Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid Introduced as Part of Baseball All-Star Game Events

It was baseball, hot dogs, Cracker Jack and Chevrolet all over again as the 2008 Malibu Hybrid made its world debut as part of Major League Baseball's annual All-Star Game festivities. The new model gets 24/32 mpg and goes on sale in the fall. The Malibu Hybrid will be on display through the actual All-Star Game on July 10.

Chevrolet says the Malibu Hybrid will be "an affordable hybrid" that gets 2 mpg better fuel economy than its traditional counterpart. The hybrid system will be an option on the Malibu's LS model. It uses a 36-volt electric motor/generator paired with the 2.4-liter Ecotec VVT four-cylinder engine and a four-speed transmission. The hybrid system uses the electric motor/generator to supply extra power when needed during startup or passing maneuvers. Full accessory use is enabled when the vehicle is stopped, "so that hybrid operation is seamless to the driver and passengers," GM says.

The new model goes into production in October and will be in dealerships shortly afterward.