Buick to Get Two-Mode Plug-In Hybrid (Originally For Saturn Vue)

Clay Model of Buick Two-Mode Plug-In Hybrid






It appears that the plug-in Saturn Vue will be resurrected as a Buick CUV (crossover utility vehicle). We had waited patiently for years for the Saturn Vue plug-in hybrid, but were met with interminable delays and then the sale of the entire brand to Penske. The Saturn Vue plug-in was not going to be a huge deal as it only offered about 10 miles of EV driving but at least that was a step in the right direction. We now find out that Buick will take over and hopefully bring the two-mode hybrid vehicle to market in 2010.

A tip of the hat to GM-Volt.com for this story:

Since 2006, GM has been developing a front-wheel drive 2-mode plugin hybrid (PHEV) vehicle. The 2-mode plugin Saturn VUE was to be that car but bankruptcy and divestment of the Saturn brand has ended that plan.

GM’s contract negotiations with Penske could in theory enable that car to still be built and sourced, however that is highly unlikely.

Yet GM has said it still plans to put the plug-in 2-mode powertrain into a production vehicle but hasn’t said which one. Development work is ongoing.

Writers have speculated the new Chevrolet Equinox which gets 32 mpg highway using a direct injection 4 cylinder engine would be the likely host for the powertrain. Other speculation includes the new GMC Terrain or Cadillac SRX.

All wrong.

GM-Volt.com has learned the new vehicle will be a Buick.

GM has designed a new small crossover (CUV) Buick which has yet to be named or unveiled. Footage of a clay model of the vehicle was leaked when CBS news filmed an interview with GM VP of Design Ed Welburn, and is shown above.

This new car shares the same platform the Saturn VUE uses and therefore is properly configured for the 2-mode hybrid and plug-in 2 mode hybrid drivetrain. The body design will be unique.

It is expected the car will make its appearance in 2011.