After teasing us mercilessly with a trickle of images slowly depicting the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, General Motors has finally lifted the veil on the next iteration of the mid-size sedan in Canada, China and the US simultaneously. Taking on the Hyundai Sonata, Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, it has benefited from a full facelift and sports new livery and a new powertrain.
As the first images showed, the Malibu has inherited some Camaro and Corvette DNA for a more athletic stance. Compared to the outgoing model, the wheelbase is 114 mm (4.5 inches) shorter while the front and rear tracks are 51 mm (2 inches) wider.
The brand’s signature grille is dual-port onboard, as well as HID headlamps and Camaro-inspired lights. Engineers took great care to improve the car’s aerodynamics, creating a drag coefficient of only .280, similar to the Volt’s.
The 2011 Malibu’s 2.2-litre engine will be replaced by a 2.5-litre ECOTEC four-banger delivering 190 hp and 180 ft-lb of torque to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.
GM says the MacPherson struts up front and the multi-link suspension in back are more refined. Braking will be handled by vented discs in front and solid discs in back, while traction and stability control (among other things) will help refine the ride.
Safety hasn’t been neglected either, and the Malibu has inherited a whole array of standard air bags. Buyers can opt for a lane departure/frontal collision warning system and a rear-view camera as well.
The automaker says occupants will enjoy 113 litres of extra space (compared to the old model) and better sound insulation. The cabin features soft-touch materials and metallic, chrome or wood trim on the instrument cluster, doors and steering wheel. The storage pockets are bathed in the same blue light as the gauges.
The finishing touch is a folding radio face that reveals a six-inch storage space where you can safely stow your belongings. Like the Equinox, the new Malibu will feature the MyLink infotainment system.
The 2013 Malibu will come in 10 exterior colours and 4 interior fabric shades, depending on the model (LS, LT or LTZ). Production will launch in early 2012, and GM will reveal pricing later this year.
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| Photo: General Motors |
As the first images showed, the Malibu has inherited some Camaro and Corvette DNA for a more athletic stance. Compared to the outgoing model, the wheelbase is 114 mm (4.5 inches) shorter while the front and rear tracks are 51 mm (2 inches) wider.
The brand’s signature grille is dual-port onboard, as well as HID headlamps and Camaro-inspired lights. Engineers took great care to improve the car’s aerodynamics, creating a drag coefficient of only .280, similar to the Volt’s.
The 2011 Malibu’s 2.2-litre engine will be replaced by a 2.5-litre ECOTEC four-banger delivering 190 hp and 180 ft-lb of torque to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.
GM says the MacPherson struts up front and the multi-link suspension in back are more refined. Braking will be handled by vented discs in front and solid discs in back, while traction and stability control (among other things) will help refine the ride.
Safety hasn’t been neglected either, and the Malibu has inherited a whole array of standard air bags. Buyers can opt for a lane departure/frontal collision warning system and a rear-view camera as well.
The automaker says occupants will enjoy 113 litres of extra space (compared to the old model) and better sound insulation. The cabin features soft-touch materials and metallic, chrome or wood trim on the instrument cluster, doors and steering wheel. The storage pockets are bathed in the same blue light as the gauges.
The finishing touch is a folding radio face that reveals a six-inch storage space where you can safely stow your belongings. Like the Equinox, the new Malibu will feature the MyLink infotainment system.
The 2013 Malibu will come in 10 exterior colours and 4 interior fabric shades, depending on the model (LS, LT or LTZ). Production will launch in early 2012, and GM will reveal pricing later this year.
 |
| Photo: General Motors |
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