2016 Chevrolet Malibu to Feature Corvette-Inspired Styling

15844 Views 110 Replies 73 Participants Last post by Dequindre, Apr 2, 2015

Envoy4Life

Discussion Starter · Jan 20, 2015

Slated to go on sale this fall
World Car Fans
January 19, 2015
By: Michael Gauthier

General Motor's Vice President of Global Design has revealed the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu will feature Corvette-inspired styling.

In an interview with Edmunds, Ed Welburn said the redesigned sedan will have a number of Corvette-inspired styling cues. As he explained, "You see it in the form vocabulary in the body side. It has flare. It has spirit. It has tension." He also said the model will have new taillights which mimic those on the Corvette Stingray.

His sentiments were echoed by GM Executive Vice President of Global Product Development, Mark Reuss, who said we'll be "blown away" by the car's new styling. He went on to say that car will be "more true to what Chevrolet should be" and will come equipped "more than what you thought you would get for that price."

That's not much to go on but previous spy photos have shown the car will feature curvaceous body work and a dramatic rear end. The model is rumored to ride on an updated version of the Epsilon II platform and feature carryover engines.

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Envoy4Life

Discussion Starter · #2 · Jan 20, 2015

Good.

Hopefully it connects with more buyers more than the current "Camaro-Inspired" one.

Reactions: 3

SierraGS

· #3 · Jan 20, 2015

Styling is not the Malibu's problem.

Feature/price value is

Fix it like the Accord/Camry and sales will fix themselves.

Cost = $0

Time to market 90 days.

Figure it out Chevy.

Reactions: 5

paul8488

· #4 · Jan 20, 2015

Envoy4Life said:
His sentiments were echoed by GM Executive Vice President of Global Product Development, Mark Reuss, who said we'll be "blown away" by the car's new styling.

Yeah? Blown away? By your midsize mass-market sedan? I'm a huge fan of the Fusion, which to me is the most attractive midsize sedan out there, and even it never 'blew me away'. It's just so tiring to hear this hyperbole every time. I recall hearing exactly the same thing about the previous generation after it was revealed to a group of dealers. I mean I'm all for an automotive suit talking up the product, but 'blown away' is a silly way to describe what is certainly going to be just a nice sedan.

He went on to say that car will be "more true to what Chevrolet should be" and will come equipped "more than what you thought you would get for that price."

So what isn't true about the current Malibu? When they designed the previous one they said "So guys, what can we do to take some of the 'Chevroletness' out of this?" As for equipment, the day the specs are released I want to see the list of equipment and compare it to every other midsize sedan out there. If there is a single thing missing I'm driving a Malibu through Reuss' front window.

Reactions: 3

American_Muscle

· #5 · Jan 20, 2015

Honestly, change the name. It's been the exact same song and dance every new redesign since the 90's. Each new one is supposed to become the segment leader. Last time it was the Camaro based design.. that didn't work.. lets try the Vette. While I like the name and even the last two design attempts, it's still "just a Malibu". Something, rather nothing, is working. Change the name, give it some balls behind the gas pedal, and maybe offer something else (coupe,convertable,sport motor, etc). This car has never had a loyal following worth mentioning, so there's not much to lose.

Z284ever

· #6 · Jan 20, 2015

Oh. The Malibu will have overly busy styling with a plethora of scoops, vents and doo-dads?

Reactions: 4

Neanderthal

· #7 · Jan 20, 2015

paul8488 said:
Yeah? Blown away? By your midsize mass-market sedan? I'm a huge fan of the Fusion, which to me is the most attractive midsize sedan out there, and even it never 'blew me away'. It's just so tiring to hear this hyperbole every time. I recall hearing exactly the same thing about the previous generation after it was revealed to a group of dealers. I mean I'm all for an automotive suit talking up the product, but 'blown away' is a silly way to describe what is certainly going to be just a nice sedan.

So what isn't true about the current Malibu? When they designed the previous one they said "So guys, what can we do to take some of the 'Chevroletness' out of this?" As for equipment, the day the specs are released I want to see the list of equipment and compare it to every other midsize sedan out there. If there is a single thing missing I'm driving a Malibu through Reuss' front window.

LOL. Nice assessment.

Previous 'bu styling session: "OK, boys, I've just made a big BS speech telling the dealer-drones how faaan-taaass-tikk! the new 'bu will look. I want you to play a big freakin' joke on those Jaspers. Cramp up the rear foot room. Make the car as vanilla FBI-undercover nondescript as is physically possible with metal and plastic! Don't forget to do a little de-contenting! And cheap upholstery! Don't forget that!
Now get to work!"

What in hell does "Corvetteness" mean? Skimpy back seat room? No head room? Ingress-egress difficulties? Tires cost 600 bucks each?
"Corvetteness" can be laid out many different ways.

And yes, your friendly local neighborhood Neanderthal is also sick of these teenage-boy braggadocio sessions that, had GM brought a PR Czar aboard, would not be a weekly feature of GM Suits, Future Products, Histrionics Division, Take #5,279. Roll 'em! :fall:

Reactions: 3

Envoy4Life

Discussion Starter · #8 · Jan 20, 2015

paul8488 said:
Yeah? Blown away? By your midsize mass-market sedan? I'm a huge fan of the Fusion, which to me is the most attractive midsize sedan out there, and even it never 'blew me away'. It's just so tiring to hear this hyperbole every time. I recall hearing exactly the same thing about the previous generation after it was revealed to a group of dealers. I mean I'm all for an automotive suit talking up the product, but 'blown away' is a silly way to describe what is certainly going to be just a nice sedan.

