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2013 Chevy Malibu first look
One 2013 Malibu for the world
GM'S MOST IMPORTANT CAR SINCE BANKRUPTCY LAUNCHES IN THE US AND CHINA
Chevy's Malibu was General Motors' most popular car last year with 198,770 sold. The new one launches early 2012 and must rival the Toyota Camry (327,804 in 2010), Honda Accord (311,381), Nissan Altima (229,219), while fending off the Hyundai Sonata (196,623) and potentially the US-built 2012 Volkswagen Passat. Its way more important to GM than the Volt.
Like One Ford's new models, the Chevy Malibu has been designed for all major markets with minimal variation. GM pushes launch up to early 2012 in North American and China (version pictured), followed by South Korea, where it will be the first model in Daewoo's conversion to the Chevrolet brand. General Motors is considering production and sales in Europe.
The new design has been in the works since before the 2009 bankruptcy, raising concerns it would age before its time. The 2008-2012 model was a breakout, a handsome, if conservative take on the mid size sedan segment with semi-formal sheet metal that makes it look more expensive than it is. In a video released ahead of the 13's Shanghai and New York Auto Show debuts, lead exterior designer Dan Gifford describes it as "athletic, aggressive, relaxed, fun to drive." The new car has a taller, stronger, shoulder line and Camaro-style dual square tail lamps.
The Malibu launches with naturally aspirated four-cylinder engines and a six-speed transmission and, like the Hyundai Sonata, no V-6's. Here, that means the 182-horsepower, 2.4 liter Ecotech. For Europe and other foreign markets, the Malibu will get some of Opel/Vauxhall Insignia's engines, including the variations of the 2.0-liter CDTI turbo-diesel, plus 1.6 and
1-8-liter gas fours.
A 2.0-liter turbo from the Buick Regal is likely for a high performance Malibu, either the 220- or the 255-horsepower version. Chevy won't talk Super Sport and has recently limited the SS brand to high performance rear-drive cars. The Regal GS' 255 ponies ought to justify a front-drive Malibu SS, though. The Regal/Lacrosse's mild hybrid eAssist, which adds 15 electric horses regenerated during braking to the 2.4 and boosts EPA ratings to 25/37 mpg is a good bet for some time after launch.
The Malibu will be built on the short Epsilon II platform that was first used on the 2009 Opel/Vauxhall Insignia, but with a taller roof package for better rear seat space than the Buick Regal. So it's about 190 inches long on a 107.4 inch wheel base.
Why did Chevrolet unveil it more than 9 months before it goes on sale?
GM seem seems confident that, if the new car kills current Malibu sales, it can make that up with the sales of the of the 2011 Cruze, which has nearly caught up to its larger, mid size brother in monthly volume. GM marketing chief Joe Ewanick may also be mimicking czar Jim Farley, who showed off the New Explorer on social websites six months before its launch. The new Malibu was first unveiled to the public with a teaser video on Facebook.
Todd Lassa: "One 2013 Malibu for the world" Motor Trend Magazine June 2011 pp 14-15
GM'S MOST IMPORTANT CAR SINCE BANKRUPTCY LAUNCHES IN THE US AND CHINA
Chevy's Malibu was General Motors' most popular car last year with 198,770 sold. The new one launches early 2012 and must rival the Toyota Camry (327,804 in 2010), Honda Accord (311,381), Nissan Altima (229,219), while fending off the Hyundai Sonata (196,623) and potentially the US-built 2012 Volkswagen Passat. Its way more important to GM than the Volt.
Like One Ford's new models, the Chevy Malibu has been designed for all major markets with minimal variation. GM pushes launch up to early 2012 in North American and China (version pictured), followed by South Korea, where it will be the first model in Daewoo's conversion to the Chevrolet brand. General Motors is considering production and sales in Europe.
The new design has been in the works since before the 2009 bankruptcy, raising concerns it would age before its time. The 2008-2012 model was a breakout, a handsome, if conservative take on the mid size sedan segment with semi-formal sheet metal that makes it look more expensive than it is. In a video released ahead of the 13's Shanghai and New York Auto Show debuts, lead exterior designer Dan Gifford describes it as "athletic, aggressive, relaxed, fun to drive." The new car has a taller, stronger, shoulder line and Camaro-style dual square tail lamps.
The Malibu launches with naturally aspirated four-cylinder engines and a six-speed transmission and, like the Hyundai Sonata, no V-6's. Here, that means the 182-horsepower, 2.4 liter Ecotech. For Europe and other foreign markets, the Malibu will get some of Opel/Vauxhall Insignia's engines, including the variations of the 2.0-liter CDTI turbo-diesel, plus 1.6 and
1-8-liter gas fours.A 2.0-liter turbo from the Buick Regal is likely for a high performance Malibu, either the 220- or the 255-horsepower version. Chevy won't talk Super Sport and has recently limited the SS brand to high performance rear-drive cars. The Regal GS' 255 ponies ought to justify a front-drive Malibu SS, though. The Regal/Lacrosse's mild hybrid eAssist, which adds 15 electric horses regenerated during braking to the 2.4 and boosts EPA ratings to 25/37 mpg is a good bet for some time after launch.
The Malibu will be built on the short Epsilon II platform that was first used on the 2009 Opel/Vauxhall Insignia, but with a taller roof package for better rear seat space than the Buick Regal. So it's about 190 inches long on a 107.4 inch wheel base.
Why did Chevrolet unveil it more than 9 months before it goes on sale?
GM seem seems confident that, if the new car kills current Malibu sales, it can make that up with the sales of the of the 2011 Cruze, which has nearly caught up to its larger, mid size brother in monthly volume. GM marketing chief Joe Ewanick may also be mimicking czar Jim Farley, who showed off the New Explorer on social websites six months before its launch. The new Malibu was first unveiled to the public with a teaser video on Facebook.
Todd Lassa: "One 2013 Malibu for the world" Motor Trend Magazine June 2011 pp 14-15