Word quickly spread of a new turbo-charged Chevy Malibu when it was announced earlier this year, and finally we have the full details. And you won’t be disappointed.

Available on both the Malibu LT and Malibu LTZ packages, the Turbo adds extra horsepower, extra torque, and still keeps a 30 MPG highway EPA rating. Talk about having your cake and eating it, too.

“The all-new turbocharged engine showcases just how capable the new Malibu is, and the turbocharged Malibu is perfect for customers who want a midsize sedan that is fun to drive under a wide range of real-world conditions,” said Mark Meyers, GM global vehicle performance manager.

The Malibu turbo can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds and achieve a top speed of 155 mph. Even with this performance delivered by its 259-horsepower (193 kW) engine, the Malibu turbo has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 21 city and 30 mpg highway.

With its peak torque of 260 lb.-ft. (353 Nm) sustained between 1,700 and 5,500 rpm, the turbocharged engine also gives Malibu excellent response under a broad range of driving conditions. This added performance comes with greater refinement as the enhanced torque reduces downshifts and helps quiet the buzz sometimes found in four-cylinder engines.

Malibu turbo includes a four-wheel-independent suspension system, hydraulic ride bushings, premium electric steering gear and more.

“With its global pedigree and European tuning, the new Malibu has a robust body structure, premium steering and suspension, and substantial four-wheel disc brakes,” said Meyers.

Performance and value

The Malibu turbo goes on sale this fall, available as both a mid-level LT model with a suggested retail price of $27,710 and as a more luxurious LTZ model with a suggested retail price of $30,925. Both prices include a $995 dealer freight charge.

Standard content on turbo LT models includes:

• 18-inch aluminum wheels
• Chevy MyLink, with a seven-inch color touch-screen radio, Bluetooth, and USB port
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Remote start
• Eight-way power driver seat with power lumbar
• Tilting and telescoping steering column with steering wheel controls for audio and cruise control
• Ice-blue ambient lighting.

Malibu turbo LTZ models add:

• LED tail lamps
• Leather-appointed seats
• Heated front seats
• Available 19-inch aluminum wheels.

Technically advanced engine

A host of technologically advanced elements contribute to the Malibu turbo’s performance, including dual-overhead camshafts with continuously variable valve timing, direct injection and more:

• Twin-scroll turbocharger that virtually eliminates turbo lag and generates maximum boost of 20 psi
• Air-to-air intercooler that reduces the pressurized air charge’s temperature for optimal performance
• A356T6 aluminum cylinder head cast with Rotocast process – similar to the Corvette ZR1’s heads – for greater strength and improved airflow
• Sand-cast aluminum engine block that features cast-in iron liners and structural enhancements to enable higher power with reduced noise and vibration
• Aluminum pistons with jet-spray cooling, which enhances performance and longevity
• Modular balance shaft system in the oil pan for greater refinement
• Two–stage variable-displacement oil pump that enhances the overall operating efficiency of the engine
• Specially tuned exhaust for reduced backpressure and improved sound quality.

The advanced, electronically controlled turbocharger’s twin-scroll design optimizes power. Each of two scrolls on the turbine is fed by a separate exhaust passage – one from cylinders one and four, the other from cylinders two and three – to virtually eliminate turbo lag at low engine speeds, giving the engine immediate throttle response.

Because direct injection cools the intake process, compared to conventional port injection, the engine can operate at higher boost and a relatively higher compression ratio of 9.2:1, which increases both output and efficiency. Also, each piston has its own directed jet that sprays oil toward its skirt, coating its underside and the cylinder wall with an additional layer of lubricant. That cools the piston, reduces friction and operational noise and bolsters the engine’s durability.

The 2.0L turbo engine is matched with the Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic transmission, with TAPShift control.

Driving experience

Sold in more than 100 countries, the new Malibu benefits from a global development process that prepared the car for everything from unimproved roads in developing countries to the Autobahns and mountain switchbacks of Europe.

