Spy Photos: 2012 Chevy Malibu

The malibu should have already had navigation!!!! They also need to bring back the Malibu Maxx

Looking at the current car designs of BMW or Lexus alike, bulk shape of a car is not popular any more. This Malibu to me, looks like as if it was designed 5 years ago. And I'm sure it still has that vomit inducing dashboard green/blue ambient light. I don't see a single reason, unless you're a patriot, to buy this car instead of Camry or Accord.

f1ndler... not sure if you're saying that BMW's current designs are cutting edge or bland (i'd veer towards bland, with the exception of the new X5), especially the interiors. Also, vomit inducing is obviously a matter of opinion, judging by sales. Honestly i don't see much reason to buy an ugly step-child-designed Accord or Camry that really hasn't advanced in the last 10 years. Obviously, lifespan isn't proven, but until that IS, GM is catching up.

Malibu maxx!! Please tell me you're kidding with that comment?

Well this is going to be a rabadged Regal for less money, and a V6 option. I caught two editors from another mag test driving them out here in Southern, CA and they confirmed it. This car will be a better option then most until the new Fusion comes out late 2011.

This should be on the LWB still. It looks ridiculous on the SWB and the back seat is already too small as is with the current model. Looks like a cross between Regal and Nissan Altima. Too derivative. Come on GM, you havent changed a bit.

I thought the Malibu has already dropped the 4-speed?

The car looks OK. But why have thefront fender crease stop before the door and be higher than the window line, instead of letting it flow though and be part of the body thru the side windows. I too am getting sick of the "bulky, car on steroids" look. GM could learn some styling/design lessons from the Sonata.

How do you guys do it?

I bought a pair of x-ray goggles out of the back of a comic book and I put them on to look at these pictures.

I can't see any of the nonsense you clowns are posting.

About the only thing I am seeing is how screwed up this web site and the posters are. You guys don't have a clue about this car and just about anything else you write about.

How anyone think they can make an accurate judgment on this highly disguised car is beyond me. Underneath the disguise could be a real good looking car or a real bad looking car.

I think the 2008+ Malibu has aged extremely well. I still think it's the best looking car in the class. I don't like the new Sonata, though everyone else seems to.

Wow, It looks like another real Winner GM. Do you need any Wall paper ? Oh I mean GM Stock...

"The 2012 Malibu is also slated to drop the tired four-speed automatic and offer only a six-speed offering"

The 2011 Malibu only has 6 speeds and the 4 speed was only on the base LS version for 2010.

This car is supposed to have MORE rear seat space than the current one, not less. wheelbase doesn't always give an accurate measure of rear seat space. The current car has best in class wheelbase but 6, Accord and Camry all have more rear seat room. The Regal matches the current Malibu in rear seat room even though it has 109" wheelbase.

"I think the 2008+ Malibu has aged extremely well. I still think it's the best looking car in the class. I don't like the new Sonata, though everyone else seems to."

Agreed. I've seen a few LTZ models recently and its still a damn good looking car. Sonata looks OK in SE trim but the base models look liked warmed over camrys.

I'm glad to see this car seems to have projector headlights.

Malibu has navigation, just not a touch screen navigation, its satellite based, and you cannot get a four speed Malibu for 2011, only a 6 speed is available.

GMs car designs are getting lazy now. This Malibu has a chevy orlando front end, Pontiac G8 side and camaro rear.

Hard to believe some of the comments on here---people with opinions---and not much--if any knowledge of what they are talkig about. I have been a Sales Manager for 23 years at the same Chevy Dealership--and am currently running a "Dare to Compare" ( www.daretocomparechevy.com ) promotion at this time. I HAVE driven side by side the current Malibu--Camry---Accord. The Accord by far is the noisest--worst ride---just old technology. They depend on people like I have read on here that have not actually gone out and driven these new GM vehicles. The Camry is good competition---but like the Accord---gets 2 mpg less than the Malibu---and has 40,000 less miles of Warranty. Perception is reality for most of us---but before posting---I DARE you to go out and drive these vehicles side by side. The Honda is just horrible---the Camry good---but why buy Japaneese when the American product is even better---better Warrant---better economy? Go to www.daretocomparechey.com and see for yourself!

