Autoblog

VIDEO: Helicopter chases two Lamborghini Gallardos around Los Angeles

Jonny Lieberman — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 12:20:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Videos, Lamborghini

Helicopter chases two Lamborghini Gallardos - click above to watch the video

While not quite as in your ~~groin~~ face as Samuel L. Jackson's Snakes on a Plane, the following video is as honest in its title to content ratio. Yes, a camera crew in a helicopter follows two Lamborghini Gallardos (one hardtop and one Spyder) up and down Pacific Coast Highway and through some of the Southland's best canyon roads. Nearly perfect, right?

Well, there's an issue or two. First is the thumping, blasting "butt-rock" soundtrack. Second, that soundtrack is annoying and obscures the glorious fury of the Gallardo's 5.2-liter V10 -- a motor that can make a four-year-old to burst into tears when cranked from a cold start (true story -- we saw it happen in person). Truly, a beast of an engine.

Had it been our video then, we would've killed the royalty-free-Nickelback soundtrack and instead stuck mics on the Lambos as if they were pincushions. Then we'd have tailed the two blue bulls to Kanan Dume Road. Why Kanan? Tunnels -- three of them. Not to get all David E. Davis on you, but you really haven't lived until you've heard Lambo's V10 at 8,250 rpm in a confined space. Glorious. With that said, make the jump to watch the video.

Continue reading VIDEO: Helicopter chases two Lamborghini Gallardos around Los Angeles

VIDEO: Helicopter chases two Lamborghini Gallardos around Los Angeles originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 Dec 2009 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Pics Aplenty: IIHS reveals before and after of Malibu/Bel Air crash

John Neff — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 19:49:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Safety, Chevrolet

IIHS '09 Malibu vs. '59 Bel Air crash test - Click above for high-res image gallery

We're all well aware of the video released recently by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. You know the one. Modern Chevy Malibu versus vintage Chevy Bel Air. Crash test. The results speak for themselves (see the video again after the jump). The two cars, one a 1959 model and the other from 2009, illustrate exactly how far vehicle safety has come in the 50 years since the IIHS was founded. There are two others dates you should know. 1972 was when the IIHS launched the Highway Loss Data Institute and began collecting objective data on insurance losses. The other date is 1992 when the Vehicle Research Center was opened and the IIHS began crashing cars.

In addition to the aforementioned video, the IIHS has also just released a gallery of images, before and after if you will, of the two cars involved in the celebratory crash. Note the passenger compartment of the '09 Malibu, which stays completely intact, versus the Bel Air that crumbles like a cereal box. Thanks for the tip, Derrick!

Gallery: IIHS '09 Malibu vs. '59 Bel Air crash test

[Source: IIHS]

Continue reading Pics Aplenty: IIHS reveals before and after of Malibu/Bel Air crash

Pics Aplenty: IIHS reveals before and after of Malibu/Bel Air crash originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 26 Sep 2009 19:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: IIHS celebrates 50th anniversary by crashing modern Malibu into '59 Bel Air

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Sedan, Safety, Videos, Chevrolet

2009 Chevy Malibu versus 1959 Chevy Bel Air - Click above to watch the video after the break

They just don't build 'em like they used to. While that old saying is constantly bandied about in regards to modern-day cars and trucks, it's once again worth saying and was the first thing that popped into our heads after watching the video pasted after the break.

You see, most of the time, we like to think of our old automobiles as tank-like hunks of metal with full frames and acres of dead space in front of the driver and the massive chrome front bumper. While that may often be the case, all those thick bits of steel don't automatically equal safety. This point is driven home by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which decided to celebrate its 50th anniversary by crash testing a 1959 Chevrolet Bel Air into a 2009 Chevy Malibu. The results were eye-opening. Says the IIHS of the Bel Air's performance:

The dummy's head struck the steering wheel rim and hub and then the roof and unpadded metal instrument panel to the left of the steering wheel.... The windshield was completely dislodged from the car and the driver door opened during the crash, both presenting a risk of ejection. In addition, the front bench seat was torn away from the floor on the driver side.

