It's a traditional American cruiser with some neat modern details. Not a revolution, but should keep the Malibu top-of-mind for mid-size shoppers well into this decade.
It addresses my biggest issue with the current Malibu, the rear end. The front looks a bit too evolutionary, but I'll reserve judgement until real photos start to surface.
I did post this on the other thread, then earlier news on these patent drawings was not too clear if it's a next-generation Impala or Malibu, though it's clear that it's a Chevrolet. Later reports identify this an a next-generation Malibu, and sources claim that these resemble that vehicle shown at GM exclusive meetings held last year, which was said to be the next Malibu.
It appears that it's based on the SWB Epsilon-2, though the overhangs appear longer, resulting in the next-Malibu to likely be close to the overall length of the current car, but reports also stated that the next-Malibu is taller and wider.
I just hope that they don't make it lesser of a car than the nice and well-received current model. Also, with the next-generation Impala reported to go larger for sharing a stretched LWB Epsilon-2 underpinning with the upcoming Cadillac XTS, there's room for the next Malibu to even grow. I also hope that the engine offerings are similar to the Equinox, with the base four and a 3.0L V6 upgrade, that would suit this car just fine. Those that want something larger and more upmarket, with a greater engine offering could step up to the (next) Impala. The Malibu, also, has to maintain a size and have the power offering, to distance itself from the upcoming Cruize.
Also, and I hope this isn't just a tease, or wishful-thinking, this time around, with a guy like Mark Reuss in power, and taking reports that cropped up recently into account, perhaps a Zeta sedan, to compliment the Camaro, could even be added to the line-up, and would slot in just nicely!
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Last edited by 63Bonneville : 03-12-2010 at 02:24 AM.
I just hope that they don't make it lesser of a car than the nice and well-received current model. Also, with the next-generation Impala reported to go larger for sharing a stretched LWB Epsilon-2 underpinning with the upcoming Cadillac XTS, there's room for the next Malibu to even grow. I also hope that the engine offerings are similar to the Equinox, with the base four and a 3.0L V6 upgrade, that would suit this car just fine. Those that want something larger and more upmarket, with a greater engine offering could step up to the (next) Impala. The Malibu, also, has to maintain a size and have the power offering, to distance itself from the upcoming Cruize.
IMO, the Malibu is a perfect size as is, except perhaps a bit narrow due to the European origins of Epsilon I. The only reservation I have is the supposedly shortened wheelbase...let's hope they can preserve rear seat room.
As for engines, the Equinox's four as a base is a no brainer, but I hope they go for something a bit nicer than the 3.0L DI V6; despite the impressive horsepower number it's rather weak on torque, where most of the responsiveness actually comes from.
As for the line drawings, they look good, the rear end is a big improvement; but the side surfacing seems rather generic and less sophisticated-looking than the current car's, and there's very little going on at the front that's new (or at least, new and worthwhile). Pictures of an actual car may make me change my mind, of course...
It appears that it's based on the SWB Epsilon-2, though the overhangs appear longer, resulting in the next-Malibu to likely be close to the overall length of the current car, but reports also stated that the next-Malibu is taller and wider.
Yes, it appears to be using a SWB Epsilon II platform, should be roughtly the same size as the Insignia/ Regal.
Here's a comparison I made earlier (posted at GMI)
Click thumbnail to enlarge:
Picking up the Camaro/Corvette tail light theme is good.
agreed and they should be doing this across the lineup. just becuase the Camero has the classic looks and RWD, does not mean its styling shouldn't be seen other models. the quicker Chevy can create some sort of brand identity based more on the camero styling than the current uninspired designs, the better.
2012 Chevrolet Malibu
Hybrid Mode
