2009 GM Vehicles Post MPG Increase; Saab Aero 4Cyl Pkg; Malibu Hybrid Gets Big Boost

[Perian]

Taking a good look at the 2009 GM Product Guide shows some MPG improvements gained in various ways.

Some examples are shown below.

Saab 9-3 Aero:
2008 MPG: 16/26
2009 MPG: 19/29
How it was done:
Aero-type appearance and performance package is now an available option on 2.0T 4 cylinder “Sport” FWD models.

Chevy Aveo:
2008 MPG: 24/34
2009 MPG: 27/34
How it was done:
Powering the Aveo lineup is an enhanced version of GM’s sophisticated 16-valve DOHC four-cylinder engine. Technologies such as electronic throttle control and an electrically controlled thermostat to help maximize performance and efficiency across the rpm range. It also features an integrated oil cooler with piston spray nozzles.

Chevy Colorado:
2008 MPG: 18/24
2009 MPG: 18/25
How it was done:
Added a fuel system control module for improved fuel economy – up to 25 mpg on the highway with the 2.9L engine.

Chevy Cobalt:
2008 MPG: 24/33
2009 MPG: 25/36
How it was done:
More efficient and more powerful 2.2L Ecotec with variable valve timing, new 3.63 final drive ratio with the manual transmission and new 15-inch low-rolling resistance tires.

Chevy Malibu LT/LTZ:
2008 MPG: 22/30
2009 MPG: 22/33
How it was done:
Introduced late in the ’08 model year on LTZ models and expanded to LT models in 2009, the Malibu’s 2.4L Ecotec engine is partnered with a 6T40 transmission to deliver a great balance of performance and fuel efficiency.

Chevy Malibu Hybrid:
2008 MPG: 24/32
2009 MPG: 26/34
How it was done:
Malibu Hybrid delivers an estimated 34 mpg in city driving and 26 mpg in the city – an improvement over 2008 models, thanks to better control of the battery charging/discharging system and new low rolling-resistance tires.

More to follow - I'm sure!

[Perian]

It's good to see GM doing all they can with existing models as fast as they can.

What a great and simple idea for the Saab Aero.

Then again...

Oil soars on dollar, Energy Department report
Wednesday June 11, 3:00 pm ET
By John Wilen, AP Business Writer
Oil soars as high as $138 a barrel as dollar falls and Energy Department reports supply drop.

[ronald mcretard]

One thing I have wondered about low rolling resistance tires: do they increase stopping distance? I'll look it up now.

EDIT: It seems they do increase stopping distance by at least a few percent, although there are some that dispute that.

[dindak]

It would be nice if they could get the 3.6L Malibus up to 30 mpg highway also!

[mgescuro]

Originally Posted by Perian

Saab 9-3 Aero:
2008 MPG: 16/26
2009 MPG: 19/29
How it was done:
Aero-type appearance and performance package is now an available option on 2.0T 4 cylinder “Sport” FWD models.

Wait... WHAT????

A 2.0T Aero model? What's the HP rating on this so-called Aero engine? Is it also 280HP???

If I understand this correctly, All Saab did was add an Aero "effects package" onto the Arc/Linear model and call it a day. It's an Aero... but not really. That's like saying... Here's an M3, but we didn't drop in the engine, but gave you everything else and called it an M3 anyways.

[FenwickHockey65]

Okay...the Malibu Hybrid gets 1 MPG Highway better than the regular Malibu...and only 4 MPG city better.
Christ. Just make it Two-Mode for God's sake and give it near 40 MPG.

[Talonderiel]

Originally Posted by Perian

Taking a good look at the 2009 GM Product Guide shows some MPG improvements gained in various ways.

Some examples are shown below.

Saab 9-3 Aero:
2008 MPG: 16/26
2009 MPG: 19/29
How it was done:
Aero-type appearance and performance package is now an available option on 2.0T 4 cylinder “Sport” FWD models.

Awesome product improvement ... Why not actually improve the 2.8L with direct injection or a few of the other engine tech goodies that are rolling around?

[Greg Burr]

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

Okay...the Malibu Hybrid gets 1 MPG Highway better than the regular Malibu...and only 4 MPG city better.
Christ. Just make it Two-Mode for God's sake and give it near 40 MPG.

It's probably not price competitive with a 2-mode. 4 MPG in the city is a great improvement. The 2-mode will be cool, though.

[63GrandSport001]

Originally Posted by Talonderiel

Awesome product improvement ... Why not actually improve the 2.8L with direct injection or a few of the other engine tech goodies that are rolling around?

I believe its because the 2.8L is to be replaced by a 3.0L direct injected motor that makes 260BHP NA and 420BHP turbo.

[Ambalanche]

I agree with Fenwickhockey, the Malibu Hybrid doesn't offer a big enough difference in milage to make up the difference in price for a Hybrid version.

[ChevyRules]

Originally Posted by mgescuro

Wait... WHAT????

A 2.0T Aero model? What's the HP rating on this so-called Aero engine? Is it also 280HP???

If I understand this correctly, All Saab did was add an Aero "effects package" onto the Arc/Linear model and call it a day. It's an Aero... but not really. That's like saying... Here's an M3, but we didn't drop in the engine, but gave you everything else and called it an M3 anyways.

BMW does similar things. Has an optional M appearance package I believe on some vehicles. This can be seen on the 135i. It has a M appearance package already on it since there isn't supposed to be a M version of the car.

[vdoh182]

5.3 liter silverado with 6 speed gets 14/20, compared to 14/19 in the regular 4x4 model, the 6 speed doesnt seem to have helped much.

http://media.gm.com/us/chevrolet/en/...o/09index.html

[TJ95GAGT]

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

Okay...the Malibu Hybrid gets 1 MPG Highway better than the regular Malibu...and only 4 MPG city better.
Christ. Just make it Two-Mode for God's sake and give it near 40 MPG.

Because GM is saving the US more fuel by giving big SUV's the true hybrids first, duh.

( sarcasm should be noted)

[vdoh182]

Originally Posted by ChevyRules

BMW does similar things. Has an optional M appearance package I believe on some vehicles. This can be seen on the 135i. It has a M appearance package already on it since there isn't supposed to be a M version of the car.

u can get it on the x3 too, the sport package gets m badges on the shifter and wheel etc, which is just sad.

[TJ95GAGT]

Originally Posted by Greg Burr

It's probably not price competitive with a 2-mode. 4 MPG in the city is a great improvement. The 2-mode will be cool, though.

They could probably get away putting 2 mode in a relatively base Malibu and sell it for what a loaded Malibu goes for. With all the sales of the 2 mode Tahoes and Yukons they have sold I'm sure the economies of scale have been met..... oh wait.