What If GM Brought The Malibu Turbo Performance Concept To Life?
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We’ve already seen this Chevy Malibu Turbo Performance Concept at SEMA last year. After SEMA came and went, the sweet-looking Malibu wasn’t heard from or seen again… until earlier this week in Chicago.
Perhaps you don’t feel the same, but to us, this dressed-up Malibu looks as legit as the Camaro beating the Mustang… over and over and over again. But more to the point: if GM is looking for a way to boost Malibu sales, then it should look no further than to bring this very “concept” to production — perhaps as a Z-Spec model (can you imagine a Malibu Z-Spec?).
Sure, very few will likely opt for what will undoubtedly turn out to be a $30,000+ sticker… but as far as attracting potential buyers to dealer showrooms, this should do the trick. Because it’s just oh-so-sexy… and the mid-size sedan segment sorely lacks any kind of sport appeal — even if it’s just for the sake of building the public image of Chevrolet and the Malibu?
Building on that idea, why can’t Chevy be known as the undisputed king of performance and dashing looks, not just when it comes to rear wheel-drive performance cars like the Camaro and Corvette, but in other segments, as well? If anything, the image-based benefits would far outweigh any kind of (minor) expenses in tooling, testing, logistics, and engineering — especially in Europe, where Chevy (and its image) needs all the help it can get.
Now, how about giving the 2.0 liter LTG Ecotec found in this Malibu Performance Concept some extra boost (300 horses will do), while putting the added power down to the ground using all-wheel-drive? And before the comments section fills up about how AWD isn’t available in the Malibu (true, it’s not), let’s remember the fact that it is offered in the Malibu’s Opel-badged cousin — the Insignia.
So what we’d have is a car that builds the credibility of Chevrolet and the Malibu nameplate in the mid-size segment, while offering a product that is truly worthy of existing — with more-than-enough usable power, an already-proven chassis, and stunning looks.
I can already imagine little boys all over the world becoming enamored with such a vehicle, and “recommending” their parents buy the Malibu because of it. Of course, that in and of itself might not translate into concrete sales, but at a time when children are the leading influencers of their parents’ buying decisions, it seems like a worthy strategy. And if nothing else, the kids’ pleading for their parents to get the Malibu should elicit consideration of the vehicle (read: a visit to the Chevrolet website, followed by a visit to the dealer showroom).
For reference, here are all the components on the show car:
- Berlin Blue Tricoat paint
- The excellent HiPer Strut front suspension
- Six-piston front brake calipers with two-piece cross-driller rotors
- Cold-air intake system
- Ground effects package, including front splitter, rockers and rear diffuser, accented in Heroic Blue
- Custom lower grille and fog lamp grilles
- Black ice-tinted chrome accents
- Blaze Red-painted fog lamp bezels and inner exhaust bezels
- Black-painted mesh grille inserts, fog lamp grilles, window surround moldings and wheel center caps
- Clear tail lamp lenses
- Unique “Turbo” badges
- New 20×8.5-inch aluminum wheels in Night Rider chrome
- Pirelli PZero 255/35ZR20 tires
- RECARO sport seats trimmed in Jet Black leather and Navy Blue suede, with red accent stitching
- Jet Black leather and Navy Blue suede-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel, door panels and instrument panel
- Navy Blue suede-wrapped shift boot
- Dark Argent and black chrome trim plates
Can you please step away from the 2.0 Ecotech Turbo, and step up to the 3.6l and turbo it? There’s nothing out hitting the mid-market, why can’t you see that?
I’m the owner of a Ls2/Ls6 powered truck, 2.0 ain’t gonna do it.
@Lady3bGlover Just curious, how much power does the LS2 make in your truck?
I’m tuned for 427 rwhp, on 42# injectors at about 80%.
I have the Ls2(364) with Ls6 heads.
How much did it make stock? I forget the power ratings…
No idea.. I had this set up built for fun, so I didn’t bother with stock. Sorry.
I’m sure there are specs out on the net for the 364…
Got it. It’s 400/400 stock.
The reason I was asking is that 300 horses for a 2.0T sounds better than (say) 400hp out of a 3.6T… not to mention the differences in weight.
Heck, the power density on the imaginary 300hp 2.0 is incredible, as well:
75 hp per cylinder vs. 66.6 hp per cylinder (on the 3.6 turbo).
To me, this proposed car has a much better chance of being built with the 2.0 than it does with the 3.6 or a 3.6T…
Are the specs you’ve posted based on the 7spd trip-tronic trans or manual?
We have an ’08 HHR SS with the 2.0T Ecotech, and I know that engine can be tuned from the stock 260Hp to 300+. After that it could get a little squirrely for some.