“You feel connected to the road in the Malibu turbo, while also being isolated from wind noise and imperfections in the pavement,” said Meyers. “Behind the wheel, the new Malibu turbo feels responsive. The steering is precise on center, with a confident steering effort build-up as the driver turns into a curve. The chassis feels great in the corners, with excellent body-motion control.

“The Malibu is a fun car to drive, and the power of the turbo engine makes it even better,” said Meyers.

A solid body structure, as stiff as any in the global midsize market, helped engineers dial in a refined degree of control in the front and rear suspensions, while an isolated engine cradle reduces noise transmission to the cabin. Chassis and suspension highlights include:

• MacPherson-strut front suspension with dual-path mountings, which separates the transfer of spring damper loads to the body to a smoother-feeling ride and an enhanced feeling of control. New for the turbo model are internal rebound springs for the front struts that give the Malibu improved body motion control and roll damping in handling maneuvers
• Side-load-compensated strut modules are designed to reduce the sliding friction caused by the bending load on the strut that is common in most suspension geometries, for more precise suspension tuning
• Aluminum steering knuckle/strut carriers and control arms are used to minimize un-sprung weight, optimize weight distribution throughout the front suspension and intended to foster a more nimble driving feel
• A direct-acting front stabilizer bar enables a more direct and immediate feeling to steering inputs. It is mounted to the rear portion of the engine cradle, with each end of the bar connected to the front struts
• Isolated lower A-arms, with integrated ball joints, are attached via two mounting points on a sub-frame that, in turn, is mounted with four isolators to the body structure. This provides a firmer foundation for the A-arms, which helped engineers tune the suspension more precisely, while also reducing noise and vibration
• Hydraulic ride bushings in the front control arms are designed to deliver a higher degree of ride isolation, quieter performance and more controlled transfer of road inputs
• Rack-mounted electric power steering gear by ZF Steering Systems. This dual-pinion system – one for steering and the other to move the rack – is designed to deliver excellent response and on-center characteristics, with almost perfect linear response. It also helps save fuel because engine doesn’t have to turn a conventional hydraulic steering pump
• A four-link rear suspension intended to contribute to the car’s controlled feel, with a direct-acting performance and precise calibration, thanks to its mounting directly to the stiff body structure. The four links include an upper camber link, two lower links and a trailing link
• Eighteen-inch aluminum wheels are standard on Malibu Turbo, while 19-inch wheels are available. They’re used with 235/50R18 or 245/45R19 all-season tires, respectively.

Chassis control systems

Malibu’s electronic chassis controls are designed to enhance overall ride and handling qualities of the car, and also help make for a safer journey. All are part of the StabiliTrak electronic stability control system, which also incorporates full-function traction control.

When a situation requires a higher level of electronic intervention – signaled by inputs detected by a yaw sensor mounted in the center of the vehicle – StabiliTrak modulates the brakes at the individual wheels, reduces power or does both to help the driver remain in control. The system incorporates advanced braking features to assist in a variety of conditions, including:

• Cornering Brake Control is activated when the car is braking while cornering. Brake pressure is individually varied among all four wheels to keep the car stable.
• Brake Assist helps the driver in emergency braking situations, giving the driver a higher deceleration gain than would be possible from the regular brake system booster.

The Malibu turbo’s brake system consists of four-wheel discs, featuring 11.7-inch (296 mm) vented front discs and aluminum calipers in the rear. A four-channel anti-lock system is tied in with StabiliTrak to provide more control in wet and icy conditions.

The 2013 Malibu Turbo also offers 10 standard air bags, as well as an available rearview camera system, Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning. It is also the first 2013 midsize car to earn double honors for safety, including a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and a 2012 Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety.

All models are covered by a five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, as well as a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty.

