2008 Chevrolet Malibu will get new powertrain

Introduced to the North American market only in November 2007, the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu is about to receive a major upgrade to its list of available powertrains.



GM is reporting that, starting Thursday, April 24, there will be introduced new version of the Malibu equipped with a four-cylinder 169 hp 2.4-liter Ecotec engine mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox. The top of the range Chevy Malibu LTZ and 2LT will have this powertrain standard, and the less expensive 1LT will have it in the list of optional equipment.

What's interesting, though, is that the new powertrain will improve the vehicle's fuel-efficiency by about 2 mpg, making it as efficient as the Malibus equipped with GM's "mild hybrid system".

See also: 2008 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid mileage announced