Saturn Aura Green Line Hybrid Review

Saturn Aura Green Line Hybrid Review

Since being introduced at the North American International Auto Show in January 2005, the car has become widely popular, both as a standard vehicle and now as a hybrid version, the Saturn Aura Green Line. The popularity of this vehicle, in both forms, has been heralded as “the best thing to happen to Saturn since its inception” by Edmunds. In fact, the 2007 Saturn Aura won the North American Car of the Year award.

GM likes to add that the green Aura is the lowest priced hybrid on the market, and a ,300 hybrid tax credit from the IRS may also be available to those who qualify. The hybrid version of the Aura features the same safety package that earned it’s gas-only twin a five star government safety rating for both frontal and side-impact crash tests.

The second hybrid to come from GM and Saturn (right behind the Saturn Vue Green Line), this four-door sedan is considered a mild hybrid and runs on a 2.4l Ecotech Engine with an electric motor/generator and 4T45-E four-speed transmission. However, this difference under the hood does not result in drastic differences in fuel economy. While the Aura Green Line gets 24 MPG in the city and 32 on the highway, its standard-vehicle sister, the Aura XE gets 22 MPG in the city and 30 on the highway.

One interesting feature in this entry-level hybrid is the air conditioning features. The driver can choose if the air is cooled using energy from the battery or the engine. If the AC is set to 65 or above, it can run on pure electricity – meaning no more debates about whether it is more efficient to roll the windows down or crank the air conditioner.

With the 2008 Aura Green Line starting at ,550, it represents a good deal for anyone in the market for a hybrid car. With the room you’d expect from a standard sedan, slight fuel economy over the standard versions, and utilization of greener technology, we think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how far Saturn has come since the days of its plastic hatchbacks. Just don’t expect the substantial savings (financial and environmental) that you would see with a full hybrid. In addition, you might have to contact quite a few dealers to get a test drive of a new hybrid Aura as these hybrids are in very limited production and are only available in select markets.

Since the hybrid Saturn Vue is scheduled to get the 2 mode hybrid system, beginning production in late 2008, we can only hope that news of a 2009 or 2010 Saturn Aura Green Line Two Mode won’t be far behind.

Jeff Carey is a green vehicle enthusiast who manages a portfolio of more than 60 hybrid and electric blogs. Learn more and subscribe to his monthly newsletter at http://www.hybridkingdom.com.

 

Saturn Announces Aura Green Line Hybrid Pricing

Saturn Announces Aura Green Line Hybrid Pricing

The General Motors Corporation’s Saturn brand earlier announced the pricing of its new mild hybrid Aura Green Line – the second vehicle in the brand’s product line that incorporates the automaker’s belt alternator starter system. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of the hybrid will start at ,695 which already does include the destination charge. As such, the vehicle will be the lowest-priced hybrid on the market for this year.

In addition to its value-focused price, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has certified that all Aura Green Line buyers will qualify for a tax credit of ,300. “The Aura Green Line is a great value among the hybrids in the mid-size car segment,” said Saturn General Manager Jill Lajdziak. “With a starting sticker price over ,000 less than any mid-sized hybrid sedan and a ,300 tax credit, it makes true hybrid fuel savings available to more people than ever before.”

The Saturn Aura Green Line’s EPA fuel economy rating of 28 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway reflects up to a 30 percent upgrading in EPA combined fuel economy compared to the non-hybrid Aura XE model. But ratings vary depending on driving conditions.

The Aura, which has been on sale since late March, is assembled at the GM’s Fairfax Plant in Kansas City, Kan., and the Green Line hybrid models are rolling out at Saturn retail facilities. Like the VUE, the Aura Green Line is equipped with the 2.4L Ecotec engine that is blended to an electric motor and the 4T45-E four-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain is rated at 164 horsepower and 159 lbf•ft of torque. The electric motor boosts the gasoline engine’s performance during launch and under wide-open throttle.

The Aura Green Line’s hybrid system combines refined controls with an upgraded electric motor blended to the engine. The system of the hybrid offers dramatic fuel economy gains by providing an electric power assist during acceleration, through early fuel cut-off during deceleration with torque smoothing. The system also shuts the engine when idle. Aside from this, Aura’s system also captures electrical energy through regenerative braking.

Saturn’s new hybrid sedan is based on the all-new Aura midsize sedan. The hybrid was given the 2007 North American Car of the Year award. The Green Line is equipped with comprehensive safety package that earned Aura five stars in government frontal and side-impact crash tests. Moreover, the hybrid is considered to be one of the safest vehicles available in the market.

