So this video, recorded in North Carolina (although not much more about the date or exact location seems to be found) and sponsored by GM, shows 3 teams that compete with GM cars (I could only identify a Saturn Aura Vue Green Line). The people got 33 to 36 mpg. While these aren't hypermiling figures, they're quite respectable.

The teams used a few tricks to save some fuel, such as using coasting as much as possible and checking the ECO green light. But the final secret, as we all probably know, is being light on the foot.

[Source: YouTube]

Click on the photo of the Aura hybrid for a huge high-res gallery

When Saturn was first unveiled by then General Motors Chairman Roger Smith in 1985, it was intended to be GM's import-fighting division. They introduced production and sales techniques that were unique to the domestic auto industry. The initial lineup of compact S-Series cars that came to market sold reasonably well for a time and Saturn dealers got high marks from consumers. But it took until 1999 for Saturn to add a second model to the lineup in the form of the mid-sized L-Series which were based on the then current Opel Vectra. Unfortunately the Saturn had blander styling and flabbier handling than its German cousin and never really took off. The L-Series was killed off in 2005 and there was a one year hiatus before a replacement appeared.

The new Aura was introduced in the fall of 2006 and took Saturn in a whole new direction from its original intent. GM's import killer division has effectively become the North American arm of GM Europe. The front half of the Aura and Vectra are basically the same with the main styling difference being the rear half of the greenhouse and the tail. The Vectra sedan has a more formal roofline compared to the Aura's sloping rear glass.

The two cars are also a much closer match in other more important ways that you can read about after the jump.

(Editor's note: to read the rest of Derrick's NextFest coverage, click here)



When I heard that GM was showcasing their "portfolio of green advanced propulsion technologies" at NextFest, the first thing that came to mind was that this is finally my chance to get a first-hand look at the fuel cell-powered Chevrolet Sequel. No, I didn't get to jump in the car and cruise along the Hudson down the West Side Highway, but I did manage to shoot a few good pics. The car looks great in person especially with its monstrous 22-inch wheels.

The Sequel was highlight of GM's exhibit, but it wasn't the only concept to make an appearance. GM brought the 2002 Hy-wire fuel cell concept, the 2005 GMC Graphyte hybrid concept SUV, the Saturn Vue Greenline, the Saturn Aura hybrid and the flex-fuel capable Chevy Avalanche. Unfortunately, the Chevrolet Equinox fuel cell car wasn't on-hand, but there's still lots more after the jump.