And it just keeps getting better!! I’ve talked about the new models that GM has come out with like the Sonic, Volt, and Buick’s Verano. What about the mainstays such as the Chevy Malibu? Well, I’m here to tell you “It just keeps getting Better!” The first 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco just came in and you need to give this car more than just a passing glance.

To start with, the styling has been changed and this car looks great!! It has a fresh bold look, with a 2” wider stance, that’s hard to miss. This car will certainly turn some heads. The lines are refined and it seems to make a statement that ”I’m not just any car”. Then there’s the fuel economy, a solid 37 MPG Highway for an average 29 combined City and Highway. That will save you some money at the pump!

This is achieved, in part, with the use of aerodynamic features incorporated into the design. These include parabolic-shaped rounded corners; low rolling resistance tires; and underbody panels that smooth the air flow moving under the car. Add to these features the active shutter system that sends the air around the car when it’s not needed to cool the engine, and you have a car that moves easily through the air, thereby improving fuel economy.

Then there’s the e-Assist system, which is just amazing! This adds a 115V lithium-ion battery and a motor-generator to the enhanced 2.4L 4-cylinder engine. This stored power gives a boost of 15 hp to the drive train during heavy acceleration and grade driving allowing the engine and transmission to operate more efficiently and to use less power. Upon deceleration fuel is cut off to the engine and the motor-generator continues to spin along with the engine to provide smooth takeoff power when the accelerator is pressed again.

But that’s not all! When the car is stopped the engine is cut off to further save fuel. When the driver releases the brake pedal, the motor-generator almost instantly spins the engine at 500 rpm for a seamless engine start. In order to keep the battery charged, the system uses regenerative braking to capture the energy lost during braking and converts it to electricity to charge the battery.

Next we’ll talk about all of the goodies inside the cabin of the car that make it an enjoyable vehicle to be in as well. In the meantime stop by, take a look at the new Malibu; heck, take it for a test drive and find out why “We’re Simply the Best!!”