Hard to believe some of the comments on here---people with opinions---and not much--if any knowledge of what they are talkig about. I have been a Sales Manager for 23 years at the same Chevy Dealership--and am currently running a "Dare to Compare" ( www.daretocomparechevy.com ) promotion at this time. I HAVE driven side by side the current Malibu--Camry---Accord. The Accord by far is the noisest--worst ride---just old technology. They depend on people like I have read on here that have not actually gone out and driven these new GM vehicles. The Camry is good competition---but like the Accord---gets 2 mpg less than the Malibu---and has 40,000 less miles of Warranty. Perception is reality for most of us---but before posting---I DARE you to go out and drive these vehicles side by side. The Honda is just horrible---the Camry good---but why buy Japaneese when the American product is even better---better Warrant---better economy? Go to www.daretocomparechey.com and see for yourself!

NOOO! Bangle Butt!

I like it, looks like an update on the current model with a better trunk opening and a wider stance.

Current car is excellent so it should only get better.

"How do you guys do it?

I bought a pair of x-ray goggles out of the back of a comic book and I put them on to look at these pictures.

I can't see any of the nonsense you clowns are posting.

About the only thing I am seeing is how screwed up this web site and the posters are. You guys don't have a clue about this car and just about anything else you write about."

I've been posting here for a couple years now and the infantile analysis of the average IL poster never ceases to amaze me. In GM threads in particular the imbeciles play a remarkable game of oneupsmanship wherein each consecutive poster manages to write something dumber than the last. It really warrants some type of academic study. It could be a great master's thesis.

(capronney says) ""I have been a Sales Manager for 23 years at the same Chevy Dealership--and am currently running a "Dare to Compare" ( www.daretocomparechevy.com ) promotion at this time. I HAVE driven side by side the current Malibu--Camry---Accord.""

Ok, help me out here… Less compare the past 23 Years of Honda Accord & Toyota Camry vs. resale Value to Chevy Malibu in any market. What do think the answer is?. Can I buy a Chevy Malibu in a manual if desired? Can you name some other parts of the world other then U.S.A. where the Chevy Malibu is wanted or is in demand?

The Accord & Camry are not with out faults, But the 2 cars have had very good track records & have been sold all around the world in high numbers & the company’s have profited well from them.

After a few Billion Dollars of taxpayer money…

Do you think the new Chevy Malibu is truly going to change any thing? If so buy some more wall paper.

wow this is just sad i was rutting 4 u gm i really hope Chrysler kicks your ass now this thing is just boring

Unlike some of the GM haters in the US, I have driven a Malibu (actually a few of them). While I find the execution of this car somewhat boring (the current one, I can't comment on the new one since you can't even see much of it!) I do think it's a nice car. Rides nicely, well put together, decent looks, economy, and touch/feel. GM would do well to spend more time on the interior climate and GPS controls.
With the current model, I just can't see buying a Malibu over a Fusion. And personally, I am not touching the Japanese now that the Americans have par product. I have had a Mustang for 15 years and my parents Ford Contour just passed the 180k mark with one unscheduled service in the 16 years. In this segment, unless you hate Americans the Fusion is the car to beat. The new nav system hopefully will be like the Buick Lacross, as that is really nice.
Good luck Chevy.

they got rid of the ugly wheel arch thing on the rear wheels and the bumper and the lights.....looks more expensive.

"GMs car designs are getting lazy now. This Malibu has a chevy orlando front end, Pontiac G8 side and camaro rear."

Wow, you can tell all that from these pics? Lazy design? What do you call Toyota or Honda design?

500rwhp:

It will definitely have nav and likely the same system from the Lacrosse, Regal, Equinox/Terrain. That system with the 7" screen seems like it will be in most non Cadillac models going forward.

