2009 Chevrolet Cars Official Changes

[caddycruiser]

Now, ALL of them, Impala included.

Aveo

Deletions

(05U) Icelandic Blue exterior color

(54U) Spicy Orange exterior color

(87U) Black exterior color

(PW8) 15" 5-spoke aluminum wheels

(LXT) E-TEC II 1.6L engine

Carbon fiber appearance accents

New Features

(16U) Tahiti Green exterior color

(20U) Blue Moon exterior color

(58U) Black Granite Metallic exterior color (extra cost)

(PG9) 15" 5-spoke aluminum wheels

(812) Charcoal Perforated Leatherette seating surfaces

(PG1) 15" steel wheels with full bolt-on wheel covers

All-New exterior and interior design on Aveo5 models

1TG48 2LT Aveo5 model

OnStar and is standard on all models

(U2K) XM Satellite Radio

(NR0) Leather-wrapped steering wheel and (TYR) leather-wrapped shift knob are now included with (**2) perforated leatherette seating surfaces

Driver Information Center with outside temperature display and fuel economy/driving range function

(VK3) Front license plate bracket

GM Oil Life Monitoring System

(LXV) ECOTEC 1.6L DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder MFI engine with Variable Valve Timing and Dual Continuous Variable Cam Phasing (107 hp @ 6400 rpm, 106 lb-ft of torque @ 3800 rpm)

(MM5) 5-speed manual transmission now includes shift indicator light

Changes

New common good-better-best packaging strategy labeled as 1LS, 1LT and 2LT. 1VL redefined as 1LS. Sedan 1LT redefined as 2LT.

(PDC) Power Package is now called Power and Convenience Package

Auxiliary jack is now included on all radios

Front wipers are now variable intermittent

Front doors, driver and front passenger seatback map pockets on all models

Alternator is now 95 amps

http://eogld.ecomm.gm.com/NASApp/domestic/...607&type=0#

Cobalt

Deletions

Sport Coupe (1AM37) and Sport Sedan (1AM69) models

(15U) Sandstone Metallic exterior color

(39U) Blue Flash Metallic exterior color

(95U) Ultra Silver Metallic exterior color

(52*) Neutral interior color

(US9) AM/FM stereo with 6-disc in-dash CD changer

(NZ6) 16" fascia spoke wheels

(K05) Engine block heater

New Features

(17U) Silver Ice Metallic exterior color

(51U) Gold Mist Metallic exterior color

(92U) Silver Moss Metallic exterior color

(UUI) AM/FM stereo with CD player and MP3 playback and USB port

SS Turbocharged Sedan model (1AP69)

(UPF) Bluetooth for phone, personal cell phone connectivity to vehicle audio system and HMI (Human Machine Interface)

(UAF) Reconfigurable performance display

(WTC) Tire sealant and inflator kit standard

Available spare tire and wheel, includes jack

Changes

(UE1) OnStar is now standard on all models

Dual-stage frontal driver and front passenger air bags RPO code is now ASA on LS and LT models

The RPO code for the ECOTEC 2.2L engine is now LAP and includes Continuous Variable Valve Timing

(MX0) Automatic transmission is now the standard and only transmission on 1LT Sedan and 2LT Sedan

(TV5) Performance Appearance Package is now called Sport Appearance Package and now includes (T43) rear decklid spoiler, (T37) front fog lamps, (QBU) P205/50R17 blackwall tires, (PFE) 17" polished aluminum wheels, chrome exhaust tip, front and rear body-color sport fascias, body-color lower rocker moldings, White-faced sport gauges, (UK3) leather-wrapped steering wheel with mounted audio and cruise controls, (UPF) Bluetooth for phone and leather-wrapped shifter lever

