2012 Chevrolet Malibu

It's one of GM's best-executed products of the past few years, and even in its final year on sale, the 2012 Chevy Malibu still ranks highly for its spacious cabin, smooth performance and handsome silhouette.See What the
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GM introduced the current Chevy Malibu in 2008, and since then, the big family sedan hasn't changed much. It hasn't had to: the Malibu emerged as one of GM's best-executed products in a long time, and with just minor updates, it's more than held its own against new generations of the Accord, Camry, Altima, Sonata, Optima and Fusion. Just ahead of a new, smaller sedan arriving next model year, the 2012 Malibu remains an affordable, high-quality, and very refined four-door.

It may not be daring, but the Malibu has a nicely underplayed look that's handsome, inside and out. Clean-cut might be the best way to describe the sheetmetal. The split grille and blunt nose have a smooth, clean look that trails down the doors to a semi-stubby rear end with taillights highlighted by round lamps, like those found on the Corvette. The takeaway is subtle, clean--still a refreshing change from some of the more dramatic, overwrought shapes on the market today, maybe better even than the replacement coming next year. The cabin's sedate and attractive, too, with a straightforward layout of controls, efficient design, and quite a good level of material quality and fit and finish. In that way, this Malibu was the sign of change at GM from the drab car that preceded it.

The Malibu still comes in four- and six-cylinder form, while smaller family sedans have moved to all-four-cylinder lineups. Here, the base powerplant is fairly competitive: it's a 2.4-liter four-cylinder teamed to a six-speed automatic, for a total of 169 horsepower and an EPA gas-mileage rating of 22/33 mpg. That's competitive with the Fusion, but a few digits off the 35-mpg highway figures pegged by the Sonata and Optima. It's quick enough for most uses, and neatly avoids a rental-car feel with very smooth power delivery. GM's potent 3.6-liter V-6 remains an option; its 252 horsepower provide a lot of refinement and kick for more demanding drivers, but its fuel economy numbers of 17/26 mpg are unimpressive. Neither Malibu feels very sporty, in any case, with perfectly predictable ride and handling motions that veer sharply away from the likes of the crisp-steering Fusion and Altima. The Malibu clearly puts the bias on practicality and refinement, with just a hint of driving enjoyment.

Sports-car reflexes in family sedans matter less than big interior room and supportive seats, and those the Malibu has all over smaller rivals. It's spacious, and though the seats could use just a little more lateral support, the Malibu is one of the larger cars in its class, up there with the Sonata, just shy of the Honda Accord and the latest Volkswagen Passat. The front seats are among the most comfortable in the mid-size sedan class, while the back bench has more legroom than most of its rivals, except for the Accord and that huge new Passat. Trunk space is usefully large, at 15.1 cubic feet.

Safety is another strong suit of the current Malibu. All models have standard anti-lock disc brakes, stability and traction control, as well as dual front, side and curtain airbags. The OnStar telematics system is installed in each one. And crash-test scores put the Malibu near the top of the large sedan class, with a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, and four stars overall from the NHTSA.

The Malibu's features list has fallen behind the competition, as it's aged. All versions--base LS, mid-range LT, and luxury LTZ--have standard power windows, locks and mirrors; keyless entry; steering-wheel audio controls; and climate control. On the LTZ, features like remote start, LED taillamps and ambient lighting are standard. Bluetooth's an option, though (it's standard on the Korean sedans), and the Malibu lacks any option for resident hard-drive navigation--GM suggests you call OnStar for turn-by-turn voice instructions, a method we've tried and found less reliable than on-board mapping.

Nicely underplayed lookPowertrains are smoothFour-cylinder's good fuel economy Refined ride qualityNavigation isn't on-boardEven V-6 lacks sporty feelV-6 gas mileage lags

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2011 Vs. 2013 - the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco

2011 Vs. 2013 - the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco

The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco was unveiled at the 2011 New York International Auto Show. Masked by the flashing lights of cameras and flashy descriptions of journalists, the Malibu was every bit the star on the spotlighted platform.

But the Malibu Eco must be judged by the standards of 2013, not 2011. Its 38 mpg is impressive for a midsize sedan, but consider Chevy’s own Volt and Sonic, along with the Volkswagen Golf TDI, redesigned Mazda Mazda2, Ford Fiesta, and the gamut of hybrid alternatives.

Granted, most of the aforementioned vehicles are compacts, but they offer similar fuel efficiency for what will likely be several thousands of dollars less. Is the 2013 Chevy Malibu Eco a one-trick pony, or does it bode hope for an aging nameplate?

Chevy’s bag of fuel-efficient tricks has three ploys: an improved powerplant, eAssist hybrid system, and aerodynamic enhancements.

