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Image credits: © Chevrolet. GM Corp
2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid news, pictures, and information
2009 MALIBU HYBRID OFFERS AN AFFORDABLE, FUEL-EFFICIENT ALTERNATIVE
• Affordable and fuel-efficient hybrid system• Improved fuel economy over 2008 model
• Innovative motor/generator system
• Efficient 2.4L Ecotec engine with variable valve timing
• Hybrid components covered by an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty
• New standard 17-inch ultra bright aluminum wheels and touring tires
• Five new exterior color choices
Offering a competitive combination of refinement and fuel efficiency, the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid is the most affordable hybrid version of a midsize sedan. It delivers the highest fuel economy among all Malibu models without having the highest price tag.
Malibu Hybrid delivers an estimated 34 mpg in highway driving and 26 mpg in the city – an improvement over 2008 models, thanks to better control of the battery charging/discharging system and new low rolling-resistance tires
'With the Malibu Hybrid, customers don't need to sacrifice style or capability to realize a significant fuel-efficiency gain,' said Chevrolet General Manager Ed Peper. 'The Malibu Hybrid is just one example of Chevy's fuel-saving technologies that will take us from gas friendly to gas free.'
The Malibu Hybrid offers a competitive combination of refinement and fuel efficiency. Standard features include automatic climate control, StabiliTrak electronic stability control system, and a driver information center with hybrid-specific information. It is easily distinguished at a glance, thanks to specific exterior appointments and badges. Inside, a unique gauge cluster provides information and feedback about the Hybrid powertrain's operation.
For 2009, the Malibu Hybrid offers more choices and style, including:
• New 17-inch ultra bright aluminum wheels with touring tires as standard equipment
• Five new exterior colors: Silver Ice Metallic, Summit White Metallic, Gold Mist Metallic, Golden Pewter Metallic and Silver Moss Metallic
• Available engine block heater
Hybrid powertrain details
The Malibu Hybrid is equipped with the GM Hybrid system, consisting of:
• A precision electric motor/generator unit replaces the conventional alternator. The 36-volt system is capable of 110 lb-ft (150 Nm) of auto-start torque
• Innovative power electronics that precisely control the Motor/Generator System
• A nickel metal hydride (NiMH) hybrid battery pack that is capable of delivering and receiving more than 10,000 watts of peak power. The pack consists of three 12V NiMH cassettes in series totaling 36 volts. Each cassette includes two 12V NiMH modules in parallel. They are located in the front of the trunk, taking up a minimal amount of cargo space
The GM Hybrid system is mated to a 2.4L Ecotec VVT four-cylinder engine and Hydra-Matic 4T45 four-speed transmission. This innovative hybrid powertrain is rated at 164 horsepower (122 kW)* at 6,400 rpm* and 159 lb.-ft. (215 Nm) of peak torque at 5,000 rpm.
While maintaining the vehicle's sporty feel, the GM Hybrid system seamlessly reduces fuel consumption by:
• Shutting off the engine when the vehicle is stopped, to minimize idling
• Restarting the engine promptly when the brake pedal is released
• Using the motor/generator to bolster the gasoline engine at wide-open throttle, such as during acceleration or a passing maneuver
• Enabling early fuel shut-off during vehicle deceleration
• Capturing vehicle kinetic energy during deceleration through regenerative braking to charge the advanced nickel metal hydride battery
• Performing intelligent battery charging when it is most efficient
The GM Hybrid system also is designed to automatically maintain full accessory functionality when the vehicle is stopped, including climate control, so that hybrid operation is transparent to the driver and passengers. The Malibu Hybrid delivers an appropriate balance between fuel economy and cabin comfort with an air conditioning system with two selectable modes. The Hybrid A/C mode favors more fuel efficient performance by limiting the draw on the hybrid powertrain, while the normal mode provides maximum passenger comfort in hot climates and enhances defogging performance.
The instrument cluster of the Malibu Hybrid has been modified to advise the driver on operations of the hybrid powertrain:
• AutoStop indicator in the tachometer notifying the driver when the engine is in AutoStop mode
• ECO (Economy) indicator light notifying the driver when the vehicle is exceeding the EPA fuel economy estimates
• Charge-Assist gauge that indicates whether the system is charging or providing assist power
• The Driver Information Center (DIC) is programmed to provide messages specific to the Hybrid operation
The Malibu Hybrid is covered by GM's five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Additionally, the Malibu Hybrid's advanced nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery pack and other key hybrid components are covered by an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty.