Outstanding standard features of the Aura Green Line hybrid include the Saturn cold air intake, a dual-stage front, side head-curtain and front-seat thorax protection air bags, the StabiliTrak electronic stability control, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, and GM’s OnStar safety and security system.

The Aura Green Line is one of four hybrids that the automaker has announced. The 2007 Vue Green Line, which debuted last summer, offers the highest EPA estimated highway fuel economy of any SUV which reaches up to 32 mpg. In 2008, Saturn will offer the Vue Green Line with the first front-wheel-drive application of GM’s new, 2-mode hybrid system that is expected to deliver up to a 45 percent improvement in combined city and highway fuel economy compared with the non-hybrid Vue.

A plug-in hybrid, which has the edge to double the fuel efficiency of any sport utility vehicle on the road, is in the works for the Vue. This hybrid SUV will offer an enhanced version of GM’s 2-mode hybrid system and plug-in technology. When ready, a Lithium-ion battery pack, along with highly efficient electronics and powerful electric motors, will reach even greater fuel economy gains.

Saturn Announces Aura Green Line Hybrid Pricing

Saturn Announces Aura Green Line Hybrid Pricing

The General Motors Corporation’s Saturn brand earlier announced the pricing of its new mild hybrid Aura Green Line – the second vehicle in the brand’s product line that incorporates the automaker’s belt alternator starter system. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of the hybrid will start at ,695 which already does include the destination charge. As such, the vehicle will be the lowest-priced hybrid on the market for this year.

In addition to its value-focused price, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has certified that all Aura Green Line buyers will qualify for a tax credit of ,300. “The Aura Green Line is a great value among the hybrids in the mid-size car segment,” said Saturn General Manager Jill Lajdziak. “With a starting sticker price over ,000 less than any mid-sized hybrid sedan and a ,300 tax credit, it makes true hybrid fuel savings available to more people than ever before.”

The Saturn Aura Green Line’s EPA fuel economy rating of 28 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway reflects up to a 30 percent upgrading in EPA combined fuel economy compared to the non-hybrid Aura XE model. But ratings vary depending on driving conditions.

The Aura, which has been on sale since late March, is assembled at the GM’s Fairfax Plant in Kansas City, Kan., and the Green Line hybrid models are rolling out at Saturn retail facilities. Like the VUE, the Aura Green Line is equipped with the 2.4L Ecotec engine that is blended to an electric motor and the 4T45-E four-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain is rated at 164 horsepower and 159 lbf•ft of torque. The electric motor boosts the gasoline engine’s performance during launch and under wide-open throttle.

The Aura Green Line’s hybrid system combines refined controls with an upgraded electric motor blended to the engine. The system of the hybrid offers dramatic fuel economy gains by providing an electric power assist during acceleration, through early fuel cut-off during deceleration with torque smoothing. The system also shuts the engine when idle. Aside from this, Aura’s system also captures electrical energy through regenerative braking.

Saturn’s new hybrid sedan is based on the all-new Aura midsize sedan. The hybrid was given the 2007 North American Car of the Year award. The Green Line is equipped with comprehensive safety package that earned Aura five stars in government frontal and side-impact crash tests. Moreover, the hybrid is considered to be one of the safest vehicles available in the market.

Outstanding standard features of the Aura Green Line hybrid include the Saturn cold air intake, a dual-stage front, side head-curtain and front-seat thorax protection air bags, the StabiliTrak electronic stability control, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, and GM’s OnStar safety and security system.

The Aura Green Line is one of four hybrids that the automaker has announced. The 2007 Vue Green Line, which debuted last summer, offers the highest EPA estimated highway fuel economy of any SUV which reaches up to 32 mpg. In 2008, Saturn will offer the Vue Green Line with the first front-wheel-drive application of GM’s new, 2-mode hybrid system that is expected to deliver up to a 45 percent improvement in combined city and highway fuel economy compared with the non-hybrid Vue.

A plug-in hybrid, which has the edge to double the fuel efficiency of any sport utility vehicle on the road, is in the works for the Vue. This hybrid SUV will offer an enhanced version of GM’s 2-mode hybrid system and plug-in technology. When ready, a Lithium-ion battery pack, along with highly efficient electronics and powerful electric motors, will reach even greater fuel economy gains.

The Green Line, Auras Hybrid Version

The Green Line, Auras Hybrid Version

General Motors has been making an effort to revitalize the previously unpopular Saturn brand. The Detroit car manufacturer injected new vehicles to the brand’s lineup as well as providing fuel efficient vehicles to Saturn loyalists. The Saturn Aura has recently been named the 2007 North American Car of the Year and its popularity is steadily growing as it challenges the supremacy of the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry in the midsize sedan segment.

