Powertrain apart, the 2008 Vue Green Line is the same dramatically new vehicle as its conventional counterparts described on the previous page.
So, what about the Green Line part? Initially the Vue Green Line will employ the very "mild" -- and correspondingly low-cost -- hybrid system introduced in the 2007 Vue (and also appearing soon in the Aura and Malibu).
This couples a conventional 2.4-litre, 164-hp Ecotec gas engine with a belt-driven electric motor that also doubles as starter motor and generator. The transmission is a conventional 4-speed automatic.
A large part of the Green Vue's fuel economy gain -- claimed to be 25 percent -- comes from automatic engine shut-off when stopped, plus aggressive use of fuel shut-off when decelerating. On the chassis side, aero tweaks, light wheels and low rolling-resistance tires help.
There is still some battery assist of the gas engine, and even electric-only driving on launch, but both to a lesser degree than in most other hybrids. The motor-generator and battery back are correspondingly smaller and lower-cost than in most other hybrids. There is no sacrifice of cargo room.
The Green Line debuts later in 2007.
In 2008, Vue will be available as a more sophisticated hybrid developed with DaimlerChrysler and BMW.
Simple and relatively affordable Hybrid system
Not the greenest of Hybrid systems