2013 Malibu Eco Headed To Dealers

[nsap]

The new 'bu started shipping out of Kansas City today.
www.GMInsideNews.com
January 23, 2012
By: Nick Saporito

Image from Chevrolet's Facebook page

General Motors is already launching their first all-new product for the 2012 calendar year, the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. The new Malibu began shipping today (according to Chevrolet's Facebook Page); off to Chevy dealerships nationwide from GM's Fairfax Assembly plant in Kansas City, KS.

Only the Malibu Eco is launching now, and even that almost did not happen. Over a year ago GM management insisted that the all-new Malibu launch be pushed ahead so the company could remain competitive in the all-important midsize sedan segment. Because most of the timing hinged on the car's all-new engines, the company elected to push ahead the already planned Eco trim level, which utilizes GM's eAssist light electrification. The Malibu Eco's powertrain is identical to the Buick LaCrosse and Buick Regal with eAssist technology. Ultimately the 2013 Malibu program was pushed ahead by about six months.

Later this year GM's all-new Ecotec 2.5-liter and 2.0-liter turbo engines will arrive in the 2013 Malibu. Until then the current generation Malibu will also remain in production, with the car likely taking on fleet duty under a new name after the full 2013 lineup is out.

The Malibu Eco is rated at 25 MPG city and 37 MPG highway and starts at $25,235.

[bballr4567]

Argh, 2.5 needs to be here but I understand that GM needed this car out now.

[CTS-V-TWIN]

WOW! Didn't think this would happen this soon. It would have made more sense to roll the entire new Malibu lineup at the same time, while getting rid of the current generation model. I guess GM couldn't wait a few months. How are they going to sell the old one next to the new one without having to discount the hell out of it?

[Envoy4Life]

Great. I'll be sure to drive one when I get a chance!

[blaksabb]

In other news, Samuel L. Jackson is studying for his upcoming roll as an angry transport-truck driver with a score to settle by guiding new Malibus to dealers in the Hollywood area.

[thebusiness]

In other news, Samuel L. Jackson is studying for his upcoming roll as an angry transport-truck driver with a score to settle by guiding new Malibus to dealers in the Hollywood area.

Immediately what I thought when I saw the pic. Glad I'm not the only one.

[Syclone478]

In other news, Samuel L. Jackson is studying for his upcoming roll as an angry transport-truck driver with a score to settle by guiding new Malibus to dealers in the Hollywood area.

Immediately what I thought when I saw the pic. Glad I'm not the only one.

Haha, me too.

So, is the Eco model available in LS/LT/LTZ trims? If so, would that be an LS or LT model on the second-level rack? (No fog lights but couldn't tell if the mirrors are blacked out, assuming they'll still do that to LS models).

[FenwickHockey65]

Haha, me too.

So, is the Eco model available in LS/LT/LTZ trims? If so, would that be an LS or LT model on the second-level rack? (No fog lights but couldn't tell if the mirrors are blacked out, assuming they'll still do that to LS models).

ECO is a separate trim similar to Cruze ECO, but has its own option packages.

[Mcmflow]

So how is this not more prominent on Chevy's website?? A little square at the bottom of the screen....and only when you scrolled down did you see that row of boxes

[ne_one]

It would have made more sense to roll the entire new Malibu lineup at the same time, while getting rid of the current generation model. I guess GM couldn't wait a few months. How are they going to sell the old one next to the new one without having to discount the hell out of it?

There is an onslaught of new models coming in this segment, making it critical to get a jump on the competition.

How are they going to sell the old one next to the new one without having to discount the hell out of it?

Remaining inventory will likely go to fleet sales.

[Syclone478]

ECO is a separate trim similar to Cruze ECO, but has its own option packages.

Ah, thanks. I saw the fog lamp delete panels (first time) and my mind jumped to LS/LT. With regard to features, ECO is pretty decked out though, yeah? As in close to an LTZ?

[rueben44]

I am really happy with GM for pushing this car out with the trim level available. My nephew just purchased a loaded Optima and may I say it is really nice and the current Malibu does not stand a chance against it. GM better had ship out the new Bu before they lost anymore sales to Hyundai/Kia.


Also for the first time I think I could see my self driving a Malibu and that is big.

[stick076]

Some amazing engineering work by GM. They were able to match the Sonata's city FE and best its highway by 2 mpg. It only took a fancy mild hybrid system.

Overall, I do like the car. At least everything besides the stupid "Camaro inspired" bits. They look out of place and ruin what could have been a fantastic design. The fact that they are a step behind in the FE race is disappointing as well.

The new 2013 Malibu... a class leading car if it were still 2008.

[goatgary]

So how is this not more prominent on Chevy's website?? A little square at the bottom of the screen....and only when you scrolled down did you see that row of boxes

Exactly. Chevy Marketing has apparently nodded off thinking release is 4th quarter.

[neshapop]

Argh, 2.5 needs to be here but I understand that GM needed this car out now.

Of course all GM marketing photos and product brochures will be shown in red but, just like with Regal GS, that paint option will not be available until November or something remotely stupid. For now enjoy your galore of black/white/gray inventory...