The Chevrolet Malibu has defined the American midsize sedan segment for decades, and an all-new 2016 Malibu debuted today at the 2015 New York International Auto Show! Cosmetic and mechanical updates abound on the redesigned Malibu. The base engine will be a 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, which will be good for 160 horsepower and 185 lb.-ft. of torque. However, performance-minded buyers should spring for the 2.0-liter turbo model, which will utilize an 8-speed automatic unit to create a healthy 250 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. Impressive still is that the 2.0 turbo car can still manage 32 mpg on the highway, providing an incredible balance between economy and performance.
Chevy will also release a hybrid variant of the 2016 Malibu, which will sport a 1.8-liter naturally-aspirated engine alongside a two-motor drive unit. Power will be 182 horsepower routed through a two-motor electric drive unit. In addition, for the hybrid unit, an exhaust gas heat recovery system will mitigate the fuel economy loss that commonly plagues hybrid powertrains at low engine temperatures. All of these technological advances add up to 48 mpg city and 45 mpg highway for the hybrid Malibu, impressive figures for any mid-size sedan.
Stay tuned on TFLcar.com for more news from the 2015 New York Auto Show!
