Are you ready for an all-new Malibu?

Chevy's popular family intermediate sedan is getting a dramatic redesign, and it's a classier look than this brand has had in quite some time. And the interior also is vastly improved, featuring two toned designs in some models.

If that's all not enough, look for a hybrid version of the Malibu and two different engines-- a 2.4 liter, 164 I-4 or a 252 horsepower V-6 which should really shake things up.

That's about all I can say for now, and I'll have a complete report on the Malibu when it is introduced later this fall.

The other big news for Chevy is the all-new 2008 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid.

We all have known that up until now the word "gas mileage" and the word "SUV" don't mix well.

But if you're in need of lots of room for passengers, just as much room for cargo and you want decent gas mileage, look no further than the Tahoe.

I was surprised how smooth the all-new hybrid drove, given some jerking and hesitation that I've experienced on other hybrids.

If anything, thanks to the hybrid system, the new Tahoe seems quieter than the conventionally powered Tahoe. And in the styling department, they've even smoothed out some of Tahoe's already good looks. the monochrome effect results in a product that is even more elegant than the companion gasoline powered Tahoe.

Like the GMC Yukon Hybrid, the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid gets about 25 percent better fuel economy in combined city-highway driving, and about 40 percent better mileage in city driving. Although figures have not been set by the EPA, GM said the pair could get about 20 mpg in the city, about 22 on the highway, and about 21 overall.

You'll also be able to tow a pretty hefty boat or other items. It can handle seven passengers with all their cargo and tow 6,000 to 6,200 pounds.

The two-mode hybrid system is an interesting one. The SUV can run on electric power only, engine power only (a 6-liter, 332-horsepower V-8) or a combination of engine and electric power. In lightning-quick calculations, the SUV automatically decides what is needed.

The active fuel-management system allows the engine to shut down some cylinders when strong acceleration is not needed. The system also has electric power steering instead of a belt-driven system that uses more gas.

Other steps intended to lighten the weight of these SUVs include changes to the seat design and lighting fixtures, aluminum hoods and liftgates, lightweight wheels and low rolling-resistance tires.

As you drive, a gauge helps you obtain the best mileage if you keep the arrow indicator in the noon to 2 p.m. position. If you're curious what the truck's hybrid system is doing, there's an easy-to-understand graph on the navigation screen that illustrates which parts of the system are working and under what conditions. That's better than the bewildering bar graphs and charts used in other hybrids.

Although the automaker has yet to announce prices for the hybrids, I expect them to be $1,000 to $2,000 more than a conventional model.