- First Look at Two New Hybrid Models and Chevy and Buick ConceptsDETROIT, Michigan, January 9/PRNewswire/ -- General Motors will quicken its North American product pace by featuring six new models for a number of its brands at the Detroit Motor Show (January 14 - 22, 2006). GM's commitment to improving fuel efficiency and reducing fuel use with advanced technologies is evidenced by the introduction of two more hybrid vehicles, the Saturn Vue Green Line and the Chevrolet Tahoe Two-mode Hybrid featuring the world's first two-mode full hybrid system in an SUV.Chevrolet and Buick will unveil exciting new concept vehicles, the Chevrolet Camaro concept and the Buick Enclave, a new mid-large crossover vehicle. Also celebrating their world debuts at Detroit are the Cadillac Escalade ESV and the Escalade EXT, two new members of the second-generation Escalade family of luxury SUVs. Here's a deeper look at all six new models: Hybrids: Fuel economy improved by up to 25 percent, on sale soon The Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid is the first GM vehicle powered by a new, more affordable hybrid system. The Vue Green Line Hybrid delivers a fuel economy improvement of about 20 percent, depending on driving conditions. When introduced in mid-2006 in the US, the Vue Green Line is expected to be the lowest-cost hybrid-powered SUV in the market, with a price starting at less than $ 23,000 (about EUR 19,150). The Vue Green Line uses sophisticated controls and a unique electric motor/generator mated to a 2.4L VVT four-cylinder engine and 4T45-E four-speed transmission powertrain. It is a simple and flexible hybrid architecture that allows increased fuel economy through engine shut-off at idle, fuel cut-off during deceleration, electric power assist during acceleration and the capability to capture electrical energy through regenerative braking. GM's other featured hybrid is the V-8-powered Chevrolet Tahoe Two-mode Hybrid featuring the two-mode full hybrid system. It is expected to deliver a 25-percent improvement in composite fuel economy when combined with Active Fuel Management(TM) displacement on demand technology. The Hybrid Tahoe will go on sale in the US in 2007. GM, BMW and DaimlerChrysler are co-developing the two-mode full hybrid system, a patented hybrid technology with two modes optimized for city and highway driving. The first mode is used for low speeds and light loads. The second mode is used primarily at highway speeds and provides full engine power when conditions demand it, such as when passing, pulling a trailer or climbing a steep grade. The second mode integrates sophisticated electronic controls, such as Active Fuel Management, cam phasing, and late-intake valve closure, allowing even more efficient engine operation. Concept cars: Continuing the tradition of Chevrolet and Buick At the Detroit Motor Show, Chevrolet presents a concept car that continues the tradition of the mid-60s Camaros. Though only a show car at this point, the Camaro Concept is intended to explore customer reaction to design and engineering elements that might lead to an all-new version of the Camaro. The long hood, short deck and wide stance of the Camaro Concept leave no doubt that it is a serious performance car. Those looks are backed up by a 400-horsepower aluminum small-block V-8 featuring Active Fuel Management(TM). This system shuts off cylinders to save fuel when the engine is lightly loaded. Buick is unveiling the Enclave - a vision of a new luxury crossover vehicle that encapsulates the new, youthful spirit at Buick. The Enclave has a taut, athletic stance that complements the romantic cues of Buick's heritage. Enclave's form incorporates subtle yet continuous lines that create visual distinction and cohesion. Dynamic, jewel-look headlamps and taillamps - including headlamps that turn with the front wheels - contribute to the vehicle's refined appearance. Inside, a sumptuous, six-passenger environment features a rich looking, two-tone Cocoa-and-Cashmere color scheme, which is accented with wood trim. A large, panoramic skylight extends from the front-row seats to the third-row seating area. Escalade ESV and EXT: New members of the all-new family of luxury SUVs The Cadillac Escalade ESV is the largest member of the all-new Escalade family. The ESV model is more than 50 centimeters longer than the Escalade, with most of the additional length translating into more premium seating and cargo-carrying capability. Escalade ESV has a sleeker, cleaner and more athletic form with improved aerodynamics while appearing smaller in stature. The all-new Cadillac Escalade EXT sport utility truck completes the Escalade family of vehicles with a new look that's still instantly recognizable as a Cadillac. Details in elements such as wraparound fascias, styled mirrors and integrated running boards enhance Escalade EXT's flowing design and bolster the refined feeling. All major sheetmetal and body components are new and feature crisp, taut lines. The sleek, toned look includes a faster windshield angle of 57 degrees, which flows gracefully into the roofline. European customers can look forward to the new Cadillac Escalade luxury SUV's arrival in the second half of 2006. Text and photos can be downloaded from the Internet at http://media.gmeurope.com. Further information and images on GM product news at the Detroit Motor Show can be downloaded from the Internet at http://media.gm.com. General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world's largest automaker, has been the global industry sales leader since 1931. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 325,000 people around the world. It has manufacturing operations in 32 countries and its vehicles are sold in 200 countries. In Europe, GM sells its Opel, Vauxhall, Saab, Chevrolet, Cadillac, Corvette and Hummer ranges in over 30 markets. It operates 11 production and assembly facilities in eight countries and employs around 60,000 people. Source: General Motors (GM Europe) |