In other forums I have read up on the 3.6L having a twin turbo set up, and maybe pointed towards the Cadillac CTS, but that remains to be seen. Hell I’d be happy with a single spooler and blow-off. That internal blow off is ego-depleting!
Can we get an AMEN for GM Performance!
Yeah baby!!! Bring it on. I love it
Why not indeed. Is GM’s thinking that they must build Camry clones to sell in that market segment?
Just added this to my “favorites ” bar. Thanks.
A turbo malibu wouldn’t move too many cars. Performance version of mass market cars never bring sales numbers up from a slump.
We all know where the Malibu is fundimental flawed; a hair blower isn’t going to fix it.
So what’s really on your mind? Do you think there’s a better resolve to the missing middle line performance vehicle, or GM just doesn’t have a chance in hell to hit that mark?
“Do you think there’s a better resolve to the missing middle line performance vehicle,”
The Camaro is missing?
“or GM just doesn’t have a chance in hell to hit that mark?”
Yep. Mid size volume cars aren’t sold by the HP numbers; they’re sold by fuel economy, interior space, and price.
A turbo SS Malibu isn’t going to undo all the lost sales in a model year; it simply cannot happen. What GM needs to to get an MCR of the Malibu out immediately, make sure it sells well enough, and then work to make the next Malibu better.
Graw — while I agree that a hotted-up Malibu won’t sell that many units in and of itself, such a vehicle can (very effectively) serve as a halo for the entire Malibu line (the same kind of thinking can be applied to Cruze, Sonic, Impala, etc.).
One example of such a strategy enjoying a success in the real world is Subaru and its Impreza line. The WRX and WRX/STi are the flagship hi-po offerings that sell in low volumes, but all the “kids” love them and do one of the following:
a) nag their parents to check it out (which at least results in consideration — by visiting website or a dealer), or
b) once they’re old enough, go in to buy a WRX/STi themselves, and walk out with a regular Impreza
Now, Subaru is a relatively low-volume automaker — mostly due to the subpar nature of its products… but imagine what a global “powerhouse” like Chevy can do with such a strategy, given Chevy’s marketing budget, sales volume, retail reach, etc…
Chevy and GM at one time was THE performance cars. When the front wheel drive cars started taking over, they tried to continue the trend with graphic packages and little else and tried to keep it going. Smog motors, insurance companies an gas prices really killed it.
I guess you mean something like the Opel Insignia OPC with its 2.8 V6 Turbo engine producing 239 kW (325 PS/hp), right?
So why not TC the 3.6l?
The V6 Camaro is a slug, and who wants to buy a regulated V6, it ain’t me.
The body styling for the Malibu SS is certainly a lot more appealing than the Camaro. Besides, now a days buying a V6 Camaro is like having a belly button, everyone has one. The only distinctions on the Camaro are in the V8 packaging, and then there’s the ZL-1. So there’s no performance middle line… At least offer it. Malibu SS looks like the G8 if your asking me.
Build it…
I think some pizazz is defintely needed but \i would start with the front end…..to me, the Chevrolet theme doesn’t work very well on this vehicle. When you are selling against high style entrants such as the Fushion and Sonata and stalwarts like the Accord, Camry and Altima, you had better stand out — for all the right reasons.
The average consumer doesn’t have a compelling reason to even shop this car — let alone buy it.
Elroy — I’d have to disagree with your styling assessment. It’s obviously a very subjective thing, but the design of the car — to me — is nothing short of gorgeous. The “style entrants” you mention — including the Fusion, Sonata, and Optima — are all trying too hard to be something they’re not (an Aston Martin, or a flying saucer from outer space). The designs won’t age well, but they will sell like hotcakes for the first 2-3 years of being on the market. Once the initial hype dies down, people will see them for what they really are, while the Malibu will age gracefully.
A prime example of this is the Chrysler 300: huge sales in the first couple of years… followed by a stupendous slump.
I’m with you on the styling, I think the ‘Boo is gorgeous. I think it’s the best looking car against all those mentioned, even the 13 Fusion which I rather like. I wish GM would stop doing stupid things like charging for red paint, that was a factor in our 2012 Fusion purchase. Unfortunately, I think this is another GM management epic fail. In this segment you can’t mess up the launch and the other things they did and expect to sell cars with the other brands firing on all cylinders.
To a certain extent, styling is subjective — and I hope you’re wrong. But the current evidence suggests otherwise (across the board price cuts don’t exactly signiffy broadbase consumer acceptance of the vehicle, even from a loyal GM base) Part of it may be the lacklustre GM marketing — they haven’t give the consumer a reason to stampede to the vehicle.
Now the Impala, that’s a wow….