To help the Aura compete with the Camry and Accord, General Motors saw it fit to introduce a hybrid version of the Aura which is called the Saturn Aura green Line. One of its direct competitions, the Honda Accord Hybrid will be discontinued meaning it will take on the Camry Hybrid head to head. One of the Aura Green Line’s advantages over the Camry Hybrid is that it costs less.

This means that while the Saturn Aura Green Line may not have the same fuel efficiency as the Camry Hybrid, its lower price makes up for the disparity in fuel consumption cost.

Compared to its base model, the Aura Green Line costs ,000 more. The clear advantage that the Aura Green Line has over the base Aura XE is the fuel efficiency. Compared to the upscale Aura XR trim, the Green Line costs ,000 less. The advantage, of course, of the Green Line is again its fuel efficiency although the Aura XR comes loaded with standard features which are optional to the Green Line.

According to Saturn, the Aura Green Line has a starting price of ,000. The power behind the Green Line comes from a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with a power output of 164 horsepower. The internal combustion engine is coupled to a four-speed automatic transmission and an electric motor which provides the additional power demand.

According to car experts, the Aura Green Line benefits from its European styling which is the result of General Motors’ relationship with Opel. The Aura’s handling is responsive and the suspension setting provides a comfortable ride. In terms of styling, the Aura is a car pleasing to look at. Its headlight configuration gives it a welcoming look especially if fitted with Saturn headlight cover. In fact, some experts in the industry claim that the Aura is more of a European vehicle than a General Motors car.

One drawback seen with the Aura Green Line is its readily-downshifting transmission. With the automatic gearbox, the Saturn Aura Green Line has respectable acceleration from a stationary position. But for higher speeds, the driver should literally push the pedal to the metal to increase the car’s speed. Any lull to the pressure applied to the accelerator pedal would mean a downshift for the automatic transmission.

Another problem with the transmission is that it does not offer smooth gear changes. While the transmission does not necessarily produce seat-jarring gear changes, it does not also give silky smooth gear changes.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Aura Green Line can travel six miles on a gallon of gasoline more than the XE trim level of the Aura. That can be translated to savings of approximately 0 on fuel consumption cost for every 15,000 miles traveled. The Aura Green Line though only has a “mild hybrid” powertrain which means that it cannot run on electric motor power alone even on low-power operations. This results to a lower fuel-efficiency as compared to the Camry Hybrid.

Aura Green Line Added to 3 Federal Fleets in Kansas

Aura Green Line Added to 3 Federal Fleets in Kansas

Three Kansas City area federal agencies added Monday the new 2007 Saturn Aura Green Line hybrid vehicles to their fleets. Two vehicles were delivered by the federal General Services Administration (GSA) to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 office in Kansas City, Kan. One is for EPA and one for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in Kansas City, Mo. A third will be added to the GSA fleet in Kansas City, Mo.

Regional Administrator for the NHTSA’s Central Region Romell Cooks received the keys to a new Saturn Aura Green Line hybrid. “While safety of the motoring public is a key concern of the NHTSA, we are equally concerned about the fuel efficiency of our passenger cars and light trucks,” Cooks said. “These types of vehicles will make a difference.”

GSA ordered fifty Saturn Aura Green Line vehicles this year to be delivered nationwide. The Saturn Aura Green Line hybrids are assembled at the General Motor Corp.’s Fairfax Assembly plant in Kansas City, Kan. The Aura Green Line is a mild hybrid, following the VUE Green Line as the second vehicle in Saturn’s lineup incorporating GM’s belt alternator starter system.

Same with the Vue, the Aura Green Line features the 2.4L Ecotec engine mated to an electric motor or generator and the 4T45-E four-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain is rated at 164 horsepower and 159 pound feet of torque. The electric motor or generator bolsters the gasoline engine during launch and under wide-open throttle.

The Saturn Aura Green Line also flaunts trusted auto parts from the automaker such as the Saturn clutch kit, body parts, filters, spark plugs, radiators, cold air intake and more. The hybrid has an EPA estimated fuel economy of 28 mpg city and 35 mpg highway, which the automaker claims is up to a 30 percent improvement over the Aura XE. The Saturn Aura Green Line is eligible for a 00 US Federal tax credit, as well as several state tax credits. The hybrid has been on sale since late March this year.

The Green Line is a variant of Saturn Aura. The Aura is a crucial product line for both Saturn and General Motors. Its production is part of a product rejuvenation for Saturn to push the company into the black at the same time to compete tightly with European imports. So far, feedback to the Aura has been positive, both in terms of sales and reviews.

