Breaking: Saturn Vue plug-in hybrid reborn as new Buick crossover
by Sam Abuelsamid on Aug 6th 2009 at 9:46AM 
2011 Buick "Vue" Two-Mode hybrid - click above for high res gallery
GM CEO Fritz Henderson may not believe in re-badging Pontiacs for other GM brands, but it looks like at least one Saturn model will live on. The mid-size Vue crossover will become a Buick in 2011, and a plug-in hybrid will be part of the program. The Two-mode hybrid system that was originally scheduled to launch in the Vue last November will be installed in the Buick-badged version along with an 8 kWh lithium ion battery pack. The pack will use the same LG Chem cells going into the Volt and, as originally planned, the PHEV will be paired with the direct injected 3.6-liter V6.
According to GM, testing so far shows that the PHEV can run over 10 miles batteries alone at low speeds. Since this is a conversion-type plug-in essentially retaining the standard two-mode hybrid system, it isn't capable of running on electricity at any speed (like the Volt). Unlike any other current hybrid, the PHEV will be flex-fuel capable. Badging the PHEV as a Buick makes sense since it sells at a higher price point than the Saturn and it will also likely be available in China. GM expects this to be the first commercially-available PHEV SUV, beating Ford's first offering which is due in 2012.
GM spokesman Brian Corbett tells ABG there won't be a non-plug hybrid version of the Buick "Vue" available. The new Buick will be available with the same direct injected 2.4-liter four and 3.0-liter V6 found in the new Equinox.
Gallery: Buick Plug-in hybrid crossover
[Source: General Motors]
PRESS RELEASE:
New Buick Crossover Will Feature Plug-In Hybrid System
- Five-passenger crossover arrives in 2010 with family of fuel-efficient direct-injected gas engines
- Plug-in hybrid model debuts in 2011
- Expected to be first commercially available plug-in hybrid SUV produced by a major automaker
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. - General Motors' plug-in hybrid technology will be introduced in a new Buick crossover vehicle in 2011, Tom Stephens, GM vice chairman of product development, announced here today during the Management Briefing Seminars.
The yet-to-be-named Buick crossover will launch in late 2010 offering a family of fuel-efficient direct-injected gasoline engines, followed in 2011 by the plug-in hybrid model.
"Buick has always been at the forefront of new technology, so it is only fitting that the brand should debut our new plug-in hybrid technology in a beautiful new crossover," said Stephens. "This will firmly put Buick, and GM, front and center in the advanced technology game."
A new Buick for a new customer
The new five-passenger crossover will build on the success of the Buick Enclave, offering the brand's finely crafted execution and premium driving experience in a fuel-efficient package.
"Some customers who have been drawn to the Enclave were looking for something a little smaller, but they didn't want to give up craftsmanship or a quiet ride to get there," said Susan Docherty, general manager of Buick-Pontiac-GMC. "We believe this new Buick will excite those customers, and will continue to broaden the appeal of the brand."
The Buick crossover will be powered by an Ecotec 2.4L direct-injected four-cylinder engine with an optional 3.0L direct-injected V-6, and is expected to deliver 30 miles per gallon or more on the highway. Final fuel economy estimates, as well as additional vehicle details such as name and pricing, will be announced later.
Plug-in hybrid model
The Buick plug-in hybrid is expected to be the first commercially available plug-in hybrid SUV produced by a major automaker.
The Buick plug-in hybrid has the potential to achieve double the fuel economy of comparably-sized SUVs on short trips. This significant boost is achieved by combining a modified version of GM's proven 2-Mode Hybrid system with advanced lithium-ion battery cells and charging technology developed for GM's Voltec system, which will debut in the Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric vehicle in late 2010.
"LG Chem - the supplier of our battery cells for the Volt - has also been selected to supply the lithium-ion cells for the new Buick plug-in hybrid, and its Troy, Mich.-based subsidiary Compact Power will supply the pack," Stephens said.
The Buick plug-in hybrid will use the same manganese-spinel based chemistry and polymer battery cells as the Volt. The 8 kwh battery - containing half the energy of the Volt battery pack - will be packaged in a rectangular-shaped box under the cargo floor.
The lithium-ion battery can be fully recharged in four to five hours by simply connecting the vehicle to any standard 110V household electrical outlet. By recharging rather than refueling, the Buick plug-in hybrid significantly improves fuel economy and reduces petroleum use. In early testing, the plug-in hybrid is capable of electric-only propulsion for more than 10 miles at low speeds.
On the road, GM's 2-Mode plug-in hybrid system can use any combination of electric or gasoline engine power to move the vehicle, depending on the driving conditions. This differs from GM's Voltec technology, which provides the Volt with up to 40 miles of emissions- and petroleum-free electric-only propulsion, and an overall range of more than 300 miles with its flex-fuel engine-generator.
In addition to the lithium-ion battery pack, the Buick plug-in hybrid's powertrain features two powerful electric motors, sophisticated electronic controls and battery management systems and an efficient direct-injected 3.6L V-6 flex-fuel engine.
