Overviews

For Release: June 9, 2008

2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU HYBRID

Vehicle Highlights

Model Lineup

 

Engine

Transmission

 

Ecotec 2.4L VVT I-4

4-speed automatic

Malibu Hybrid

s

s


Key  

Standard

s

 

2009 MALIBU HYBRID OFFERS AN AFFORDABLE, FUEL-EFFICIENT ALTERNATIVE

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:

Hybrid powertrain details

The Malibu Hybrid is equipped with the GM Hybrid system, consisting of:

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:

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:

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.

# # #

Contact:
Nancy Libby
Chevrolet Communications
Phone: 313-667-2553
E-mail: nancy.libby@gm.com

Anne Santori
Product Development Communications
Phone: 586-575-8943
E-mail: anne.santori@gm.com

Antonio Sanchez Jimenez
Gerente de Relaciones Públicas y Comunicación
General Motors de Mexico
Office: 011-5255-5901-3042
E-mail: angelantonio.sanchezjimenez@gm.com

SPECIFICATIONS

Overview

Models:

Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid

Body style / driveline:

sedan / front-engine, front-wheel drive

Construction:

body-frame integral

EPA vehicle class:

midsize car

Manufacturing location:

Fairfax Assembly Plant, Kansas City, Kan.

Key competitors:

Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima

Engine

 

2.4L Ecotec I-4 VVT

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, four 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

Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm):

159 / 220 @ 4400

Recommended fuel:

unleaded regular

Max. engine speed (rpm):

6900

Emissions controls:

close-coupled catalytic converter

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

EPA fuel economy (city / hwy mpg):

26 / 34

Transmission

Type:

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

Hybrid features:

auxiliary oil pump, pipes, check valve, and specific electronic controls

Gear ratios:

 

First:

2.95

Second:

1.62

Third:

1.00

Fourth:

0.68

Reverse:

2.14

Final drive ratio:

3.05

Chassis/Suspension

Front:

MacPherson strut with aluminum L-shaped control arms; direct-acting 22-mm hollow stabilizer bar

Rear:

four-link independent with twin-tube gas shocks; dual-rate mini-block coil springs; direct-acting 19-mm solid stabilizer bar

Steering type:

rack-and-pinion, electric power steering w/ 2.4L; rack-and-pinions, hydraulic power steering w/ 3.6L

Steering ratio:

16.4:1

Steer wheel turns, lock-to-lock:

2.7

Turning circle, curb-to-curb (ft / m):

40.4 / 12.3

Brakes

Type

four-wheel disc with four-channel ABS

Rotor diameter (in / mm):

front: 11.65 / 296, ventilated
rear: 10.87 / 276, solid

Wheels/Tires

Wheel size and type:

17-inch ultra bright aluminum

Tire size and type:

P215/55R17 touring

Dimensions
Exterior

Wheelbase (in / mm):

112.3 / 2852

Overall length (in / mm):

191.8 / 4872

Overall width (in / mm):

70.3 / 1785

Overall height (in / mm):

57.1 / 1451

Track

 

Front (in / mm):

59.6 / 1514

Rear (in / mm):

60 / 1524

Curb weight (lb / kg):

TBD

Dimensions
Interior

Seating capacity (front / rear):

2 / 3

EPA passenger volume (cu ft / L):

97.7 / 2766

Headroom

 

Front (in /mm):

39.4 / 1000

Rear (in / mm):

37.2 / 945

Legroom

 

Front (in / mm):

42.2 / 1073

Rear (in / mm):

37.6 / 955

Shoulder room

 

Front (in / mm):

55.9 / 1421

Rear (in / mm):

53.9 / 1369

Hip room

 

Front (in / mm):

53 / 1346

Rear (in / mm):

52.1 / 1323

Cargo volume (cu ft / L):

15.1 / 427

Capacities

Fuel tank (gal / L):

16.3 / 61.7

Max towing capacity (lb / kg):

not recommended

Engine oil (qt / L):

5 / 4.7

Cooling system (qt / L):

7.5 / 7.1

Note: Information shown is current at time of publication.

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