Sources Say: 2014 Chevy Malibu Undergoing Pre-Production At Detroit-Hamtramck
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Several sources familiar with General Motors’ manufacturing operations recently let us know that a few pre-production 2014 Chevy Malibus came through the line at GM’s Detroit-Hamtramck plant, where the new Malibu is manufactured.
The sources told us that the revised Malibu sported a new front end, a revised center stack, while the dash and instrument panel appeared to be the same. In addition, the 2014 Malibus contained slightly more rear-seat legroom and different engine codes than the 2013 model, along with a rear-end design that was the same as that seen in the 2013 model. While sources weren’t able to provide any photos, they did confirm that the wheelbase of the freshened models remained the same.
The citing of the 2014 Malibus affirms report that the eighth-generation model will receive several upgrades within one year of being on the market, including increased rear-seat legroom, a new front fascia along the lines of the 2014 Impala, a possible addition to the engine range, and all-around tweaks and improvements. We expect to find out the exact details of Chevy’s 2014 Malibu this summer, and believe the front seats will feature deeper seat-back cutouts to allow for more front legroom, even though that may not necessarily be a (real) matter of concern in the marketplace to begin with.
What kinds of changes would you like to see to the 2014 Malibu? Sound off in the comments below.
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I would like Chevy to bring back the Imperial Blue Ice exterior color that was available a couple of years ago – a darker, more mature blue
And… it would be helpful if the outside rear view mirrors were able to be manually folded, not just power folded – a nice option in a tight garage/parking space – and was available on the LS model of my 2009 Malibu
Nicely styled ( inside and out ) / quality fit & finish, hushed interior , plush ,but, composed on the road , smooth 2.5 cyl. 4 with adequate power….. lower fuel economy compared to most competition ( even with eco model ) , budget rear door panels make one wonder where else quality/content have been compromised ( no spare tire , potato sack cloth seats LT model….). Check out features of Honda Accord – much more car for less money and a long track record of reliability/ durability . GM could benefit from a trusted group of knowledgeable consumers to give them feedback on their products. Automaker would be wise to expedite 8-speed trans. to market.
@steve “Check out features of Honda Accord – much more car for less money”…
2013 Malibu starting price: $21,995
2013 Accord starting price: $21,680
That’s a $315 difference in favor of the Honda… but I think we can agree that the difference is negligible.
Another interesting stat: the ‘Bu has the Accord beat on the high-end:
Accord V6 & Touring: 21/34
Malibu LTZ Turbo: 22/34
The 2014 looks better from the front. The 2.0 turbo seems to be powerful enough but the car would be better with a stiffer suspension to go along with the 2.0. It ain’t a race car but you should be able to enjoy the driving experience as much as possible. Bring back the “heavy duty” GM suspension. Also, the price seems a little steep going for around $34,000.
That price of 34k must be for the LTZ Malibu with every option. I hope the 1LT would be about 10k less than that.
The 2.0 turbo which produces around 259 horsepower only come in the LTZ, at least for noew. The sticker should be up around $34,000.
WOULD LIKE TO SEE A SIX (6) CYLINDER ENGINE AS i OWN PRESENTLY A 3.6 LTR 2009 MALIBU, OR A SMALL V8. THE 2009 IS MY SIXTH MALIBU, STARTING WITH ONE IN 1967.
WOULD LIKE TO SEE A SIX (6) CYLINDER ENGINE AS i OWN PRESENTLY A 3.6 LTR 2009 MALIBU, OR A SMALL V8. THE 2009 IS MY SIXTH MALIBU, STARTING WITH ONE IN 1967. BRING BASK THE SS MALIBU.
The question of what you would like to see is a moot point, the only question that makes sense is ” how does this new model stack up against the 4 top sellers in the mid size CAR market “” ?? Toyota Camry , Honda Accord , Nissan Altima ,Ford Fusion , in that order . These four account for well over a million sales and all four have been refining these vehicles for years and have huge public acceptance . ALEX , ask GM to provide you with one each of the the above vehicles NOW , not just prior to release of the 2014 revised Malibu . Then on GM’s test track compare them to the revised Malibu . Bring your wife or girlfriend to ride with you ! IF this model does not ACE the competition , set off the FIRE ALARM . In life you do not get a second chance to make a good first impression . GM is saying otherwise , and cannot afford to make the same mistake twice in a row !! This revision should make the 2014 Malibu the newest , most modern middie sized vehicle and should set a new standard in the industry . If GM is simply aiming to be just a modest, respectable , conservative addition to this market segment , they are dead wrong and need the input of a valued resource like this web site to tell GM in no uncertain terms that the emperor’s new clothes are not lovely to behold but , in fact he is bare-assed naked ! GM works overtime and spends a fortune to make Cadillac the star of that market segment . They must work double overtime and spend more to make their Malibu contribution the star to this value based most popular mid size market , This one accounts for millions of sales , satisfied customers , not tens of thousands like Cadillac’s marketplace . Failing here , is NOT AN OPTION !!
I really prefer the looks of the Malibu hands down…. The kinetic design of the Fusion wears out really quick it already starts to bored me. Malibu on the other hand is like damn that looks good!!