2007 Saturn Aura Green Line Hybrid Sedan Offers Affordability and Impressive Fuel Economy
Saturn Aura Green Line hybrid, introduced at the Los Angeles International Auto Show, will deliver at least a 25-percent fuel economy improvement over the non-hybrid Aura XE for a premium of less than $2,500.
Saturn Aura Green Line's base price is expected to start below $23,000.
"The introduction of the Aura Green Line broadens Saturn's commitment to customers of enabling them to drive green without going broke," said Saturn General Manager Jill Lajdziak. "With Green Line variants of both Aura and Vue, Saturn again demonstrates that environmental products can also be a great value."
The 2007 Aura Green Line will be produced at GM's Fairfax Assembly Plant, and will be available at Saturn retailers in spring 2007.
2007 Aura Green Line is equipped with the GM Hybrid system, which reduces fuel consumption fuel via sophisticated controls and a unique electric motor/generator mated to a 2.4L Ecotec VVT four-cylinder engine and Hydra-Matic 4T45 four-speed transmission. This is the same hybrid system that debuted this year in the 2007 Saturn Vue Green Line and will be used in the all-new 2008 Vue Green Line, also being unveiled today at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
"The Saturn Aura Green Line is the first of four hybrids GM will introduce in the 2007 calendar year, more than any other manufacturer," said Tom Stephens, group vice president, GM Powertrain. "Equipped with GM's 2.4L, four-cylinder Ecotec engine and the GM Hybrid system, the Aura Green Line will deliver spirited performance, as well as a significant improvement in overall fuel economy compared to the current Aura."
Fuel-saving performance - Saturn Aura Green Line Hybrid 2007
Aura Green Line's innovative hybrid powertrain is rated at 164 horsepower (122 kW) at 6400 rpm and 159 lb.-ft. (215 Nm) of peak torque at 5000 rpm.* While maintaining the vehicle's sporty feel, the GM Hybrid system seamlessly reduces fuel consumption by:
- Shutting off the engine when the vehicle is stopped, to minimize idling
- Restarting the engine promptly when the brake pedal is released
- Enabling early fuel shut-off during vehicle deceleration
- Capturing vehicle kinetic energy during deceleration through regenerative braking to charge the advanced nickel metal hydride battery
- Performing intelligent battery charging when it is most efficient
The new GM Hybrid system provides additional power, when required, during launch from the electric motor/generator. At wide-open throttle, such as during a passing maneuver, the system enhances acceleration by using the motor/generator to bolster the gasoline engine and achieve maximum power.
The GM Hybrid system also is designed to automatically maintain full accessory functionality when the vehicle is stopped, including climate control, so that hybrid operation is transparent to the driver and passengers.
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