Malibu style
The Malibu Hybrid has a strong stance, bold proportions and a profile that reinforce its substantial feel. Clean, pure lines and wheels pushed to the corners, as well as a visually lower, yet longer, greenhouse and a shorter deck suggest motion, agility and attitude. The body sides are clean and elegant, interrupted only by distinctive, wheel-oriented forms that communicate an aggressive, stable stance and a rear profile with Corvette cues that connect to Chevrolet's rich performance heritage.
The Malibu's grille has a deep-set, detailed appearance and is flanked by bold, multi-plane headlamps. At the rear, twin round taillamps are signature Chevrolet design cues and, like the headlamps, have a rich, detailed appearance.
The attention to detail on the interior matches the Malibu's exterior, with an ergonomic design using premium materials that convey quality and value. An integrated, flowing instrument panel features a Chevrolet-signature dual-cockpit design, with prominent gauges backlit in blue.
The interior color choices also reflect the premium nature of Malibu's cabin. They include three available color schemes, including a pair of contrasting-color combinations, giving customers more options. Ebony, Titanium and a two-tone Cocoa/Cashmere combination are available.
Air conditioning, power door locks, power windows, an instrument panel driver information center, a pair of auxiliary power outlets, power-adjustable driver seat and an AM/FM radio with CD and MP3 playback are some of the Malibu Hybrid's standard interior comfort and convenience features. Also included is OnStar with Turn-by-Turn navigation and XM Satellite Radio.Source - Chevrolet
Named for Malibu, California, the Malibu name has had a distinct history that began in 1963 and continued for nearly 20 years. Following a thirteen-year break, the Chevy Malibu name once again appeared in 1996, and again in 2003 as the latest generation was presented.
The name Malibu was originally utilized as the description for Chevrolet's top series models in the Chevelle line in 1964. This line continued all the way up to the 1983 model year. A mid-sized vehicle, the Malibu is produced in the United States by General Motors. Attempting to stay smaller than the full-size Impala model, the Malibu is marketed in the U.S., Mexico, Canada and Israel.
1964 was the original production year of the Chevelle Malibu. Production continued until 1972 and the Malibu was restyled for the 73 model year. The lineup included the base Chevelle Deluxe, mid-range Malibu and the top-line Laguna. The Deluxe was dropped in 1974 and the Malibu took the place as the entry-level Chevelle. The Malibu classic also replaced the Laguna trim package. Continuing until 197, the SS was introduced and replaced the Laguna S-3 model.
Except the Monte Carlo coupe, the Malibu name replaced the Chevelle name on all mid-sized Chevrolets for the 1978 model year. As this was the down-sized version in comparison to previous mid-sized Chevrolets, only two trim levels were available, Malibu and Malibu Classic. A total of three body-styles were introduced, the station wagon, coupe and sedan. In 1981, the two-door coupe, which was mnemonic of the 1964 Chevelle hardtop was last produced. Today this coupe has been a highly sought after collector item for drag racers.
Filling the void for mid-sized police vehicles, once the Chevrolet Nova ended production, the 9C1 police option was transferred to the 4-door Malibu line. A special order of Malibu sedans was also produced in 1981 by GM Canada, though this was eventually rejected due to quality concerns. These Malibu's were considered undesirable with the combination of the smallest V6 engine and a 3-speed manual transmission and the 'Iraqui Taxi's' were auctioned off to the public at an extremely reduced rate.
The final year that a Malibu Classic was marketed, the 82 Malibu shared GM's re-designated rear-wheel drive G platform with the Pontiac Grand Prix and the Oldsmobile Cutlass. Before being replaced by the front-wheel drive Chevrolet Celebrity, 4-door sedan Malibu's were produced until 1983. The El Camino continued to be produced in 1987 though the sedan and wagon were soon phased out.
For 1997, the Malibu was named Motor Trend magazine's Car of the Year. In the same year and an all new front-wheel drive Malibu built on an extended wheelbase version of the GM N platform was introduced. The Malibu shared the N platform the with Pontiac Grand Am, Buick Skylark, Oldsmobile Alero and Achieva and was produced at the Oklahoma City Assembly plant and the Wilmington Assembly plant. Production was eventually moved to Lansing, Michigan.
Before the Oldsmobile Alero, the Oldsmobile Cutlass was a clone of the Malibu as a stopgap vehicle and replaced the Chevy Corsica. Falling between the Cavalier and the Lumina in the Chevrolet lineup, the Malibu has taken the place of the now discontinued Corsica. A high level of standard equipment is found in the Malibu, and due to the competitive nature of midsize sedan market, the price is highly aggressive.