The bread and butter of the act is the base 2.4-liter EcoTec engine, which is rated at 180 horsepower at 26/38 mpg. North America receives an available 2.5-liter EcoTec engine, which boosts horsepower past 190 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. Chevy is quick to preach the sporty inclinations of the Malibu. The 2.5-liter will reputedly deliver “V6-like performance.” Add in the gamut of control features, such as standard stability and traction control, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake fade assist and drag torque control, and Chevy has a convincing sales pitch. But the question remains, can all the chassis tightening and driving gizmos in the world give a sporty performance to anything slapped with “Eco” moniker?

eAssist is a mild hybrid powertrain with regenerative braking that supplements the engine with a 65-lb lithium-ion battery. Electricity will power the Malibu Eco at low speeds and while idling, and augments performance at higher speeds.

Chevrolet borrowed tactics from backyard hypermilers for the new Malibu. Besides reshaping the body, Chevy added four underbody panels and an active shutter system to shut off air intake when unnecessary to increase aerodynamics.

The rest of Malibu is more evolved than revolutionized. Cabin and cargo space have been slightly increased, and styling is agreeable and aggressive, but not particularly noteworthy. The Malibu offers tempting standard features, such as a 7-inch touchscreen display and MyLink infotainment system, but most of its avant-garde features will likely occupy the options roster.

The Chevrolet Malibu Eco is an undisputed star for 2011. But hold off judgment about 2013.

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GM teases 2012 Chevrolet Malibu ahead of Shanghai (!) debut

Thursday, Mar 31st, 2011 @ 12:01 a.m.

General Motors says it will officially debut its 2012 Chevrolet Malibu next month at the Shanghai Motor Show with a simultaneous debut on its Facebook page. The global debut, about 48 hours ahead of its North American unveiling at the New York International Auto Show, shows GM’s intentions to expand its lineup across the globe.

GM released a short video with some reasonably detailed illustrations of the new car that give us the strongest hints yet about its design. Narrated by designer Dan Gifford, the video shows us that GM drew heavily on its heritage for the new four-door sedan.

We were treated to a sneak peak of Chevrolet’s upcoming 2012 Malibu more than a year ago, but GM has remained mum about its plans for the next generation of its bread-and butter sedan. Now, however, a report suggests that Chevrolet will drop the low-volume V6 currently offered in the Malibu in favor of a Hyundai Sonata-inspired four-cylinder-only lineup.

Hyundai became the first mainstream automaker to drop V6 power from its midsize sedan lineup when it launched the 2011 Sonata earlier this year. The midsize family sedan market has seen V6s go from being the default choice for most buyers to an “extravagant” extra rarely selected by consumers.

According to GM Inside News, the 2012 Malibu will drop its V6 in favor of at least two four-cylinders – one naturally aspirated unit and one turbocharged offering. GM is developing a new family of four-cylinder engines, although it’s unclear if the 2.5-liter variant will be ready in time for the Malibu’s late 2011 release.

Judging from the latest spy shots and the video, the 2012 Malibu will retain many of the design cues of the current car, although it will be moving to GM’s Epsilon II platform. The front headlights appear to have a jeweled look, not unlike the treatment seen on the 2011 Buick Regal. Chevrolet’s signature cross-bar grille, however, remains front and center.

The rear of the Malibu also appears to be in line for an update, with the taillights receiving a Camaro-like treatment.

It’s been reported that the Malibu will shrink a bit in its next iteration, but the extent of that downsizing remains unknown. The current Malibu rides on a 112.3 inch wheelbase and it seems likely that the Malibu will adopt either the Buick LaCrosse’s 111.7 inch wheelbase or the Regal’s shorter 107.8 inch wheelbase, although the former seems more likely. Both the LaCrosse and Regal ride on versions of GM’s Epsilon II platform.

GM will also likely continue to offer a larger midsize sedan to replace the aging Impala.

We’ll have more details on April 18, when GM officially unveils the new Malibu.

Look for sales to begin late this summer in North America – and, apparently, China, where the Malibu will displace the Chevrolet Cruze as Chevy’s biggest offering.

References
1. ‘Patent Designs of Chevrolet…’ view
2. ‘GM Midsizers Going….’ view

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’13 Chevy Malibu to gain innovative fold-up audio display [Plus video!]

Thursday, Apr 14th, 2011 @ 12:01 a.m.

Chevrolet is slowly letting loose details on its upcoming 2013 Malibu sedan, including its latest tidbit – a radio face that articulates up and out of the way to reveal a six-inch-deep illuminated storage compartment.

The innovative feature is a midsize sedan first, GM says. The one small teaser photo GM has released also gives us a quick glimpse into the Malibu’s new infotainment system, but we’ll have to wait for more details.

The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu will make its global debut at the Shanghai Motor Show about 48 hours before its bows on U.S. soil at the New York International Auto Show.

New video gives us best look yet
GM teamed up with the dark side – veteran spy photographer Jim Dunne – to talk about what it takes to “outsmart a spy.”