Ouch.... an instant death according to the IIHS. And the '09 Malibu? "A high acceleration was recorded on the left foot, indicating that foot injuries would be possible." Well now, as much as we like our left foot (perfect for operating the clutch, ya know), we'd rather take our chances in the new car, thank you very much. Click past the break to watch the video in all its car-crushing glory, and take a moment to mourn the passing of what used to be a rather nice '59 Bel Air.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: IIHS celebrates 50th anniversary by crashing modern Malibu into '59 Bel Air

VIDEO: IIHS celebrates 50th anniversary by crashing modern Malibu into '59 Bel Air originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

BREAKING: Ford Mustang, Dodge Challenger reportedly headed to NASCAR in 2010

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 12:56:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GM, Toyota

Whether or not you're a fan of NASCAR, the simple fact remains that none of the cars bear much resemblance to their factory counterparts, and it's not like the "Fusions" and "Chargers" are particularly sexy, either. So in an attempt to boost the series' viewers and souvenir sales, Fox Sports is reporting that Ford and Chrysler plan to introduce Mustang- and Challenger -bodied racers into the Nationwide series next year.

The new designs are due to be submitted for approval on June 26, and the 2010 NASCAR competitors are reportedly going to be visually closer to stock than anything we've seen since the new "aero-matched" cars began rolling out earlier this decade. Unfortunately, the new Mustang and Challenger cars will still be far removed from their stock siblings, and General Motors has apparently decided not to join its domestic rivals and produce a Camaro shell. Both GM and Toyota will reportedly run their current Impala and Camry bodies, respectively.

[Source: Fox Sports via Cars]

BREAKING: Ford Mustang, Dodge Challenger reportedly headed to NASCAR in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 12:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Automobile Magazine Announces 2009 All-Stars

Chris Shunk — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 11:59:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Chevy Corvette ZR1

After what we're sure are thousands of miles driven and some undoubtedly heated round table debates, Automobile Magazine has chosen its 2009 All-Stars. The ten winners were chosen based upon attributes that include design, driving enjoyment, performance and value, with vehicles taken from a wide range of segments. This year's winners range from the econobox Honda Fit to the Audi R8, with the spaciously rectilinear Ford Flex somewhere in between. The Chevrolet Malibu was one of four vehicles to make the list for the second straight year, joined by the Corvette (this year in ZR1 trim), Volkswagen GTI and the trophy darling BMW 3-Series. With it's nod from Automobile, Jaguar's XF continues to bring home the hardware, with one tester calling it the best Jaguar sedan he's ever driven (not a stretch in our book). Other winners included the Porsche 911 and the stonking Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG.

Just like with Car and Driver's 10 Best list, the Nissan GT-R didn't make Automobile's All-Stars team - an interesting ommission considering that it was recently crowned their Automobile of the Year. (Note: no price cap got in the way of victory this time). In fact, the only Japanese model to make the cut was the Fit, while the Germans took home five spots. In all, we'd call the All-Stars a solid list, but we're more interested in hearing what you think. What's missing and what vehicle(s) need the boot?

Gallery: 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

[Source: Trading Markets]

Continue reading Automobile Magazine Announces 2009 All-Stars

Automobile Magazine Announces 2009 All-Stars originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Dec 2008 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

The World According to Lutz: fewer brands, more marketing

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Chevrolet, GM, Saturn

In a moment that makes us want to put on our most pensive face and say "Yes... that's profound...", Bob Lutz has said "It's really much better to have fewer brands, do it well and then market the hell out of them." Specifically, he's talking about the fact that a car like the Saturn Aura -- Saturn's take on the Chevy Malibu -- hasn't done nearly as well as the Malibu. So far this year the Aura trails the Malibu almost 3-to-1. Why? Because the Malibu got pushed out of the gate with a marketing budget somewhere over the $200 million mark, and the Aura didn't. That is why, according to Lutz, "Three years later, people are still saying 'What's an Aura?'"

We know that GM has the talent to get the job done, but it's this kind of self evident thinking (to us, at least, and not a few of our commentators) that makes us wonder what's been going on in the hallowed halls of the RenCen all this time. GM has said that it might try to rebuild Saturn rather than kill it, but with new spending at Saturn put on hold, if they decide to keep it alive, we sincerely hope they will "market the Hell" out of what they rebuild.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

The World According to Lutz: fewer brands, more marketing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Dec 2008 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: Chevy Cruze shows off its interior

Alex Nunez — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 09:12:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Chevrolet, GM

Click above to enlarge

We've got a bit of a wait ahead of us in the United States, but if this interior photo does indeed show the Chevy Cruze's passenger compartment, then maybe it'll be worth it. TheCaranatic.com doesn't tell the source of the image, the Daewoo logo on the wheel indicates that it was probably snapped in South Korea, where the car will be produced for the European and Asian markets. As for the interior itself? Well, based on the photo it looks top-notch, blending a lot of Opel Insignia with dashes of Chevy Malibu to create a very pleasant driver's environment. This is promising.

