Autoblog

2013 Chevrolet Malibu teased ahead of Shanghai debut [w/video]

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Sedan, Chevrolet, GM, Shanghai Motor Show

2013 Chevrolet Malibu teaser - Click above for high-res image

The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu will officially be revealed at the Shanghai Motor Show on April 19, and General Motors has released this official teaser shot of its new 'Bu, showing off its new Camaro-inspired LED taillamps. GM will also be bringing the Malibu to the New York Auto Show, which officially starts on April 20, where we'll get our first glimpse of the new Chevrolet family sedan in the flesh.

We've seen quite a few spy shots of the new Malibu, and we know that it will ride on GM's smaller Epsilon II platform that currently underpins the Buick Regal. Still, GM tells us that the new Malibu will be wider than the model it replaces, and we can expect a more rakish exterior design. The Malibu will be sold in nearly 100 countries on six different continents, and thus, a global design that would appeal to all markets is necessary in order for it to be a success.

Expect the Malibu to only be available with four-cylinder engines, including GM's naturally aspirated 2.4-liter Ecotec four and its turbocharged 2.0-liter powerplant. Rumor has it that a hybrid version is also in the works, as is an all-wheel-drive model.

You can watch the official Chevrolet Malibu reveal on the automaker's Facebook page on Monday, April 18 at 8:30 PM EST - right when the sheets are pulled back in Shanghai. For the full details, hit the jump for GM's official press release, as well as a short video detailing some of the Malibu's overall design elements.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading 2013 Chevrolet Malibu teased ahead of Shanghai debut [w/video]

2013 Chevrolet Malibu teased ahead of Shanghai debut [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2012 Chevrolet Malibu prototype gives us best look yet

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 10:56:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Chevrolet

2012 Chevrolet Malibu spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

General Motors is finishing up the development of the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu (to be marketed as Epica in other markets), and this almost-done prototype gives us a very good glimpse as to what's in store for the all-new 'Bu.

The Malibu will ride on the shortened version of GM's Epsilon II platform - the architecture that underpins both the Buick Regal and LaCrosse - though our spies note that the new car seems to be a bit longer and wider than the model currently on sale. Chevy's signature Bowtie grille is nicely incorporated into a decidedly LaCrosse-inspired front end, but we aren't quite sure how we feel about the Camaro-like taillamps and longer rear deck. Still, we'll wait until the camouflage is stripped away before making final judgments.

Following Korea's lead with the Hyundai Sonata, GM is expected to only offer four-cylinder powertrains in the 2012 Malibu, so look for both a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter and turbocharged 2.0-liter engine to be on tap. Additionally, a hybrid configuration is reportedly in the works, as is all-wheel drive.

Production is scheduled to kick off at the end of this year, so we're betting that the Malibu will officially debut at the New York Auto Show next month. Click through our high-res image gallery below to see the latest set of spy shots for yourself.

Gallery: 2012 Chevrolet Malibu: Spy Shots

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: 2012 Chevrolet Malibu prototype gives us best look yet originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Mar 2011 10:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2012 Chevrolet Malibu draws closer

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Chevrolet, GM

2012 Chevrolet Malibu spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's been a while since we've heard about the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. In its current form, the aging 'Bu is a competent aging dog in need of some new tricks, but General Motors is hoping to put its mid-sizer back at the top of the segment with the all-new model. Early predictions lead us to believe that the 2012 Malibu would show its face at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show in January, but we're now thinking that a New York debut is in order.

For 2012, the Malibu will be shortened, riding on the smaller Epsilon II platform that underpins the Buick Regal. Sources who have seen the finished product tell us that while the exterior dimensions have shrunk, there's no shortage of space inside the car, and we expect the interior to be a giant leap forward from the cabin found in the current model.

Earlier reports have suggested that the 2012 Malibu will only be offered with four-cylinder powertrains (like the Regal), meaning GM's 2.4-liter direct-injected inline-four is a safe bet for the base engine, and the more powerful 2.0-liter Ecotec turbo-four will likely replace the V6 option. A hybrid powerplant is also understood to be in the works. All engines will come with six-speed transmissions, and we've even heard rumblings about optional all-wheel drive for the Malibu. Currently, only the Ford Fusion and Subaru Legacy mid-size sedans are available with all-wheel drive.

