From AutoBlogGreen.com
Posted Mar 4th 2008 8:45AM by Sam Abuelsamid

In mid-2006, General Motors released their first mainstream hybrid vehicle with first Saturn Vue Green Line. Prior to that the company had offered a mild hybrid system in the Silverado pickup but since that was really only offered in limited volumes to fleet and commercial buyers, we’ll skip that one. The system in the Vue was dubbed the GM Hybrid system but it’s more commonly called the belted-alternator-starter (BAS) system. Since the first Vue, the BAS system has been added to the Saturn Aura and Chevy Malibu as well as the redesigned 2008 Vue. Read the rest of this entry »

Saturn announced the addition of the all-new 2008 Astra to its lineup, bringing a decidedly European flavor to the North American compact car market. It is packed with a wide range of standard equipment and safety features, and delivers sporty performance with very good fuel economy.The Saturn Astra will be offered in three-door and five-door models, each underpinned by a taught, European-bred suspension that delivers a sharp, responsive driving experience. Power comes from a 1.8L Ecotec four-cylinder engine that is both energetic and economical, delivering 140 horsepower (104 kW) and good fuel economy.The Astra has a clean, contemporary design that is infused with Saturn’s signature styling cues, including a bold, bright grille bar with prominent Saturn logo. Both the three-door and five-door models are distinguished from their European relatives with unique front and rear fascias that conform to North American bumper standards.

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