(NZ0) 16" machined-face aluminum wheels are now packaged on 2LT

Improved seat bolster material with soil repellent

http://eogld.ecomm.gm.com/NASApp/domestic/...689&type=0#

Corvette

Deletions

(67U) Machine Silver Metallic exterior color

(QX3) 5-spoke Original Design, chrome aluminum wheels

New Features

(17U) Blade Silver Metallic exterior color

(57U) Cyber Gray Metallic exterior color

(1YY87) ZR1 - highlights include (LS9) engine, (F55) Magnetic Selective Ride Control, (FE5) ZR1 Performance Package, (Q6A) 19" front and 20" rear sterling silver-painted aluminum wheels, available (Q6B) 19" front and 20" rear chrome aluminum wheels, specific Michelin PS2 tires, sill plates with ZR1 logo and (UV6) Head-Up Display with boost gauge, Brembo ceramic composite brakes, body color unique full width spoiler, carbon fiber components: roof, roof bow, raised hood with window, front splitter, rocker extension, unique dual port fenders and unique VIN sequence

1LT package standard on Convertible

(195) Ebony Custom Leather Wrapped interior trim

(785) Dark Titanium Custom Leather Wrapped interior trim

(UPF) Bluetooth for phone

(Q9V) 18" front and 19" rear 5-spoke, forged chrome aluminum wheels (Coupe and Convertible)

(Q10) 18" front and 19" rear Z06 Silver-painted aluminum wheels

(Q44) 18" front and 19" rear Z06 Competition Gray-painted aluminum wheels

(Q8A) 18" front and 19" rear Z06 chrome aluminum wheels

Changes

(UK3) Steering wheel-mount audio controls are now standard on all models

Power hatch pull down is now on Z06 and ZR1

Variable ratio now on power steering

9 Corvette colors available, ZR1/Z06 is now available in 7 exterior colors

New badge with chrome surround

Z06 interior accent color now on doors and instrument panel

Z06 sill plates now have the Z06 logo

Acoustic Package is now standard on all models

Updated traction control and active handling hardware and software

(CM7) Power top is now packaged on Convertible 2LT

http://eogld.ecomm.gm.com/NASApp/domestic/...716&type=0#

[caddycruiser]

Impala

Deletions

(27U) Precision Red exterior color

(67U) Silverstone Metallic exterior color

(AN3) Front leather-appointed 40/20/40 split-bench seat

(NW5) 18" machined aluminum wheels

(QR2) 18" chrome aluminum wheels

Brushed aluminum applique

Tray from center console

New Features

(17U) Silver Ice Metallic exterior color

(61U) Aqua Blue Metallic exterior color

(74U) Victory Red exterior color

(UPF) Bluetooth for phone, personal cell phone connectivity to vehicle audio system and HMI (Human Machine Interface) (Select models)

(NW1) 18" polished flangeless aluminum wheels (SS model)

Thorax side-impact air bags have been added and are standard

Seat belt pretensioners on front seat lap belt

Changes

(57U) Cyber Gray Metallic exterior color will replace (42U) Dark Silver Metallic in January 2009

(CJ3) Dual-zone manual climate control is now standard on all models

Thorax side-impact air bags have been added and are standard

(DH6) Driver and front passenger illuminated, covered vanity mirrors now standard on all models

All Neutral upper trim changes from Dark Cocoa to Ebony

New cup holder design

All models with a spoiler will use one design (previous SS only design) RPO (D81)

New exterior rocker molding design

(JL9) 4-wheel antilock disc brakes with Traction Control are now standard on all models

LGD is the new RPO code for the 3.9L V6 engine without Active Fuel Management (AFM)

http://eogld.ecomm.gm.com/NASApp/domestic/...627&type=0#

Malibu

Deletions

(15U) Sandstone Metallic exterior color

(40U) White exterior color

(53U) Amber Bronze Metallic exterior color

(67U) Silverstone Metallic exterior color

(JF4) Power-adjustable pedals

(QPE) P215/60R16 touring blackwall tires

(NZ6) 16" fascia spoke painted Sterling Silver wheels

Front side marker lamps

New Features

(17U) Silver Ice Metallic exterior color

(50U) Summit White exterior color

(51U) Gold Mist Metallic exterior color

(92U) Silver Moss Metallic exterior color

(UPF) Bluetooth for phone, personal cell phone connectivity to vehicle audio system and HMI (Human Machine Interface)

