First Look: 2008 Saturn VUE

[Flybrian]

PRESS RELEASE:

GM @ LAIAS

ALL-NEW 2008 SATURN VUE SPORT UTILITY DELIVERS PREMIUM, EUROPEAN-INSPIRED LOOKS AND RIDE QUALITY

LOS ANGELES - Saturn today introduced the all-new 2008 Saturn Vue, a compact five-door crossover vehicle with European design and sporty ride and handling. The vehicle was revealed at the Greater Los Angeles International Auto Show.

The new Vue is the latest Saturn model to showcase the brand’s new design character and intensified focus on driving characteristics. When it becomes available in the second quarter of 2007, it will be the fourth all-new Saturn model since the beginning of 2006 calendar year. The other all-new models are the Sky roadster, Aura sedan and the larger Outlook crossover utility.

“The 2008 Saturn continues the product revitalization at Saturn,” said Saturn General Manager Jill Lajdziak. “The all-new Vue is versatile, technologically advanced and loaded with safety equipment. Saturn customers will be as pleased with the vehicle as they are with the customer treatment they’ve always received at their Saturn retailer.”

Saturn also confirmed that it will continue to offer the Green Line hybrid version of the Vue, beginning later in the 2008 model year. When it debuted in the 2007 lineup, the Vue hybrid was the first vehicle to use GM’s new affordable hybrid powertrain.

In addition to the hybrid, the new Vue will be available in XE, XR and Red Line trim levels. These models will offer a wide range of powertrains, including a more powerful four-cylinder engine, and two V-6 choices mated to six-speed automatic transmissions. Later in the model year, a five-speed manual transmission will be available. All-wheel drive is available with both V-6 engines.

Ride and handling

At the core of the Vue’s European driving character is a stiff, steel body-frame integral structure. Ride and handling is augmented by model-specific tuning of spring rates and wheel travel. Front and rear stabilizer bars, MacPherson strut independent front suspension and independent multi-link rear suspension, along with a double-isolated engine cradle, add to the smooth ride. Hydraulic power-assisted steering on V-6 models, standard four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, standard traction control and standard GM StabiliTrak electronic stability control provide outstanding vehicle control.

A towing package with hitch and wiring is available on all Vues. A towing stabilization system uses active braking to help control the vehicle in trailering situations. The Vue (except Red Line) can also be towed as an RV “dinghy vehicle” with all four wheels on the ground.

Safety

In addition to the handling features that help drivers avoid crashes, the all-new Vue helps protect occupants with a long list of standard crash protection safety features. Dual-stage front seat air bags, front seat side thorax air bags and head curtain air bags covering front and rear rows are standard on all models.

Complementing the air bags is GM’s rollover sensing system, which uses sensors to proactively predict vehicle tip-up on a flat road surface and apply brake force to the outside front and rear wheels to reduce lateral force in the vehicle. It also activates the roof rail air bags if sensors determine an impending rollover. Other standard safety features include front-row dual safety belt pretensioners, disengaging collapsible pedals and active head restraints.

Like all Saturn vehicles, the Vue comes standard with GM’s OnStar safety and security system, including a one-year subscription to the Safe & Sound plan. The OnStar service includes Advanced Automatic Crash Notification (AACN), making crash data available to emergency services to potentially dispatch the appropriate life-saving personnel and equipment to crash scenes faster. If the vehicle is in a crash that activates an air bag, the system automatically notifies an OnStar advisor, who will contact the occupants and summon emergency help if necessary. OnStar also provides remote door-unlocking service and can assist authorities in locating a vehicle if it is reported stolen.

Exterior

The new Vue’s exterior exhibits Saturn’s new European design cues, with a look that is clean, sculpted and distinctively sporty. Tight wheel-to-body relationships, large jeweled headlamps and a sweeping upper profile line contribute to the Vue’s striking design. The tapered roof line is one of the design cues drawn from the PreVue concept shown at the 2006 New York Auto Show.

Another cue inspired by the PreVue concept is the fender accent molding located vertically along the forward front door line. The styling feature is molded in charcoal color and incorporates a side repeater turn signal. Bright accents surrounding the side glass add to the appeal of the vehicle’s profile. The grille proudly displays Saturn’s recognizable chrome brand bar with a large Saturn badge.

Sixteen-inch alloy wheels are standard on XE models, while larger 17-inch alloy wheels come with the uplevel Vue XR. XE and XR models are further distinguished from each other with specific fascias, rockers and wheel opening trim. The Red Line model, to be unveiled later, will sport its own performance-inspired design cues.

