Tenth-Gen Chevy Malibu Rendered As Sexy, RWD Sportback
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Even though it’s swimming alone in a sea of SUVs and crossovers as one of GM’s last sedan models, we still like the Chevy Malibu. Now, we’re taking another look at the Malibu, this time reimagined as a sexy new RWD sportback in the following rendering.
The new rendering comes to us from our friend Brandon L. DeJean, the same digital artist that gave us the full-size Buick SUV rendering that GM Authority covered last week. DeJean is a recent graduate from Youngstown State University, and re-imagined the Chevy Malibu nameplate on the GM Alpha II platform.
Used as the bones for compact to midsize vehicles with a longitudinal front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout, the Alpha II platform currently underpins the Cadillac CT4 and Cadillac CT5. As such, this new Chevy Malibu rendering incorporates a good deal of inspiration from Caddy’s sporty sedan models.
We also see Chevy’s current design language implemented, most notably with the front end, where the new ‘Bu gets a large lower intake section divided by horizontal bar to form a thin upper intake section. The headlamps are simple and rectangular, pulling back into the fenders with horizontal graphics, while a black Bow Tie badge and red brake calipers add an extra splash of sportiness.
Moving around the rear, this new Chevy Malibu rendering shows off its sportback style with a curvaceous trunk line and long rear glass, with the roof falling gently into the tail section. Broad horizontal tail lamps connect the trunk section and rear fenders, and incorporate cool inner graphics that enhance the vehicle’s visual width.
Further black badging is found on the trunk lid, complemented by a black lower section that houses a quartet of rounded exhaust pipes.
Unfortunately, the future of the Chevy Malibu nameplate is uncertain, and for now, it looks like the ninth-gen model is the end of the line, as no replacement is currently planned. Still, we can always dream, right?
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Looks good, except the Toyota Avalon front end.
One has to remember that General Motors CEO Mary Barra won’t give the green light for any project that makes sense especially if it will create competition for the Cadillac CT4 and CT5; thus, this rendering is D.O.A. and will never get any further.
And just why does producing such a car “make sense”?
Unfortunately I don’t see this happening, but there could be two possibilities for a “Bu” replacement: a front wheel drive car based upon the latest Honda Accord per the two companies recent tie up, or a front (or hopefully, rear wheel drive) model based upon the Ultium car platform. Either option gives GM a new Malibu on more modern underpinnings. I would see them do the Honda based one first and then an electric version later once they start getting batteries cheap enough. As an old Pontiac G8 owner, I would love to see an affordable rear wheel drive car though!
Definitely agree with that last sentence!
I like what I am reading , Because if the Camaro is dropped by GM ,The Malibu can maybe pickup high performance . The Malibu SS would be great !
The vehicle looks a lot like my 2018 Buick Regal GS.
Well if you are going to 8msgine at least make it look like something other than just another fwd.
They are not going to make a Alpha2 Chevy sedan when that money can make more return on other products.
Now I do expect we will see RWD and AWD models on electric that will target the performance market. Not sure how they would do but they would be easy cheap risks on a EV platform.
Just moving motors around and adding bigger batteries you can make about what ever you like with little deep investment.
Tesla makes a big deal about their performance in bla looking sedans. Imagine performance in a really cool looking coupe or sedan that really has some real styling.
Basically it looks like a slightly worked over CT5; not a good thing.
Surely Brandon L. DeJean could have cleaned up the funky C-Pillar CT5 stuff going on. Too much of it is present for me to get on board with this design. The design is neither attractive nor ground breaking.
Here’s the difference though, if this were to be the next Malibu, I can be more forgiving of the exterior design versus this showing on a Cadillac.
Back to the drawing board. Literally!
Heres how I see it. Keep curent drivetrains But put the 2.7 turbo as a special Malibu SS. Way cool even if they dont sell very many. You can put me down for one if Chevy gets the ok from management
Is the 2.7 capable of being installed in a FWD configuration?
GM with Chevy would be mad to quit the sedan segment since we still have a cohort who want to buy a sedan from an American Detroit brand.
I thought GM was mad for not updating Impala and selling it at a Malibu price point exclusive to US and Canada in an effort to offer way more for less than Honda and Toyota. Nonetheless, Malibu sells better than the Koreans and often Nissan making it a segment worth holding especially for first time car buyers.
Chevy offerings something different would be great provided it does not increase price. Another option is for GM to drop Malibu in China and give Chevrolet the next gen Regal to sell as a bowtie as it would be a segment leader.
Nope. That’s not gonna work.
GM is at the back of the pack when it comes to cars. They have given up, and that is why I stay away from their lousy products.
If the Chevy SS ( manufactured in Australia with RWD and Corvette’s engine from 2014-2017) didn’t stay in production, why would a revamped RWD Malibu work? Y’all missed out! Love my manual Chevy SS!
I like this idea if offered with 2.0 3.6 and 6.2 engines, and the styling would have to be a home run. The Chevy SS is a great car but when it came out I think a lot of people mistook it for the Malibu at the time. In fact a tv show used a Chevy SS as a getaway car for the bad guy and when they blew it up they switched it for a Malibu. Styling has to stand out like the Dodge Charger. This should be done on the cheap to make since you already engineered these engines with the camaro, but it’s gotta have useable trunk and backseat and good site lines
There’s an in-depth article that explains how the Chevy SS was never intended to be a volume seller. It was a money losing venture from the get-go for Holden and there wasn’t any incentive for Chevy to devote marketing dollars to a vehicle that was only being sold to maintain or meet limited export volume and keep Australian workers employed.
This would definitely kill the Malibu…..
That front end…. 🤢🤮
I have another front end design that just wasn’t posted yet but I’m sure you won’t like that either lol
So I guess cars don’t have to have a front bumper now? The crash test rating score is about to go through the winshield!
Where’s the Maliboo Wagen…
I’m like 90% certain that’s a photoshopped Honda Accord with Buick wheels
Buick wheels yes, accord no. Though wouldn’t be a bad thing if it was with GM and Honda’s new deal
I agree that this looks like a Honda Accord with hints of Cadillac CT4/5. Sportbacks have not really appealed to American drivers. Neither car appeals to me. I am retired and have gone to a full-sized 2021 GMC Yukon Denali. Easier to step up into and down out of rather than straining to get out of low sedan anymore.
I believe this is what the Malibu is heading to. Guys here forgot about upcoming VSS-R, the Bolt is already the Chevy EV and noone is looking for a rebadged Accord.
Is VSS still happening?
Oh quit dreaming we all know it is energizer bunny pick-ups,cuvs and suvs from here on out, doubt it ask the supreme swamp creature Biden
………Go blue…….
Dodge Charger, a RWD sedan, came out in 2006 and is still around. A little late to the game GM.
It is late but if there is still sales for this segment the charger is the only one out there and really old so it’s perfect timing if you can do this without putting a lot of money in to do so with the alpha
GM did counter it with the better performing (and certain months) better selling G8, unfortunately it launched during the Housing Crisis.
What’s crazy is the v8 G8 is not cheap still
Great concept imo. Continue on alpha 1 so it doesn’t compete directly with cadillac and will be cheaper. A 4 door rwd car can work. I love the hatchback idea too. I like the headlights, but the ct5 and malibu styling should be forgotten. Tweak the styling and paint it a nice colour.
GM doomed the SS because it wasn’t american and they were just fulfilling a contract. Instant classic. If they had a good looking rwd to compete with camry/accord it will sell. Start lower than range topping accord, and go to 40g+.
Yes Yes Yes…. Make it in a SS v6 and I will get ride of my BMW x5 tomorrow!