Click the Two-Mode Vue for a high-res gallery

Saturn introduced the first General Motors production hybrid vehicle when the Saturn Vue Green Line appeared in 2006. The Vue was equipped with GM belt-alternator-starter (BAS) mild-hybrid system. The BAS system has subsequently been added to the Aura and Malibu sedans in addition to the redesigned 2008 Vue. The functionality of the BAS system is limited, providing start-stop functionality, some regenerative braking and some power boost from the motor. It cannot, however, run the vehicle solely on electricity.

For the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, Saturn is introducing what will be the second of three hybrid variants of the Vue. This one uses the Two-Mode hybrid technology that was introduced in 2007 on the Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon. Unlike the big GMT900 SUVs, the Vue has a transverse mounted engine and front wheel drive. That required designing a new transaxle that incorporates the same technology as the big trucks. Read on after the jump to learn more.

[Source: General Motors]