IMHO the Fusion looks very dated now. When it debuted, it looked fantastic.

Now? Meh. It's played out and it hasn't aged well at all.

Reactions: 5

Neanderthal

· #9 · Jan 20, 2015

American_Muscle said:
Honestly, change the name. It's been the exact same song and dance every new redesign since the 90's. Each new one is supposed to become the segment leader. Last time it was the Camaro based design.. that didn't work.. lets try the Vette. While I like the name and even the last two design attempts, it's still "just a Malibu". Something, rather nothing, is working. Change the name, give it some balls behind the gas pedal, and maybe offer something else (coupe,convertable,sport motor, etc). This car has never had a loyal following worth mentioning, so there's not much to lose.

I had a '79 'vette (Che-vette) which I ran hell out of for a number of years. As you suggest, Muscle, spin of that tried-and-true Corvette glow.

Suggestions: Hevette. Brovette. Hombrevette. Boovette. Welbvette. Gangstavette. Buymeavette. Juicevette. Familyvette.

Z284ever said:
Oh. The Malibu will have overly busy styling with a plethora of scoops, vents and doo-dads?

:lmao:

spidge

· #10 · Jan 20, 2015

How about some Corvette-inspired performance?

Reactions: 3

Dr.Show-Me

· #11 · Jan 20, 2015

Neanderthal said:
LOL. Nice assessment.
Previous 'bu styling session: "OK, boys, I've just made a big BS speech telling the dealer-drones how faaan-taaass-tikk! the new 'bu will look. I want you to play a big freakin' joke on those Jaspers. Cramp up the rear foot room. Make the car as vanilla FBI-undercover nondescript as is physically possible with metal and plastic! Don't forget to do a little de-contenting! And cheap upholstery! Don't forget that!
Now get to work!"
What in hell does "Corvetteness" mean? Skimpy back seat room? No head room? Ingress-egress difficulties? Tires cost 600 bucks each?
"Corvetteness" can be laid out many different ways.
And yes, your friendly local neighborhood Neanderthal is also sick of these teenage-boy braggadocio sessions that, had GM brought a PR Czar aboard, would not be a weekly feature of GM Suits, Future Products, Histrionics Division, Take #5,279. Roll 'em! :fall:

Maybe "Corvetteness" means it only fits two adults!

Reactions: 1

Tone

· #12 · Jan 20, 2015 (Edited)

I actually think that in upper trims the current Malibu is quite attractive. Besides, if style is what was critical in this segment, how come two of the sales leaders (Camry and Accord) are quite conservative? Also note that one of the segment's most attractive cars -- the Mazda 6 -- doesn't even come close sales-wise.

Malibu suffered because it wasn't a great value in its class. If they want to mimic the Corvette, how about creating a four door sedan that can hold its own against far more expensive cars? Because that's what is really impressive about the Corvette. I'd take that over Corvette-inspired tail lamps. And providing that kind of value is literally the core of the brand.

Reactions: 3

mchicha

· #13 · Jan 20, 2015

paul8488 said:
Yeah? Blown away? By your midsize mass-market sedan? I'm a huge fan of the Fusion, which to me is the most attractive midsize sedan out there, and even it never 'blew me away'. It's just so tiring to hear this hyperbole every time. I recall hearing exactly the same thing about the previous generation after it was revealed to a group of dealers. I mean I'm all for an automotive suit talking up the product, but 'blown away' is a silly way to describe what is certainly going to be just a nice sedan.

So what isn't true about the current Malibu? When they designed the previous one they said "So guys, what can we do to take some of the 'Chevroletness' out of this?" As for equipment, the day the specs are released I want to see the list of equipment and compare it to every other midsize sedan out there. If there is a single thing missing I'm driving a Malibu through Reuss' front window.

Yeah, I hear you, but dude the capacity is there in the organization to produce a stunner

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Reactions: 5

Live001

· #14 · Jan 20, 2015

I think this current Malibu is a gorgeous car only in LTZ form. I just don't think it's as impressive in lower trims.

Anyway. They're really talking up this new Malibu. I have no idea what to expect which makes me even more excited to see it.

Reactions: 5

corwaa

· #15 · Jan 20, 2015

Envoy4Life said:
IMHO the Fusion looks very dated now. When it debuted, it looked fantastic.

Now? Meh. It's played out and it hasn't aged well at all.

Agree 110%. Same with the overstyled efforts that come from Hyundai and Kia, look great at the autoshow, but they look dated soooo quick.

96RIV

· #16 · Jan 20, 2015

Envoy4Life said:
IMHO the Fusion looks very dated now. When it debuted, it looked fantastic.

Now? Meh. It's played out and it hasn't aged well at all.

I've thought that about all the Fusions. This generation is doing a little better in my eye, but it's flash has worn off.

megeebee

· #17 · Jan 20, 2015 (Edited)

AutoGuide said it was going to be "Audi Like"

http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/...y-photos-audi-like-design-173482/#post4097338

...and that it wouldn't be out until next year.

http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f13/redesigned-chevy-malibu-debut-early-2016-a-190537/

Who to believe.......?

Reactions: 1

mchicha

· #18 · Jan 20, 2015

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1.21 giggawatts

· #19 · Jan 20, 2015

Wheel Tire Body of water Motor vehicle Road

a quick photoshop.

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Reactions: 2

jzchev28

· #20 · Jan 20, 2015

Well he is talking a big game, lets see what they've come up with before writing it off shall we?

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