"Can I buy a Chevy Malibu in a manual if desired? Can you name some other parts of the world other then U.S.A. where the Chevy Malibu is wanted or is in demand?"

before you go on the attack you might want to get some facts straight. The US Accord is not sold in Europe or Japan because they wouldnt want our bloated version. While nameplates for Toyota and Honda exist in many countries the cars are rarely exactly the same. GM doesnt sell a Malibu in Europe because they sell an Insignia (same platform) in Europe. No one cares about manuals in this class. Toyota and Honda may offer them on base models but you wont find one at a dealership. They do this to advertise artificially low starting prices and then tack on $1000 for every model shipped to a dealer with an automatic.

"Do you think the new Chevy Malibu is truly going to change any thing? If so buy some more wall paper."

The current model has already changed things. It's usually in the top 3 or 4 in the class in terms of sales each month. It switches places with Fusion and Altima for those positions. It has even outsold the new Sonata over the last 2-3 months. The last gen car was only considered by "Buy American" types while the new car is considered a legitimate alternative to Camry and Accord.

"The US Accord is not sold in Europe or Japan because they wouldnt want our bloated version. While nameplates for Toyota and Honda exist in many countries the cars are rarely exactly the same. GM doesnt sell a Malibu in Europe because they sell an Insignia (same platform) in Europe. No one cares about manuals in this class. Toyota and Honda may offer them on base models but you wont find one at a dealership. They do this to advertise artificially low starting prices and then tack on $1000 for every model shipped to a dealer with an automatic."

First, I like the current Malibu and, especially when launched, I thought it was key in helping to identify "anti-GM" bias; It IS, however, 4 years old now and, in this day & age, it's logical to expect that it would suffer competitively versus newer entries (i.e. Sonata), just as other older competitors have...

Now, then, having said that (and hopefully convincing you that I'm no blind "anti-GM" idiot), I have to say that a couple of your comments above are wrong.

First, the U.S. market Accord IS sold in Japan, as a premium entry above the JDM Accord (this has been true for the past 2 generations of Accord; Before that, it was the car sold here as the TL). Having said that, it's not a volume entry in Japan and, in that case, supports your statement above.

Secondly, it's short-sighted to say that "no-one buys Manuals" because, though it's true that M/T penetration has dropped in Midsize, with some entries (i.e. Mazda6 & Accord) you're still looking at a fairly significant take rate. In the case of Mazda6, 14% of 2009 sales were M/T and, in the case of the high volume Accord, 13% were M/T. More importantly than volume, when you look at Demographics, M/T buyers are significantly unique from A/T &, in most measures, considered "higher quality": Younger, more likely Professional, Higher Income, slightly Higher Educated. In addition, they tend to more likely be Male. Finally, as far as attitudes go, M/T buyers are not "low price" or "fuel economy" buyers; They're less likely to be interested in basic transportation or fuel economy and more interested in sporty image, unique product (that "stands out"), and "Fun To Drive"... In fact, someone who specifically chooses an A/T, when given the choice, is more likely to be someone for whom the car is just a "Point A-to-B" vehicle and someone who is less likely to be a champion for their car/OEM.

True, hard to justify M/T production when volumes are relatively small but, when looking at the "quality" of buyer (who you might not otherwise get), it can be a deal-maker and something I wish the Domestics would pay more attention to.

First of all, manual transmissions are often only offered in lower or sport trims on midsize cars. I'm not sure how a base model with a manual and cloth seats would be attracting a better demographic than higher end models with automatics. There may be some incremental volume to be gained with a manual, but its nothing major. The Camry and Accord do not sell in huge numbers because they offer manuals. Where did you get your data on the Accord's manual take rate? That rate seems VERY high for a mainstream sedan. 2/3 of Corvette's are sold with automatics and cars like the Maxima and CTS supposedly had around 5% of buyers take the manual. If sportier cars have trouble attracting manual owners I'd be very shocked if 13% of Accord owner want a manual. None of the people I know with camrys, accord or Altimas have manual transmissions and I rarely see manuals on these cars when I'm out and about.

