General Motors confirmed that the company is working on two new hybrid models: the Saturn Astra and the Saab 9-1. Both will be unveiled sometime in 2010. The Saab 9-1, will compete with BMW 1-Series and Audi A3, and that the hybrid version will be powered by the same engine as the Astra Hybrid.
Both Astra and 9-1 hybrid will first be launched on the American market, where models like this would have huge success. They will be built on GM’s new Delta platform that is being developed to accept a hybrid powertrain.
About the design of he 9-1, it will borrow lots of it’s design cues from the Aero-X Concept. Under the hood we will find a compact combustion engine and a powerful electric engine. The combustion engine can be a diesel, gasoline or ethanol engine depending on the market. The electric motor is used when starting the car and in acceleration. Saab has also developed an extra motor for the rear axle as an option for those who want some more power. To store the energy, the 9-1 will use lithium-ion batteries using nano phosphors technology.
Saturn spokesman Steve Janisse said GM will not discuss the next-generation Astra. "It’s fair to say that hybrids and the Saturn brand make a lot of sense, but we’ll see how this one plays out first before we discuss the future."
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