Spy photographers spotted the next-generation Chevrolet Malibu putting around in the snow this week. At first glance, it's hard to see much of a difference over the current generation (red car), which debuted for the 2008 model year.
However, if you scrutinize the photos, you'll see that the redesigned Malibu has a little more attitude to it -- a slightly curvier beltline, sassier rocker panels, perhaps a slightly more prominent lip on its rear deck.
The new sedan doesn't appear to be any larger than the current Malibu, and the wheelbases appear to be very similar. This makes sense given that today's Malibu already has plenty of room for four adults. Moreover, GM undoubtedly hopes to keep curb weight in check in the face of rising fuel economy standards.
In a similar vein, we expect Chevrolet to offer direct-injected four- and six-cylinder engines (rather than today's port-injected engines) to reduce fuel consumption in the 2012 Malibu. Look for a six-speed automatic transmission to be standard across the board.
The current Chevrolet Malibu debuted in the fall of 2007, so don't look for the new sedan to show up any sooner than late 2011.
fefan says:
04:37 PM, 03/26/10
From the patent drawings and this image, the '12 Malibu looks to be a much improved vehicle. I hope it will be built in the U.S. Where will it be built?
dg0472 says:
05:58 PM, 03/26/10
Can't wait to see the new tail without the disguise. My main complaint about the current one is the rear. The taillights look like they ran out of time and chose something right out of the Stanley catalog, intended for RV use no less.
albook says:
06:45 PM, 03/26/10
I know it's best to reserve final judgement until you actually see the product in person, but I'm already not likeing this new design. It's not a forward looking design at all. The overall shape and the tailights already look dated, and the car isn't out for another 18 mos! It looks okay, but not fresh. Hopefully I'm wrong, because Hyundai and VW (and probably Toyota) are turning up the heat in this segment.
wrinklebump says:
07:03 PM, 03/26/10
The current Malibu is the best-designed family car on the market, at least in visual terms. Chevy doesn't need to fix what ain't broke - some tasteful additions and subtractions should improve what's already a very elegant car.
firstwagon says:
07:58 PM, 03/26/10
looks the same to me but I can't really remember what the current one looks like.
I rented one once and it wa a good rental car though.
mark19 says:
07:46 AM, 03/27/10
I have one question.... Does anyone notice that the gas cap/lid is on the opposite side of the car? Why do they do this? Why can't it be on the same side as the driver? Can someone answer this for me? I think it's annoying.
roadburner says:
08:39 AM, 03/27/10
"Why can't it be on the same side as the driver?"
My BMWs(save my 1975 2002) and Mazda all have their gas filler doors on the right; the Jeep has it on the left. I suppose a left mounted filler is an advantage if you have mediocre parking skills, but other than that, what difference does it make?
dg0472 says:
10:10 AM, 03/27/10
Consumer Reports used to complain about their being on the left for safety reasons, since they said cars are hit on the left more often. But they haven't done that in years. I think other design changes to the filler have negated those concerns. So yeah, it's annoying because the driver's going to be filling the car most often and if everyone had them on the same side, it means everyone could go in the same direction at the pump and you'd never have to back at the pump or wait for someone on the "correct" side to finish up.
griffilicious says:
12:12 PM, 03/27/10
Good shot. I wish we could have seen the front, the regal style headlights and other changes are the most interesting I think.
bailey6954 says:
07:32 AM, 03/28/10
Maybe its to keep people from going and sitting in their car while it is getting fueled and then getting out and some how causing a static electricity spark and fire.
orbit9090 says:
05:04 AM, 07/23/10
The 2012 Malibu uses the same 107.8 inch wheelbase as the 2011 Buick Regal. This makes perfect sense and will make for a great handling sedan.
If GM has any sense, the Buick LaCrosse’s 111.7 inch wheelbase (and FWD) will be featured on the next Impala.