2008 Malibu hybrid debuts

The Malibu will start as a mild hybrid

The 2008 Chevy Malibu hybrid made its debut at the All-Star game festivities for MLB. According to Edmunds, the new Malibu will achieve 24 miles per gallon in the city and 32 mpg on the highway for a 2 mpg overall improvement compared to the conventional Malibu.

As an option on the LS Malibu, the hybrid version uses "a 36-volt electric motor/generator paired with the 2.4-liter Ecotec VVT four-cylinder engine and a four-speed transmission. The hybrid system uses the electric motor/generator to supply extra power when needed during startup or passing maneuvers. Full accessory use is enabled when the vehicle is stopped, "so that hybrid operation is seamless to the driver and passengers."

A step forward for Chevy, but I don't think it will entice many buyers until GM replaces the mild hybrid powertrain with its dual mode hybrid powertrain. Hopefully, if GM's full hybrid vehicles, such as the Tahoe hybrid, are successful, this will happen sooner rather than later.

(Source: Edmunds)