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New Chevy Malibu


The Chevy Volt Revolution

Bob Lutz GM’s 72-year-old Vice Chairman sits on the cutting edge of new hybrid technology. It is in fact Mr. Lutz and his belief in hybrid technology that has led Chevrolet to create some interesting new hybrid models due out soon including the Silverado, Tahoe, Malibu and Equinox. Under Mr. Lutz’s guidance, Chevrolet even produced a fleet of transit buses powered by their Allison Electric Drive Transmission system for King County, Washington. A fleet is expected to save King County over 750,000 gallons of gasoline a year over the non hybrids it replaced according to hybrid-car.org.

Perhaps more important than any of the strides forward to date will be the 2010 launch of a brand new hybrid on its very own platform. We are of course talking about the 2010 Chevy Volt, part sports car, part green machine, all fun.

Officially unveiled at the North American International Auto Show on January 7, 2007 in Detroit, Michigan, the new Volt represents one of the first hybrid coupes to market. It was designed to meet the needs of most everyday commuters by providing electric power for up to 40 miles based off of its battery charge. In between the hybrid power and the internal combustion engines, the Volt is said to be able to travel 640 miles on a full charge. Perhaps most importantly, the Volt has been designed with the everyday user in mind.

With a price point around $30-40k, the Volt can fit the budgets of most middle class families looking to break the mold. Plus, based on a secret source, Bloomberg revealed in August ’07 that first year production will yield 60,000 Volts. That number is nearly triple the amount of Prius that were made available to consumer post launch. A move that led to waiting lists, purchases over sticker price and a variety of other hype on Toyota’s behalf.

One of the other reasons the Volt represents a large step forward for American automakers is the unique E-Flex system. This new platform from Chevy will ultimately allow for deployment across a variety of Chevy hybrids in the future and lies at the core of its success. The design combines a small electric motor with a lithium ion battery for the electric component while the gas engines is based on a small 1 liter engine to do the work at higher speeds. The combined package creates an engine with a peak output of 160 horsepower. Despite this low hp rating, electric engines accelerate far faster than combustion engines as displayed with the Tesla Roadster which goes from 0-60 in under four seconds according to their site.

In addition to a new platform, new technology and a reasonable price, the Chevy Volt and other cars that rely heavily on electronic propulsion require less maintenance:

Filters need less changing due to decreased need for air filtration

Brakes need less changing due to friction breaking

Less moving parts equals lower probability of engines malfunctions

Reduced oil changes-engine maintenance to reliance of electric technology

Facts in hand, take a minute to think about your next purchase and why a Chevy Volt may be the right car for you.

Learn about the chevy volt here http://www.chevy-volt.net


2008 Chevy Malibu Preview

If you are family with the Chevy family of automobiles then you know what great vehicles they are. They are pretty well known for making great durable vehicles at affordable prices. The new 2008 Chevy Malibu is no exception to that. I grew in a family that routinely purchased Chevy when making an automobile purchase, so I am no stranger to the Chevy brand or the Chevy Malibu itself.

You may have seen the recent commercials for the new Chevy Malibu. The one that I keep seeing show some bank robbers running out of a bank with a lot of cash and jumping into their getaway car – an old Chevy Malibu. Before the villains can make their getaway though the cops show up and surround their car. The robbers put their hands up as the cops all run past them to storm inside the bank. The robbers look at each other confused before driving off. Then we hear the announcer say something like “The all new 2008 Chevy Malibu – so bold it will get you noticed now.” The point of this commercial is not far from the truth. The new Chevy Malibu has a way more bold and catchy look that the previous models.

The 2008 Chevy Malibu has been completely redesigned and re-engineered to end up being of the best looking vehicles in their 2008 lineup. This car is super attractive now! The older model of the Chevy Malibu seemed somewhat smaller compared to the 2008 Chevy Malibu. This could be because they have based the car somewhat on the popular Saturn Aura. The 2008 Chevy Malibu also looks a little like the Acura TL to me, especially from the rear.

There are some noticeable differences between the 2008 Chevy Malibu and the previous version of this car. It has more power than before. It also seems to have a smoother ride than the 2005 Chevy Malibu that I am used to riding in. Overall it seems like the frame of the car has better quality material to it this time around. The front of the 2008 Chevy Malibu has a sportier look as well. That might be why the 2008 Chevy Malibu seems to corner better and just overall drive better on curves than the 2005 Chevy Malibu that I am used to being in. It also has a classier look that before, which makes it look more expensive than it’s modest price tag.

The 2008 Chevy Malibu looks like it might be the new status symbol car for the young professional. It’s increased horsepower and sportier look does not hurt its chances at that.

2008 Chevy Malibu preview
Official Chevy Malibu website


Truck Comparison Chevy Vs. Toyota

Texas truly is Truck Country, a place where trucks rule the road and are tested to their limits. With Toyota setting up its plant in San Antonio, Texas and its upcoming introduction of the new Tundra, I decided to see how it compares to the Chevy Silverado.

First, lets look at the steering. Chevy has 20-inch wheels and comes with Goodyear Eagle street tires. Toyota steers well, with 18-inch comes with trail tires and has a smaller turning diameter than Chevy despite having the same-length wheelbase.

When the power of these two trucks was tested, the Tundra did better in straight-line running with 381-horsepower motor, shorter axle gears, 55-percent more transmission gears, and more torque over a wider powerband. On everything other than straight-line blasts, the Silverado won the slalom and figure-eight contests with its 315-horsepower motor.

While the Silverado has higher EPA ratings with the high-tech Active Fuel Management system, it doesnt offer the all-around benefits. Instead, Tundra transmissions extra gears gave it the fuel-economy edge against the Silverado.

For those more interested in the interior, the Tundra tends to feel bigger inside than the Silverado and the massive dash looks more like that of a heavy-duty. Chevy tends to go for the more luxury sedan look with the extended cab using dual-hinged rear swinging doors that now open nearly 170 degrees. For a night on the town Silverado seems to be the choice, while Tundra takes a more work-oriented approach.

So after all the comparisons, who is the real king of the Texas roads? Consumers will probably have to let the truck industry know when Tundra is officially released for sale in a few weeks.

Neil Lemons represents Chrome Pickup, an online truck accessories retailer selling grille guards, mud flaps, headache racks, and nerf bars nationwide.

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