General Motors’ all-new 2016 Chevrolet Malibu (that was fast) has again been caught testing by spy photographers, this time with much less black cladding concealing its sleek new body lines. Interestingly, the last Malibu prototype spotted had Michigan manufacturer plates on it, while these photos appear to have been taken in Germany.
These new photos show us more of the Malibu’s front fascia, head lights, rear fascia, exhaust tips and interior. The grille can hardly be made out through the black mesh covering it, however we can now see two strips of LED lights sitting about 6-7 inches below the narrow headlights. Out back the taillight clusters can be seen with two lights appearing on either side of the trunk and another two integrated into the trunk lid. There is also space for two exhaust tips, however only one functioning tip can be seen.
The most obvious changes in the 2016 Malibu are with its size. The wheelbase has clearly grown in length and also appears a touch wider and lower. Just as we mentioned when we first saw the prototype Malibu, the A-pillar is raked back further while the roof also slopes rearward into a fastback-like shape, similar to a four-door-coupe style a la the Audi A7.
The 2016 Malibu should introduce GM’s new E2xx midsize vehicle architecture, which we expect to also underpin crossovers. Powertrain-wise, the 2.0-liter turbocharged LTG engine could be carried over, but a start-stop transmission will likely be added. A smaller forced induction engine, such as the new 1.5-liter unit from GM’s line of Ecotec engines, may be on offer too, along with a hybrid variant.
Check out the spy shots here and let us know what you think about the upcoming 2016 Malibu in the comments.
Comments
Yippee!! This is looking good. It can’t get here soon enough.
All I can think is that it has to be an improvement on the current car. It sounds good, but we will have to wait and see it naked before we can really judge it.
From looking at other spy photos that are floating on the net. The NG Malibu looks like a smaller version of the Impala, which I am a huge fan of.
I don’t know if I’m going to be a fan if this is truly the next generation Malibu. It looks too much like a Kia Optima mixed with Ford Fusion (even under the camo). Unless this is the Buick Regal / Opel Insignia, I have a feeling that I won’t be impressed. That said, I will keep a positive mind for all possibilities. The 2.5i and 2.0t should stay for the Malibu. However, GM should massage these engines to make them smoother. By 2018, a new eAssist hybrid should become available. A 9-Speed Automatic should also be standard by 2017.
1.5t eAssist-
185HP and 195-210LB-FT
VVT, SIDI, IVVL, VTM, Stop/Start, Active Grille Shutters, and Regenerative Braking
38 City and 45 Highway
2.5i-
200HP and 195LB-FT
VVT, SIDI, IVVL, and Stop/Start
27 City and 40 Highway
2.0t-
265HP and 295-310LB-FT
VVT, SIDI, IVVL, and Stop/Start
25 City and 36 Highway
As the 2025 CAFE Standards come closer, GM should introduce two new engines to replace the 2.5i and 2.0t in the Malibu.
1.8t-
245HP and 260-275LB-FT
VVT, SIDI, IVVL, VTM, Stop/Start, and Active Grille Shutters
29 City and 42 Highway
2.5tdi-
225HP and 310-325LB-FT
VVT, IVVL, VTM, and Active Grille Shutters
27 City and 45 Highway
that’s not car but appliance, 70s malibu that was cool car coupe with V8, how far it’s gone now, so sad…