(QGG) P215/55R17 touring, blackwall tires

Changes

(PDC) Power Convenience Package now includes (AG1) driver 6-way power seat adjuster, (AP3) remote vehicle starter system and (UPF) Bluetooth for phone

(P22) 17" fascia spoke, painted sterling silver wheels are now standard on LS and 1LT models

(FX3) StabiliTrak stability control system with brake assist and Traction Control is now standard on all models

(LE5) 2.4L DOHC 4-cylinder engine is now standard on LTZ

(MH8) 6-speed automatic transmission is now available on 1LT and standard on 2LT and LTZ

(PDQ) HFV6 Engine Package is now available on LTZ and includes (LY7) 3.6L V6 SFI engine, (MH2) 6-speed automatic transmission, dual chrome exhaust tips and (NVH) hydraulic power steering (HPS)

http://eogld.ecomm.gm.com/NASApp/domestic/...629&type=0#

Malibu Hybrid

Deletions

(15U) Sandstone Metallic exterior color

(40U) White exterior color

(67U) Silverstone Metallic exterior color

(JF4) Power-adjustable pedals

(QPE) P215/60R16 touring blackwall tires

(QD1) 16" flangeless aluminum wheels

Front side marker lamps

New Features

(17U) Silver Ice Metallic exterior color

(50U) Summit White exterior color

(51U) Gold Mist Metallic exterior color

(78U) Golden Pewter Metallic exterior color

(92U) Silver Moss Metallic exterior color

(PFE) 17" ultra bright aluminum wheels

(QGG) P215/55R17 touring, blackwall tires

(K05) Engine block heater

http://eogld.ecomm.gm.com/NASApp/domestic/...630&type=0#

All pretty minor, as expected.

[cletus8269]

that gold mist is nice, i like those 17"s too kinda looks like the old pontiac ralleys

[ZL-1]

deleting front side marker light? don't they mean the turn signal repeaters?

[ocnblu]

Hmmm... looks like the Aveo is getting further engine refinements for '09, and they're calling it an Ecotec, instead of the old "E-tec", or whatever. Now it's got CVVT, etc., I wonder what the mileage ratings will be, they'll need to wring more mileage out of the car to keep it viable with the new, 36-mpg Cobalt.

[Croc]

Tahiti Green and Aqua Blue Metallic? What is this, 1991?

[caddycruiser]

Tahiti Green and Aqua Blue Metallic? What is this, 1991?

Hah, that's what I thought too! It was 1990 Ford Festiva when I read and saw those.

No fear, the new Silver Moss (and several other names of the same thing) has spread to every other regular GM, in it's cheap teal green splendor, too :AH-HA_wink:

2009 is not a good year for great new colors, for sure. And the Aveo ones being sprayed in Korea are just funny.

[ocnblu]

Well, if Nos can pop his collar in 2008... :AH-HA_wink: The Blue Moon color looks interesting on the little Aveo, but who knows, the illustrations are so damned tiny and not true.

I am dreaming of a Cobalt 2LT coupe in Silver Moss with Ebony cloth and the R13 chrome package. And a 5-speed stick.

[caddycruiser]

I am dreaming of a Cobalt 2LT coupe in Silver Moss with Ebony cloth and the R13 chrome package. And a 5-speed stick.

Oy, sorry about the comment on that new green then :wink:

Seems like a pleasant combo, nonetheless.

[ocnblu]

See, something as simple as a new paint color can keep ppl interested in an otherwise aging design. The CVVT 2.2L sounds promising, as well, for zippyness and economy. I am glad continuous improvement is happening at GM.

[Croc]

I like Silver Moss and other shades of muted silver-green. I was sad when the SRX lost that color a few MYs back...I think it was called "Sage Green Metallic" or something like that...

And I was thinking more of the Ford Aspire than the Festiva, but hey that works too.

[caddycruiser]

I like Silver Moss and other shades of muted silver-green. I was sad when the SRX lost that color a few MYs back...I think it was called "Sage Green Metallic" or something like that...

And I was thinking more of the Ford Aspire than the Festiva, but hey that works too.

