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GM trucks get hybrid versions, but you'll probably never see one

A few years ago, General Motors sold hybrid versions of its Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups. They weren't very good, using GM's old two-mode hybrid system that resulted in only negligible fuel economy gains. But GM's trying again, launching eAssist models of the 2016 Silverado and Sierra that are said to offer 2-mpg improvements in city, highway, and combined fuel economy ratings. Problem is, you probably won't be able to get one. Only 700 eAssist trucks will be made for the 2016 model year – 500 Silverados and 200 Sierras. When you consider that GM moved 824,683 examples of its light-duty pickups in 2015, this small run represents 0.08-percent of all Silverado/Sierra production, and GM says it "will monitor the market closely ... and adjust as appropriate moving forward." But that's not the only limitation. The eAssist trucks will only be sold through California dealers. For the Silverado, eAssist can only be optioned on the 1500 Crew Cab 1LT 2WD model, and for the Sierra, the fuel-saving technology is solely available on the 1500 SLT Crew Cab 2WD model with the SLT Premium Plus package. Granted, in terms of the Sierra, that means you get niceties like LED headlights and taillights, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bose premium audio, heated seats and steering wheel, lane keep assist, and more. In the trucks, eAssist combines a small electric motor and 0.45-kWh battery pack with the pickups' 5.3-liter V8. GM estimates total output of 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque – no more horsepower than the non-eAssist trucks, but three more pound-feet of torque. GM says the eAssist trucks can tow up to 9,400 pounds, and the battery only adds 100 pounds to the trucks' weight. The electric motor provides 13 hp and 44 lb-ft of torque for a boost of acceleration off the line, or during passing. It also allows the engine to run in four-cylinder mode for longer periods of time. eAssist uses regenerative braking to help power onboard electrical systems, and adds start/stop to the powertrain. Finally, the so-equipped trucks have a six-percent improvement in aerodynamics, thanks to a soft tonneau cover and active grille shutters in the front fascia. Great news is, the eAssist option is relatively inexpensive, only costing $500. But good luck getting your hands on one.

General Motors Recalls Nearly 780,000 Cars To Fix Deadly Problem

General Motors is recalling nearly 780,000 compact cars in North America because the engines can shut down unexpectedly and cause crashes. The company says six people have been killed in crashes related to the problem. The recall affects Chevrolet Cobalts and Pontiac G5s from the 2005 through 2007 model years. U.S. safety regulators say the weight of the key ring and rough roads can move the ignition switch out of the run position, cutting the engine and electricity. If that happens, air bags may not work. GM says there have been 22 crashes from the problem. All happened at high speeds. Dealers will replace the ignition switch for free. GM says owners should remove nonessential items from key rings until the problem is fixed. Related Gallery Chevy Impala Earns Highest Accolades From Consumer Reports Recalls Chevrolet GM Pontiac Cobalt

2016 Chevy Malibu undercuts rivals with $22,500 starting price

Customers eager to get their hands on the new 2016 Malibu may be pleasantly surprised to find that Chevy has actually reduced the price on the base model. In fact the Malibu now undercuts much of the competition. Order up a new Malibu in entry-level L trim and you'll shell out only $22,500. That includes the $875 destination charge (which is $50 more than what Chevy used to charge for delivery). The Malibu L of course won't come with all the bells and whistles of the higher trim levels, but still comes with 10 airbags, cruise control, and push-button ignition. Compare that to the competition and you'll find the base Malibu less expensive than most, but not all. It undercuts the Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Nissan Altima – although the Hyundai Sonata and Mazda6, for example, are still marginally less expensive in base trim. Those looking for a little bit more can upgrade to the Malibu LS ($23,995), LT ($25,895), or Premier ($31,795). The L, LS and LT come with a 1.5-liter inline-four, but the Premier packs a 2.0-liter turbo that can also be had in LT spec for $29,495. Pricing for the Malibu Hybrid is slated to be announced at a later date, as will EPA fuel economy figures for the rest of the range. Next-Gen Chevrolet Malibu Starts at $22,500 Lower than Camry, Accord, Fusion and Altima 2015-09-10 DETROIT – The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu, the most fuel-efficient, connected and technologically advanced version in the nameplate's history – will be available with a starting suggested retail price of $22,500 for the L model. "We've continued our focus on delivering on the highest levels of quality, as evidenced by recent recognitions from J.D. Power on initial quality and long-term dependability," said Steve Majoros, director of Chevrolet cars and crossovers. "The 2016 Malibu is engineered and priced to give customers impressive value and technology that's hard to compete with." For 2016, Malibu will be offered in five models, L, LS, LT, Hybrid and Premier. Standard equipment includes 10 airbags, cruise control, push-button start with passive entry and fuel-saving stop/start technology on the base 1.5L 4-cylinder engine. The LS model, starting at $23,995, includes standard Chevrolet MyLink Radio with 7-inch diagonal color touch screen, available compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a rear vision camera. CarPlay and Android Auto are subject to Apple and Google privacy statements and require compatible smartphone and data plans.