The hybrid version of the Chevrolet Tahoe won the 2008 Green Car of the Year. Let’s try to check out its LTZ 4WD model with some details courtesy of Chevrolet Buyers Guide of TheAutoChannel.com:

Features:

• Air Conditioning
• Automatic Climate Control 
• Interior Pollen/Particle/Dust Air Filter 
• Rear Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning 
• Rear HVAC Ducts 
• Rear Seat HVAC Controls 

Entertainment, Communication, Navigation

• CD Changer 
• CD Player 
• DVD Player  Option 
• Hands Free or Voice Activated Phone 
• Navigational Aid  Option 
• Radio 
• Second Row Sound Controls/Accessories 
• Subwoofer 
• Telematic Systems 

Exterior 

• Bodyside/Cab Step or Running Board 
• Bumper Step Up 
• Front Air Dam 
• Metallic Paint 
• Power Sliding Side Van Door 
• Power Trunk Lid 
• Rear Spoiler 
• Skid Plate or Underbody Protection 
• Splash or Mud Guards  Option 
• Wind Deflector or Buffer for Convertibles 

Instrumentation 

• Battery Gauge 
• Clock 
• Compass 
• Cruise Control 
• Electroluminescent Instrumentation 
• Gauges 
• Inside Temperature Gauge 
• Intelligent Cruise Control 
• Night Vision 
• Oil Gauge 
• Outside Temperature Gauge 
• Service or Maintenance Interval Indicator 
• Steering Wheel Mounted Controls 
• Tachometer 
• Tire Inflation/Pressure Monitor 
• Trip Computer 

Surprise, surprise! It wasn’t the result we expected but a little touch of fate can be so thrilling. It is indeed a global shocker when the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid bagged Green Car Journal’s 2008 Green Car of the Year®. It was indeed astonishing because the 2008 Tahoe Hybrid is the first General Motors vehicle to use the company’s all-new two-mode hybrid system which is absolutely innovative. I would have to agree with the final decision, I can even bet my new VW Beetle bug deflector for that!

Anyway, according to TheAutoChannel.com, Chevrolet’s accomplishment is even more evident during city driving. In this type of setup, a big percentage of SUVs use up their time every day according to the EPA’s 2008 estimated fuel economy ratings.

"This is a milestone in many respects. People don’t think ‘green’ when SUVs are concerned, and for generally good reason since SUVs often get poor fuel economy compared to most other vehicles. Chevrolet’s Tahoe Hybrid changes this dynamic with a fuel efficiency improvement of up to 30 percent compared to similar vehicles equipped with a standard V-8," says Green Car Journal editor and publisher Ron Cogan.

"We’re thrilled to receive this recognition from Green Car Journal for our Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid," says Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. "We’ve felt that the Tahoe Hybrid represents the best of both worlds - the great utility you’d expect from a Tahoe with fuel economy on par with today’s mid-size cars. It’s satisfying to receive this validation from such an authority on environmentally-friendly vehicles."

"GM promised they would use hybrid technology, and use it where it would make the most difference — on their biggest vehicles. They have delivered with the Chevy Tahoe," says Carl Pope, the executive director of the Sierra Club, in pointing out that this vehicle ends the argument that efficiency and vehicle choice are incompatible. He adds that automakers should now make their entire fleets fuel efficient as fast as they can retool.

Chevrolet team will soon wave goodbye to Monte Carlo this coming weekend at the Homestead Miami Speedway after the final appearance of NASCAR’s current breed of cars. The latter will soon be replaced by the Car of Tomorrow.

The Chevrolet team became the most successful team in the history of the Nextel Cup winning 396 competitions since it debuted in 1971. 24 out of 31 Manufacturers’ championships were won by Chevrolet, and 16 out of 23 drivers’ titles.

The general manager of Chevrolet, Ed Peper, was quoted saying, "When the chequer flag falls at Homestead, Chevrolet teams and drivers will say goodbye to the Monte Carlo SS in NASCAR Cup competition. We at Chevrolet will watch with pride as the Monte Carlo takes its last NASCAR Cup chequered flag at Homestead with our sincere thanks to the teams, drivers and most importantly the fans who have supported Monte Carlo throughout the years."

Jeff Gordon is the most successful driver of the Monte Carlo SS over the years. Gordon was able to get 81 victories driving the legendary model together with his four Nextel Cup titles. He also had the chance to drive the Lumina model to victory in a number of races. But the car didn’t have the Acura starter.

Gordon said, "My favourite racing memory of the Monte Carlo was its reintroduction into the Cup Series back in 1995. The car was so dominant that year, and we were able to win our first championship with it, as well."

The biggest detractor of the Car of Tomorrow is the four-time Nextel Cup champion. He was first introduced as a young driver just like Kyle Busch and he was disappointed to see the Monte Carlo replaced by a new model.