Interior

Inside, the Vue continues the upscale theme with refined materials and precise fit and finish. Designers used lighter colors to bring a sense of spaciousness to the cabin, and incorporated an array of useful storage solutions.

The interior offers a host of comfort and convenience features, many of which are uncommon in the segment. These include optional eight-way power driver’s seat; standard flip-down second-row armrest with storage; standard CD stereo with MP3 capability; standard driver information center in instrument cluster; available automatic climate control system with electronic controls; available navigation system; and an optional enhanced convenience package that includes an automatic rain-sensing wiper system, remote start, universal home remote and heated windshield washer system.

Other cabin highlights include:

* Rich materials including chrome accents on the air vents, center stack controls, instrument cluster and speakers

* Bolstered seating upholstered with two levels of flat-woven fabric with specific inserts; leather seating is available on most models

* Low-gloss, low-glare upper instrument panel with embossed grain

* Amber backlighting in the instrument panel and center stack control faceplates

* Ample covered, flocked and damped storage, including a locking glove box big enough for a medium-size purse

* A sliding storage bin under the front passenger seat

* Flat-folding 60/40 split rear seatback

* A rear cargo management system that uses upper and lower rails and storage nets to accommodate storage nets for everything from beverage bottles to home-improvement accessories

Powertrain

No other vehicle in the segment will offer as wide a range of engine choices as the 2008 Vue. The XE FWD and Vue Green Line models are equipped with the 2.4L Ecotec with variable valve timing. It produces 164 horsepower (122 kW) at 6,300 rpm* and 160 lb.-ft. (221 Nm) of torque at 4,500 rpm.* It is mated to the Hydra-Matic 4T45, four-speed, electronically controlled transaxle. A five-speed manual will be available on four-cylinder Vue XE models in early 2008.

All-wheel-drive Vue XE models come equipped with a 3.5L V-6 engine, delivering 215 horsepower (260 kW) at 5,900 rpm* and 220 lb.-ft. (304 Nm) of torque at 2,800 rpm,* with a broad torque curve and good low-end torque for quick acceleration.

Vue XR and Vue Red Line, are powered by GM’s sophisticated, high-feature 60-degree dual overhead cam 3.6L V-6 VVT that delivers 250 horsepower (186 kW) at 6,500 rpm* and 243 lb.-ft. (329 Nm) of torque at 4,400 rpm.*

All Vue models equipped with V-6 engines receive the new Hydra-Matic six-speed automatic transmissions, which helps maximize powertrain performance and economy.

STAY TUNED FOR PICTURES!

[mjdecker]

STAY TUNED FOR PICTURES!

Not that we don't know what it already looks like.. though I'm interested to see the RedLine

[regfootball]

wow, Saturn is really putting a lot of eggs in the VUE basket.

hybrid, a four, 2 v6's, 6 speed automatics.

they really value this vehicle's success.

[haypops]

they really value this vehicle's success.

221828[/snapback]

Maybe it has to fill up Spring Hill's production capacity?

[Backup7]

Woohoo for the 5 speed manual

[avro206]

little disapointed by the hp of the engines---that they are down from their car applications. Oh well should beat my Honda powered Vue--which the engine and trans are so babied by the computer!

Hopefully this is as light weight at the current Vue

Edited November 30, 2006 by avro206

[Northstar]

I'm guessing we'll see a higher-powered 3.6L in the Green Line, but I wouldn't be surprised if those ratings went up, they did on the Lambdas.

[PurdueGuy]

Maybe it has to fill up Spring Hill's production capacity?

221894[/snapback]

Nope - next gen Vue is being built in Mexico, while GM has nothing to build in Spring Hill.

Edited November 30, 2006 by PurdueGuy

[PurdueGuy]

bump for a Q:

Is the XR available in both FWD and AWD, like the current 6cyl version is? I don't see that stated clearly here...

Assuming it will be available with both, it looks like here's the lineup...

XE FWD: 164hp 2.4L I4, 4spd auto or 5spd manual

XE AWD: 215hp 3.5L V6, 6spd auto

Green Line: 164hp 2.4L I4 Ecotec + mild hybrid system, 4spd auto

XR FWD: 250hp 3.6L V6, 6spd auto

XR AWD: 250hp 3.6L V6, 6spd auto

Red Line: 250hp 3.6L V6, 6spd auto

*future additional 2-mode full hybrid version of the Green Line coming!

That's 7 major models! Wow!

Edited November 30, 2006 by PurdueGuy

[ToniCipriani]

Wow... 164hp for the 2.4L... that's an all time low for the Ecotec on horsepower rating...

