The passenger car inherits the hybrid powertrain!
We see more and more of them on the roads. Hybrid vehicles are taking over! These environmentally-friendly machines combine two energy sources: gasoline and electricity. Following in the footsteps of Toyota and Honda, who pioneered the hybrid segment by investing unfathomable amounts in R&D, Japanese and American automakers are introducing their own "green" vehicles. The latest to come to market is the Aura Green Line from Saturn, a brand that was initially launched in North America to counter the Japanese invasion.
Hot on the heels of Saturn's complete lineup overhaul comes a promising hybrid-electric version of the new Aura midsize sedan, which GM expects to sell in high volumes. The automaker is titillating customers and journalists alike, saying that hybrid variants of the following models will soon be introduced: Saturn Vue, Chevy Tahoe, GMC Yukon, Chevrolet Malibu, Cadillac Escalade and even the Chevy Sierra.
Modern technology?
The Aura should become Saturn's most popular vehicle, especially after winning the "2007 Car of the Year" award in North America. Hence, a hybrid model is a natural evolution. So, what exactly is under the hood of the Aura Green Line? GM mated its 2.4L four-cylinder Ecotec engine with an electric motor.
Power is sent to the front wheels through a four-speed autobox. This is somewhat surprising, as today's transmissions are more and more sophisticated and include up to seven gears in order to maximize fuel economy and improve the overall performance. Yet, GM decided to stick with an outdated transmission -- odd choice for such a technologically advanced car. Besides, the regular V6-powered Aura benefits from a six-speed automatic.
We see more and more of them on the roads. Hybrid vehicles are taking over! These environmentally-friendly machines combine two energy sources: gasoline and electricity. Following in the footsteps of Toyota and Honda, who pioneered the hybrid segment by investing unfathomable amounts in R&D, Japanese and American automakers are introducing their own "green" vehicles. The latest to come to market is the Aura Green Line from Saturn, a brand that was initially launched in North America to counter the Japanese invasion.
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| There's nothing spectacular about this car, but environmentalists will embrace it. |
Hot on the heels of Saturn's complete lineup overhaul comes a promising hybrid-electric version of the new Aura midsize sedan, which GM expects to sell in high volumes. The automaker is titillating customers and journalists alike, saying that hybrid variants of the following models will soon be introduced: Saturn Vue, Chevy Tahoe, GMC Yukon, Chevrolet Malibu, Cadillac Escalade and even the Chevy Sierra.
Modern technology?
The Aura should become Saturn's most popular vehicle, especially after winning the "2007 Car of the Year" award in North America. Hence, a hybrid model is a natural evolution. So, what exactly is under the hood of the Aura Green Line? GM mated its 2.4L four-cylinder Ecotec engine with an electric motor.
Power is sent to the front wheels through a four-speed autobox. This is somewhat surprising, as today's transmissions are more and more sophisticated and include up to seven gears in order to maximize fuel economy and improve the overall performance. Yet, GM decided to stick with an outdated transmission -- odd choice for such a technologically advanced car. Besides, the regular V6-powered Aura benefits from a six-speed automatic.
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| The Aura lineup includes 4- and 6-cylinder gasoline engines as well as a hybrid powertrain. |