Production of the new Malibu is slated to begin in the fourth quarter of 2011, though rumors have been circulating about an even earlier start date. Initial production will begin in China and Korea several months before the North American-spec version, as GM is prepping its Fairfax and Detroit Hamtramck plants for 2012 Malibu duty. While you're waiting, check out the latest set of high-res spy shots in our gallery.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 Chevrolet Malibu

[Source: Brenda Priddy & Company]

Spy Shots: 2012 Chevrolet Malibu draws closer originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Dec 2010 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: General Motors mid-size sedans going all four-cylinder

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 18:45:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Buick, Chevrolet, GM

Straight from the "No Surprise" department comes word from GMInsideNews that all of General Motors mid-size offerings will come equipped with four-cylinder engines as the only available powerplant.

GM has made it clear for the last few years that a large part of its future product strategy is to downsize its engine line-up in preparation for the new 2015 CAFE standards. The shift has already begun with the introduction of the 2011 Buick Regal, available with either a 182-horsepower direct injected 2.4-liter or a turbocharged 2.0-liter putting out 220 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque.

The next model to go all-four-banger will be the next generation Chevrolet Malibu, slated to arrive late next year and likely packing - to begin with - the same 2.4-liter four. A range of direct injected engines, both naturally aspirated and turbocharged, are in the works, so the General won't be hurting for options, but expect the V6 to stick around for GM's larger offerings, including the next Impala.

[Source: GMInsideNews]

Rumormill: General Motors mid-size sedans going all four-cylinder originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2012 Chevrolet Malibu continues its camo striptease

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Chevrolet

The 2012 Chevrolet Malibu has been busted again, wearing front and rear camo, which is more camo than it wore the last time we saw it. It's clear that the flanks are getting just enough etching to add some visual interest, but we're wondering how far the front and back treatments will move toward Regal-ish styling or whether they'll carve a place of their own. That Volvo- and Camry-esque trunk treatment has really got us going...

According to Inside Line, this version of the 'Bu could go international, which makes the expectation of "a complete interior overhaul" a necessity. Even so, a navigation screen is only expected to be optional. Rumored engines are a direct-injection four-cylinder, a hybrid, a 3.6-liter V6 and a turbocharged ECOTEC.

[Source: Inside Line via GM Inside News]

Spy Shots: 2012 Chevrolet Malibu continues its camo striptease originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Aug 2010 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM investing $257M in Fairfax and Detroit plants to build next-gen Malibu

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Chevrolet, GM

We first heard that General Motors might add production of the next-generation Chevrolet Malibu to its Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly plant back in December, and that news has been confirmed today. GM Chairman Ed Whitacre held a press conference this morning at which he announced the automaker had paid back the remaining $5.8 billion owed to the U.S. and Canadian governments a full five years ahead of schedule. He made the announcement at the company's Fairfax plant in Kansas that currently builds the Chevrolet Malibu and Buick LaCrosse, a perfect venue to announce new plant investments for the next generation Malibu.

GM will spend a total of $257 million to get both the Fairfax and Detroit-Hamtramck plants ready for the new Malibu. The Kansas City plant will receive a $136 million investment and be the new car's primary production site, while $121 million will be spent tooling up the Detroit plant to build the 2012 Malibu alongside the Chevrolet Volt.

The Detroit-HHamtramck plant currently builds the Cadillac DTS and Buick Lucerne, both of which are expected to end production some time in the next year. The Lucerne will likely be dropped from the lineup and the DTS will be replaced by the Cadillac XTS, which will likely be built in Oshawa.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req.]

Continue reading GM investing $257M in Fairfax and Detroit plants to build next-gen Malibu

GM investing $257M in Fairfax and Detroit plants to build next-gen Malibu originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Apr 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2012 Chevrolet Malibu prepares to shake up mid-size segment

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 12:41:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Chevrolet

We've seen patent drawings of the Chevrolet Malibu, and now spy shooters have captured the real thing cruising the hinterlands like a Yeti. Additional styling elements will be added to the bodywork, giving the current car's graceful bulk a few more angles and a bit more finesse.

The prototype's better-looking than the patent sketches indicate, which is no surprise, but we're still looking forward to how those front and rear lights will evolve. At least in back, it looks like they won't be true dual units, as envisioned on a couple of sketch-based renderings, but will have single lenses outboard and another set on the trunk.

Inside, which is where we think the Malibu can really step up its game, "vastly improved" materials are said to be on the way. A significantly better ride will come courtesy of the HiPer strut system on the car's new Epsilon II platform.

