New 2016 Chevy Malibu Hybrid Projected to Make 47 MPG Combined
The new Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid, announced at the 2015 New York International Auto Show, uses some new technologies stripped from the Volt to help it achieve an estimated 47 miles-per-gallon combined. If successful in the final EPA certification, that would make it easily the most fuel-efficient midsize sedan on the market.
The Malibu Hybrid will make a combined total of 182 horsepower from its dual-mode hybrid system. Also, the system can run entirely on electricity up to 55 miles-per-hour. No word yet on electric-only range, but since this is not a plug-in hybrid, don’t expect it to be a big number.
The drivetrain isn’t the only components that the Malibu shares with the new Volt. It also shares the regenerative braking system and the power electronics. Basically, just think of the Malibu as a bigger Volt without the plug-in part.
The new car will be produced alongside other Malibus at the production facility in Kansas City, Kansas. It will be in showrooms early next year as a 2016 model.
GM isn’t the only manufacturer who has claimed a combined 47 MPG rating on their midsize sedan. Ford did the same thing with the Fusion Hybrid a few years back, and it ended up costing them when they couldn’t achieve that number.
Using components from the Volt should help the Malibu, and we hope it does achieve the mileage claimed. If it does, it could be quite a strong seller for the brand.
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