Busch commented on the Monte Carlo saying, "Yeah, it was a good race car. It’s what we’ve raced for the past twentysome years. Now we’ll go to the new one, which nobody is really a big fan of. It’s kind of discouraging, I guess."

Once again, the Chevrolet Silverado reigned over its competitors as it earned 5 honors from IntelliChoice.com’s “Best Deals of the Month” for cars, trucks, and SUVs for November 2007! The ever-reliable truck has proven it over and over again and it leaves me speechless and proud! The Chevy Silverado is indeed a premium vehicle that is righteous to be called number one!

Check out the complete list of winners featured in TheAutoChannel.com:

Class/Brand/Model: 

• Subcompact Car: MINI Cooper Hatchback
• Compact Car over $16,000: Honda Civic Hybrid
• Compact Car under $16,000: Honda Civic Sedan
• Midsize Car over $21,000   Toyota   Prius
• Midsize Car under $21,000   Toyota   Prius
• Convertible MINI: Cooper Convertible
• Luxury Convertible: Audi A4 Convertible
• Near Luxury Car: BMW 3 Series Sedan
• Luxury Car: Lexus ES
• Large Car: Toyota Avalon 
• Base Sport Car Volkswagen: GTI 2-door 
• Sport Car Chevrolet: Corvette
• Sport Sedan/Wagon over $38,000: Lexus GS Hybrid 
• Sport Sedan Wagon under $38,000: Infiniti G35 Sport Sedan
• Compact Utility/Crossover: Ford Escape Hybrid 
• Midsize Crossover: Toyota Highlander Hybrid
• Luxury Crossover: Lexus RX 400h
• Small Wagon: Toyota Matrix
• Midsize/Large Wagon: Subaru Outback Wagon
• Intermediate Utility: Hummer H3
• Full-Size Utility: GMC Yukon 
• Luxury Utility: Lexus GX
• Compact Pickup Truck 2WD: Toyota Tacoma Regular Cab 2WD
• Compact Pickup 4WD: Toyota Tacoma Regular Cab 4WD
• Full-Size Pickup Truck 2WD 1/2 Ton: Toyota Tundra Regular Cab 2WD
• Full-Size Pickup Truck 2WD 3/4 Ton: Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD Crew Cab 2WD
• Full-Size Pickup Truck 2WD One Ton: Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD Crew Cab 2WD 
• Full-Size Pickup Truck 4WD 1/2 Ton: Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Extended Cab 4WD 
• Full-Size Pickup Truck 4WD 3/4 Ton: Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD Crew Cab 4WD
• Full-Size Pickup Truck 4WD One Ton: Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD Crew Cab 4WD
• Minivan: Honda Odyssey Passenger Van
• Full-Size Van: Ford E150 Passenger Van 
• Cargo Van: Chevrolet Uplander Cargo Van

I was actually looking for news about cars and theautochannel.com never failed to bring out what’s best on the US car market. The AIADA newsletter announced that the Chevy Silverado heavy-duty pickup wearing a price tag of $22,225 is the most popular car for men.

The Mazda, famous maker of Mazda shocks, is not included on the list but the Chevy Silverado Heavy Duty was able to get a huge 93% of buyers and all were men. And according to statistics, 9 out of 10 male buyers are on the road as announced by AutoPacific, an online website for auto enthusiasts.

Women are also included as respondents but they are more refined than men. Silverado tops the men’s choice and Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible still reign as the number one car for the girls. The vice president at AutoPacific, Jim Hossick, said to MSNBC, "some cars are more masculine or feminine by nature."

However, the data from AutoPacific shows brands such as Hummer, Dodge, Porsche, and GMC are most popular among males, models produced by Saturn, Honda, Volkswagen, and Hyundai are the biggest hits with lady drivers.

Hossick says, "People who have tried to make a vehicle that is female-centric have failed. Women might buy a ‘man’s’ vehicle, but men won’t buy a ‘women’s’ car."

Women’s Cars

• Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible - Owners: 63% female
• Honda CRV - Owners: 62% female
• Hyundai Tucson - Owners: 60% female
• Saturn Vue - Owners: 60% female
• Honda Element - Owners: 57% female

Men’s Cars

• Chevy Silverado Heavy Duty - Owners: 93% male
• Ford F-350 - Owners: 93% male
• Nissan Titan - Owners: 91% male
• Chevrolet Corvette - Owners: 90% male
• Dodge Ram - Owners: 89% male

Company releases have been distributed yet some questions are left unanswered. Malibu buffs, now your chance to know some more…

Last week, KickingTires asked its visitors to submit questions about the redesigned Chevy Malibu. Experts at KickingTires answered the queries:

Last week we asked you to submit questions about the redesigned Chevy Malibu. Today, we’re going to try and answer the ones we’ve already received and any new ones you can think of.