About General Motors: General Motors Company, one of the world's largest automakers, traces its roots back to 1908. With its global headquarters in Detroit, GM employs 235,000 people in every major region of the world and does business in some 140 countries. GM and its strategic partners produce cars and trucks in 34 countries, and sell and service these vehicles through the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM's largest national market is the United States, followed by China, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Canada, Russia and Germany. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. General Motors Company acquired operations from General Motors Corporation on July 10, 2009, and references to prior periods in this and other press materials refer to operations of the old General Motors Corporation. More information on the new General Motors Company can be found at www.gm.com.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Matt 9:54AM (8/06/2009)
What happened? Did the engineers take over corporate headquarters or something? GM is making good decisions!
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Mirko 10:50AM (8/06/2009)
Slapping a Buick badge on a Korean engineered CUV with faux Opel styling is a good idea? To my eyes, this is pure "Old GM" badge engineering mania.
It's the "Buick Opel by Isuzu" all over again.
Joe 10:54AM (8/06/2009)
It's a good idea because Saturn is going away, and the alternative is no PHEV at all. So.... yes. It's a good idea.
Matt 11:03AM (8/06/2009)
My mother-in-law has the last version of the Vue, and it is an awesome sUV (small S UV... haha, i crack myself up). I was skeptical at first, but it really is a good vehicle even with the smaller 4 banger. If the new one doesn't make a single change it'll still be a good vehicle; but let's hope for improvements.
Mirko, you got something against Koreans or Aussies?
Lemon 9:30AM (8/07/2009)
Mirko, what large auto company doesn't 'badge engineer'? This is a smart move because if they didn't do this, they'd be throwing away developement money along with a great vehicle.
216 10:23AM (8/06/2009)
Smart move GM, smart
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stevejust 8:11PM (8/06/2009)
I'm glad they're not killing the plug-in Vue. But I can't go as far as to say "smart."
I.e., "Hey baby, wanna go for a ride in my Buick?" doesn't work as well as, "Hey baby, wanna go for a ride in my Volt?" or "Wanna go for a ride in my Prius?"
I'm all for great reversals of public perception. I'd love to be proud to drive a Buick one day. But I just don't see us getting from here to there.
Ghen 10:33AM (8/06/2009)
Great move, this is a perfect vehicle to modernize Buick while still keeping the price point and profits high.
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Mirko 10:47AM (8/06/2009)
Don't these two sentences contradict each other?
1. GM spokesman Brian Corbett tells ABG there won't be a non-plug version of the Buick "Vue" available.
2.In addition to the hybrid, the new Buick will also be available with the same direct injected 2.4-liter four and 3.0-liter V6 found in the new Equinox.
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Throwback 10:52AM (8/06/2009)
My guess is there will not be a non-plug HYBRID version.
Sebastian 10:56AM (8/06/2009)
Throwback is right. We've rewritten the post a bit to make this clear. Thanks for the question.
jpm100 10:48AM (8/06/2009)
Maybe they can make a commercial where that annoying director guy gets electrocuted playing with the plug.
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Matt 11:07AM (8/06/2009)
I'd be shocked if they did...
Obviously DaMinority 7:22AM (8/07/2009)
I got it, Matt, just wanted to let you know it wasn't wasted. I didn't get the sUV thing in your other post until you said it. So many people make sloppy posts I didn't even think about it until you explained it.
Monkey 10:50AM (8/06/2009)
Wow...new grill with a sheild and it is a Buick. Glad GM learned rebadging doesn't work.
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Matt 11:06AM (8/06/2009)
I don't think re-badging in this case is the same as the ole Yukon XL=Suburban thing, because Saturn no longer exists. They're simply making use of one of the GOOD Saturn designs that would otherwise not exist any more.
Monkey 11:35AM (8/06/2009)
I just wish they spent a little more effort than just a grill (and maybe removal of the fender vents). The Enclave is a nice looking Buick. Carry over some of those design cues, and this would look less like a Vue.
Thunderbuck 3:02PM (8/06/2009)
Intriguing how much that new grille makes the Buick looks somewhat "Lexus-like", hmm?
That said, this is a great idea. The hybrid Vue had significant engineering work poured into it, and this is a great way to make sure that it goes to use.
One worthwhile question might have been, "why Buick?" There were already a few other versions of this vehicle being rolled out to Chev, Cadillac, and GMC, but with Saturn gone, there is something of a hole in GM's lineup. The GMC version looks to be marketed as the "tough" variant, a story that might be diluted a bit by a hybrid. And the Caddy looks like it's going to be marketed as the premium/performance variant, also not completely compatible with the hybrid badge.
These marketing assumptions are open to change in the long run, of course...
Chris M 3:40AM (8/07/2009)
Monkey, I'm guessing that those "fender vents" are actually where the plug-in sockets will be located.
Monkey 9:00AM (8/07/2009)
I meant the chrome fender vent appliques on the Vue. They don't seem to be there on the Buick version.