Executive Order 13423, signed by President Bush in January, compels federal agencies to raise alternative fuel use by ten percent annually. GSA’s fleet management division has delivered 3,581 bi-fuel and 20 biodiesel vehicles to regional federal agencies. Executive Order 13423 is aimed at strengthening federal environmental, energy, and transportation management of the nation.

EPA Region 7 Administrator John Askew accepted the vehicle for the environmental agency. Askew said, “Using fuel efficient vehicles like the Saturn hybrid we’re receiving today just makes sense. Not only does it protect the environment by reducing emissions, but using less fuel strengthens our energy security.”

GSA Heartland Region Administrator Bradley Scott said, “GSA is proud to join EPA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as government leaders in using and supporting environmentally friendly vehicles, and we look forward to providing energy efficient vehicles and alternative fuel-use cars to more federal agencies in the future.”

Executive Order 13423 also directs federal agencies with more than 20 motor vehicles to reduce petroleum consumption by two percent annually through 2015. The Saturn Aura’s estimated fuel mileage is 35 miles per gallon. With the alarming global warming concerns, lawmakers and automakers are enduring the burden.

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Saturn Aura Green Line, the Lowest Hybrid Available

Saturn Aura Green Line, the Lowest Hybrid Available

Saturn has recently announced that the new 2007 Aura Green Line hybrid will be available at a starting price of ,695 inclusive of the destination charge, making it as the lowest-priced hybrid on the market. Aside from its value-focused price, the Internal Revenue Service has also certified the Aura Green Line buyers to a tax credit of ,300.

Saturn General Manager, Jill Lajdziak said, “The Aura Green Line is a great value among the hybrids in the mid-size car segment. With starting sticker price over ,000 less than any mid-sized hybrid sedan and a ,300 tax credit, it makes true hybrid fuel savings available to more people than ever before.”

The Saturn Aura Green Line receives an official EPA fuel economy rating of 28 mpg for city driving and 35 mpg for highway driving which represents up to 30 percent improvement in EPA combined fuel economy compared to the non-hybrid Aura XE model depending on the driving conditions.

The Saturn Aura Green Line is assembled at the Fairfax Plant of General Motors in Kansas City, Kan and is now ready to hit various Saturn Retail facilities.

What makes the Saturn Aura Green Line different from the other hybrid out there The hybrid system used in the Aura combines sophisticated controls with a precise electric motor/generator mated to a 2.4 liter engine. The system offers a fuel economy gains by providing electric power assist during acceleration and an early fuel cut-off during deceleration with torque leveling and by shutting the engine off at idle. The hybrid system of Aura also captures electrical energy through regenerative braking.

Regenerative braking according to Wikipedia is system that reduces the vehicle’s speed by converting its kinetic energy into electrical energy. This electrical energy is stored for future use or fed back into a power system for use by other vehicles.

Aura Green’s hybrid powertrain delivers 164 horsepower or 122 kW at 6400 rpm and 159 lb-ft or 215 Nm of peak torque at 5000 rpm. The concept for the Saturn’s new hybrid sedan is based on the all-new Aura midsize sedan which won the 2007 North American Car of the Year award. The Green Line features the same list of comprehensive package that earned Aura full five stars in government side-impact and frontal crash tests making it as one of the safest vehicles available. Some of the standard features included in the Aura Green are as follows: dual-stage front, side head-curtain and front seat thorax protection air bags, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, StabiliTrak electronic stability control, and GM’s OnStar safety and security system. The Aura Green will also be equipped with original GM parts that are renowned for quality and durability like GM shock absorbers which disperse or absorb energy and in the process prevents the uncontrollable movements of the vehicle especially when driving on uneven road surfaces.

The Aura Green is just one of the four hybrids that Saturn has previously announced together with the 2007 Vue Green Line which was launched last summer. The Vue Green Line employs the same hybrid technology used on the Aura Green and provides an EPA highway fuel economy rating of 32 mpg.

Saturn for 2008 will offer the Vue Green Line with the first front-wheel-drive application of GM’s new, 2-mode hybrid system and plug-in technology. Its Lithium-ion battery pack, which hopefully will be ready soon, along with some powerful electric motors plus highly efficient electronics, will help the Vue to obtain a much higher fuel economy.

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Our middle class is slipping dangerously close to the poverty line and you’re worried about “Spreading the Wea

Question by weepingannual: Our middle class is slipping dangerously close to the poverty line and you’re worried about “Spreading the Wea
lth What are you rich people going to spend your money on, when you’re afraid to leave your gated communities because looting and desperation have overrun our culture It’s in your own greedy self interest to spread the wealth and keep our country strong, with an industry based middle class (Obama’s new green economy, retooled Auto industry for hybrids and plugins, solar wind etc.). Just think, you could return to your true conservative roots and have a housewife like Fred Savage in the wonder years.

