| Unveiled at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the all-new 2008 Chevrolet Malibu delivers classic Chevrolet traits of performance, fuel economy and value in a clean, tailored design that carries the new face of Chevrolet.
The dual-port grille is characteristic of the new face of Chevrolet cars and the rear heralds the return to twin round taillamps housed behind a stylish bezel. The design elements are complemented with precise details, including a tight wheel-to-body relationship and select use of chrome trim. A panoramic sunroof is available.
The 2008 Malibu is 76 mm longer than the current model, with a 162mm-longer wheelbase to deliver a poised, wheels-at-the-corners stance and to provide a smoother, more direct driving experience.
The new Malibu is offered with standard tire-pressure monitors, side-curtain airbags and front-seat side-impact airbags, the new generation of OnStar with remote diagnostics, and XM Satellite Radio. StabiliTrak electronic stability control is available.
Power will be supplied by a choice of either the dual overhead cam 2.4-litre 4-cylinder or a 3.6 DOHC V6 with variable valve timing. Power is delivered to the front wheels by standard 6-speed automatic. It rides on a fully independent suspension.
The interior’s attention to detail complements the quieting features, with an ergonomic design using materials that convey quality and value, including a cast skin material on the instrument panel. For the first time, the Malibu is offered with two-tone trim combinations, including Ebony and Brick, Cocoa and Cashmere and Titanium and Cashmere . There is also an all-Ebony combination, accented with a distinctive wood grain element that offers a unique, upscale appearance. LTZ models receive distinctive, black-chrome accents, a specific instrument layout and unique, two-tone leather seating surfaces.
Ambient lighting in areas such as the overhead console and door-pull pockets enhances the Malibu’s inviting feel. The overhead console-mounted LED floodlights provide subdued lighting to the center console area between the front seats. A feeling of openness is enhanced with Malibu’s available, panoramic sunroof, featuring four sliding panels that provide an opening that extends between the front and rear seats. The retractable glass panels tilt upward, so there is no loss of headroom inside the car.
All 2008 Malibu models come with OnStar Gen 7, which features standard automatic crash notification service and OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation. It is the first factory-installed, fully integrated GPS navigation system from OnStar. Turn-by-Turn allows consumers to talk to a live adviser, who in turn sends complete step-by-step directions to customers' vehicles through their OnStar system. These audio directions automatically play through the vehicle's stereo as needed, triggered by the OnStar system's GPS capabilities. This enables drivers to be guided to their destination while keeping their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road.
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