According to Edmunds’ InsideLine, Chevy will not build a coupe version of the all-new 2013 Chevy Malibu. Such a model was being considered and a rendering was presented to select journalists last week at GM’s Design Studio in Warren, Michigan.
During the presentation, GM Vice President of global design Ed Welburn displayed the rendering in passing, which IL describes as a detailed sketch or painting rather than a product of Photoshop. And while Welburn didn’t specifically point the rendering out in the presentation, he later told the folks at IL that “A Malibu coupe could be a pretty nice car. But it is not in the plan right now.”
Furthermore, IL states that the design had a chrome trim surrounding the green house as well as a fast backlight similar to the (sexy) unit found in the Cadillac CTS Coupe.
The GM Authority Take
Having seen the new Malibu sedan in person, we can assertively say that it is a beautiful design, and a coupe variant would have undoubtedly looked stunning.
In fact, we questioned the absence of a Malibu Coupe at our inception nearly two years ago, challenging whether Chevy was truly a full-line automaker without such a vehicle. Our theory was that if Chrysler (200), Honda (Accord Coupe), and Nissan (Altima Coupe) could all make a business case for two-door variants of their midsized sedans, why couldn’t the largest automaker in the world?
We hope that a Malibu Coupe will come at some pot in the future. For now, at least we have the Camaro.
Source: InsideLine
Comments
A coupe would be awesome, look at that picture. Then imagine it with 2 doors. Now a bigger enginge. Perfect.
It exists already, you can find it at your local dealer as the 2012 Chevy Camaro V6.
Not even close. The Camaro is a pony car. The Malibu, like the Accord and Altima coupes, are relaxing commuters and cruisers. I can guarantee you that the customer profiles for both vehicles are entirely different.
They should produce it for those of us that has a G6 Coupe and wants to replace it.
(Engine)
That’d be great if they did
I think a Malibu coupe would be a great idea and a chance for designers to do something more emotional. Let’s see… what could they call it? Monte Carlo?
I’d just think they should do it so that those of us that has a G6 coupe wouldn’t go out and seek others.
There is no reason for a Malibu coupe, it would just step on the Camaro’s toes.
There’s a big void in Chevy’s market for a coupe priced between $15-25k, i.e. a Cruze coupe.
I agree with your latter statement. There definitely needs to be a Cruze coupe and also a 3-door hatch, besides the sedan and 5-door hatch. But a Malibu coupe would not come close to the Camaro, since both appeal to very different customers and tastes.
I think when it comes to Coupes In todays marketplace you have to do something entirely different that really jumps or stands out, doing a Malibu one off, would be fine 5 years ago. I just think the consume today is looking for something different in a coupe, meaning unique added features like smaller rear suicide doors or actual room in the back seat. But honestly with the Camaro and its great 6 cyl, the Malibu would be just another coup that would cater maybe to a more professional person that doesn’t want all the drama associated with a Camaro, I dont know not sure if it would be that relavent, people like there 4 doors these days… As mentioned in the past create a Cruze based coupe, would be a stronger sell (if done right) than a Malibu.
you will see another 2 door chevy in the near future some details will be released soon and testing in germany has begun. all three divisions will get a two door to fully cover the entire market i personally think the caddy(volt1.5) will be the best of the bunch but the chevy will be very affordable and fast.
Affordable and fast is what I wanted out of the Astra – if there’s a Chevy – all the better!
Honestly a midsized coupe seems more suited to to Cadillac than to Chevrolet.
Coupes are a lifestyle vehicle, primarily bought by men. Most guys are going to want a fast, sport coupe that fits their self image. The Malibu is neither fast, nor sporty.
As a side note, I hope America gets the wheels featured in that photo – they’re awesome.
I’m not sure about those demographics for such coupes as the Accord, Altima, or Camry. I believe those are primarily female-oriented. There were some behavioral data I saw a few years ago, but those were for late 90’s models of the Accord and Camry coupes.
It’s not the tastes, it’s the segment the car is! A malibu coupe would be mid-size car int the same segment as the camaro sans drivertain.
Same deal with the Altima coupe and the 350Z; that’s how nissan manages it. Buyers and “who they are” and “if they seem like people who would buy X” don’t factor into it.
I think you’re missing the marketing approach to business altogether. Consumers buy on their needs and wants — not segments or all the other car-guy stuff we love to discuss.
A Camaro is a sports car — even in V6 trim. It’s aggressive, it’s sporty, and it’s mean. The ‘Bu coupe would be a non-sports-oriented coupe that rides much softer, looks much more “classy”, and is all around a daily livable car (the Camaro isn’t for most “regular” drivers).
One needs to look at market segments, demographics, and — yes — tastes to determine whether such a vehicle has a place in the market and whether it will sell. And that’s what GM does to make a business case for these vehicles. At this point, it seems that they feel it’s either too 1) niche (read: risky) or 2) there isn’t a big enough market for the car that would facilitate its production.
Just like how they think of the Orlando to be brought to the US