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Originally Posted by xcel
.....___Martin, if you are tuning in, the Greenline VUE’s grille is disproportionately small and looks like a mess. Very Suzuki like  The Equinox looks far better … |
Wayne, I'm still here. I'll be a bit sparce the next few weeks, since we have a couple of really nice parties in town (NAIAS, Super Bowl, etc). I don't think I'd be divulging any secrets by pointing out that the vehicle architecture the Saturn VUE is built on is shared with Suzuki. The Equinox and the Suzuki XL-7 are built at the same facility. Personally, I like the look of the new fascia MUCH better than the original VUE fascia. I've also always liked the Equinox better and currently own one. Well, at least it's driven by a family member.
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Originally Posted by xcel
And what is up with the 4-speed? You guys were selling ancient 3-speeds in Cavaliers when the Japanese were selling 4’s in Corolla’s and Civic’s in the distant past. You are doing the same with the 4-speed when everyone else is running 5 and 6 speeds today.
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Part of the reason for the delay of the launch of the VUE Green Line was the need to change transmission content mid-stream. The original plan was to use a CVT, but the CVT we were looking at doesn't manage the output of the 2.4L very well. The original plan to use a 2.2L / CVT was seen as inadequate from an overall performance standpoint. The added mass of the batteries and other hybrid components stressed the 2.2L / CVT to the point where the 2.4L / 4T45E is a better balanced (perf & f/e) proposition.
Unlike most other auto manufacturers, GM designs and manufactures most of our own transmissions. As such, new transmission programs have to compete with new vehicle programs for funding, engineering resources, and timing. Given the choice of delaying a vehicle program or introducing a transmission a little later than planned, the vehicle usually wins. GM transmissions are known for being among the most efficient in the industry. Several automakers buy their transmissions from GM. The efficiency of GM transmission designs is part of the reason why a Chevy Impala with a 3.5L OHV / 4 spd (old tech?) gets 2 mpg better EPA rated hwy than a lighter Toyota Camry 3.3L DOHC / 5 speed. At the end of the day, it's not the number of gears that matters, it's the results. Now, granted that same Impala would likely get even better fuel economy with a 6 speed. Same would be true of the Green Line. Stay tuned
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Originally Posted by xcel
How is the driveline shock from gear to gear given the wide spreads when compared to your competitors?
___Good Luck
___Wayne R. Gerdes
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I honestly couldn't tell ya. My transmission engineering days are waaaaay behind me.
Peace,
Martin
I am NOT the official voice of GM with respect to Hybrid issues
I am NOT the official voice of GM with respect to Hybrid issues
I am NOT the official voice of GM with respect to Hybrid issues
Saturn VUE A Reality
Re: Saturn VUE A Reality
