Oops! Detroit Auto Show website unveils 2008 Chevy Malibu
Apparently the folks running the 2007 North American International Auto Show website got a little confused this afternoon. They published the exact same info every other automotive news site did that was supposed to accompany a teaser shot of the 2008 Chevy Malibu's front end. Unfortunately for them, however, they published a shot of the whole car, which allows us to unceremoniously introduce to you the new mid-size sedan from Chevy that was supposed to knock our socks off in Detroit next month. The picture's a bit small and honestly doesn't reveal anything we couldn't have cobbled together in our heads from spy shots and the officially provided teaser pic, but GM is no doubt up in arms over the transgression.With the whole car in focus now, we'll offer a big thumbs up as our first impression. The front end is very distinct and American, the sides are completely clean and devoid of ornamentation or rub strips, the subtle fender flares are effective and the sloping rear deck all combine in a way to make us completely forget the last generation Malibu ever happened. And that's a good thing.
[Source: Jalopnik]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
John P. 5:38PM (12/18/2006)
Kudos to GM, it actually looks pretty nice. Can't wait to see better pics of this so I can make up my mind for sure.
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Jason 5:40PM (12/18/2006)
Until Chevy gets rid of the silly bar that bisects the grille, it's still ugly to me.
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Jason 5:41PM (12/18/2006)
I want to hear more about who got fired or a pay-cut for the last Malibu dud.
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Ryan 5:44PM (12/18/2006)
It does look good, kind of reminds me of the current Impala with those headlights.
The scary thing is the resale, the Malibu has a horrible record for this.
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srivendel 5:45PM (12/18/2006)
Very nice looking car, Chevy, although that is not the most flattering paint color. Between this, the Fusion, and the 300C, it's clear that American car companies are starting to discover a unique American design language. This isn't radically different from an Accord or Camry, but it is clearly American and quite handsome. This + new Camaro + RWD Impala would reinvigorate Chevy in a big way.
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bepsf 5:52PM (12/18/2006)
"It's smiling at us - Could you please cut it's head off?"
"WHack"
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Ryan 5:49PM (12/18/2006)
"This isn't radically different from an Accord or Camry, but it is clearly American and quite handsome."
-Autoblog said the same thing about this car in the above-listed article.
Although I do think the car looks good, I don't specifically see where it looks "American" where do you guys see it? I know plenty of muscle car guys that would call this thing a "rice burner" (even though it's a Chevy, but ya know what I mean :-)
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JuanTan 5:53PM (12/18/2006)
It looks like a Cobalt with an Impala grill. [not a bad thing] I have to agree with srivendel, if they can keep designing them like this [and if the quality holds up] then thye'll be doing great.
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Misaniovent 5:54PM (12/18/2006)
It's interesting to me how much better this car looks in black.
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David P Brown 5:54PM (12/18/2006)
Isn't this the same veh as the G6 and Aura?
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Blooooooooooooood 5:56PM (12/18/2006)
Front looks like Camry but it does look like 300C
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Angus Podgorny 6:03PM (12/18/2006)
It looks OK, but that's just a fraction of the story.
What's the quality? Durability?
Did they cheap out on the execution? Does it have the traditional exposed screws and seams inside?
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TheOne442 5:58PM (12/18/2006)
This is so much better than I thought it would be.
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Pitcrew 6:12PM (12/18/2006)
Nice looking car..........good for Chevy
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Sheth Jones 6:06PM (12/18/2006)
angus,,
The current Malibu isnt low quality so I don't see why this one would be. As for the builkd quality stuff, you might want to check out some MY 2006 GM vehicles. The stuff you are talking about doesnt really happen in their recent stuff. Haven't you seen the interior of the Aura? This car's interior looks to be even nicer.
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Richard Warren 6:15PM (12/18/2006)
The car looks good, only negative comment, the grille bar could be smaller, maybe a little lower. Pretty minor though.
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Ryan 6:14PM (12/18/2006)
"As for the builkd quality stuff, you might want to check out some MY 2006 GM vehicles. The stuff you are talking about doesnt really happen in their recent stuff."
-If it's **recent** stuff, how do you know the quality of it in the long run? (just playin)
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Andy 6:18PM (12/18/2006)
My first thought when I saw the Malibu interior and front-end was: Hey, it looks better than the Camry. Looking at the whole car, it now reminds me of the Camry. Not a bad-looking sedan, but hardly spectacular.
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villainy 6:22PM (12/18/2006)
Ryan:
I don't think the look is so much "American" as it is actually different from most other things on the road, you know... from other countries. Though I feel like it does follow Dodge's design path with a slightly bulkier look, if you want to call that American (overweight, I'll accept that). Personally I like it.
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mike 6:22PM (12/18/2006)
#2-3 is an IDIOT. Get in your beautifully styled prius and go away!!!!
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