When the all-new Chevrolet Malibu launched this year, it was available in Eco form only. This meant that consumers could only purchase the 37 MPG highway eAssist-equipped model, which came with a somewhat high $25,995 starting price.
As the summer approaches, however, buyers will have two fresh engine options to choose from in the Malibu as it introduces a pair of all-new powertrains (depending on if the Cadillac ATS launches after it). First is the 2.5L Ecotec engine, which has been rated at an SAE-certified 197 horsepower (147 kW) and 191 lb.-ft. of torque (259 Nm). Chevy claims it’s the most powerful naturally aspirated four-pot in the segment, but hasn’t announced a fuel economy rating just yet. Regardless, the 2.5L will be the base engine for the new ‘Bu, and is expected to shave a couple grand off the car’s base price.
Those interested in a peppier driving experience should be on the lookout for the Malibu’s all-new 2.0L Ecotec turbo offering, which is SAE-certified at 259 horsepower (193 kW) and 260 lb.-ft. of torque (353 Nm). Chevy also informs us that peak torque is sustained from just 1,700 RPM and will hold all the way to 5,500 RPM. The power boost will also give the new ‘Bu Turbo a 0-60 time of just 6.3 seconds. Surprisingly, that acceleration time is nearly a half-second faster than the Buick Regal GS. Obviously, we want to have a go at the new Malibu Turbo, as our experience with the reserved Malibu Eco left us realizing that the supple chassis is crying for a more powerful engine.
Comments
Poor, poor, poor Cruze.
I’m impressed with acceleration time from 2.0 T, I think Malibu is bigger then the regal and with less HP but faster? Impressive! I wonder what ATS would be like.
S.S. MODEL ??
HAHA!
No.
259 HP? Not too bad, should be competitive. If there ever is another Malibu SS, it should be right around 300 HP, with Regal GS suspension bits, Brembo brakes, Manual transmission or paddle shift auto., etc… I don’t expect it though, most likely we will get some sort of RS appearance package, a la Camaro, Cruze, Sonic.
wait but then how do ATS get 270 where Malibu get 259?
The ATS is tuned for performance, while the Malibu is trying to get as much fuel economy as it can get. I bet the malibu’s mpg number will be 1 or 2 higher than the ats despite the same engine.
I do hope that the ATS gets good mileage as good as the 3 series which is rated at 36 mpg highway
The power rating seems low 260 pound feet of torque at 5500 RPM is 272 hp
In my opinion a V6 isn’t necessary, I’ve owned a HHR “SS” for the past 4 years and it is an amazing powerplant – maybe the next small block ! It responds very well to relatively easy upgrades as much as 350 – 360 HP with the SCCA upgrade ! The 300 HP upgrade (which by the way voids your warranty in Canada) makes the HHR SS a much nicer vehicle with torque down low enough to make it much more driver friendly. Too bad it’s saddled with the Saab derived 5 sp manual, it is NOT driver friendly (I never was able to get a solid 5 gear shift at anything over 3500rpm ! And when is Chevy going to learn a peddle placement that accomodates heel and toeing !! Advice : Go buy a GTI and copy it’s peddle placement !