Trim Levels
Base: LS
Mid-level: LT, Hybrid
Up-level: LTZ
Sport: Malibu Sport
Body Styles: Sedan, Convertible, Coupe, Wagon
Introduction
The introduction of the new 2008 Malibu is a significant milestone for Chevrolet and GM's turnaround. There finally is a Chevrolet midsize sedan capable of being compared with the best of it's foreign competition and playing right up there in the segment's top tier. The Malibu is a very important vehicle for Chevrolet, as it's market segment is one that holds some of America's best selling vehicles. Also, most of GM's volume in this segment rests on the shoulders of the Malibu. The current Malibu is based on the Epsilon I platform, which has a few handicaps that will be done away with on the next generation version of the platform. It has been said that the next generation of these cars is truly the time that GM puts it's weight behind an all-out assault on the mid-size market. This in mind, we present to you what we feel is a class leading look at what the next generation EPIII Malibu could be like.
Chevrolet is all about choice, and we take that to heart in our proposed Malibu lineup. In this RIA, the Malibu line is expanded from just a single sedan to a 3 car lineup; convertible, coupe and wagon. A true "Malibu Family", almost a brand within itself, the Malibu line will be a powerful force in the market and provide better economies of scale for the Epsilon II platform. Exterior size remains relatively the same, and the pricing scale broadens as the Malibu makes moves both up and down the market.
Inside, the Malibu continues the two tone theme started with the 2008, and goes for a completely modern center stack, fully integrated and with a new switchgear layout. Radio controls are moved to the touch screen navigation system, with and color LCD screen (minus navigation) standard on every 2011 Malibu. Voice controls for the navigation, HVAC and radio are standard as well, in a bid to solidify it's position as a class leading entry. HVAC is controlled through the center stack's buttons, with the settings displayed on the LCD screen. GM's latest efforts in interior lighting are sustained with LED lighting all along the bottom of the center stack, illuminating the footwells at night. The Malibu makes a class leading attempt at mid-size market leadership, inside and out.
Following a mantra of Value and Choice, the Malibu trim lineup expands as well, offering more choice and options then ever before. Starting out at a lowered asking price of $18,950, LS comes standard with a 2.4L185HP ECOTEC 4 and a 5 speed manual transmission. Next is the ever popular LT, which moves you up to a 2.4L 185 HP ECOTEC 4 and an standard 6 speed automatic transmission. A model for the environmentally-conscious, the Malibu Hybrid comes with a smaller displacement 2.0L 150 HP ECOTEC 4 and the next generation BAS+ hybrid system, starting at $23,950. Following the mantra of choice, is a new addition, the LTZ 4 model. This provides buyers an option to get a fully loaded Malibu with a 4 cylinder engine, and starts at $24,650. Starting at $27,950 is the LTZ V6 model, with GM's new (it's in the works now) 3.0L 295HP HF V6 with Direct Injection. This setup provides better fuel economy and gets more power out of a smaller displacement engine. Giving a dose of sportiness to the Malibu line is the SS model, with the 3.6L bumped to 325HP and asking price of $31,250. Optional on this model is a 6-speed manual, adding the thrill of rowing your own gears to the family sedan.
As has been said before, every bit of news and information has pointed to an all-out GM assault on the mid-size market with the next generation EPII platform, and most specifically with the Malibu. What that will mean? Time is yet to tell. In the meantime we have look at possibilities for the future with this Revitalization in Action, and also excellent product available right now, with the 2008 Malibu. Following the short expected time on market for the 2008 model, our proposed Malibu is launched at the Detroit show in 2010, with a launch in Spring of the same year as a 2011 model.
Specifications Sheet
Vehicle Type: Midsize FWD 5 Passenger Sedan 4-door Sedan, Midsize 4 Passenger Convertible/Coupe, Mid-Size 5 passenger Wagon
Size Comparison: 2008 Malibu
Competitors: Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima
Base Platform: Epsilon II
Drive Wheels: FWD (Standard: LS/LT/LTZ/), AWD (Standard: SS Optional: LT/LTZ)
Engines:
LS: 2.4L 185HP ECOTEC 4 - Starting at $18,950
LT: 2.4L 185HP ECOTEC 4 - Starting at $21,950
Hybrid: : 2.0L 150HP ECOTEC 4 w/BAS+ Hybrid System - Starting at $23,950
LTZ 4: 2.4L 185HP ECOTEC 4 - Starting at $24,650
LTZ V6: 3.0L 295HP HF V6 w/DI - Starting at $27,950
SS: 3.6L 325HP HF V6 w/DI - Starting at $31,250
Transmissions: 5 speed Manual (Standard: LS, Optional: LT), 6 speed Manual (Optional: SS) 6 Speed Automatic (Optional: LS, Standard: LT/Hybrid/LTZ/SS)