The point is the Malibu isnt going to lose any sales races based on not offering a manual transmission. The 6 may get a 14% take rate for manuals but its also one of the lowest volume cars in the class.

Your statement about the malibu being 4 years old has nothing to do with the original comment I was responding to. The author said the current Malibu hasnt changed perceptions or GM's fortunes in the segment and thus there was no reason to believe the 2012 Malibu would be any different. I merely pointed out that the 2008 Malibu was considered by many in the press and public to be a true no compromise effort by Chevy.

http://www.drivearabia.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/2012-Chevrolet-Malibu.jpg

The link above will give a better idea of how the car will look.

1487

First, again, I like the Malibu but I was trying to point out an area of the market that attracts buyers who might not consider a Malibu (I applaud the offering of a 6MT on Regal though I hope they understand that these buyers may not be looking at just an inexpensive version of the Regal). No need to assume that I'm attacking the Malibu; I mentioned the relative age of the Malibu because I think it's easy to dis it, given it's relative age, though I happen to think it's still one of the better executed exteriors (really nice tasteful application of decorative trim on a still very sharp exterior design). It wasn't meant to contradict your statement; If anything, to support it.

Secondly, the data I'm quoting on production numbers/mix are from Wards Automotive, in their subscription database, for 2009. Unless you have a subscription to their premium service, you won't get to it, unfortunately.

Likewise, my demographics & psychographics summary of Manual Transmission buyers is from a proprietary study (though syndicated) used for Product & Market Planning.

Again, my point isn't to argue that there are a huge number of Manual Trans buyers out there but, rather, to point out that there are still some out there and that the remaining M/T buyers out there are actually consciously making the decision (since they all have the A/T option available to them) for reasons other than just Price & Fuel Economy. In fact, they're of Demographics & Psychographics that make them compelling to target if you're trying to attract an Alpha buyer who can help to change your brand's perceptions (or create a brand perception, in the first place). The image that these buyers can help to create for your brand might even attract buyers who aren't M/T customers (something that I've seen in even more proprietary customized research related to Image attributes).

Finally, 1487, I wasn't trying to undercut you but, rather, add to the discussion (hopefully, encouraging it to be an intellectual discourse, rather than just a "GM sucks!/GM rocks!" battle of wills.

I hope they do great because, even if I work for a competitor, it's hard to wish any other company in this industry ill-will when they have really good people (a lot of them my friends) and produce really good product. Personally, I think they are owed a lot more recognition for leading the way on GDI engines, for example...

Take care, man

@manism, thanks for the link. Those sketches show a bold, muscular concept which reminds me of the Mercedes C class.

@prodrive, simmer down, please. The relevant question is whether Malibu compares favorably with Accord and Camry. Stay on topic, because continually bashing GM for well-known mistakes makes you look a poor sport.

The last time I considered GM was the 1997 Grand Prix. Nice, but I went with the Maxima because it had a manual and promised better reliability. Even so, GM is getting my interest now with some products. My wife just purchased the Fusion, which is a very well-sorted American car that rivals the best of the Japanese cars. My dedicated car must be a manual sports sedan, and there are now some American cars getting my interest of late. Even the Buick Regal! But it would have to be pretty darn good to get me out of my G35.

I know the car hasnt officially been unvieled yet, but this looks like a step back from the current design. The long wheelbase and high belt line make this car look great; I think it was the best looking mid size car until the current Sonata. It's like GM is trying to conform with this new design. The world doesn't need another Accord.

I know the car hasnt officially been unvieled yet, but this looks like a step back from the current design. The long wheelbase and high belt line make this car look great; I think it was the best looking mid size car until the current Sonata. It's like GM is trying to conform with this new design. The world doesn't need another Accord.