Chevrolet’s eighth-generation Malibu still feels relatively recent, but the automaker is already developing a heavily restyled model for the 2016-2017 model year. A prototype of the new Malibu was recently spotted testing alongside a current-generation model, giving us a small hint at the big changes in order for the new midsize sedan.
AutoGuide notes the rearward sloping roofline of the prototype is slightly reminiscent of the Audi A7 and we have to agree. The overall all look is sleeker, with a lower hood and front section, more sharply raked A-pillars and a shorter greenhouse. The heavy camouflage makes individual styling features hard to pick out, but Chevrolet’s two-tier grille can be seen in close-up pictures of the front fascia.
General Motors’ Epsilon 2 platform will be carried over with the new model, as will the 2.5-liter four-cylinder base engine. Just as Ford did with the fusion, the V6 engine will likely be replaced with a smaller turbocharged four-cylinder, in this case, a 1.5-liter unit from GM’s new line of Ecotec motors. The range topping engine is expected to be an updated 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. AutoGuide says an eight-speed transmission will be available from launch, with GM and Ford’s co-developed nine-speed front-wheel drive transmission appearing at a later date.
Check out the spy photos here.
Comments
That’s what I’m talking about!!! Getting busy early! So far, I like what I’m hearing about the next Malibu!!!!
dear gm authority,
I don’t think the car that’s been shown in the spy shots is chevy malibu,its most probably buick lacrosse because malibu is still somewhat 2 yrs away from getting a redesign,but i hope it turns out to be malibu,cuz it looks great
The v6 will likely be replaced with a smaller turbocharger four-cylinder. DUDE ARE YOU HAVING A FLASH BACK TO 2013. lol
It is difficult to call what this is as it could be the Buick or it could be a Malibu.
The rear door is much longer than the Malibu it today.
Both cars are in the works and we should see both around the same time. The work on the new Malibu is much more advanced than many realize as they knew going in the present car was at a disadvantage and started to work forward.
The present car was just all they had ready and had to go with it to buy time as the last model was so old they had to do something. The refreshed nose was also no surprise as it was done in a hurry as they knew it needed fixed before the car was releases.
You have to remember GM knew the Fusion was coming and they moved the Malibu ahead even with out all the fixes they wanted to be the Ford. Then they fell back to add the fixes later. While the Malibu was over shadowed after the Ford came out it would have never been noticed if it had not beat the Ford out.
Sometimes automakers have to play the cards they have till the next round. Coming off the bail out that was what GM was doing. Chrysler was even worse off as they are just now replacing this segment car with the 200. while better than the past car it is far from segment leading and they are not yet working on a replacement yet.
If that’s a Malibu then why does it look like it has a thinly disguised sweepspear across the side of it? Could be a ‘bu but three’s so much thick and heavily padded camo on it who can really tell. Hope people aren’t making fools of themselves in this premature rush to say what it is. 🙂
Time will tell
I see a little Impala body line to the profile but then again I see some Buick body shape to the rear door and green house. But then the new Cruze is also going in a similar fashion.
I see bigger chevy cruze.
Not hardly, not even close dude.
After some time on the photos I see this.
It is not a Lacrosse or so I am convinced.
The side concave in the side is ala Corvette of the late 50’s. Though it could just be padding.
The C pillar is much like the Cruze.
The rear has similar body line to the tail lamps.
The grill has a center bar though to could be fakes.
I did note the rear suspension is independent and has holes in it to make it lighter much like many parts on the Alpha platform so this is a new platform with lighter parts.
I could still be fooled but I think it is a Chevy and a Malibu as the time line is right as the present car like I have stated before was never expected to be long term.
Enough of Malibu the CAR ! The 2013 and 2014 models are not in the top ten in middie sales , its reputation appears sullied by the downsize sales results and the CEOs apology to the nation. What I feel is needed , simply is to shrink it just a bit , jack it up the suspension , increase the greenhouse visibility and add AWD . This could quite possibly become a big selling CROSSOVER ! The 2013 Impala with a WOW grill facelift, redesigned dash and a crease in the sides , would fit right to the middie market , replacing the Malibu here , with its appropriate wheelbase , new more fuel efficient engines and eight speed transmissions .