What’s the interior quality like? I’d be most interested in a Saturn Aura vs. Chevy Malibu comparison. — Scott J.

The overall quality is quite good. Compared to the Aura, Chevy has improved on the feel of the bulky plastic covering the doors and dash. It is a softer type of plastic and in almost every shade looks and feels better than the Aura. To me that were the glaring issue with the Aura’s interior. One thing they didn’t change was the center stack which I talk about later.

Is the new Malibu a Chevy version of the Pontiac G6? — Anonymous

The simple answer is no. The G6 is based on the platform that preceded the one underpinning the new Malibu. The Malibu does share that platform with the new Saturn Aura. It would be a safe guess that the next G6 would move to this new, better-handling platform.

I would like to see comparisons to the Accord, Camry and Fusion. — Hwy driver

We’re working on a Cars.comparison with the big players in this segment right now. However, you can compare specs and dimensions using our side-by-side comparison tool. I’ve configured one for the models you’ve listed above here.

Are the armrests better in the Malibu than the Aura? — Sheth

Unfortunately there wasn’t an Aura there on hand to test side-by-side. They are very similar, though, from my memory of the Aura.

Where is the final assembly? — J

The Malibu is assembled in Kansas City, Kan. 

I’d like to see a nice, detailed review of the interior. — JM

See my full review here. I’m also posting some more interior shots below that I took of materials and buttons that wouldn’t have a place in a formal review.

Two days ago, Bob Lutz said, "Right now, we don’t know how to do better than this." So, Dave (& company), could they have done better than a re-skin of the Aura? — starlightmica

In short, yes. While the Malibu is very well done, there were a few things I would have liked addressed. Chief among them is the center stack of controls, done in the same light-silver finish that turned me off in the Aura. That’s really the most glaring aspect I noticed. Otherwise, the door and dash materials are much improved from the Aura, as I stated above. However, if you ask me, I still think the Accord comes out ahead on overall interior material quality.

The Monterey Sports Car Championships at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca was concluded last October 21 and it highlighted the end of the successful 2007 American Le Mans Series season. Even if the checkered flag was already waved, Chevrolet’s racing team continues to notch victories on and off the race tracks. Two members of Corvette Racing got special appreciation awards in the post-season ceremonies! Corvette Racing driver Ron Fellows was voted the Most Popular Driver for four straight years. On the other hand, Ray Gongla, the crew chief for the No. 4 Compuware Corvette C6.R, was recognized as the GT1 Crew Chief of the Year.

"It’s very flattering to receive this award because it is determined by votes from fans around the world," said Fellows. "I feel fortunate to be associated with Corvette, the most popular car in the paddock. There is a very strong and loyal contingent of Corvette enthusiasts, and that certainly doesn’t hurt when it comes to the voting."

"I have always believed that as a professional race car driver, it’s important to give as much of your time as possible to the people who are paying to watch you play," he added.

"Whether I’m driving in ALMS, SCCA, or NASCAR, I’m genuinely honored when a fan asks for my autograph." The GT1 Crew Chief of the Year honors is chosen by the pit lane and technical staffs from IMSA, the authorized body for ALMS events. The honors were given to Gongla for the second time in three years right after leading the No. 4 Corvette crew and drivers Oliver Gavin and Olivier Beretta to a record-tying nine wins this 2007.

"It really should be a team trophy, so it’s an honor for me to receive this award on behalf of the crew of the No. 4 Corvette," said Gongla. "It takes the entire team, drivers, and organization to be successful."

"I was named crew chief on a trial basis six years ago, so I guess we’re still trying to see whether it will work out," he said with a laugh.

We are aware that the US car market is dominated by mid-size cars and General Motors Corporation is bringing out the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu to be part of the growing market. In Detroit, many car buyers won’t even remember the existence of the Chevy Lumina but GM is trying another version of the Malibu as a mid-size car.

From the Detroit Auto Show which happened last January, GM is now ready to reveal the new version of its famous Chevrolet line up - the Malibu. Car Connection, an online car oriented website where you can get loads of information about cars, car parts like Volkswagen brake hose and the latest news in the US car market, revealed a new angle on the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu.

The car was seen to wear several tune ups in its exterior and interior but according to the website, the biggest question is how it would perform when driven. Would it get beyond the fame of the ongoing Camry and Accord which was noted to have huge car sales the past months?

The Car Connection spent a few moments with the Malibu and soon found the answers to the questions. Car Connection comments says, “For the first time we can remember, there’s no reason to make excuses for a mainstream Detroit sedan, no reason to explain away the compromises. Chevy’s new entry stands up solidly on its own four wheels.”