An all-new, front-wheel-drive midsize sedan was introduced in 1997 for the model year.
Emphasized body edges are showcased in the present series, which is a mid-sized, 5-seat sedan that is constructed on the Epsilon chassis designed in Germany also used in the Opel Vectra and Saab 9-3.
Malibu's were designed with a front grille with the Malibu logo in silver in the center from 97 to 99. The blue Chevrolet emblem on the front grille was placed on the 2000 to 2003 models. In 2000, the 3.1 L V6 was updated with 170 hp while the 4-cylinder was dropped. The 4-cylinder was reintroduced in 2004, while the N-body Malibu/Chevrolet Classic continued in production until 05.
In 2008, the Malibu is scheduled to be redesigned and built on the long-wheelbase Epsilon platform before being released to the public.Jessica Donaldson
For more information and related vehicles, click here© 1998-2009. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The name Malibu was originally utilized as the description for Chevrolet's top series models in the Chevelle line in 1964. This line continued all the way up to the 1983 model year. A mid-sized vehicle, the Malibu is produced in the United States by General Motors. Attempting to stay smaller than the full-size Impala model, the Malibu is marketed in the U.S., Mexico, Canada and Israel.
1964 was the original production year of the Chevelle Malibu. Production continued until 1972 and the Malibu was restyled for the 73 model year. The lineup included the base Chevelle Deluxe, mid-range Malibu and the top-line Laguna. The Deluxe was dropped in 1974 and the Malibu took the place as the entry-level Chevelle. The Malibu classic also replaced the Laguna trim package. Continuing until 197, the SS was introduced and replaced the Laguna S-3 model.
Except the Monte Carlo coupe, the Malibu name replaced the Chevelle name on all mid-sized Chevrolets for the 1978 model year. As this was the down-sized version in comparison to previous mid-sized Chevrolets, only two trim levels were available, Malibu and Malibu Classic. A total of three body-styles were introduced, the station wagon, coupe and sedan. In 1981, the two-door coupe, which was mnemonic of the 1964 Chevelle hardtop was last produced. Today this coupe has been a highly sought after collector item for drag racers.
Filling the void for mid-sized police vehicles, once the Chevrolet Nova ended production, the 9C1 police option was transferred to the 4-door Malibu line. A special order of Malibu sedans was also produced in 1981 by GM Canada, though this was eventually rejected due to quality concerns. These Malibu's were considered undesirable with the combination of the smallest V6 engine and a 3-speed manual transmission and the 'Iraqui Taxi's' were auctioned off to the public at an extremely reduced rate.
The final year that a Malibu Classic was marketed, the 82 Malibu shared GM's re-designated rear-wheel drive G platform with the Pontiac Grand Prix and the Oldsmobile Cutlass. Before being replaced by the front-wheel drive Chevrolet Celebrity, 4-door sedan Malibu's were produced until 1983. The El Camino continued to be produced in 1987 though the sedan and wagon were soon phased out.
For 1997, the Malibu was named Motor Trend magazine's Car of the Year. In the same year and an all new front-wheel drive Malibu built on an extended wheelbase version of the GM N platform was introduced. The Malibu shared the N platform the with Pontiac Grand Am, Buick Skylark, Oldsmobile Alero and Achieva and was produced at the Oklahoma City Assembly plant and the Wilmington Assembly plant. Production was eventually moved to Lansing, Michigan.
Before the Oldsmobile Alero, the Oldsmobile Cutlass was a clone of the Malibu as a stopgap vehicle and replaced the Chevy Corsica. Falling between the Cavalier and the Lumina in the Chevrolet lineup, the Malibu has taken the place of the now discontinued Corsica. A high level of standard equipment is found in the Malibu, and due to the competitive nature of midsize sedan market, the price is highly aggressive.
An all-new, front-wheel-drive midsize sedan was introduced in 1997 for the model year.
Emphasized body edges are showcased in the present series, which is a mid-sized, 5-seat sedan that is constructed on the Epsilon chassis designed in Germany also used in the Opel Vectra and Saab 9-3.
Malibu's were designed with a front grille with the Malibu logo in silver in the center from 97 to 99. The blue Chevrolet emblem on the front grille was placed on the 2000 to 2003 models. In 2000, the 3.1 L V6 was updated with 170 hp while the 4-cylinder was dropped. The 4-cylinder was reintroduced in 2004, while the N-body Malibu/Chevrolet Classic continued in production until 05.
In 2008, the Malibu is scheduled to be redesigned and built on the long-wheelbase Epsilon platform before being released to the public.Jessica Donaldson
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