Photo of Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid powertrain courtesy of GM.

Photo of Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid powertrain courtesy of GM.

General Motors is offering a new Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid for the 2016 model year using technology from the 2016 Volt.

GM had offered a Malibu Hybrid for the 2009 and 2010 model years that operated as a mild hybrid. The new Malibu Hybrid will operate as a full hybrid, according to the automaker.

GM estimates the Malibu Hybrid will offer a combined fuel economy that exceeds 45 mpg. GM plans to unveil a redesigned Malibu at the New York International Auto Show.

The 2016 Malibu Hybrid will be powered by a new direct-injected 1.8L 4-cylinder engine mated to a two-motor drive unit slightly modified from the 2016 Volt drive unit. The drive unit provides additional power to assist the engine during acceleration for a total of 182 hp.

The engine also features Chevrolet’s first application of Exhaust Gas Heat Recovery (EGHR) technology that uses exhaust heat to warm the engine and cabin. EGHR improves engine warm up and assures consistent fuel economy performance in cold weather. Additional fuel economy benefits come from Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR).

An 80-cell, 1.5 kilowatt-per-hour lithium-ion battery pack provides electric power to the hybrid system. The advanced lithium-ion based chemistry can power the Malibu Hybrid at up to 55 miles per hour on electricity alone. The gasoline-powered engine will automatically come on at higher speeds and high loads when necessary to provide additional power.

The Malibu Hybrid also shares power electronics from the 2016 Volt and a blended regenerative braking system, which provides maximum kinetic energy recovery during braking to be stored into the battery system to help maintain charge.

The Malibu Hybrid will be manufactured in Kansas City at the Fairfax Assembly plant from globally sourced parts. It's scheduled to arrive in Chevrolet dealer showrooms in spring of 2016.

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