2008 Chevy Malibu Hybrid - Other Cars Forum

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2008 Chevy Malibu Hybrid
Friday, July 06, 2007 12:57 PM




From GM...

Production of the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid is scheduled to begin in October, with vehicles arriving in dealerships shortly thereafter. The system will be available as a powertrain option on the base LS model, which also features Electric Power Steering, Automatic Climate Control and the StabiliTrak electronic stability control system.

The GM Hybrid system featured on the Malibu Hybrid saves fuel by using sophisticated controls and software, as well as a unique, 36-volt electric motor/generator mated to GM Powertrain’s 2.4L Ecotec VVT four-cylinder engine and Hydra-Matic 4T45 four-speed transmission. The GM Hybrid system maintains the vehicle’s sporty feel and 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
-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 provides additional power, when required, during launch from the electric motor/generator. At wide-open throttle, such as during a passing maneuver, the system enhances acceleration by using the motor/generator to bolster the gasoline engine and achieve maximum power.

The GM Hybrid system also is designed to automatically maintain full accessory functionality – including climate control – when the vehicle is stopped, so that hybrid operation is seamless to the driver and passengers. The Malibu Hybrid delivers an appropriate balance of 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.

Malibu Hybrid models make a statement away from the gas pump, too, thanks to specific exterior appointments such as 16-inch low rolling resistance tires and unique hybrid badging. Inside, a special gauge cluster provides information and feedback about the hybrid powertrain’s operation.

The 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid is covered by GM’s five-year / 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, the most comprehensive in the industry. In addition, the Malibu Hybrid’s advanced nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery pack is covered by an eight-year / 100,000-mile warranty.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine

Type:
2.4L Ecotec I-4 VVT

Assembly site:
Spring Hill , Tenn.

Application:
Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid

Displacement (cu in / cc):
145 / 2384

Bore & stroke (in / mm):
3.46 x 3.85 / 88 x 98

Block material:
cast aluminum

Cylinder head material:
cast aluminum

Crankshaft material:
cast nodular iron

Valvetrain:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, continuously variable valve timing

Ignition system:
coil-on-plug ignition, with extended-life spark plugs

Fuel system:
sequential port fuel injection

Compression ratio:
10.6:1

Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm):
164 / 122 @ 6000 (estimated)*

Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm):
159 / 220 @ 4400 (estimated)*

Recommended fuel:
unleaded regular

Max. engine speed (rpm):
6900

Emissions controls:
close-coupled catalytic converter

EPA fuel economy (city / hwy mpg):
24 / 32

Additional features:
twin counter-rotating balancing shafts; pressure-actuated cooling jets, torque-based engine management system; cartridge-style oil filter; extended life coolant; extended life accessory belts; digital sensors


Transmission
Type
Hydra-Matic 4T45 four speed front-wheel-drive, electronically controlled, automatic overdrive transaxle with electronically controlled torque converter clutch

Assembly site:
Windsor, Ont., Canada

Hybrid features:
auxiliary oil pump, pipes, check valve, and specific electronic controls

Engine range:
2.4L

Max engine torque (lb-ft / Nm):
162 / 220

Max gearbox torque (lb-ft / Nm):
325 / 440

Gear ratios:

First:
2.95

Second:
1.62

Third:
1.00

Fourth:
0.68

Reverse:
2.14

Final drive ratio:
3.05

Maximum shift speed (rpm):
6900

Maximum validated gross vehicle weight (lb / kg):
4717 / 2140

Shifter quadrants:
P, R, N, D, I, L

Case material:
die-cast aluminum

Shift pattern:
(2) two-way on/off solenoids

Shift quality:
variable bleed solenoid

Torque converter clutch:
pulse width modulated solenoid control

Converter size (mm):
245 (diameter of torque converter turbine)

Fluid type:
DEXRON® VI

Transmission weight (lb / kg):
dry: 171.5 / 77.8

wet: 194.2 / 88.1

Fluid capacity (qt / L, approximate):
bottom pan removal: 7.4 / 7

Complete overhaul (qt / L):
10.6 / 10

Dry (qt / L):
13.2 qt / 12.5

Pressure taps available:
line pressure

Transfer design:
two-axis design, link chain assembly





>>>For Sale? Clicky!<<<
-----The orginal Mr.Goodwrench on the JBO since 11/99-----


Re: 2008 Chevy Malibu Hybrid
Friday, July 06, 2007 2:16 PM
Is that 24/32 under the new EPA ratings ? IF so not bad at all, that would put it in the low high 30's/low 40's of the old system.



My Cav
I give up...
i'm buying a VW those people love trees, so they should love eachother too... "Andy"
Re: 2008 Chevy Malibu Hybrid
Friday, July 06, 2007 4:18 PM
I really use GM wouldn't put "Hybrid" on any of the vehicles with the "mild-hybrid" system. All it does is make the people who know nothing about cars try and compare apples to apples.

For example, a customer that looks at the Malibu Hybrid will probably cross shop with the Camry Hybrid, and Altima Hybrid. Both of those cars are full hybrid systems and blow the Malibu out of the water in terms of MPG. So what's going to make someone consider the Malibu over one of its competitors when the most important thing is MPG? I mean, that is the reason most people are getting hybrid cars is it not?

Oh well, something is better than nothing right? I wish they would roll out the 2-mode hybrid into more of their lineup quicker



Re: 2008 Chevy Malibu Hybrid
Friday, July 06, 2007 4:20 PM
By blowing out of the water I meant city MPG.



Re: 2008 Chevy Malibu Hybrid
Saturday, July 07, 2007 9:40 AM
Short Hand wrote:Is that 24/32 under the new EPA ratings ? IF so not bad at all, that would put it in the low high 30's/low 40's of the old system.

Yes, that's with the new rating. With the old system of rating, it would show: 28/35



>>>For Sale? Clicky!<<<
-----The orginal Mr.Goodwrench on the JBO since 11/99-----

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