[Source: theCarfanatic via Autoblog Spanish]

Spy Shots: Chevy Cruze shows off its interior originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 02 Aug 2008 09:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Strike at Malibu plant averted for now, Lucerne and DTS production to resume

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 07:02:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, GM, UAW/Unions

GM is still dancing with the UAW over contract issues, now its doing it with local plants regarding items that weren't in the national agreement. However, The General has managed to wring two more days to negotiate before workers at its Fairfax assembly plant in Kansas City, KS, walk out. The 2,600 workers of UAW Local 31 churn out 3,100 Malibus every week.

Local contracts -- as opposed to the national agreement -- concern work-rule, seniority and other non-economic issues. The UAW Local says that GM isn't following the blueprint of the national agreement and is pushing for too much. GM says it is negotiating in good faith.

And Fairfax isn't the only plant affected. Strikes and idling due to rejected contracts have taken place at GM plants in Parma, Ohio, Lansing, Michigan, and Detroit-Hamtramck. Those interruptions have halted production of the Buick Lucerne and Enclave, Cadillac CTS, Saturn Outlook, and GMC Acadia. The Hamtramck plant is calling workers back, which will get the Lucerne and CTS in production again, but now the Malibu is on the block. GM has a 37-day supply of the hot commodity, and it also has another plant that builds Malibus. If GM and UAW Local 31 can't come to an agreement, Malibu production at the Fairfax plant will cease tomorrow.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Strike at Malibu plant averted for now, Lucerne and DTS production to resume originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Apr 2008 07:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Consumer Reports (mostly) hearts new Malibu

Chris Tutor — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 13:26:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Chevrolet

click above to view high-res gallery of the 2008 Chevy Malibu

They're not quite done putting it through the paces, but Consumer Reports for the most part is liking Chevy's new Malibu. They've opened up the car's logbook on the magazine's blog, and here are a few of the positive quotes they shared:

"Wow. Impressive to drive, even in the four-cylinder version."
"Best normally-aspirated Ecotec (four-cylinder engine) application out there."
"Distinctive dashboard - definitely not a 'me-too' design."
This is a heavy hitter that competes head-on with Camry, Accord, and Altima."

Luckily for Chevrolet, the positive comments so far are in the lead, and most of the negatives are for relatively minor things like:

"hard to reach seat levers"
"I do not like the interior trim. The dash has a pink tone to it, whereas the other browns are more orange."
"I'm disappointed with the low shoulder belt anchor, poorly placed seat heater switch, and lack of a shifter indicator in the dash."

They promise to have a full review of the car in the magazine's March issue, which we're sure Chevy can't wait to read.

[Source: Consumer Reports]

Gallery: First Drive: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu

Consumer Reports (mostly) hearts new Malibu originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Feb 2008 13:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

GM's new ad campaigns focus on small cars, SUVs

Chris Shunk — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Marketing/Advertising, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, Saturn

With oil hitting $100 per barrel and customers clamoring for more fuel-efficient vehicles, GM is dropping coin to showcase its smaller transportation. Now is a good time for the General to tout its lighter fare, as the Detroit automaker has some real winners in its stable. The new Chevy Malibu and Cadillac CTS have received critical praise from the automotive press, and early sales receipts show that both vehicles are a hit with the public as well. In fact, GM is looking to increase Malibu production in a soft market due to brisk demand at Chevy dealers around the country. Saturn will also receive ad dollars, as newer products like the Vue could use a boost, and the hot new Astra will benefit from a coming out party.

