Differences between Malibu and Aura suspensions?

[AuraXR]

I understand that there are some differences between the original 07 Aura and the 08 Malibu (maybe in the bushings and shock rates). I currently drive an 07 Aura XR with 46K and its been great but I am now thinking about getting into a Malibu LT or LTZ.

Does anyone know what these differences are if any?

Thanks!

AuraXR

[caddycruiser]

As I remember reading, the differences are small between a current Aura and current Malibu...but the Malibu gets just a smidge more plushness. Handles equally, or 98% as so, but just apparently has a touch more compliance.

Or, at least that's what I've read. Drive one to compare with your Aura.

Also of note, I don't THINK there's any difference as far as LS/LT vs. LTZ, but I'm trying to double check that.

[AuraXR]

Thank you. I had heard that the Malibu was using hydraulic bushings but I am not sure if the Aura XR is set up the same? Overall it seems GM put more development(refinement) into the Malibu before letting it out the plant door.

Regards,

AuraXR

[Ed753]

Originally Posted by AuraXR

I understand that there are some differences between the original 07 Aura and the 08 Malibu (maybe in the bushings and shock rates). I currently drive an 07 Aura XR with 46K and its been great but I am now thinking about getting into a Malibu LT or LTZ.

Does anyone know what these differences are if any?

Thanks!

AuraXR

There are some differences, the Aura is on the latest version of the original Epsilon Chassis, the 2008 Malibu is built on the first rendition of the Epsilon II Chassis. A colleague of mine actually works for a supplier of some front suspension parts, they are different, and GM was paying big bucks to expedite its development and completion, without further delaying the launch of the Malibu.

But let me get this straight, you love your Aura, but since GM changed some components, bushing, shock/spring rates ……………… you're going to buy a new car even though the one you have is barely a year old!?

Take 3 lbs. of air out of your tires, you'll have a softer ride - that's free. Not that I am discouraging you from buying a new car, but if that is your only reason ..................

[coaster.n3rd]

Originally Posted by Ed753

There are some differences, the Aura is on the latest version of the original Epsilon Chassis, the 2008 Malibu is built on the first rendition of the Epsilon II Chassis.

I'm not sure that is correct. Aura/Malibu ride on the same platform with the same suspension. At the Ride N Drive the Chevy spokesman said they detuned the suspension and steering to be softer and perhaps the adding of a bushing or two but nothing else.

EpII Aura will happen before the Malibu.

[Ed753]

Originally Posted by coaster.n3rd

I'm not sure that is correct. Aura/Malibu ride on the same platform with the same suspension. At the Ride N Drive the Chevy spokesman said they detuned the suspension and steering to be softer and perhaps the adding of a bushing or two but nothing else.

EpII Aura will happen before the Malibu.

The Epsilon II started production in the second half of 2007 at Fairfax, along-side Epsilon I’s at the same plant, and I'm certain my colleague at the front suspension component manufacturer knows more about it than the “Chevy spokesman at the Ride N Drive”

[coaster.n3rd]

Originally Posted by Ed753

The Epsilon II started production in the second half of 2007 at Fairfax, along-side Epsilon I’s at the same plant, and I'm certain my colleague at the front suspension component manufacturer knows more about it than the “Chevy spokesman at the Ride N Drive”

Nope, Epsilon I. Confirmed from various sources. Even Wikipedia. Looks like the front suspension component manufacturer does not know as much he/you thought and the spokesman was correct.

[edit] Epsilon II

A new version of the Epsilon, dubbed Epsilon II, will debut in 2008. It will be adaptable for front and all-wheel drive applications.
Concept vehicles built on Epsilon II:

• 2007 Opel GTC

The Epsilon II will be used in the following vehicles:

• 2008 Opel Insignia
• 2009 Saab 9-5
• 2010 Buick LaCrosse
• 2011 Saturn Aura
• 2011 Pontiac G6
• 2010 Saab 9-3
• 2012 Chevy Malibu

Seeing as that I sell the Aura, I have to be up to date on this sort of thing. i see these suppliers come in all the time and claim outrageous things. I had one guy argue with me that Zeta currently underpins Impala.