The Sonata has some crazy blind spots… I’d know I work at a dealership that has them. Consumers are not use to it’s aerodynamics, and we see more than enough road rash on the wheels, tires, and undercarriage pulling the “enviromental covers” off the bottom off the car when they mysteriously park over a curb or parking median.
I would absolutely look at a Malibu Turbo with 300 hp, beefier brakes and more aggressive suspension tuning. Just got the mailer for GM “bump up” dollars for the credit card, and I looked over the entire lineup to see what might work.
The Camaro 2SS and 1SSLE are appealing but the car is like driving a coffin in terms of visibility. Gave serious consideration to the Verano Turbo, a very decent car, but again- another 50 ponies and further suspension mods would have likely sold me. Guess I’ll hang onto the ’04 Z06 a while longer and do the front brakes in a month…
This car is awesome. Bump the LGT to 300 hp/300 tq and add all wheel drive. I love that flat blue paint job along with the black wheels.
GM really needs to make this car a REALITY they always sleep on cars that are appealing and deserve a shot,i didnt like the styling of the malibu mainly the rear and dash,but this malibu turbo gave me a change of heart the spoiler makes the rear end look sportier it doesnt look like the rear is missing something,GM listen to your loyal fans
Ignore the camry build this to fit in between the Audi A4S and A4RS with a Chevy price. Just don’t go over board with the boy racer look.
So Alex, so now you know what I drive, what’s your daily driver?
When I’m not driving a fleet/media/company car, its a ’12 Mustang V6
So you don’t even promote GM or GM Performance in your own daily driver, but yet run a blog in GM Authority?
Am I missing something here?
“So you don’t even promote GM or GM Performance…”
Incorrect. My daily driver before the Mustang was a Cruze. My dad purchased a Traverse last year (along with 5 years of OnStar), thanks in part to my recommendations. Before that, my family had a Blazer.
Two guys I play hockey with recently bought Cruzes, mostly thanks to my recommendations (unfortunately a third bought an Impreza WRX because Chevy has nothing in that segment). Another friend is considering an Equinox, rather than the Edge, thanks to my suggestions.
Perhaps the question you should be asking of me is why I chose the Mustang over the Camaro, which is a superior vehicle to the Ford in most regards.
The answer is simple: a $6,700 difference in price between comparable trim levels of each car (financing factored in). Quite frankly, I don’t have an extra $7,000 lying around. Maybe you could lend it to me…
Nevertheless, my car before the Cruze was a Lexus… and a Volvo before then. Because an automotive professional such as yours truly needs to be familiar with what the competition has to offer. You dig?
First I’m not an Automotive Professional. It’s taken me the better part of 6 yrs. to learn of the performance industry and I blame my husband for creating this monster.
Second the “extra” $7k that I had laying around was to build my Ls2 Truck with a performance transmission (4L65E w/70 output shaft and Circle D 3400 Converter). I did more than enough homework to make this decision, and I felt that it was a sound one for me. So sorry I couldn’t fund the Camaro for you.
I appreciate that you’ve driven some nice vehicles in the past. I’ve stuck with the truck since ’02 because I haven’t seen anything on the market that’s appealed to me. Currently I’ve been leaning towards the the ATS 3.6l lines, and of course a turbo package. There’s a group on the market (GM Approved) that creates stellar body kit and performance package that would make the ATS chew up and spit out pavement, but I just can’t see the dealership that I work at taking the step, So when I’m ready, I may lean in that direction.
Well, for starving entrepreneurs (such as yours truly), who don’t have an extra $7,000 lying around, when push comes to shove, decisions will be made — just as the automotive market at large makes such decisions on a daily basis. A free market economy prevails, and in my case, it prevailed in Ford’s favor last year. That doesn’t mean I like GM vehicles any less.
That said, its partly my duty as an automotive journalist to know the industry, and also to know GM’s competition. Driving vehicles such as the ones I mentioned allows me a deeper understanding of the industry as well as other offerings available to consumers. Combined with the pursuit of journalistic integrity, this allows myself (and others here at GM Authority) to provide the unabashed, unbiased, and untainted coverage of General Motors and its products/services that we have come to be known for.
Feel free to email me directly with any questions, as I don’t want to detract from the purpose of this thread:
Alex [at] gmauthority [dot] com
And, of course, there’s FordAuthority.com which just kinda wilted and died on the vine.
I was thinking of asking you if I could take over operation of that site and
bring it back from the dead! Seriously.
James — interesting. Could you email me about that?
Alex [at] gmauthority [dot] com
What business is it of Lady3Bglover what Alex drives in the first place? He’s a journalist, and a pretty good one at that. Not a blind fanboy.