2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU LT & LTZ TURBO SPECIFICATIONS

Overview

Engines

Transmissions

Chassis/Suspension

Brakes

Wheels/Tires

Dimensions

Exterior

Interior

Capacities

*SAE certified.
Note: Information shown is current at time of publication.

You can get a new 2013 Chevy Malibu with an additional $500 off with the new Love It Or Return It program!

Buyers can opt to enroll in a 60-day return program which will allow them to return their new Chevy Malibu within sixty days of their purchase. Or, you can opt for $500 in additional 2013 Malibu rebates! If you’ve been thinking of shopping for a new Chevy Malibu Eco, LS, LT, or LTZ, there’s no better time than now. Click here for more details about the Chevy Confidence sale!

Jeneise and Talfred Hunt of Romeoville, Ill. took their 2009 Malibu Hybrid in for an oil change this week and instead became the first customers to purchase the all-new 2013 Malibu Eco midsize sedan.

The new Malibu Eco is priced less than a full hybrid vehicle with a suggested retail price of $25,995, including a $760 destination charge.

The heart of the Malibu Eco is its segment-exclusive, fuel-saving eAssist™ technology, which provides GM-estimated 25 mpg city and 37 mpg highway fuel economy. It combines start-stop technology with regenerative braking and a lightweight lithium-ion battery to provide an electric boost in certain conditions, improving fuel economy by 12 percent over today’s four-cylinder engine – and delivering better fuel economy than any non-hybrid midsize sedan currently available.

The 2013 Malibu is built at GM’s Fairfax assembly plant, which opened in 1987. It has been the home of the Chevrolet Malibu and has built more than 1.4 million of them since 2003. The Malibu is also scheduled to be built at GM’s Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant later this summer.

Chevrolet continued its global rollout of the all-new 2013 Malibu midsize sedan today with the first shipment of its most fuel-efficient Malibu ever – the Malibu Eco –to dealers across the United States.  Ross Downing Chevrolet has already placed our order, and the 2013 Malibu is scheduled to arrive in our showroom in just a matter of weeks.

The Malibu Eco is the first model of the all-new 2013 Malibu lineup to reach dealer showrooms in North America, bringing with it:  

• A sporty exterior shaped to save fuel
• An all-new interior with more room, comfort and premium materials
• Sound-reducing and sound-absorbing components to make it the quietest Chevrolet in history 
• All-new Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system that enhances customer connectivity  
• All-new ride-and-handling package   
• Engineering to meet top safety results around the world.

The heart of the Malibu Eco is its segment-exclusive, fuel-saving eAssist™ technology, which provides GM-estimated 25 mpg city and 37 mpg highway fuel economy. It combines start-stop technology with regenerative braking and a lightweight lithium-ion battery to provide an electric boost in certain conditions, improving fuel economy by 12 percent over today’s four-cylinder engine – and delivering better fuel economy than any non-hybrid midsize sedan currently available.

The 2013 Malibu is built at GM’s Fairfax assembly plant, which opened in 1987. It has been the home of the Chevrolet Malibu and has built more than 1.4 million of them since 2003. The Fairfax plant operates three shifts and is the largest employer in the Kansas City Metro area, with more than 4,000 employees. The Malibu is also scheduled to be built at GM’s Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant later this summer.

An all-new Ecotec 2.5L engine debuts in the Malibu later this summer, followed by an all-new Ecotec 2.0L turbo engine.

The new Malibu Eco is priced less than a full hybrid vehicle with a suggested retail price of $25,995, including a $760 destination charge. The 2013 Malibu is Chevrolet’s first global midsize sedan and will be sold in nearly 100 countries on six continents. Last year, the Malibu was GM’s second-best selling car in the United States behind the Chevrolet Cruze compact sedan.

The new Chevy Malibu is already on sale in South Korea and will arrive in dealerships in China by the end of the first quarter.