GM is also concentrating more of its cash on web advertising, and it will also pony up ad dollars to tout Chevrolet as its environmentally friendly brand. While automotive enthusiasts know GM has come up with a string of solid vehicles, the general public may not be as informed. Nothing spreads the word quite like money.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

GM's new ad campaigns focus on small cars, SUVs originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Jan 2008 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Corvette boat updated to C6-spec

Dan Roth — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 14:21:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Chevrolet, Lifestyle

Once you've got a Corvette, what's left? Why, a boat, of course! You're not going to want to step out of your C6 into some aluminum row boat with a 5-horsepower Evinrude hung off the back. A 2-stroke buzz can't hold a candle to the barrel-chested rumble of an LS V8. Malibu Boats has introduced its latest Corvette Limited Edition Sport-V speedboat to solve your problem. The Corvette's most prominent styling cues have been lifted from the car and rendered in V-hull form. There's authentic Corvette seats, a dashboard that emulates the four-wheeled version, and even roll-down windows.

There are two different versions of the Sport-V, the Coupe and the Z06. The Coupe isn't lacking in anything, with 400 horsepower from its own V8, but the Z06 is just that much more over the top. There's not only 105 more horsepower on tap, but it also includes a lexan engine hatch to show off the LS7 engine and a two-tone interior and dash. To haul the Z06 around, it comes with a trailer that even uses Z06 wheels. General Motors approves, and the Sport-V speedboat will ease the pain of separation when you leave your 'Vette in the parking lot at the marina.

[Source: 4wheelsblog]

Gallery: Malibu Boats Sport-V speedboat

Corvette boat updated to C6-spec originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Nov 2007 14:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

LA 2007: Lutz and Peper show off Chevy's high efficiency fleet

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, LA Auto Show, Trends, Budget, Hybrid, Sedan, SUV, Truck, Green, Technology, Crossover, Chevrolet, GM

Promising the best possible fuel economy for whichever type of vehicle its customers choose, GM's Bob Lutz and Ed Peper trotted a full lineup of green vehicles from their arsenal. The Aveo5, Impala E85, Malibu Hybrid, Tahoe Hybrid, Silverado Hybrid, Volt, Equinox Fuel Cell, Beat and Groove were used to show off that Chevy will be the brand carrying the greenish flame most prominently into the future for GM. Lutz talked about having a whole range of options available to meet future trends, from hybrids, to flex-fuel burners, to fuel cells, to electrics like start/stop technology and good old-fashioned economy cars that get great fuel economy.

Gallery: 2008 Chevy Hybrids at the LA Auto Show

Gallery: 2008 Chevy Aveo5

Continue reading LA 2007: Lutz and Peper show off Chevy's high efficiency fleet

LA 2007: Lutz and Peper show off Chevy's high efficiency fleet originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Nov 2007 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

First Drive: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu

Chris Tutor — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Sedan, Chevrolet, First Drive

click above image to view a new high-res gallery of the 2008 Chevy Malibu

Autoblog gets numerous comments saying that the domestic automakers could easily sell more products if only they would make them good enough to buy. We agree. With the introduction of the 2008 Chevy Malibu, it could very well be time for us all to put up or shut up.

GM knows the midsize sedan segment is dominated by the Toyota Camry and has taken direct aim at that very car with the new Malibu. The car's measurements come close to the Camry in almost every category, including length, interior space, trunk size and engine displacement. Where they differ is in design. The Camry provides the automotive appliance for those who don't really want a car, but need to go places. The Malibu brings style to the game at a competitive price.

GM invited us to spend some time with the new Malibu in Memphis, Tenn. this past weekend, and we put the car down some of the roughest streets of the city and the twistiest back roads we could find in northwest Mississippi.

To start the day, we chose a top-of-the-line LTZ model with the 3.6L V6 and 6-speed transmission from a lineup of about a dozen Malibus parked in front of the Gibson Guitar factory in downtown Memphis. A couple of passersby stopped to ask what was going on, commenting on how good the new model looked. Apparently, it really is hard to ignore.

Continued after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu

General Motors provided the vehicles for testing. Autoblog does not accept travel or lodging from automakers when attending media events.

Live Photos Copyright (C)2007 Chris Tutor / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading First Drive: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu

First Drive: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Nov 2007 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Chevrolet adding extra Malibu production capacity

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 19:02:00 EST

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

It looks like General Motors is anticipating big numbers for the new Chevy Malibu. Production just started at the Fairfax Kansas assembly plant a few weeks ago, and they're already gearing up to add more capacity at a second facility. The company informed employees at the Lake Orion, MI plant this week that they will start building Malibus alongside the Pontiac G6s they already produce beginning next spring. The current plan is to add about ten to twenty-five percent more Malibu capacity from Lake Orion. Maxed-out, the Michigan plant could build up to 100,000 Malibus on top of the 150,000 G6s it churns out.

