Rumored: 2010 Malibu Largely Unchanged; More E85

[nsap]

Rumored: 2010 Malibu Largely Unchanged; More E85
Sounds like GM is confident the Malibu will hold it's own
www.gminsidenews.com
December 26, 2008
By: Nsap, Editor-in-Chief

With the recent release of the all-new 2010 Ford Fusion and the reveal of two new direct-injected engines from General Motors, many have been asking questions regarding potential changes to the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. That got us doing some digging on our end to find out if anything major was going to take place on GM’s latest bread-and-butter sedan. While the Malibu is still quite competitive in the midsize sedan segment, the competition is not sitting still and the introduced-in-2008 Malibu needs to continually improve to keep ahead. At the current time though it appears only minimal changes will be taking place on the 2010 Malibu.

One of the major complaints of the current Malibu is the lack of navigation system. To clarify once again for everyone, navigation will NEVER be added to the current Malibu. The reason behind that is simple: the wiring structure of the Epsilon I platform that underpins the car does not support navigation and the costs to rewire the whole car exceed the potential return. So it goes without saying that navigation will not be on the option list in 2010. On the technology front, however, we do expect to see the Malibu gain the connectivity of a USB port for MP3 player integration. The 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt, Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac G5 all have an optional USB port. In addition, Pontiac has announced the addition of a USB port on the revised 2009.5 Pontiac G6. So it seems like a natural progression that the Malibu gain the USB port as well considering it uses the same radio head-units as the 2009.5 G6.

The one slightly significant (we guess…) addition to the 2010 Malibu is the 2.4L ECOTEC four-cylinder with E85 capability. The base engine on the Malibu is the ECOTEC 2.4L already, however the engine did not have E85 capability in the Malibu. The “LE9” 2.4L was added to the ECOTEC engine lineup for the 2009 model-year; debuting on the HHR. Again, the only change to the engine is that it can run E85. No word on any power increases for the ECOTEC 2.4L Malibu. This expands the Malibu’s E85 offerings to two engines. The 2009 Malibu has an optional “LZE” 3.5L OHV V6 that can take E85 FlexFuel. GM has stated many times now that they plan to expand the lineup of E85-capable engines, so this is not entirely surprising.

Other than the above there are no additional, known changes to the 2010 Malibu. It’s imperative to note that it is still early to discuss 2010’s and things COULD change, but at this point there is nothing that indicates to us that there will be any changes other than the above. As mentioned, we the recent developments of new powertrains and the new Fusion, a lot of questions have arisen about the Malibu. With that, we wanted to check on it and give everyone an update to ‘clear the air.’ We’re going to keep an eye on this to see if anything else develops.

[osv_alero]

I wouldn't expect GM to change much with the vehicle only being 3 years into the production cycle and no money available. I'm guessing the model year 2012 Malibu will be on EPII.

[1487]

Aura gets USB support during 2009 model year as well.

[pfflyer]

Would it be a good guess that the '12 Malibu would be on EPII on the short WB, and the Impala would debut on the LWB? Similar to the LaCrosse/Regal pairing that we'll see?

[Carguy]

I did not know the OHV 3.5L V6 was offered in this still new to me BU.

[ausrutherford]

One thing they need to do is cut on rental fleets.

[nsap]

Originally Posted by ausrutherford

One thing they need to do is cut on rental fleets.

Just a few months ago the Malibu was at 9% fleet. That is damn close to Toyota fleet levels.

[SAngelo]

I think GM will put the DI 2.4 liter in the Malibu and perhaps the 3.0 DI engine. If they do that, they should also have the 3.6 DI option. If the Malibu doesn't go to EPII until 2012, which is 3 years away. I think its imperative to spend the money on rewiring the electrical system on the Epsilons to support Navigation which probably won't happen because GM is extremely "thick". The other thing which baffles my mind is why doesnt the Epsilons have a rear center armrest. This is something so cheap to fix, it requires no technology or additional cost.

It amazes me when you read in Magazine articles the Malibu is a terrific car, its as good or better than the competition but its achilles heel is the lack of a Navigation option and a rear center armrest. Don't they realize that people that are searching for a new car read these negatives and store them upstairs especially when your Camcords, Altimas etc offer those features. You would think with all of the negative publicity GM has been receiving regarding Bailouts and bankruptcy they would listen. Unbelievable !!!!!

[ponywarrior]

I vote refresh the rear end.

[elderon]

Im really hoping the DI 2.4 makes its way in there for 2010. GM please keep this car competitive!

[GAIntrigue]

Originally Posted by ponywarrior

I vote refresh the rear end.

That rearend is why I prefer the Aura over the Malibu.

[jbernie]

Originally Posted by SAngelo

I think GM will put the DI 2.4 liter in the Malibu and perhaps the 3.0 DI engine. If they do that, they should also have the 3.6 DI option. If the Malibu doesn't go to EPII until 2012, which is 3 years away. I think its imperative to spend the money on rewiring the electrical system on the Epsilons to support Navigation which probably won't happen because GM is extremely "thick". The other thing which baffles my mind is why doesnt the Epsilons have a rear center armrest. This is something so cheap to fix, it requires no technology or additional cost.

if cost vs return isnt there then GM in its current financial state should not be spending money on something that = money lossed even on more sales. They should definately do other things to keep the competition close, If the biggest shortfall is no Navigation then GM is just fine.

Having (unfortunately) been in an 09 Camry I can say that GM's interiors are looking very appealing with each update they do.

[AndrewGS]

I guess the Epsilon wiring harness doesn't allow for a rear seat armrest either.

I'm sick of the wiring excuse. What super expensive wire does a navigation system need? I've installed an aftermarket navigation head unit (Kenwood 5120) in an HHR which according to GM isn't capable of supporting navigation.

Originally Posted by NSAP

Just a few months ago the Malibu was at 9% fleet. That is damn close to Toyota fleet levels.

And that's total fleet sales, not rental sales. Something so many people don't realize is that Ford and GM have fleet agreements with lots of corporations that allow their employees to buy cars at lower prices. Those sales count as fleet when in reality they are private.

[ZvetteGuy]

Originally Posted by ponywarrior

I vote refresh the rear end.

Maybe we should have a photoshop contest with just refreshing the rear of the current Malibu and see what we come up with

Who knows, maybe the General will see them

Just a thought

[page2171]

I'm glad this didn't get put in the news section...since this isn't news. GM not making any changes to a car = not news.