Best answer:

Answer by StereotypeMeBecauseYouKnow
Do you understand what’s happening in the economy and why liberal policies caused it They wanted to increase sub prime loans and the Liberals (Obama sued Citibank!) used the CRA to pursue banks who they felt red lined.
Today, it’s virtually impossible to get a loan to buy rental property for rehab and development because now you need 20% down plus closing costs. How long before the Democrats attack this policy again for discriminating against the middle class and poor How will tightening an already tight market help the poor buy homes
Obama plans to increase Capital Gains to 28-30%. Developers who now need cash up front will face a huge tax liability when they sell. How does this help communities that are starving for development
Democrats run NY state and we have the highest taxes in the country. Why is Upstate’s poverty rate 3rd in the country Why are our test scores the worst when we spend the most How in the world can anyone blame a Republican for this mess when it’s been happening for 40 years here

My girlfriend is black and started her own business from scratch. She makes more than 90% of Americans, and the government has done nothing to help her except tax her like crazy. She’s no longer a Democrat because she understands how it all works.

EDIT: amazing how the so-called “educated Liberals” will not even bother researching the facts.

http://video.nytimes.com/video/2008/10/05/business/1194821078821/fannie-mae-and-the-financial-crisis.html

http://economyincrisis.org/articles/show/1624

http://useconomy.about.com:80/od/criticalssues/a/Fannie_Cause.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Community_Reinvestment_Act

http://smithfiles.com/2008/10/02/buycks-robersonobama-sued-citibank-under-cra-to-force-it-to-make-bad-loans/

There are thousands of links. I suggest you read them and stop reading the Huffington Post with their twist on the facts (they said ONLY 46% of the bad loans came through Fannie Mae as if that’s not a significant amount….unbelievable).

What do you think Answer below!

2007 Saturn Aura Green Line in Detail

2007 Saturn Aura Green Line in Detail

General Motor’s Saturn division has released the details and the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for the 2007 Saturn Aura Green Line Hybrid. The car is now beginning to arrive in Saturn dealerships straight from General Motor’s assembly plant in Kansas City.

Jill Lajdziak, Saturn General Manager commented:

“The Aura Green Line is a great value among the hybrids in the mid-size car segment. With a starting sticker price over ,000 less than any mid-sized hybrid sedan and a ,300 tax credit, it makes true hybrid fuel savings available to more people than ever before.”

Because the Aura Green Line is a hybrid model, consumers expect that the vehicle will have a clean and lower exhaust emissions and low fuel consumption. The 2007 Saturn Aura Green Line Hybrid received an official fuel economy rating of 28 mpg city and 35 mpg highway, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). According to GM’s Saturn division, “The Aura Green Line’s EPA fuel economy rating of 28 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway represents up to a 30 percent improvement in EPA combined fuel economy compared to the non-hybrid Aura XE model.”

With a starting manufacturer’s suggested retail price of ,695 USD, Saturn said the 2007 Aura Green Line Hybrid has the lowest price in the hybrid vehicle segment for 2007.

As a hybrid vehicle, the 2007 Saturn Aura Green Line is equipped with a powertrain package that combines a precise electric motor or generator with a 2.4-liter petrol engine. Overall powertrain output is 164 hp (122 kW) at 6400 rpm and 159 lb.-ft. (215 Nm) of peak torque at 5000 rpm, mated to a 4-speed automatic gearbox, and GM thermostats. With this powertrain feature, the 2007 Saturn Aura Green Line provides better fuel economy, thanks to the electric motor that assists the engine to produce power output during acceleration. The electric motor can obtain and replenish its electrical energy by regenerative breaking.

Key standard features found on the 2007 Saturn Aura Green Line Hybrid include 16-inch alloy wheels, SBRP215/60R16 BSW touring tires, daytime running lights automatic headlights with automatic on/off, rear window defroster, front dual sunvisors, front and rear body color bumpers, front air dam, and halogen headlights.

Interior and safety features include body color folding power adjustable exterior rearview mirrors, power windows with driver one-touch up and one-touch down, dual-stage front air bags, side head-curtain and front-seat thorax protection air bags, StabiliTrak electronic stability control (ESC), four-wheel disc brakes with anti lock braking system (ABS), and GM’s OnStar safety and security system.

Meanwhile, Saturn has announced that it will launch the Vue Green Line SUV featuring front-wheel-drive (FWD) platform and GM’s new 2-mode hybrid powertrain system by 2008.

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