits up. What's with that?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Jack Straw @ Jun 17 2006, 05:13 PM) [snapback]272805[/snapback]</div>

Agreed. That's totally OK in my book. After all, our goal is to reduce our dependency on foreign oil, improve national security, and help out the environment. More the merrier!!!

It just reinforces what we know already...hybrid cars are cool. But remember, we had ours first so that makes us the coolest!!!!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ Jun 17 2006, 04:37 PM) [snapback]272822[/snapback]</div>

I bought an Isuzu Space Cab 4x4 from them about the time you were born. And your right they are the only one left outside of Langley. And they might even be gone now. Pretty small market share to invest your hard earned money in a vheicle that could possibly be a dealer orphan. I'd certianly like to know what Saturns market share in Canada is. I'd bet the smart for two out sells Saturn 2 to 1 here on the mainland.

 

Is this the "limited" form of a hybrid like they are using on the pickups? From http://priuschat.com/index.php?showtopic=1124

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(eyeguy13 @ Jun 17 2006, 05:25 PM) [snapback]272812[/snapback]</div>

You're ok with just a half-hearted effort? Hmm.

True, their attempt is to achieve that goal, but it only earns a "C" grade. Why should we settle for that?

Knowing that Toyota has strived to do better and achieved an "A" grade, we really need to keep perspective. All hybrids are not alike. When it comes to security, the idea of accepting less really isn't that popular... especially in the advent of the next generation hybrid system from Toyota nearing.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ Jun 17 2006, 05:54 PM) [snapback]272851[/snapback]</div>

mine was a 91, and had absoultely horrible electrics. 2 ign computers at $2600 each and one ABS comp and some other sensors, but as far as good off road, not bad. Dumped for a T-100 on Jan 1 1993. How old were you then? 4? 5? 6?
Edit, I,ve seen only one new Saturn Vue, about 2 weeks ago.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(john1701a @ Jun 17 2006, 07:37 PM) [snapback]272843[/snapback]</div>

John,

I don't even know what a "C" grade is. Nor that Toyota has an "A" grade. How was I supposed to know it was a 'half-hearted' effort?

My point has always been put more hybrid cars out NOW. Let's not wait. I really don't care who makes them. We need cars and light trucks and SUV's that shut down when you are at a light or in a traffic jam. And we need that NOW in as many cars as possible. That will save millions of barrels of oil and reduce greenhouse gases.

That was my point. I am a Toyota fan, don't get me wrong, but let's bring more people to the party.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(eyeguy13 @ Jun 17 2006, 11:25 PM) [snapback]272936[/snapback]</div>

That's how greenwashing works. They sucker you into believing you are getting more than you actually are. It's really sad.

Investments into new production aren't cheap. Designs that are not as clean or efficient are a poor use of that money. Goals need to be set.

The MPG increase should be rather substantial and the emissions at least SULEV. So ask yourself, what does Vue-Hybrid provide?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(john1701a @ Jun 17 2006, 05:37 PM) [snapback]272843[/snapback]</div>

John. You are too kind to Toyota. They don't deserve an "A" grade. They are no better than a "B" in my mind. They could get us a Prius with plugin option, and they screw up... like you said... Why should we settle for that?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(dipper @ Jun 20 2006, 12:03 PM) [snapback]274121[/snapback]</div>

Because they have continued to deliver more, I don't see why they shouldn't deserve an "A".

The other automakers are lots of talk and little action. Toyota quite literally is moving forward.

Since the plug is currently extremely expensive (50 percent of base vehicle price) and typically powered by dirty electricity supplies (like coal), that would be considered extra credit. In a few years, we'll expect it to be a factory option. But not yet.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(dipper @ Jun 20 2006, 01:03 PM) [snapback]274121[/snapback]</div>

In my mind, they deserved an A+ in 2004 (Prius), slipped to a D in 2005 (HiHy/Rx400), and went to a C+(camry, but it's offset by those awful Lexus Hybrids) in 2006.

GM is moving in the right direction here... the full hybrids for the bigger trucks, and the assist hybrids for the smaller vehicles. If they keep the premium at ~1500 for the Malibu, which is what they've done for the Vue, I can't see how it won't be successful. It's a small premium for a nice performance/economy gain.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(fshagan @ Jun 17 2006, 08:15 PM) [snapback]272831[/snapback]</div>

I have to agree, the GM system sucks! Read below:

The GM belt alternator starter hybrid is one of three innovative hybrid systems that GM plans to introduce on up to 12 models, providing consumers a broad portfolio of hybrid systems that will vary in fuel savings and cost. GM's belt alternator starter hybrid combines sophisticated controls with a precision electric motor/generator mated to the engine. "The best design is uncomplicated and easy to implement," said Larry Nitz, executive director of GM's hybrid program. "This simple, elegant hybrid architecture makes it possible to implement globally on a broad spectrum of vehicle applications at an attractive price."

