General Motors Corp.'s (GM) Chevrolet division has finally released the much-awaited 2008 model of the Chevy Malibu midsize sedan. This model will roll out in Chevrolet dealer showrooms all over the U.S. starting this November. The car comes with a wide range of features inside and out, as well as elegant optional packages for customers. With this model, Chevrolet continues its "commitment to dependable, fun-to-drive cars packed with value", according to the Detroit-based automaker.
"When we debuted Malibu at the North American International Auto show in January, we promised that its $40,000 looks would cost half as much. Well, we've kept our word. Customers will see everything we've packed into a sedan starting under $20 grand and think there's a typo on the sticker." said Ed Peper, general manager of Chevrolet.
Peper added: "We strive to offer the best value in every segment where we compete, and midsize cars are not different. For example, the Chevy Impala has been one of the biggest success stories in this industry during the past two years, gaining more than two points of market share. Now, combined with Malibu, this gives us a solid one-two punch in midsize cars and puts Chevy back into the car game in a big way."
GM is offering five variants of the all-new 2008 Chevy Malibu for the American automotive market. These include the Malibu LS, Malibu 1LT, Malibu 2LT, Malibu LTZ, and the Malibu Hybrid. Customers can choose two power plant options for all of these models. GM offers the dual-overhead cam 2.4L Ecotec DOHC four-cylinder engine capable of pumping out 169 horsepower (126 kW) and offers 30 mpg highway, 22 city of fuel economy. For performance oriented car buyers, they can choose the 3.6 L DOHC V-6 engine with variable valve timing. This engine pumps out 252 hp (188 kW) with 26 mpg highway and 17 city fuel economy.
The all-new 2008 Chevy Malibu also comes with an all-new refined exterior with new grille design with heritage-inspired twin round taillamps. Other features of the 2008 Chevy Malibu include upscale interior design with a choice of cloth, suede and leather inside; available two-tone cockpit in a number of color combinations; gauges with Chevrolet blue LED backlighting; four-wheel independent suspension; liquid spray-on sound deadener; theft-deterrent system; remote vehicle starting (standard on 2LT and LTZ); TAPshift manual shift control (available on 2LT and standard on LTZ); 16-inch standard wheels (LS); 18-inch ultra-bright aluminum polished wheels (available 2LT, standard on LTZ); available rear power center includes 110-volt AC adapter with three-prong outlet; available sunroof; and premium eight-speaker, 210-watt sound system. Customers can also personalize this model with , perhaps.
In addition, the 2008 Chevy Malibu also comes with a host of safety equipments like dual-stage frontal, seat-mounted side-impact thorax and head-curtain side air bags, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with all-speed traction control, OnStar Gen 7 safety and security system with Turn-by-Turn Navigation, GM's StabiliTrak electronic stability control system, and standard tire-pressure monitoring system.
The base manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for 2008 Chevy Malibu models include:
2008 Malibu LS - $19,995; 2008 Malibu Hybrid - $22,790; 2008 Malibu 1LT - $20,955; 2008 Malibu 2LT - $22,635; and the well equipped 2008 Malibu LTZ with a starting price of $26,995.