[ponchoman49]

Well it looks like the geniuses at GM powertrain have done it again. A detuned 2.4 Ecotec, a 5th variation of the pushrod 3500 with 215 hp and a 3.6 with less hp than last years Aura! They did finally put the 6 speed automatic tranny with both V6's but why not the Ecotec? It really is sad to see that 2 models years later GM can't even match a 2006 RAV 4 269 hp V6 with the top of the line 3.6.

Edited December 1, 2006 by ponchoman49

[avro206]

In all liley hood the les hp for the engines is due to exhaust restrictions. I am not infavour of it but its not anythign to get upset about. Still kills an Escape!

[PurdueGuy]

Wow... 164hp for the 2.4L... that's an all time low for the Ecotec on horsepower rating...

222396[/snapback]

Not the Ecotec as a whole, just the 2.4L... and keep in mind that the current 4cyl Vue has the 140hp 2.2L Ecotec, so this is a step up for the base model.

[aaaantoine]

Isn't that bhp?

Doesn't size and other restrictions alter this number?

What about torque?

Edited December 1, 2006 by aaaantoine

[ToniCipriani]

Not the Ecotec as a whole, just the 2.4L... and keep in mind that the current 4cyl Vue has the 140hp 2.2L Ecotec, so this is a step up for the base model.

222700[/snapback]

Read my post again: "...the Ecotec...", if I said "...an Ecotec.." then it would be what you meant. I was referring directly to the 2.4L

[siegen]

Wow... 164hp for the 2.4L... that's an all time low for the Ecotec on horsepower rating...

222396[/snapback]

Has GM put the 2.4L Ecotec into any other SUV's, or just cars? An SUV will need a lower rpm powerband (torque) to move it comfortably, while a car can get away with a higher one. Lower rpm powerbands mean less torque in the high rpms, which reduces the peak HP number. The CR-V is rated at 166hp with its 2.4L. The Vue is right there. It would be interesting to see the dyno charts.

[PurdueGuy]

Read my post again: "...the Ecotec...", if I said "...an Ecotec.." then it would be what you meant. I was referring directly to the 2.4L

223282[/snapback]

Sorry, I get used to dealing with noobs on other forums, and it'd be nothing for one of them to think there were only one Ecotec...

Has GM put the 2.4L Ecotec into any other SUV's, or just cars?

223306[/snapback]

Does the current gen Vue Green Line count? I think it's on sale now...

[mjd1001]

Not the Ecotec as a whole, just the 2.4L... and keep in mind that the current 4cyl Vue has the 140hp 2.2L Ecotec, so this is a step up for the base model.

222700[/snapback]

You have to remember, it may not feel like a step up. As I have angrily posted about in a few other threads about the upcoming Vue, the 08 is going to weigh 500-600 lbs more than the current Vue.

Even with the additional bump in power, the new 4 cylinder Vue may feel the same (if not more sluggish) than the current ones...and the 2008 6 cylinder Vues (despite a 6 speed automatic instead of a 5 speed auto) are likely to be downright slower then the current Vues.

[avro206]

You have to remember, it may not feel like a step up. As I have angrily posted about in a few other threads about the upcoming Vue, the 08 is going to weigh 500-600 lbs more than the current Vue.

Even with the additional bump in power, the new 4 cylinder Vue may feel the same (if not more sluggish) than the current ones...and the 2008 6 cylinder Vues (despite a 6 speed automatic instead of a 5 speed auto) are likely to be downright slower then the current Vues.

223377[/snapback]

where are you getting your weight from?? an 06 awd V6 weighs about 3600lbs and change. Your saying an 08 is better then 4100lbs?

I don't see it. Don't be too impressed with the Honda 3.5/5 speed auto--it dosen't reallly put out

dimensions/weights posted please.....anyone?

[mjd1001]

where are you getting your weight from?? an 06 awd V6 weighs about 3600lbs and change. Your saying an 08 is better then 4100lbs?

I don't see it. Don't be too impressed with the Honda 3.5/5 speed auto--it dosen't reallly put out

dimensions/weights posted please.....anyone?

223520[/snapback]

Here is some info from an official GM press release:

http://www.saturnfans.com/Cars/VUE/2008/2008vuespecs.shtml

V6 FWD 4,076 lbs

V6 AWD 4,325 lbs

Also, The Opel Antara, which is almost a twin of the Vue, has official curb weights of over 4,000 lbs also.

There you go, pretty much official and straight from GM's press release.

[thegriffon]

These are not final hp figures, you all know GM tends to be conservative. However, it does appear that the Vue/Antara has a more restrictive exhaust setup, more so than even the Captiva. Clearly if you want more power, go for the Green Line.