[Source: Detroit News]

Chevrolet adding extra Malibu production capacity originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 03 Nov 2007 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

GM backs off in-store Malibu vs. Camry comparos

Alex Nunez — Sun, 02 Sep 2007 15:28:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Chevrolet, GM, Honda, Toyota

When news came back in May that GM would encourage Chevy dealers to have a Camry on hand for customers to compare directly to the forthcoming Malibu, we lauded the company for walking the walk. Similarly confident in the Saturn Aura, the General ran a program earlier this summer in which Aura shoppers were offered comparison drives in both the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. According to GM, the Saturn program was a success, and Aura sales rose during the promotion. Despite that, the Malibu vs. Camry deathmatch is now officially DOA.

No specific reason has been given for the change of heart. A GM spokesperson says only that "it's been off the table for quite some time" and that "it wasn't the best approach" for the Malibu. The (undoubtedly significant) costs associated placing comparison vehicles in the 4,000+ Chevy dealers was said to not be a factor in the decision.

[Source: CNNMoney]

Gallery: 2008 Chevy Malibu

Continue reading GM backs off in-store Malibu vs. Camry comparos

GM backs off in-store Malibu vs. Camry comparos originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 02 Sep 2007 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

2008 Chevy Malibu comes in under a cool $20k

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 15:24:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Chevrolet

The Malibu's debut at dealerships this November is coming up quick, so Chevrolet formally announced pricing for the entire lineup, including the hybrid.

You can read the full press release after the jump, but the quick and dirty version begins with the base LS model that comes in at $19,345, a full $2k more than the previous model. The 1LT package is $20,305, while the 2LT is priced at $21,985 and the top-of-the-line LTZ model gets a sticker of $26,345. The hybrid comes in $4-grand cheaper than the LTZ at $22,140, which also undercuts its nearest competitor, the Camry Hybrid by about $3,000. Naturally, none of these prices include the $650 destination charge.

Gallery: 2008 Chevy Malibu

Gallery: 2008 Chevy Malibu Hybrid

Continue reading 2008 Chevy Malibu comes in under a cool $20k

2008 Chevy Malibu comes in under a cool $20k originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Aug 2007 15:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

GM says Malibu is best car in class, takes direct aim at competition

Dan Roth — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 09:33:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Chevrolet, GM, Honda, Toyota

When GM launches the 2008 Malibu this fall, look for it to go directly after the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. Mark LaNeve, GM's sales, service, and marketing VP, says GM will be laying out the reasons why it feels the Malibu is better than its competition in the new ad campaign. We hope to see the fur start to fly in the bread-and-butter sedan arena, with response ads upping the ante before being met with another challenge. LaNeve acknowledges that it will be a hard battle to pry backsides out of the Camry or Accord (especially with an all-new version of the latter), but GM's got an excellent car in the new Malibu. The assault on the incumbent evergreen models is already going on over in Saturn stores, where GM's actually placed the competitor's cars in the showroom next to the award winning Aura.

Customer research has told GM that import owners would be persuaded to buy a different brand that is as good or better than their current car, but only actual results will prove the hypothesis. One possible bone of contention is residual value, where the well-burnished reputation of the segment leaders has them holding on to nearly 50 percent of their original sticker after three years, versus about 35 percent for the Malibu. Instead of buying a car based on how much you can get for it in three years, we suggest you buy a car you're happy with, and we see a lot that's encouraging in the new Malibu. Heck, you might even want to keep it after it's paid off -- imagine that! Besides, if the car lives up to the expectations GM is whipping up for it, resale values will rise as word spreads. We can't wait to try one.

[Source: Automotive News]

Gallery: 2008 Chevy Malibu

GM says Malibu is best car in class, takes direct aim at competition originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Aug 2007 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

GM readying $100m Malibu ad campaign

Chris Shunk — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 09:03:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Chevrolet

Click the image above for more high resolution pics of the 2008 Malibu

GM is on the precipice of launching in the next few months three of the most important cars in the entire corporation. The 2008 Corvette and Cadillac CTS have been on the cover of virtually every enthusiast magazine, and us bloggers have been providing consistent updates via the web. The third and least-covered of GM's new models is the 2008 Malibu, but GM isn't taking lightly the importance of Chevrolet's midsize sedan. It's planning on bringing the Malibu to market behind the strength of a $100m ad campaign. With the Malibu set for a November 1 sale date, expect to see plenty of TV spots, radio ads, a print and web campaign, and maybe even some billboards this fall. $100 million is a lot of money (we checked). Toyota used a similarly-sized war chest to launch the Camry last year, and we can expect the Malibu to measure itself against the midsize sales king when it arrives.

