2008 Chevrolet Malibu

The all-new 2008 Chevrolet Malibu delivers great performance, fuel economy and refinement, wrapped in a clean, tailored design that carries the global face of Chevrolet. A broad range of detailed, well-appointed and efficient models is offered, including a fuel-saving Malibu Hybrid model.

2008 Chevrolet Malibu LT

“The 2008 Malibu rewrites Chevrolet’s midsize car strategy, offering a stylish, uncompromising package that stacks up against the most popular competitors,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. “We know the competition is very good, and this new Malibu has the goods – both tangible and intangible – to assert a leadership position in the segment and re-affirm Chevrolet’s commitment to expressive cars.”

The new Malibu is based on GM’s global midsize platform, which serves as the foundation for a strong body structure, precise build quality and refined driving dynamics. It is more than three inches (76 mm) longer than the current model, with a six-inch-longer (162 mm) wheelbase. These proportions create a wheels-at-the-corners stance that enables a smoother, more direct driving experience.

Malibu is offered in several well-equipped trim levels: LS, LT and LTZ – all with standard head-curtain side air bags and front-seat thorax air bags, OnStar Gen 7 with remote diagnostics, and XM Satellite Radio. StabiliTrak stability control is standard on LT and LTZ models.

Performance comes from a family of powerful dual-overhead cam four- and six-cylinder engines, including a 169-horsepower (126 kW)* 2.4L Ecotec DOHC four-cylinder engine and a 252-horsepower 3.6L DOHC V-6 with variable valve timing. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard with the V-6 and will be available later in the model year with the 2.4L four-cylinder LTZ – a segment first. The Malibu Hybrid uses a unique electric motor/generator mated to a 2.4L Ecotec VVT four-cylinder engine and Hydra-Matic 4T45 four-speed transmission.

“ Malibu is the car our customers have been looking for,” said Peper. “There is more style and content on the new Malibu than any other competitor in the segment.”

Highlights of the redesigned 2008 Malibu include:

* All-new refined and contemporary exterior with new grille design that represents the global face of Chevrolet
* Twin round taillamps
* Upscale interior design with available two-tone leather trim; gauges with Chevrolet blue backlighting
* Standard head-curtain side air bags and front seat-mounted thorax protection air bags
* Remote vehicle starting (standard on 2LT and LTZ; available on 1LT)
* Available 110-volt household-type AC power outlet
* Four-wheel independent suspension and longer wheelbase that deliver a more controlled, satisfying and confident driving experience
* Family of large wheels, including 18-inch ultra-bright polished wheels on LTZ
* Standard tire pressure monitoring system.

The 2008 Malibu is backed by GM’s five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, giving customers added peace of mind during their ownership experience.

Design

With its strong stance and bold proportions, the 2008 Malibu has a profile that reinforces 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 connects to Chevrolet’s rich performance heritage.

The Malibu’s grille is characteristic of the global face of Chevrolet cars and the twin round taillamps are Chevrolet cues, as well. LTZ models are distinguished by front fog lamps and clear-lens LED-lit taillamps. The design elements are complemented with precise details, including minimized panel gaps, a tight wheel-to-body relationship and select use of chrome trim. V-6 models also receive dual chrome exhaust outlets.

The interior’s attention to detail matches the Malibu’s exterior, with an ergonomic design using premium materials that convey quality and value. The integrated, flowing instrument panel features a Chevrolet-signature dual-cockpit design, with prominent gauges backlit in blue, and metallic or wood grain accents.

The new Malibu has greater storage, too, with thoughtful features that maximize utility, including a deep center console with a sliding cover that opens to accommodate larger items. Also standard is an auxiliary in-dash storage compartment on the instrument panel for sunglasses, CDs and other items. An available rear power center provides a household-style 110-volt AC power outlet.

Quiet, thoughtful environment

Malibu ’s strong structure serves as the foundation for an exceptionally quiet environment. Along with the robust chassis, which minimizes vibration and noise, the body construction uses noise-reducing materials, such as liquid spray-on sound deadener, laminated steel and composite wheel liners, to deliver one the segment’s quietest, most refined driving experiences. Laminated “quiet glass” also contributes to a quiet environment.

For the first time, the Malibu is offered with two-tone trim combinations, including Ebony and Brick and Cocoa and Cashmere. There is also an all-Ebony combination, accented with a distinctive wood grain element that offers a unique, upscale appearance. Malibu 2LT models feature standard suede like-trimmed seats and LTZ models receive distinctive, black-chrome accents, a specific instrument layout and unique, two-tone leather seating surfaces. Heated seats are standard on 2LT and LTZ.

Ambient lighting in areas such as the overhead console and door-pull pockets enhances the Malibu’s inviting feel. The overhead console-mounted LED floodlights provide subdued lighting to the center console area between the front seats.

Malibu also comes with a great standard stereo system with standard XM Satellite Radio and offers a range of upgrades, including a premium eight-speaker, 210-watt sound system that is standard on LTZ and available on 2LT.