Among the many advantages of the GM belt alternator starter hybrid is its flexibility. It can be applied to multiple engines with minimal change to the engine or transmission. In the Saturn VUE Green Line, the system will be mated with GM's state-of-the-art 2.4-liter variable valve timing (VVT) Ecotec engine and Hydra-Matic 4T45-E electronically controlled overdrive transaxle.
GM engineers developed the belt alternator starter hybrid to deliver improved fuel economy by performing the following functions:


Shuts off the engine when the vehicle is brought to a stop to minimize engine idling
Restarts the engine promptly when the brake pedal is released
Enables early fuel cutoff to the engine during vehicle deceleration
Captures vehicle kinetic energy during deceleration to help charge the advanced nickel metal hydride hybrid battery (regenerative braking)
Performs intelligent battery charging by opportunistically charging when it's most efficient.
The belt alternator starter hybrid also will provide an electric power assist during acceleration when needed. During a wide-open throttle or aggressive passing maneuver, the system improves vehicle launch and acceleration feel by assisting the engine to achieve maximum power. The system is designed to automatically maintain accessory functionality and passenger comfort when the engine is stopped so that hybrid operation is transparent to the driver and passengers.

The belt alternator starter hybrid consists of six major components:


A precision electric motor/generator unit
Engine coolant-cooled power electronics that control the motor/generator unit and provide 12-volt vehicle accessory power
An advanced, nickel metal hydride hybrid battery pack capable of delivering and receiving more than 10kW of peak power
An engine control module that includes sophisticated Hybrid Supervisory Software to manage both engine and hybrid system operation
A new engine accessory drive with dual tensioner assembly and aramid cord belt that enables reliable transfer of both motoring and generating torque
The hybrid-enabled 4T45-E electronically controlled overdrive transaxle that includes an auxiliary oil pump and unique hybrid controls to ensure seamless hybrid operation.
GM's belt alternator starter hybrid operates in motoring or generating mode.

In the motoring mode, the belt alternator starter hybrid is used to quickly restart the engine upon brake pedal release and to provide momentary acceleration assist as needed. To perform these functions, the advanced nickel metal hydride hybrid battery converts its stored chemical energy into direct current (DC) electrical energy. The hybrid's power electronics then convert the DC electrical energy to three-phase alternating current (AC) to run the motor/generator unit as a motor. Vehicle accessory power (12V) is also generated in this mode.

In the generating mode, the belt alternator starter hybrid is used to provide both 12V vehicle accessory power and power to recharge the hybrid battery. To perform these functions, the engine is used to power the motor/generator unit, which then provides a three-phase electrical output. In this mode, the energy required to drive the engine may come from either gasoline when accelerating or the kinetic energy of the moving vehicle when decelerating with the fuel cut off. The three-phase AC electrical output of the motor/generator is then converted to DC electrical outputs by the power electronics that are, in turn, used to efficiently charge both the hybrid and vehicle accessory batteries.

GM's hybrid strategy is part of GM's larger overall advanced propulsion technology strategy, which is focused on introducing new technologies to improve the internal combustion engine and transmissions to further reduce vehicle emissions and increase fuel economy. "We want to provide consumers a choice that will be in harmony with their budget, vehicle expectations and fuel economy needs," said Stephens. "The belt alternator starter hybrid will offer consumers the combination of an affordable price and a good fuel economy improvement over the base vehicle."

Saturn VUE Hybrid




I wonder if they will offer the same 8yr-100k waranty that toyota offers??

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(john1701a @ Jun 20 2006, 03:41 PM) [snapback]274340[/snapback]</div>

Uh... okay.... there goes the coal part....
Darrell... please get on his case... :lol:

Please, Toyota is as guilty for killing the electric car as GM. I don't consider them to "deliver more" for telling us that the consumers do not want "it".

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(john1701a @ Jun 20 2006, 06:41 PM) [snapback]274340[/snapback]</div>

Uh... okay.... there goes the coal part....
Darrell... please get on his case...

LOL johns gonna have to face the wrath of darrel, darrel & his brother darrel, as dippy has hexed you... :lol:
I used to argue with darrel and only put my two cents in every now and then but its ultamately not worth it. As he is convinced EV's are the future.. :blink: But then who am I? he could very well be right!