While the upgraded Corvette and CTS bring much needed credibility and cash to GM, the Malibu may be the biggest launch of the three. The midsize sedan segment is huge, and GM can add to its retail market share if the Malibu is a success. The General is even planning on cutting fleet sales by half to about 20% of overall sales, which will boost resale values and lower lease prices (or lease incentives) at the same time. While the new Vette and CTS get all the headlines, GM is smart enough to give the Malibu the lion's share of the ad dollars.

[Source: Detroit News]

Gallery: 2008 Chevy Malibu

GM readying $100m Malibu ad campaign originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Aug 2007 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: Autoblog Podcast #66 (enhanced)

Chris Shunk — Sun, 20 May 2007 09:41:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Videos, Chrysler

The enhanced version of Autoblog Podcast #66 is finally here, and it broght some pictures to the audio party. In part one, we talk Cerberus' purchase of the American icon turned German property Chrysler. In part two of podcast #66 we finished up the Chrysler talk, then we covered quite a bit of ground with the Malibu vs. Camry marketing campaign about to be waged by Chevrolet, Autoblog's spy shots of the Accord Sedan, and the upcoming Saab 9-3. In the last part of the podcast, we touch base on the Corvette Z07 or SS or Blue Devil or whatever, and we also break down the German dominance of the international engine awards. We crammed a whole lot into 30 minutes, and it's definately worth a listen. Remember, parts two and three of the podcast are available after the jump.

Check it out. Per your suggestions, we cut the podcast into three sections for smaller downloads, and we've also embedded sections two and three of the podcast after the jump. If you have any more suggestions on how to improve the enhanced version of the Podcast, let us know in the comments. We're working on a better distribution system than shoving all three in our current RSS feed of the audio-only version, so soon you'll be able to subscribe just to the enhanced version's RSS feed.

DOWNLOAD Part One to your desktop (Chrysler Sale)
DOWNLOAD Part Two to your desktop (Accord sedan, Saab 9-3, Chevy Malibu)
DOWNLOAD Part Three to your desktop (Corvette Z07, Engine Awards)

SUBSCRIBE to the Autoblog YouTube video channel

SUBSCRIBE to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
ADD the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator

Continue reading VIDEO: Autoblog Podcast #66 (enhanced)

VIDEO: Autoblog Podcast #66 (enhanced) originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 May 2007 09:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Autoblog Podcast #66

Dan Roth — Tue, 15 May 2007 15:33:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Chrysler, Daimler, GM, Saab, Toyota

The last couple of days, we've all been inundated with news of Chrysler's sale to Cerberus, and that's what we lead Podcast #66 with. As much as it makes analysts and pundits foam at the mouth, news about the sale is a pretty dry affair. We'll be keeping an eye on how things go with the newly independent Chrysler, though.

On a more amusing note, we marvel at the confidence GM has in its new Malibu. The suggested sales tactic is to put the new Malibu beside a Camry in Chevy showrooms and guide the customer through how the Malibu is better. Of course, it's mainly a sales stunt - as the only way to tell anything about a car is by driving it. We wonder if Malibus will start popping up in Toyota stores - it'd improve the scenery compared to all the Joe Camel-looking cars, that's for sure. Perhaps the most momentous item we cover this week is Autoblog's first purchased spy shots, capturing the new Honda Accord in the wild. On the spy shot tip, our discussion moves on to the Saab 9-3 and we eventually end up talking about cellphone shots of the Blue Devil. Betwixt the Saab and hot 'Vette, we briefly ponder why German companies are filling their trophy cases with engine awards. German Engineering, ja. We finish up with a simple request - that Motor Trend, Automobile and their sibling buff books be well treated by their new stewards, which devolves into a confessional about who bought a back issue on eBay that featured one of their favorite cars. It's a 36 minute affair this week, enjoy!

SUBSCRIBE to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
LISTEN to the show now
ADD the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator

Autoblog Podcast #66 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 May 2007 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments