Red Line and Green Line Announced for New Saturn Vue

Saturn is acting quickly to expand its product range of the all-new second-generation Vue compact sport utility vehicle. At this year’s Chicago Auto Show, the brand announced two new Vue models.

First up is the Vue Red Line, which adds a hefty dose of visual spice to Saturn’s most affordable SUV. The front end of the car features a dramatic new bumper with a gigantic central intake. It’s accompanied by two additional gaping intakes that feature inset projector beam fog lamps, all filled in with a new cross-hatch pattern. The Vue Red Line also rides on 18-inch wheels and a lowered performance-tuned suspension system, while the interior is dressed up with performance leather and suede upholstered seats, a new steering wheel and white faced gauges. Like the previous Red Line the new Vue doesn’t pack any additional punch, but rather uses the same 3.6-liter VVT V6 as the XR model, though at 250 horsepower we think it’s plenty. Buyers can choose between FWD and AWD models, but must make do with a six-speed automatic with manual mode.

GM also made some changes to the launch plan of the Vue Green Line. When the 2008 Vue was launched earlier this year at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, General Motors said that it would be adopting a front-wheel drive oriented version of the Two-Mode hybrid system - the full hybrid system - that will be featured on the new MT900 (Tahoe/Yukon) sport utility vehicles. The Two-Mode system differs in that it can run solely on electricity. This model would then be followed up by a plug-in hybrid version for even greater environmental friendliness. It turns out that this won’t be the case, at least not at first.

Buyers will still have to wait ‘til the fourth quarter of this year before getting a hold of the Green Line, which will instead be powered by the same “mild hybrid” system that’s currently in use in the 2007 Vue Green Line. Everything from the 2.4-liter EcoTec inline-four, to the modified four-speed automatic to the 36-volt battery pack will remain the same. This also happens to be the same hybrid drivetrain system found in the upcoming Aura Green Line. GM hopes that the affordable Green Line will maintain an attractive price position that will capture sales from more expensive competitors. The new Green Line will be differentiated from the standard Vue with different wheels, no roof rack and Green Line badging.

Saturn will be launching the new Vue shortly, sometime during the first quarter of this year in base XE and upscale XR trim levels. The Red Line will hit dealers during the third quarter of this year, with 2007 being rounded out by the arrival of the Green Line in the fourth quarter. The Two-Mode Vue Green Line will arrive during the third quarter of 2008. As for the plug-in hybrid model, no date has been released, but GM says “it is a top priority for the company.”