New Cars Chevrolet Malibu This is the first look at the 2013 Chevy Malibu, due for a full unveiling at the 2011 New York and Shanghai Auto Shows on April 19th. So far, we get nothing but a teaser of the rear of the car and some general suggestions as to its specs, though the video below gives a better idea of what to expect.
Those specs are very general indeed, however: expect GM's global four-cylinders, plus six-speed transmissions. The one thing notable in the announcement is the lack of any mention of a V-6 option. The current Malibu is available with a 252-horsepower 3.6-liter V-6 in 2LT and LTZ trims.
The new version will have a range of four-cylinder engines, likely the 2.4-liter and turbocharged 2.0-liter units used in an array of General Motors products, including the Buick Regal. The Malibu is also expected to share a version of the Regal's underpinnings, which come from European division Opel. The powertrain will be completed with a line of six-speed transmissions. A light hybrid--like the eAssist setup launching in the LaCrosse and Regal this year, is also likely.
Chevrolet says the Malibu will be sold around the world and is the brand's first midsize car to be sold globally. It will also be assembled at a range of locations, including two plants in the United States and a site in China.
GM knows that safety is paramount in any vehicle, particularly one that will likely be used to haul families around town and across country, and as such, the Malibu comes packed with an array of technology aimed at keeping its occupants safe. Both the driver and front passenger, in the event of an accident, will find themselves cocooned in dual-stage air bags, pelvic/thorax side-impact airbags and even knee airbags.
There are also roof air bags that offer rollover protection, and Chevy will offer available second-row pelvic/thorax side-impact airbags, a lane departure warning system with forward collision alert and an available rearview camera system. Of course, OnStar with Automatic Crash Response is also included, and now boasts improved voice recognition technology, as well as a myriad of improvements aimed at ease of use rather than safety concerns.