I like silver green too...but that's not what this color is. I'm still trying to figure out where they got the "silver" part of it from:

It's a lighter green, yes, but moreso a medium teal-green if anything. Not bad, but nothing spectacular about it.

Reminds me almost exactly of Chrysler's "Magnesium" from not long ago, and that was killed off.

Edited April 13, 2008 by caddycruiser

[2chevs]

Thats the first picture of a non LTZ Traverse I've seen.

[cire]

It's good to see the 2.4 four cylinder paired with the six speed auto in the Malibu and that this combo is offered with the LTZ trim level. In these gas mileage conscious times, this should help the car sell even better than before. As far as I know, no other mainstream brand offers a 4 cylinder with a 6 speed auto in their midsize sedan (except the 2009 Aura). Ford, Mercury, Mazda, Toyota, and Honda all currently pair 5 speed autos with their 4 cylinders and Nissan has their famous (or infamous) CVT. This would make Chevy and Saturn leaders in this regard.

[Robert Hall]

Speaking of silver greens, there is a light green (Desert Sage Metallic) on the Lexus IS that I love...I'd like to see the new Camaro in a similar color, as it reminds me of a late '60s-early '70s GM color..

[gm4life]

So the new CVVT is a more efficent engine than the 2.2 is so I am all for it.

[caddycruiser]

So the new CVVT is a more efficent engine than the 2.2 is so I am all for it.

Should be, and with more power. I never expected to enjoy the current 2.2L as much as I did in my '07 Malibu rental, but it was always zippy and my constant 37mpg on the open road/highway never ceased to astound me. Odd that most Cobalts with the same engine rarely achieved as high of mpg as Malibus of the same era with it did, but now with VVT if it feels even spunkier and is the same or more efficient...happy days.

[mustang84]

I like the new Aqua Blue and Tahiti Green colors. We live in a world of beige, gray, and white...it's time to bring some color back.

[Drew Dowdell]

What is the USB port on the stereo for? iPods?

[Robert Hall]

What is the USB port on the stereo for? iPods?

Probably for playing MP3s from a Flash drive. Chrysler's myGig stereos have USB ports, I think..

[steve333]

Probably for playing MP3s from a Flash drive. Chrysler's myGig stereos have USB ports, I think..

Gm is just letting the Cobalt rot like they did to the Cavalier.

I can't believe they still refuse to put a telescoping steering wheel in it-EVERY car in its class now has one, including the Astra.

The Cobalt desperately needs that telescoping steering wheel and more comfortable seats. Those are the 2 most glaring issues with my Balt. Well, that and the defective intermediate shaft and steerong column. I know GM hasnt done squat about fixing that issue.

[ponchoman49]

Kudos for finally making side thorax airbags, ABS, lighted visor mirrors and dual zone std on every Impala. This should have been the case when this car was redesigned in 2006. Demerits for keeping the same lower 211 HP 3500 in the Impala when the 224 Hp version is used in most other applications. Also not adding the telescoping steering column to Chevys flagship is utterly ludicrous, especially when it's offered on the nearly identical LaCrosse W-body. Floor shift indicators and a glovebox light would also be welcome and help make this car feel less cheap. And instead of fussing so much with exterior colors and wheel options Chevy really needs to make the Impalas seats a tad softer with more side bolstering. On the Cobalt, couldn't GM have spared a few dollars to change the front end appearance to be more like the Malibu. That and the engine/mileage changes would have helped give this car a new lease for 09 until something better pops along.

Edited April 18, 2008 by ponchoman49

[The O.C.]

On the Cobalt, couldn't GM have spared a few dollars to change the front end appearance to be more like the Malibu. That and the engine/mileage changes would have helped give this car a new lease for 09 until something better pops along.

Unfortunately, with a new Cobalt somewhere on the horizen, even seemingly minor changes such as the ones you suggest above are horrendously expensive to do. Remember, even with styling changes such as that, you still have to re-certify the car for crash tests, and such.....

[IfICouldWouldYou?]