[Ed753]

"Even Wikipedia"

Wikipedia!?

Yes, Wikipedia is a great source/resource ............ gospel!? Fact!? 100% accurate!?

Sorry it only as good as what you and others put into it.

I’m going by hard auto data, production plan:

EPSILON Chevrolet Malibu '04
EPSILON Pontiac G6 '05
EPSILON Saturn Aura '06
EPSILON 2 Chevrolet Malibu '08
EPSILON 2 Pontiac G6 '10
EPSILON 2 Saturn Wagon '10

And the fact he (his company) was billing GM $XXX,XXX dollars to airfreight tool & dies from Japan to N.A. for the 2008 Malibu, early 2007.

I talked about this before, see my post from: 04-06-2007, 11:44 PM under “GM and Lugs?” topic.

Again, I’m pretty sure the Malibu is on the Epsilon II, and definitely on a different chassis than the original Aura’s.

[coaster.n3rd]

I'll bet on it. An entire week of commission. Currently at $1,183.48 Anyone want to confirm?

[cemaxc]

coaster is right. The 08 Malibu rides on the current Epsilon I chassis. Its basically an Aura underneath. Europe will get Epsilon first with the Insignia and 9-5 and then the U.S. cars will then get it.

[coaster.n3rd]

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=119021

http://www.caranddriver.com/autoshow...et-malibu.html

http://money.cnn.com/2007/10/19/auto...tune/index.htm

http://www.leftlanenews.com/chevrolet-malibu-2.html

About Epsilon II

http://www.trollhattansaab.net/archi...-insignia.html

Differences between Malibu and Aura suspensions?

I'll take cash or a certified money order.

[Ed753]

OK, so GM missed the target and put a new-pretty wrapper on otherwise inferior 2004 Malibu …………… I’m surprised.

I just looked up various front-end components in the GM parts catalog I’ve found many that do not go back to the 2007 Malibu or G6, I found several that are only on the 2008 Malibu, and I also found several shared parts that are on the 2008 G6, but not the 2005 – 2007 G6’s.

Albeit Epsilon I / Epsilon II the 2008 Malibu IS different, front-suspension wise than the 2007 Aura ……..

Oh, also I find it funny that you state this very thread as to your proof to your case!?

[Chaz_23]

Isn't the next LaCrosse (please call it Regal) going to be the first NA car on EII. And Lutz claims it'll be mind-blowing. And if you've seen the pics of that car, the new Malibu couldn't posibly sit in EII. All you have to do is sit inside the Malibu to see that the resemblance to the Aura.

[coaster.n3rd]

Originally Posted by Ed753

OK, so GM missed the target and put a new-pretty wrapper on otherwise inferior 2004 Malibu …………… I’m surprised.

I just looked up various front-end components in the GM parts catalog I’ve found many that do not go back to the 2007 Malibu or G6, I found several that are only on the 2008 Malibu, and I also found several shared parts that are on the 2008 G6, but not the 2005 – 2007 G6’s.

Albeit Epsilon I / Epsilon II the 2008 Malibu IS different, front-suspension wise than the 2007 Aura ……..

Oh, also I find it funny that you state this very thread as to your proof to your case!?

I used this post because I was right.

Anywho... I wouldn't call what they did as missing the target. Simply put, Ep I is a great platform that needed some tweaking for the Aura/Malibu.

[coaster.n3rd]

Originally Posted by Chaz_23

Isn't the next LaCrosse (please call it Regal) going to be the first NA car on EII. And Lutz claims it'll be mind-blowing. And if you've seen the pics of that car, the new Malibu couldn't posibly sit in EII. All you have to do is sit inside the Malibu to see that the resemblance to the Aura.

Its been my understanding that the Buick & Aura will arrive at the same time.