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Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid

154 messages,  Last post on Jul 30, 2008 at 6:23 PM

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What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid, Hybrid Cars, Sedan


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#135 of 154
more than meets the eye by tooniner
Apr 09, 2008 (4:17 pm)
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Regarding the 2008 Malibu mild hybrid, there's a bit more to the "why bother?" question than the EPA estimated 2 mpg increase.
 
Caveat: I've never owned a GM product nor work for any car industry concern.
 
+ Mild hybrids like the design in the Malibu and Aura are relatively simple when compared to dual-mode hybrids. The reduced system complexity and small size of mild-hybrid components (its electric motor-generator (MG) fits in the ICE-only Malibu's alternator position) means that many car models could add the mild-hybrid feature.
+ The main fuel-saving strategy is to cut fuel supply when the engine is not powering motion, i.e. at rest (auto-stop) and deceleration (regenerative braking).
+ A minor benefit to regenerative braking is decreased use of brakes, thereby promising a maintenance savings for those components.
+ The MG is used for power assist during acceleration. While it is nothing like a performance hybrid Lexus or Accord, the mild hybrid should have equivalent pick-up to its ICE-only cousin despite a bit more weight. If the stars align, it could have marginally better acceleration or improved fuel economy during acceleration, or both.
 
Here's a link to an SAE article about the GM mild hybrid system as included in the 2007 VUE. From what I've read about the Aura and Malibu mild hybrids, they are very similar.
 
http://home.rochester.rr.com/ebay342/saturn%20hybrid.pdf
 
Happy reading!
#136 of 154
any sales here? by aspesisteve
Apr 26, 2008 (7:49 pm)
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Anyone know the count of Malibu Hybrids sold?
 
I'll bet not much.
 
meanwhile the Toyot Prius and Camry Hybrid are selling pretty well.
#137 of 154
Re: any sales here? [aspesisteve] by mickeyrom
Apr 27, 2008 (5:02 am)
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Replying to: aspesisteve (Apr 26, 2008 7:49 pm)

Can't buy them if the dealers don't have them.I have not seen a single Aura or Malibu hybrid at a local dealer.
#138 of 154
Re: any sales here? [mickeyrom] by aspesisteve
Apr 27, 2008 (5:44 pm)
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Replying to: mickeyrom (Apr 27, 2008 5:02 am)

actually there is one guy reporting on his new MH who loves the car.
 
he's impressed with his gas milege of 30 mpg on his 2.4 litre 4 cyl. hybrid
#139 of 154
Re: more than meets the eye [tooniner] by jerrywimer
Apr 28, 2008 (4:06 am)
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Replying to: tooniner (Apr 09, 2008 4:17 pm)

I haven't looked on the fueleconomy.gov website to verify this, but the mild hybrids should have an advantage that appeals to most 'greenie' eco-friendly types, in that it shuts the engine down at a stop. This should greatly reduce emissions for the average driver over other four cylinder cars, and is painless, since the car is taking car of all the work itself. (I do the same in my vehicles manually, any time I'm stopped for any extended period of time- as at train crossings, long slow lights, in line at fast food places, etc.)
#140 of 154
Re: any sales here? [aspesisteve] by stevedebi
Apr 28, 2008 (1:29 pm)
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Replying to: aspesisteve (Apr 27, 2008 5:44 pm)

"actually there is one guy reporting on his new MH who loves the car.
  
he's impressed with his gas milege of 30 mpg on his 2.4 litre 4 cyl. hybrid"
 
FWIW, I'm getting 31 MPG in my AWD FEH hybrid, which is an SUV rather than a passenger car... thus not super impressed by that MH number. The FWD version is rated at 34 city.
#141 of 154
Re: more than meets the eye [jerrywimer] by aspesisteve
Apr 28, 2008 (6:55 pm)
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Replying to: jerrywimer (Apr 28, 2008 4:06 am)

"mild hybrids should have an advantage"
 
as opposed to non hybrids?
#142 of 154
Re: more than meets the eye [aspesisteve] by jerrywimer
Apr 29, 2008 (4:21 am)
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Replying to: aspesisteve (Apr 28, 2008 6:55 pm)

Yes. As opposed to non hybrids. Sorry if that was unclear.
#143 of 154
Re: any sales here? [stevedebi] by packer3
May 03, 2008 (7:49 am)
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Replying to: stevedebi (Apr 28, 2008 1:29 pm)

Very impressive I was getting between 32 and 37 mpg on straight highway driving
on my old 2004 V6 200 hp Malibu, anyone who is looking for a great used car with great highway mileage get your hands on the V6 200 hp Malibu you will not be disapointed whats so ever. Just dont get it for city driving it averaged 15 to 16 mpg.
 
My car had the trip computer take one for test ride on a highyway and set the computer within 10 miles you will be in the 30's I also use to check the gas mileage manually and it was the same
#144 of 154
Re: any sales here? [packer3] by stevedebi
May 05, 2008 (9:28 am)
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Replying to: packer3 (May 03, 2008 7:49 am)

"Very impressive I was getting between 32 and 37 mpg on straight highway driving on my old 2004 V6 200 hp Malibu, anyone who is looking for a great used car with great highway mileage get your hands on the V6 200 hp Malibu you will not be disapointed whats so ever. Just dont get it for city driving it averaged 15 to 16 mpg. "
 
I was being tongue-in-cheek; anyone considering a vehicle should think about what kind of miles they will use. If 80-90% of the miles are in the city, then a hybrid may be the right choice. If most of your miles are on the highway, other vehicles may be the best choice.
 
Most of my miles are in the city, so my Ford Escape Hybrid was a good choice for me.

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