Driving experience

Malibu ’s long, 112.3-inch (2,852 mm) wheelbase and wheels-at-the corner stance enable precise, responsive ride and handling characteristics, providing a trait that’s rare to the segment: driving satisfaction. The balanced, four-wheel independent suspension system features a MacPherson strut front suspension design and multilink rear suspension. The front suspension uses aluminum control arms, which reduce unsprung mass impacts over bumps for a smoother ride. A front, direct-acting stabilizer bar provides a more immediate feel to steering inputs.

The rear suspension also features a direct-acting stabilizer bar, as well as monotube or twin-tube shock absorbers, depending on the model. The front and rear suspension systems are tuned for each powertrain combination, delivering tailored driving characteristics for all models. Hydraulic ride bushings and body control damping measures enhance the connected-to-the-road driving feel while supporting a comfortable ride.

GM’s StabiliTrak stability control system is standard on LT and LTZ models. It uses sophisticated vehicle sensors tied to the anti-lock braking system to help the driver maintain control during certain maneuvers. The new panic brake assistance feature provides full braking power when a panic-braking event is detected. This can reduce the braking distance, providing more control in helping to avoid a crash.

Steering response is precise and immediate, thanks to tuned steering systems designed for each model. Malibu models equipped with the 2.4L engine use a variable electric power-assist steering system, while V-6 models employ a hydraulic-assisted steering system.

A family of 16-, 17- and 18-inch wheels is offered with Malibu, all tailored with a tight wheel-to-body relationship. LS models come with 16-inch painted trim wheels; 1LT models come with 17-inch chrome trim wheels, 2LT models have 17-inch aluminum wheels and LTZ models are fitted with 18-inch aluminum ultra-bright-finish wheels.

The suspension systems are mounted to a robust chassis and integrated body structure that features a safety cage design and strategic placement of high-strength steel for outstanding structural integrity. The strong chassis and body structure enable more precise mounting of the suspension systems, a design trait that enabled engineers to focus on finer degrees of suspension tuning. A safety cage construction built into the Malibu’s body structure is complemented with reinforced rocker sections, as well as a reinforced front body hinge pillar and roof pillars that were designed to improve impact protection. A magnesium cross-car beam unites the lower sections of the A-pillars. This helps protect passengers in side-impact crashes and serves as a solid foundation for the instrument panel. High-strength steel is used in strategic areas to augment overall structural integrity.

Powertrain

The 2.4L Ecotec DOHC four-cylinder engine, which receives a new catalytic converter system with slightly elevated backpressure for ’08, delivers an SAE-certified 169 horsepower (126 kW) and 160 lb.-ft. (217 Nm) of torque. EPA fuel economy is rated at an impressive 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.

The 2.4L Ecotec DOHC will be offered with all trim levels. LS and LT models are backed by a Hydra-Matic four-speed automatic transmission. Malibu LTZ models with the 2.4L engine are equipped with a new Hydra-Matic 6T40 six-speed automatic – the only four-cylinder/six-speed automatic combination in the segment.

The available 3.6L V-6 VVT is a sophisticated, all-aluminum DOHC engine that uses variable valve technology to produce 252 horsepower (188 kW)* while delivering impressive EPA fuel economy of 17 mpg city and 26 mpg in highway driving. It is mated with a Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic transmission.

The Malibu’s six-speed transmissions enable a strong balance between performance and fuel efficiency, with the six forward gears offering optimized performance at all rpm levels, as well as reduced rpm at highway cruising speeds. Lower rpm can enhance fuel economy and reduce cabin noise. The six-speed transmissions also feature TAPshift, which enables the driver to shift manually with steering wheel-mounted controls.

All Malibu powertrain combinations are supported with GM’s five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Malibu Hybrid details

The ’08 Malibu Hybrid is equipped with the GM Hybrid system, which reduces fuel consumption fuel via sophisticated controls and a unique electric motor/generator 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 6400 rpm* and 159 lb.-ft. (215 Nm) of peak torque at 5000 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
* 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 new 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 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.

Malibu Hybrid models are 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.

Safe and secure

The 2008 Malibu has a comprehensive roster of standard and available features that helps protect occupants before, during and after a crash. They include:

* Dual-stage frontal air bags with GM Passenger Sensing System
* Head curtain side-impact air bags (front and rear outboard seats)
* Front seat-mounted thorax protection air bags \
* Front safety belt pretensioners
* LATCH child safety seat anchors
* Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS
* Traction control
* StabiliTrak stability control system with panic brake assistance (LT and LTZ)
* Tire pressure monitoring system
* Projected five-star government safety rating.

All 2008 Malibu models come standard with OnStar Gen 7, which features advanced automatic crash notification, remote diagnostics, monthly status report and available Turn-By-Turn Navigation. It is the first factory-installed, fully integrated GPS navigation system from OnStar. Turn-by-Turn allows consumers to talk to a live adviser, who in turn sends complete step-by-step directions to customers' vehicles through their OnStar system. These audio directions automatically play through the vehicle’s stereo as needed, triggered by the OnStar system’s GPS capabilities. This enables drivers to be guided to their destination while keeping their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road.

*SAE certified.

More photos: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Photo Gallery