A Hybrid 2016 Chevrolet Malibu
The midsize 2016 Malibu sedan hasn’t been unveiled yet, but that doesn’t stop Chevrolet from teasing us with some of its prominent features: after boasting about how they could improve teenage drivers' safety, the manufacturer is now detailing the electric powertrain of the 2016 Malibu, confirming that the hybrid version of this car is coming back.
The system is well-known: two electric motors are located on the front axle shafts, and take their power from a battery located in the trunk. If the vehicle needs more power (or if the batteries don’t have enough charge remaining) a 1.8-litre gasoline engine is tasked with generating more energy. This powertrain is based on the one underpinning the Volt. The hybrid Malibu will also use its sister’s regenerative braking system.
One new technology is somewhat puzzling us, though… the EGHR system, which will use the exhaust coming from the engine to heat up the cabin and engine block. While this could be a very clever way to use energy which would be wasted otherwise, we can’t help but wonder how they made sure that carbon monoxide won’t get inside the car…
We will see the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu at the New York Auto Show.