Kudos for finally making side thorax airbags, ABS, lighted visor mirrors and dual zone std on every Impala. This should have been the case when this car was redesigned in 2006. Demerits for keeping the same lower 211 HP 3500 in the Impala when the 224 Hp version is used in most other applications. Also not adding the telescoping steering column to Chevys flagship is utterly ludicrous, especially when it's offered on the nearly identical LaCrosse W-body. Floor shift indicators and a glovebox light would also be welcome and help make this car feel less cheap. And instead of fussing so much with exterior colors and wheel options Chevy really needs to make the Impalas seats a tad softer with more side bolstering. On the Cobalt, couldn't GM have spared a few dollars to change the front end appearance to be more like the Malibu. That and the engine/mileage changes would have helped give this car a new lease for 09 until something better pops along.

Can I put in a negative vote for tilt/telescoping wheel? I HATE the unlock, release, push down and fight mechanism of all 'infinite' systems. The notched, spring loaded tilt that is on the Impala (and that all GM products used to have until they ventured down the same silly path as the imports) is vastly superior. I used to enjoy letting my steering wheels 'spring up' when I would get out of my cars (I am tall and that is a useful feature) and then easily pull down the wheel after ingress. With the locking mechanisms, what is the point in having tilt at all? I haven't moved mine since I bought my car.

Not all trends are worth following.

[Robert Hall]

Unfortunately, with a new Cobalt somewhere on the horizen, even seemingly minor changes such as the ones you suggest above are horrendously expensive to do. Remember, even with styling changes such as that, you still have to re-certify the car for crash tests, and such.....

I wouldn't think changing a bunch plastic crap like a fascia, headlights, & grille would require retesting if the underlying structure is unchanged...

[Robert Hall]

Can I put in a negative vote for tilt/telescoping wheel? I HATE the unlock, release, push down and fight mechanism of all 'infinite' systems. The notched, spring loaded tilt that is on the Impala (and that all GM products used to have until they ventured down the same silly path as the imports) is vastly superior. I used to enjoy letting my steering wheels 'spring up' when I would get out of my cars (I am tall and that is a useful feature) and then easily pull down the wheel after ingress. With the locking mechanisms, what is the point in having tilt at all? I haven't moved mine since I bought my car.

Not all trends are worth following.

Interesting..never had a telescoping wheel....I've had normal tilt wheels and as long the seat adjusts up/down/back/forward/etc I don't see how useful a telescoping wheel would be.

[The O.C.]

I wouldn't think changing a bunch plastic crap like a fascia, headlights, & grille would require retesting if the underlying structure is unchanged...

It does. (EDIT: It's not just a factor of changing a few plastic pieces.....it costs alot of money also in tooling, etc as well......just for a model-year or two....)

Edited April 19, 2008 by The O.C.

[The O.C.]

Can I put in a negative vote for tilt/telescoping wheel? I HATE the unlock, release, push down and fight mechanism of all 'infinite' systems. The notched, spring loaded tilt that is on the Impala (and that all GM products used to have until they ventured down the same silly path as the imports) is vastly superior. I used to enjoy letting my steering wheels 'spring up' when I would get out of my cars (I am tall and that is a useful feature) and then easily pull down the wheel after ingress. With the locking mechanisms, what is the point in having tilt at all? I haven't moved mine since I bought my car.

Not all trends are worth following.

The old GM-type tilt wheel is sorely lacking in positioning and available detents......and seems vastly inferior to me....not superior.....

Many cars have power tilt/telescope.....and even the old GM telescope system (found on old Corvettes, Cadillacs, etc.) had a separate mechanism to telescope the wheel, while keeping a standard tilt function.....

[CARBIZ]

The old GM-type tilt wheel is sorely lacking in positioning and available detents......and seems vastly inferior to me....not superior.....

Many cars have power tilt/telescope.....and even the old GM telescope system (found on old Corvettes, Cadillacs, etc.) had a separate mechanism to telescope the wheel, while keeping a standard tilt function.....

How many detents do you need? Every GM and Chrysler that I owned that had the old tilt wheel worked just fine. Like was said above, the newer system is too cumbersome. I leave mine fixed in place and never change it because it is a nuisance. I wish they would ditch the import version and bring back the spring loaded tilt. Much better, IMO.

