Segment-first standard system contributes to 14 percent jump in city mpg

DETROIT – The 2014 Malibu ECO is the first in its segment with a standard engine featuring fuel-saving stop/start technology. It shuts down the engine in certain driving conditions to reduce fuel consumption.

Stop/start and other technologies in the Malibu’s new 2.5L intake valve lift control, or iVLC, powertrain, include direct injection, variable valve lift control and a new six-speed automatic transmission. Combined, they contribute to EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 25 mpg in city driving and 36 mpg on the highway – 14 percent and 6 percent improvements, respectively.

The 2014 Malibu is on sale now, with a starting price of $22,965, including destination freight charges, but excluding tax, title, dealer fees and optional equipment.

“The Malibu’s stop/start system is one of the industry’s most refined and simplest – and contributes to significant fuel savings in the city that drivers will appreciate every time they fill up,” said Greg Browning, development engineer. “It works seamlessly with all driving conditions and is almost imperceptible. The driver doesn’t have to do a thing – the Malibu does all the work.”

There are no buttons to push or procedures to learn with Malibu’s stop/start system. It automatically shuts down the engine when the car comes to a stop under certain driving conditions, such as at a stoplight. The engine automatically restarts when the driver takes his or her foot off the brake.

The system monitors vehicle speed, climate control system operation and other factors to determine whether it is efficient to shut off the engine. In some cases, such as heavy stop-and-go traffic, the engine will remain running.

“We designed the system to complement the driving conditions customers encounter everyday, making it useful without being intrusive,” said Browning. “A lot of the refined performance comes from the experience drawn from GM’s eAssist electrification system, which also uses stop/start.”

System details

When the engine shuts down, the vehicle’s electrical system remains “on,” including the lights, power accessories such as windows, locks, etc., the audio system and climate system. A small, auxiliary 12-volt battery mounted in the rear of the vehicle powers these electrical accessories to reduce the draw on the primary vehicle battery during restarting. An “auto stop” position on the tachometer indicates when the engine shuts down.

The engine automatically restarts after approximately two minutes if the driver hasn’t removed his or her foot from the brake pedal. Additionally, a driver-selectable mode for the climate system allows the driver to choose between maximum stop/start efficiency and maximum air conditioning performance.

When maximum air conditioning is chosen, the engine will shut down less frequently or not at all, to keep the air conditioning active. The system’s default is Eco mode for maximum efficiency, meaning air conditioning performance is slightly diminished when the engine is in auto stop mode.

Unique components used with stop/start include:

• A tandem-solenoid starter that enables the engine to restart quicker and more smoothly than a conventional starter – even if the engine hasn’t come to a complete stop
• An electrically driven transmission auxiliary hydraulic pressure pump that keeps the fluid in the six-speed automatic circulating and primed for immediate take-off when the driver removes his or her foot from the brake pedal
• Larger, 12-volt absorbent glass mat primary battery – which delivers up to four times the typical life cycle of a conventional battery – and a small, auxiliary 12-volt absorbent glass mat battery
• Dual-battery isolation module that ensures both batteries are properly charged and the primary battery always has a sufficient charge to start the vehicle
• Torque-reaction engine mounts that dampen the vibrations associated with a restart, helping deliver smooth, nearly imperceptible performance.

Additional efficiency enhancing features

The stop/start feature is part of the Malibu’s new Ecotec 2.5L iVLC dual overhead cam, or DOHC, four-cylinder engine with direct injection. Its variable intake valve actuation enhances efficiency and helps lower emissions, while also enhancing low-rpm torque, for a greater feeling of power at lower speeds.

When the iVLC system operates in low-lift mode, the engine pumps only the air it needs to meet the driver’s demand. The system switches to high-lift mode at higher speeds or under heavy loads, providing the full output capability of the engine.

The new 2.5L is SAE-certified at 196 horsepower (146 kW) and 186 lb-ft of torque (252 Nm). It is matched with a new, 6T45 six-speed transmission that makes its first appearance in the 2014 Malibu. It features improvements that reduce the energy required to pump transmission fluid, which enables additional fuel efficiency. Revised transmission shift points and quicker shifts also enhance the feeling of refined performance.

 

 

2014 CHEVROLET MALIBU OFFERS HANDS-FREE TEXTING

DETROIT – New technologies help the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu deliver greater efficiency and connectivity, two of the most important considerations for customers of midsize sedans.

“The midsize sedan segment is one of the most competitive in the industry and by improving the Malibu so quickly, we’re proving to our customers that we’re listening and acting on their needs,” said Chevrolet Global Chief Marketing Officer Tim Mahoney. “The new and enhanced features make the 2014 Malibu a smarter choice, putting it at the heart of the strongest Chevrolet passenger car lineup in our history.”

A new Ecotec 2.5L four-cylinder engine is the first standard engine in the segment with stop/start technology. It helps owners conserve fuel by automatically shutting off the engine when the car comes to a stop, such as at stoplights, contributing to EPA-estimated fuel economy of 25 mpg city and 36 mpg highway – a 14-percent improvement in city mileage and 6 percent greater highway efficiency.

The engine automatically restarts when the driver takes his or her foot off the brake. It’s the industry’s most refined and simplest stop/start system, with no buttons to push or procedures to learn, for a seamless driving experience.

Additionally, the 196-horsepower (146 kW) dual overhead cam, or DOHC, engine features variable intake valve lift control, or iVLC, which enhances fuel efficiency, while also enhancing low-rpm torque, for a greater feeling of power at lower speeds. It is matched with a six-speed transmission with improvements that enable additional fuel economy savings – and a more refined driving experience – compared to the previous model.

New connectivity features support safer driving

The available Chevrolet MyLink for the 2014 Malibu delivers enhanced connectivity and convenience, with the new Text-to-Voice feature for smartphone users and Siri for iPhone users. Each enables voice-controlled connectivity.

Text-to-Voice converts incoming messages to speech, reads them over the audio system speakers and allows the driver to reply with preset messages such as, “I’m driving and will contact you later.” Users can create and save their own preset messages when the vehicle is in Park. The feature requires a compatible smartphone with Bluetooth profile and applicable text messaging features.

Visit www.gmtotalconnect.com for further information on phone and radio capability. Driver safety is General Motors’ first priority. A driver’s focus should remain on driving and texting can usually wait. So, only text and drive with this voice system and never text using a handheld device while driving.

The 2014 Malibu is offered in LS, LT and LTZ models, with pricing starting at $22,965 including destination, but excluding tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional features. All models include a two-year/24-month scheduled maintenance program, which covers four oil changes, tire rotations and 27-point inspections.