02-18-2008, 01:26 AM
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Engineering first
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Real Name: Bob
Location: Huntsville, AL
Hybrids: Prius Classic 03
Posts: 4,754
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Conversion on the road to . . .
http://www.chicagotribune.com/busine...5067311.column
Quote:
chicagotribune.com
TEST DRIVE
Malibu hybrid takes a walk on the mild side
Jim Mateja
February 17, 2008
Only weeks after its midsize sedan won the North American Car of the Year trophy from the automotive press corps, Chevrolet is looking to attract even more attention to Malibu by adding a green version.
Since Chevy has gone from one plant producing Malibus on one shift to two assembling them on two shifts in just its first few months on the market, it appears the car has caught the eye of buyers.
And with good reason. We tested the regular 2008 Malibu with its energetic 3.6-liter, 252-horsepower V-6 (Transportation, Nov. 18, 2007) so it's the hybrid's turn with its 2.4-liter, 164-h.p. 4 with a nickel-metal-hydride assist.
Like the Toyota Camry with which it competes, the Malibu hybrid now arriving in showrooms starts in gas mode to ensure it does so when the thermometer reads minus 7 degrees, as it did in part of our test. To best appreciate the Malibu hybrid you have to realize it's a "mild" hybrid, more of an apprentice to than a card-carrying member of the green club. It shuts off the gas engine when idling at a stoplight and offers a modest boost when needed to pass.
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It wasn't long ago when Jim was part of the hybrid skeptic chorus and echoed the "CNW Marketing" nonsense. Still, he wrote a fair column and deserves an 'atta boy.'
Bob Wilson
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