What happens next for the 2014 Malibu chassis ??

I assume it will be wheelbase 111.7 in (2,837 mm), length 196.9 in (5,001 mm), width 73.1 in (1,857 mm) . They will go for a sleek modern sport global design (lot Fisker Karma ,ix with corvette clues ) , so that it will look like a midsize car with a lot of usable space and comfort inside ( yest i took the dimensions from 2010 Lacrosse ). I think that make sense for a main stream midsize car.

Another stuff i assume is they will make simple, usable interior with quality material.

On engines, there will be a 10 mile Plug-in version with new voltec, a Hybrid with new voltec (no plug - please make sure to follow for a completely level load floor so that rear seat split-folding remain fully functional ) . The other power trains i assume will be 2.5 , 2 Turbo and i assume a possibility of a 1.5 Turbo also.

Getting Sonic, Curze, Malibu, Trax , Equinox, and possibly a midsize CUV (5 and 5+2 configs ) (below traverse ) right matters a lot. All the midsize may share the same power trains.

Great comment by megeebee and I think the answer lies in what market segment GM was aiming the 2014 Impala for . The slow selling Ford Taurus market segment comes to mind and the quality level of fittings , appointments and interior spaciousness put it at a higher price level than the lower priced maximum volume mid-size market segment of ; Camry , Accord , Fusion , Altima and Malibu etc. The higher price of the Impala puts it in the ballpark of the Buick LaCrosse or even Cadillac(when they try to clear out last year's stock) . The Impala has some quality and visibility issues to resolve , in my opinion , hopefully these are being addressed , as the CUV/SUV market is now the hot market. Not only that , but the Impala still has the good selling fleet model Chevy Impala. These are gobbled up by happy buyers when they are resold for half the price of the 2014 model , after a year on the rental market . The car marketplace buyers are a shrinking resource . It requires a strong discipline and laser like focus to keep the selection of models to a minimum and aim to be the best in their market segments . I don't think GM can afford any more mistakes in the car market segments , whether it's Chevy , Buick or Cadillac....just saying !