Pretty soon we're going to expect the wheel to expand, mould and give us therapy while we drive...............

[Robert Hall]

How many detents do you need? Every GM and Chrysler that I owned that had the old tilt wheel worked just fine. Like was said above, the newer system is too cumbersome. I leave mine fixed in place and never change it because it is a nuisance. I wish they would ditch the import version and bring back the spring loaded tilt. Much better, IMO.

Pretty soon we're going to expect the wheel to expand, mould and give us therapy while we drive...............

True..w/ my cars, I never change the position of the wheel...I could understand if two or more people shared a car, then an adjustable wheel w/ memory settings for it, the mirrors, the seats would be a nice convenience. But with a typical power seat, I can find a comfortable position, so I'm not sure why I would want to telescope the wheel..

[daves87rs]

It does. (EDIT: It's not just a factor of changing a few plastic pieces.....it costs alot of money also in tooling, etc as well......just for a model-year or two....)

Agreed.

I would much rather have a better new Cobalt.

If Ford half-assed design can sell more cars, imagine what a real mak over will do for the Balt'.....

[ocnblu]

Even my little self, at 5'5", 145 pounds, uses the tilt mechanism every time I get in and out of my Sierra. The 900s use a spring loaded, "pop up" type adjustment, it's the only way to go, imo. I had a tilt-telescope column in the VWs and the Saturn. The VW system was easier to work than the Saturn, which was clunky as heck (and failed after 6k miles, had to have the entire column replaced because it wouldn't lock), but even the VW system wasn't the friendliest. And a power mechanism is too slow, blah on a power steering column adjuster.

[HarleyEarl]

Aqua?...please say it isn't so!....it has to be one of the most dated colors...wasn't that great when it was 'in'.

On the subject of model updates, there was a time when GM made complete body changes every year,

and now they can't even change a tailight lense, or a grill insert?...it would be nice to have something freshened

for the new model year, even some small details.

[The O.C.]

How many detents do you need? Every GM and Chrysler that I owned that had the old tilt wheel worked just fine. Like was said above, the newer system is too cumbersome. I leave mine fixed in place and never change it because it is a nuisance. I wish they would ditch the import version and bring back the spring loaded tilt. Much better, IMO.

Pretty soon we're going to expect the wheel to expand, mould and give us therapy while we drive...............

On the tilt, on my CTS, yes I "flip" it up every time I get in and out. But the Audi tilt in my A4, while you can't easily "flip" it up when you get in and out, is infinitely-adjustable....which is definitely nice. On the CTS, I'm constantly tilting it between one of two different positions....because one is just a tad to low and the other is just a tad too high. Not a deal breaker.....but definitely not as ergonomic. (Nor do I actually need to flip the wheel up in the Audi....I can get in and out with no problems.)

On the A4, I can use the telescope to push the wheel back towards the dashboard.....because that's how I tend to like to drive....with a bit more "arms-out" driving position. When my seat in the CTS is properly adjusted relative to the pedals (I have to be close enough to engage the clutch to the floor) the steering wheel in my CTS feels like it's in the middle of my chest (relatively speaking.) A telescope function would easily alleviate this.

Most power tilt/telescope systems I've tried lately are quite fast......and would still allow you to "flip" up the wheel before getting out....without moving too slowly. But power controls add cost....so I don't expect them on a Cobalt/Malibu, etc.

[vonVeezelsnider]

Can I put in a negative vote for tilt/telescoping wheel? I HATE the unlock, release, push down and fight mechanism of all 'infinite' systems. The notched, spring loaded tilt that is on the Impala (and that all GM products used to have until they ventured down the same silly path as the imports) is vastly superior.

IMO, I agree.

Interesting..never had a telescoping wheel....I've had normal tilt wheels and as long the seat adjusts up/down/back/forward/etc I don't see how useful a telescoping wheel would be.

We have a telescopic wheel in our Malibu, It's clunky and there's a difference in height of about 3/4 of a foot between my mom and dad. They both drive the car and know the wheel telescopes but never adjust anything but the standard tilt-wheel angle.

