Is this a real hybrid?
#3
Re: Is this a real hybrid?
From my description of the 2008 Malibu:
The Malibu hybrid will have a belt-alternater-starter, in other words, it's going to shut off the engine when stopped, similar to what comes in the Saturn Vue Hybrid and what will appear in the Saturn Aura hybrid.
In more technical terms, the electric motor is coupled with a 2.4L Ecotec VVT four-cylinder engine, with a four-speed transmission with a nickel metal hydride battery pack as a power source. This electric motor will not be powering the engine by itself, as a full hybrid would be capable of (see the Toyota Prius), just assisting the gas engine.
In more technical terms, the electric motor is coupled with a 2.4L Ecotec VVT four-cylinder engine, with a four-speed transmission with a nickel metal hydride battery pack as a power source. This electric motor will not be powering the engine by itself, as a full hybrid would be capable of (see the Toyota Prius), just assisting the gas engine.
#4
Re: Is this a real hybrid?
The 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon are the first 2-mode "real" production hybrids available to purchase from GM. The Silverado, Sierra and Escalade are following them this fall. Other than the Volt, I haven't heard of what other GM sedans will make the 2-mode jump. (anyone??)
The press labeling the Aura, Vue, Malibu, etc as not being "real" hybrids has hurt their sales. Which is a real shame since even with the inept belt-alt-starter the 2009 EPA numbers for the Malibu Hybrid show a 3 MPG improvement for the combined mileage over a standard Malibu (w/6-speed) and within 15% of the combined mileage of the similar sized TCH and NAH.
The press labeling the Aura, Vue, Malibu, etc as not being "real" hybrids has hurt their sales. Which is a real shame since even with the inept belt-alt-starter the 2009 EPA numbers for the Malibu Hybrid show a 3 MPG improvement for the combined mileage over a standard Malibu (w/6-speed) and within 15% of the combined mileage of the similar sized TCH and NAH.
Last edited by doasc; 08-13-2008 at 12:02 PM.
#6
Re: Is this a real hybrid?
Not really. They just don't make very many of them, for a variety of reasons. For the first part of 2008, hybrid battery supply was diverted to existing 2007 models for replacement due to a recall. Otherwise, it's a very limited-production model. You won't find GM's BAS hybrids languishing at the dealer--they just don't get very many to sell.
#7
Re: Is this a real hybrid?
Well think there produced a limited numbers for this specific model. I think its kinda trial model for all consumer.
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Last edited by kartl; 12-01-2008 at 09:10 PM.
#8
Re: Is this a real hybrid?
GM hybrid..........that's a strange concept. They are just a bit late into the hybrid arena. Now that they are facing almost certain bankruptcy/reorganization, they needed to have the Malibu hybrid several years back. I saw the base price is almost exactly the same as the TCH at approx. $26,000. The full-hybrid mode in the TCH is great and i have been averaging between 38-43mpg year-round. I am pleased that i did go with the only real leader in hybrid technology and reliablity......Toyota. I owned only one GM product......a Chevy, hands down the worst truck/car i have ever owned. They still have light years to go!
#9
Re: Is this a real hybrid?
GM hybrid..........that's a strange concept.... I am pleased that i did go with the only real leader in hybrid technology and reliablity......Toyota. I owned only one GM product......a Chevy, hands down the worst truck/car i have ever owned. They still have light years to go!
#10
Re: Is this a real hybrid?
It's really sad. We tax domestic manufacturing at about 40% of gross. We have "safety" and "environmental" regulations that mostly make sense. China and Korea do not tax manufacturing for export, and they have essentially no safety or environmental regulation. This needs to change.
We could level the tax part of the playing field by two little changes in our income tax code:
1. Money received from foreign nationals (not US taxpayers) should be deductible business expenses (i.e., not taxable as income). This would eliminate the tax on exports.
2. Money paid to foreign nationals (not US taxpayers) should NOT be deductible as business expense. This would impose the same tax rate on foreign manufacturing and services as we impose on domestic manufacturing and services for our domestic market.
More will be needed to level the safety and environmental parts of the playing field. I don't know a good way to do that.
Last edited by SteveHansen; 11-26-2008 at 06:25 AM.