The auto market has been on an uptick lately, and with the exception of Cadillac, General Motors saw hefty sales increases across the line-up. Boosting this trend is the solid offering of mainstream mid-size sedans from a plethora of automakers. Unfortunately, GM’s competitor in this space — the Chevy Malibu — has not lived up to sales expectations.
The current eighth-generation Malibu never seemed to capture the aura of the seventh-gen, partly due to very strong competition from imports and domestics alike. Chevrolet is well aware, and just three years after the debut of the eighth-gen, an all-new Malibu is on the way, scheduled to arrive at dealers this fall.
The eighth-generation model debuted for the 2012 model year. After two years on the market, lackluster sales, and disappointing reviews of the vehicle, the ‘Bu received an emergency refresh for the 2014 model year. Even though the mild refresh helped in a few areas, the eigth-generation was still left behind by the likes of the Ford Fusion and Honda Accord.
GM product chief Mark Reuss spoke with Edmunds about the situation, and is confident that the upcoming all-new 2016 Malibu will exceed expectation when it comes to mainstream midsize sedans.
“You are going to be blown away styling-wise,” said Reuss in an interview about the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu.
“I think it is more true to what Chevrolet should be,” he added. “Think about Impala. It’s not luxury, but it is more than what you thought you would get for that price. That is what Chevrolet should be and you will see that in the (redesigned) Malibu.”
Previously, we reported on upcoming Chevrolets featuring trickle-down design elements from the Corvette Stingray, which may be apparent in the design of the 2016 Malibu. Ed Welburn, GM Vice President of Global Design, calls it spirited and full of energy, to paraphrase. He also mentions the tail-lights having a “hint” of Stingray. The upcoming 2016 Chevrolet Malibu will also boast a significant increase in rear-seat legroom and front-seat hip room, two of its defining complaints about the eighth-generation car.
Comments
What about under the hood? Drive ability mods?
Don’t get me wrong—the Corvette Stingray is a beautiful car—but I’m not totally sure about the idea of design elements from the Corvette trickling down to the Malibu (or other Chevys). Obviously, it all comes down to how the design is executed and I know we’re not talking about a car LOOKING like a Corvette.
As an example of what I am talking about, consider the current Malibu’s tail-lights. They were obviously inspired by the Camaro’s tails. But, even though the theme looked great on the Camaro, I think they were one of the weakest points of the Malibu’s design. I thought it made the car look a little bit like a toy car. There was no sense of refinement there.
At any rate, I could be worried about nothing. But Chevy has struggled of late with having a distinctive “Chevy” look across the line while also giving each car its own identity. I hope this idea isn’t more of the same.
I love the Impala (I drove the 2014 model as a rental), and I believe that the Malibu sould be a “trickle down” design of the Impala, as it was when introduced in 1964.
Agreed!
All segments, but especially mid sizers, have grown significantly in size over the last decade, so much so that the current Impala would due quite nicely. I’m guessing that the new ‘bu will be about two inches smaller, and I’m hoping it will share design language with both Impala and the new Volt.
The Volt and Impala are the hottest Chevy sedans in 30 years and I hope GM doesn’t backslide.
The biggest flaw of the current model is under the hood. Feeding premium fuel to the turbo is just not acceptable. I don’t have high hopes that the 3.6 will be returning to the options list this time around though.
Premium is recommended for best performance in the Turbo. Regular is fine, but expect slightly reduced performance.
If new vehicles aren’t accepted by the public or the Automotive media (as maybe a Car of the Year contender for example), then the Soup Nazi from Seinfeld should be hired to give managers the “No bonus for you!” message.
Seriously, GM seems to have some holes in the design process that produces vehicles with limited sales potentials and major flaws.
I hope the new Malibu is all that they’re telling it to be. It sounds like it is going to be best-in-class! I’m pretty sure that it will ride on the new E2XX Platform which will help with interior space, driving dynamics, and weight. It needs to be fun to drive, comfortable on long road trips, get great fuel economy, and offer larger interior capacity.
Start with an updated engine lineup:
-1.6t eAssist I4 with 220HP and 235LB-FT (48 City / 44 Highway)
-2.2tCD I4 with 200HP and 305LB-FT (30 City / 45 Highway)
-2.5L I4 with 200HP and 190LB-FT (28 City / 39 Highway)
-2.0t I4 with 285HP and 315LB-FT or 3.6L V6 with 325HP and 280LB-FT (24 City and 34 Highway)
-9 Speed Automatic with +/- Slapstick
-VVT, SIDI, and IVVL
-A more rigorous and refined Stop/Start System
The current version has numerous styling inconsistencies and therefore looks overwrought. Around the hood, the butt end, and rear doorsill glass line rising up instead of lining up with the sharp edge fender crease behind it. Fix things like this and get the pricing/content levels to match or beat the competition and they’ll have another winner IMO.
The best way to describe the present Malibu design is “confused” It looks like parts of other GM cars all glued together. Got to rent one while at Disney World and it’s really a nice ride. Quick, comfortable and economical. They are priced right too. I think it’s the back end that turns style minded buyers away. Better luck with the new one.
The wheelbase needs to be at least 109″ to ensure enough rear legroom.