The video gives few unknown hints into the process of new car spying, but it does give us by far our best look at the new 2013 Malibu. Clearly, the Malibu follows many of the styling themes of the current model, but the look will be considerably more bold than before.

We also get a quick glance of the Malibu with its trunk open, which shows that GM has skipped the space-saving (and costly) struts for gooseneck hinges.

Designer video
GM released a short video with some reasonably detailed illustrations of the new car that give us some other hints about its design. Narrated by designer Dan Gifford, the video shows us that GM drew heavily on its heritage for the new four-door sedan.

We were treated to a sneak peak of Chevrolet’s upcoming 2013 Malibu more than a year ago, but GM has remained mum about its plans for the next generation of its bread-and butter sedan. Now, however, a report suggests that Chevrolet will drop the low-volume V6 currently offered in the Malibu in favor of a Hyundai Sonata-inspired four-cylinder-only lineup.

Hyundai became the first mainstream automaker to drop V6 power from its midsize sedan lineup when it launched the 2011 Sonata earlier this year. The midsize family sedan market has seen V6s go from being the default choice for most buyers to an “extravagant” extra rarely selected by consumers.

The 2013 Malibu will drop its V6 in favor of at least two four-cylinders – one naturally aspirated unit and one turbocharged offering. GM is developing a new family of four-cylinder engines, although it’s unclear if the 2.5-liter variant will be ready in time for the Malibu’s late 2011 release.

Judging from the latest spy shots and the videos, the 2013 Malibu will retain many of the design cues of the current car, although it will be moving to GM’s Epsilon II platform. The front headlights appear to have a jeweled look, not unlike the treatment seen on the 2011 Buick Regal. Chevrolet’s signature cross-bar grille, however, remains front and center.

The rear of the Malibu also appears to be in line for an update, with the taillights receiving a Camaro-like treatment.

It’s been reported that the Malibu will shrink a bit in its next iteration, but the extent of that downsizing remains unknown. The current Malibu rides on a 112.3 inch wheelbase and it seems likely that the Malibu will adopt either the Buick LaCrosse’s 111.7 inch wheelbase or the Regal’s shorter 107.8 inch wheelbase, although the former seems more likely. Both the LaCrosse and Regal ride on versions of GM’s Epsilon II platform.

GM will also likely continue to offer a larger midsize sedan to replace the aging Impala.

We’ll have more details on April 18, when GM officially unveils the new Malibu.

Look for sales to begin late this summer in North America – and China, where the Malibu will displace the Chevrolet Cruze as Chevy’s biggest offering.

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2013 Chevrolet Malibu: 2011 New York Auto Show Preview

GM's best-selling sedan gets a major refurbishing early next year in the form of the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, which is being teased today in this photo released by General Motors.

The current Chevy Malibu was named North American Car of the Year when it was introduced for the 2008 model year, and since then, it's become one of General Motors' sales pillars. Chevy sold 198,770 Malibu sedans in 2010, ranking alongside the likes of the Hyundai Sonata (196,623 sales), Ford Fusion (219,219 units), and Nissan Altima (229,263 units), though behind the sales titans among family sedans--the Toyota Camry (327,804 units) and the Honda Accord (311,381 units).

The new car will be the eighth new vehicle to wear the storied nameplate, though over the decades the Malibu has been transformed from a rear-wheel-drive car with V-8 to front-wheel drive and V-6 and four-cylinder engines.

The Malibu also was briefly offered as a mild hybrid, with some retail sales in 2009 and to fleets only in 2010.

In this new iteration, GM says the Malibu will put an emphasis on fuel economy with a range of four-cylinder engines and six-speed transmissions. A GM spokesman says no V-6 powertrain will be offered in the new Malibu.

GM may have more news on hybrid Malibu drivetrains next month, at the New York Auto Show. A plug-in hybrid drivetrain is possible, given GM's experience with the technology in its serial hybrid Volt. GM also could offer an "eAssist" mild-hybrid system in the new Malibu, since the sedan is related to the new Buick LaCrosse, the first GM sedan with that battery-assist technology.

GM claims European-style handling for the new Malibu, and it may be a pre-requisite given ambitions for the new four-door. GM plans on selling the new Malibu on every continent save for Antarctica, in more than 100 countries in all.

Production begins this summer at two plants in the U.S.--at the Hamtramck, Michigan, plant where the 2011 Chevy Volt also is built, and at the GM plant in Fairfax, Kansas.

The Malibu will be unveiled next month at both the Shanghai Auto Show and on Chevrolet's Facebook page, prior to its first live U.S. showing at the 2011 New York Auto Show on April 20. The live reveal begins on the 18th at 8:30 p.m. EDT with Webcasts going out over GM's Webcast channels for the Apple iPad and Apple iPhone.

GM also is asking consumers to submit questions about the new car during the Webcasts via Twitter using the #MalibuReveal hashtag.

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