Chevy
Malibu hybrid
The Chevy Malibu sedan will
be a 2008 model that will utilize GMC's "mild hybrid system"
rather than its dual mode full hybrid system.
GM has
previously announced
that the Malibu hybrid car would be built in the Kansas City
area, offered as an option for the newly designed
2008 Chevy Malibu - already a big hit among auto
critics. Expect an MSRP of about $22,790.
According to early reports the Malibu hybrid should
offer about a 2 mpg improvement in fuel economy compared
to the conventional Malibu, or about 24/32 mpg
city/highway.
The hybrid
Malibu offers a 36 Volt electric motor coupled with a
2.4 liter Ecotec VVT four cylinder engine and a four
speed transmission that should provide seamless
operation to drivers.
The Malibu
hybrid made its debut at the MLB All-Star game, but was
a showcase at the LA Auto Show.
Why a mild hybrid?
GM has recently stated
that it would focus its full hybrid technology on larger trucks and
SUVs, such as the Chevy
Tahoe hybrid, emphasizing a lower-cost “mild” hybrid system over a
“full” hybrid like the one developed by Toyota.
Thus, a hybrid like the
Malibu hybrid will be cheaper, but also less fuel
efficient than a Toyota Camry
hybrid, for example.
Using an
integrated starter-generator, mild hybrids, shut the gasoline
engine off at stoplights, and offer around 10 -15 percent increase in fuel
economy.
Don't
expect a dual mode hybrid in the Malibu any time soon,
if ever. Nonetheless, if you want the most fuel
efficient Malibu possible, then check out the Malibu
hybrid. Overall, the Chevy Malibu is a hot new hybrid
and going with the hybrid version can provide a nice
increase in fuel economy.
More on the Malibu
hybrid.
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