New Tranny Propels Malibu Past Accord Camry
I mentioned previously that the 2009 Ford Fusion would see some important midcycle updates including the addition of a new fuelsaving 2.5L engine. Ford like General Motors and to a lesser extent Chrysler have the products to compete in the ultracompetitive midsize car category. The Toyota Camry and Honda Accord have long led in sales but Ford and GM have been fighting back hard.
The Malibu’s Six Speed Automatic Transmission
GM isnt waiting for a new model year to unveil a new sixspeed manual transmission which will immediately be available for the LTZ version of the Chevrolet Malibu. Pairing its 2.4L Ecotec engine with a HydraMatic 6T40 transmission the Malibu is expected to see an increase in highway fuel mileage from 30 mpg to 32 mpg besting the Accord and Camry by 1mpg 33 mpg for 2009.
Perhaps most importantly GM is throwing the gauntlet down in front of its competitors the Malibu is the only car in this segment with a sixspeed automatic transmission. Later this year the remaining Malibu models will also get the transmission further securing GMs technological leadership in this category.
The Money Making Cars
Midsize models are the bread and butter vehicles for most automakers as this is the segment where the most sales are realized. For GM the allnew for 2008 Chevrolet Malibu represented a watershed moment for the company the car frequently tops quality and consumer appeal surveys something the previous model could not achieve.
The sticker price for the LTZ the top of the line Malibu model is 26545. The LS is the Malibus value model while the LT offers additional amenities and is situated between the LS and LTZ. A hybrid Malibu is also available. Interestingly the Malibu with the new transmission returns 22/32 mpg while the hybrid achieves just 24/32 mpg.
Source: GM Media
About the writer: Matthew C. Keegan is a freelance writer who resides in Cary North Carolina. Matt provides magazine web content and article writing services to clients all over the world serving the automotive human interest and business communities. The Auto Writer is his automotive weblog.
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