[Robert Hall]

It does. (EDIT: It's not just a factor of changing a few plastic pieces.....it costs alot of money also in tooling, etc as well......just for a model-year or two....)

I know it costs money, but it gets old to see GM introduce a new car then do nothing to change the styling for 4-5 years...the Japanese update their designs every 2-3 years with usually taillights, headlights, grilles, fascia changes, as do the Germans. With GM, once they release a new design it's largely unchanged year after year until a new model is released...

[ponchoman49]

I like the telescoping function in my 07 Malibu. It enables me to bring the wheel closer to the dash and thus move my seat up a little to preserve rear seat legroom. In a non telescoping car like the Impala, I find myself moving the seat back a little more to compensate thus reducing legroom. Offering the telescoping function on the Impala would help in this regard. A half inch extra rear seat room is precious in this car and my Malibu also.

[traumadog]

It's good to see the 2.4 four cylinder paired with the six speed auto in the Malibu and that this combo is offered with the LTZ trim level. In these gas mileage conscious times, this should help the car sell even better than before. As far as I know, no other mainstream brand offers a 4 cylinder with a 6 speed auto in their midsize sedan (except the 2009 Aura). Ford, Mercury, Mazda, Toyota, and Honda all currently pair 5 speed autos with their 4 cylinders and Nissan has their famous (or infamous) CVT. This would make Chevy and Saturn leaders in this regard.

Apparently, the Fusion is to get the 6AT as well...

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/artic...0337/1148/rss25

Edited April 21, 2008 by traumadog

[Derek77]

I didn't see a reason to start a new thread on this, so I decided to raise a dead one. I'm not sure why Chears & Gears hasn't posted all the new 2009 changes posted at GM Media that was released last week, but some of the changes are interesting, especially the Malibu.

The 2009 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. 2008 models get 32 hwy and 24 city. Better yet, even the 2009 Malibu with the 2.4/6-speed combo gets better mileage. 22city/33hwy for the 2009 compared to the 22city/32hwy for the 2008. I'm not sure what they did to get a higher hwy number. I'm not sure if GM is allowed to low ball their number even if the EPA stated it was something higher. That would be interesting to know.

Here is the link if anyone is interested:

2009 Chevrolet Malibu

2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid

[Paolino]

I didn't see a reason to start a new thread on this, so I decided to raise a dead one. I'm not sure why Chears & Gears hasn't posted all the new 2009 changes posted at GM Media that was released last week, but some of the changes are interesting, especially the Malibu.

The 2009 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. 2008 models get 32 hwy and 24 city. Better yet, even the 2009 Malibu with the 2.4/6-speed combo gets better mileage. 22city/33hwy for the 2009 compared to the 22city/32hwy for the 2008. I'm not sure what they did to get a higher hwy number. I'm not sure if GM is allowed to low ball their number even if the EPA stated it was something higher. That would be interesting to know.

Here is the link if anyone is interested:

2009 Chevrolet Malibu

2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid

Originally, the 6speed wasn't available with the 4 cylinder as a combo. It came as very late availability... in 2009, it's available on all trims LT and higher.

[loki]

too bad the hybrid has not the 6sp. ... wait

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

uh...mistype?

you think 1 mpg could be added to each if it had the 6sp?

no HHR SS for 09?!!!

Edited June 16, 2008 by loki

[Derek77]

uh...mistype?

Dang, that's a big error on my part for copy/paste from GM.

[CARBIZ]

too bad the hybrid has not the 6sp. ... wait

uh...mistype?

you think 1 mpg could be added to each if it had the 6sp?

no HHR SS for 09?!!!

That's clearly wrong: they've just announced a HHR SS panel van for '09.

[Derek77]

That's clearly wrong: they've just announced a HHR SS panel van for '09.

It's all listed under the 2009 HHR heading in the truck section.

[!!!TED!!!]

GM official photos for the 2009 Malibu show no side marker lights.

They are just altered pics of the '08 however.

This confirms the deletion.

Will be easy to tell '08s apart from '09s.

[regfootball]

why did they do that

[ZL-1]

why did they do that

They didn't know what else to change?