LA Auto Show: A Haven for Hybrids

Its only fitting that Green-minded California be the host to several hybrid launches at this years LA show:

Saturns new Sedan has been attracting a fair bit of attention for its European-like styling, first-rate dynamics and classy interior. Now there's something for hybrid enthusiasts to get excited about, as the brand presents the Green Line version of the sedan. Its powertrain is identical to that of the current VUE Green Line with a 164-hp 2.4-liter inline four and a four-speed automatic transmission. The Aura Green Line is a mild hybrid, which  means that its electrical motor only works to assist the vehicle. It cannot run on electricity alone. Saturn hopes to make the Aura one of the  most affordable midsize hybrid sedans on the market.

Aside from being completely new and based off GM of Europes Opel Antara, theres much to be said about Saturns new VUE Green Line. Unlike the current version, which is a mild hybrid (see above), the new car will be a full hybrid utilizing a front-drive variation of GMs Two Mode system that debuted on the Chevrolet Tahoe at the NAIAS. It uses the same gasoline engine as the previous VUE Green Line, though. In further news, GM also announced that it would be building a Plug-In Hybrid version of the new VUE. That should help GM fight back against the likes of Toyota, Honda and Nissan who have been steadily pushing forward.

GMCs Yukon Two-Mode Hybrid is the Yin to the Yang that was the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid that debuted back at Detroit last January. It features GMs Two-Mode hybrid drivetrain system which was developed with BMW and DCX, making it a full hybrid. This might be the most user-friendly hybrid SUV to date, given that it sacrifices little of the vehicles abilities; for instance, its small-block Vortec V8 with cylinder deactivation and durable frame mean that it can still tow 6,000 lbs worth of boat or trailer. GM expects to see an impressive 25-percent improvement on overall fuel consumption on the Two-Mode Chevy and GMC SUVs when they hit the road late next year.

The launch of the facelifted Escape Hybrid comes as no surprise, given that the regular Escape was due for an update. A redesigned exterior with Edge-like headlamps, and an Expedition-style grille and front valance make the cute little Escape a little tougher around the edges. The interior has also been updated once again with a new center console design which houses the Ford corporate navigation system. From a mechanical standpoint, it sticks to the same Atkinson Cycle inline-four and full-hybrid drivetrain, the only difference being that the transition between full electric and full gasoline mode has been made more seamless. Overall, a more pain-free Hybrid for your driving pleasure.