[Source: Car & Driver]

Spy Shots: 2012 Chevrolet Malibu prepares to shake up mid-size segment originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 27 Mar 2010 12:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #170 - The Hooniverse Visits

Dan Roth — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:50:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Podcasts, Etc., Audi, Chevrolet, Infiniti, Jeep, Nissan

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Jeff Glucker and Tim Odell of Hooniverse.com join Chris, Sam and Dan for Episode #170 of the Autoblog Podcast. The first stop is the Autoblog Garage, and the Hoons have their own garage, awesomely occupied by much better hardware than ours.

Items plucked from the news include the Ford Police Interceptor, 2011 Kia Optima, rumored Porsche Panamera convertible, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu, and the return of Lotus and Cosworth to Indy. Wade through that, and get rewarded with a few terrible answers to good questions.

Autoblog Podcast #170: The Hooniverse Visits

In the Autoblog Garage:
Audi S5
Nissan Maxima
Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 (Hooniverse)
Infiniti FX50S (Hooniverse)
Hurst Camaro (Hooniverse)

News:
Ford Police Interceptor
Kia Optima
Porsche Panamera Convertible
2012 Chevrolet Malibu
Lotus and Cosworth back in Indycar

Hosts:
Chris Shunk, Dan Roth, Sam Abuelsamid

Guests:
Jeff Glucker, Tim Odell of Hooniverse.com

Runtime: 1:12:23

Get the podcast:
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[RSS] Add the Joystiq Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[MP3] Download the MP3 directly

Feedback:
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com
Voicemail: 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763)

Review the show in iTunes and take our survey

Autoblog Podcast #170 - The Hooniverse Visits originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Chevrolet Malibu design completely revealed in patent filings?

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:56:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Chevrolet

2010 Chevrolet Malibu patent drawings - Click above for high-res image gallery

Over the past nine months, we've seen the next-generation Chevrolet Malibu twice at General Motors media events that were closed to the public. On neither occasion were we allowed to take any photographs of the styling buck, but now we can finally show you what the next Malibu looks like. A General Motors filing with the United States Patent and Trademark Office shows what is obviously an unidentified Chevrolet four-door sedan.

It retains all of the standard Chevrolet design features including the dual-port grille and four individual tail lights. Compared to the current and very well reviewed Malibu, the new car has more sculpted surfaces, especially around the corners. The chopped off tail of the current generation car is generally considered to be the weakest part of that design, and the new model addresses that area with what looks to be a much more attractive posterior.

The new Malibu will ride on the same Epsilon II platform that underpins the Buick LaCrosse and Regal. The new model will have a shorter wheelbase than the 112.3-inch span of today's car, but it's not clear if it will be as short as the 107.8-inch wheelbase of the new Buick Regal. The new Malibu will, however, be both wider and taller than the current model. The interior is also significantly upgraded with higher quality materials as GM tries to keep up with the advances of new models from Ford.

The next Malibu will probably debut in late in 2011 as a 2012 model, and we may see it in public at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show. The timing of the Malibu should line up nicely with the Ford Fusion/Mondeo replacement and make for a very interesting battle in the mid-size sedan market.

Gallery: 2012 Chevrolet Malibu patent drawings

[Source: Carscoop]

2012 Chevrolet Malibu design completely revealed in patent filings? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: GM to speed up development of vehicles delayed by bankruptcy

Chris Shunk — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 18:31:00 EST

Filed under: Chevrolet, GM, Earnings/Financials

Prior to declaring bankruptcy, General Motors began delaying new products in an effort to conserve cash. The news was disappointing to enthusiasts and brand loyalists, but with its cash piles dwindling, the General didn't have many alternatives. Post-bankruptcy, GM finds itself with $40 billion in cash and a lot less overhead, so where is the money being spent? Automotive News reports that Vice Chairman Bob Lutz confirms that many of the products that were delayed are now being accelerated, adding "Once we got out of the bankruptcy and started having money available, we were able to pull a lot of our programs forward."

One example of the pull-forward is the next-generation Chevrolet Malibu. Early this Fall, GM told us that the next Malibu would arrive in 2012, but Lutz says that time frame has been pulled up to 2011. The next Malibu will reportedly be all-new with a platform based off of the Buick LaCrosse and 2011 Buick Regal. The new 'Bu will apparently have a shorter wheelbase than the current model while still managing more interior room.

Lutz told AN that the uplevel Malibu will have chrome appliques lining the side windows, a trait he says is associated with German and Japanese luxury vehicles. Lutz apparently added that $50 worth of chrome translates into an additional $500 to $600 in perceived value to customers. Beyond the Malibu, Lutz noted that there are "a bunch" of other vehicles being pulled forward to pre-bankruptcy production cadences, though he didn't offer any specific examples.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

REPORT: GM to speed up development of vehicles delayed by bankruptcy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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