The all-new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco adds a dose of flavor – and efficiency – to the midsize sedan segment. It has class-challenging ride and handling characteristics; a new, sporty design; new premium interior that’s roomy, comfortable and quiet; and it has better fuel economy than any non-hybrid midsize sedan – a GM-estimated 37 mpg on the highway.

The Malibu Eco is the first model of the all-new 2013 Malibu lineup to reach dealer showrooms in North America, starting in the first quarter of 2012. It has an MSRP of $25,995, including a $760 destination charge. The new Malibu is Chevrolet’s first global midsize sedan and will be sold in nearly 100 countries on six continents.

“The Malibu Eco is a smart choice for customers who want a great looking car inside and out with excellent fuel economy, but without the higher price of some hybrid sedans,” said Russ Clark, director of Chevrolet marketing. “In short, it’s an incredible value.”

The exterior of the Eco – and all Malibu models – has a coupe-like silhouette and carries design DNA from Camaro to bring a sporty sensibility to the family sedan segment.

A wide stance, broad shoulders, a powerdome hood and an integrated rear spoiler bring a new athleticism to Malibu and give it a more aggressive, planted and sporty appearance. The new Malibu has a 4.5-inch (114 mm) shorter wheelbase and 62-inch (1,574 mm) front and rear tracks that are more than 2 inches (51 mm) wider than the model it replaces.

Malibu Eco exterior design cues also include Chevrolet’s dual-port grille, large swept-back projector HID headlamps with three-dimensional execution, larger Chevrolet bowtie badges front and rear, taillamps inspired by the Camaro and a single hidden exhaust outlet. The look is complemented by standard 17-inch alloy wheels and low-rolling-resistance Goodyear tires.

An aerodynamically optimized design and smart use of fuel-saving technologies helps the Malibu Eco be Chevy’s most fuel-efficient midsize ever, as engineers removed about 60 counts of wind drag from the 2013 Malibu’s design, compared to its predecessor.

Malibu Eco is among the first vehicles in the midsize segment with a standard fuel-saving, active shutter system. Located in the lower grille, the Malibu Eco’s active shutter system automatically closes airflow through the lower intake opening when air intake is least needed. When closed, the shutter system enhances aero performance by redirecting airflow around the front of the vehicle and down the sides, rather than through it. The shutter is open or closed based on engine coolant temperature and speed. For example, the shutters open when the car is traveling up a hill, pulling a trailer, or in hot city driving; the shutters close at highway speeds when less engine cooling is required.

Other aerodynamic features on the Malibu Eco include:

• Dual-port grille upper is closed to redirect air flow up and over the hood
• Outside rearview mirrors designed to maximize efficiency
• Taillamps shaped for aero performance without design penalty
• Four underbody panels – more commonly found on premium-priced cars – cover approximately 50 percent of the lower portion of the vehicle and provide a cleaner airflow path beneath the vehicle.

The Malibu Eco features an all-new interior that is roomier, more comfortable and premium, and quieter than the previous generation Malibu. It features an all-new dual cockpit design that is three inches wider than the previous Malibu.

The increased width of the new Malibu means a more spacious cabin. Compared to the previous model, it has nearly four cubic feet (113 L) of additional interior volume, along with more than 1.5 inches (38 mm) of shoulder room in front, 3.5 inches (89 mm) more rear shoulder room and nearly three inches (76 mm) more hip room, front and rear. The trunk has 14.3 cubic feet (405 liters) of capacity, or one more cubic feet than the previous-generation Malibu.

The Malibu Eco’s interior features metallic, chrome or wood accents located around the shifter, surrounding the center stack, around the instrument cluster and on doors and the steering wheel. Soft, ice blue ambient lighting reflects off of and complements chrome accents and ensures even, consistent illumination along the instrument panel. Ice blue lighting on the center stack dials, exposed ice blue French contrast stitching, soft-touch and textured surfaces, and strategic applications of noise-deadening materials add to Malibu’s interior refinement. Seats are sport-sculpted and bolstered with firmer foam and frames made of high-strength steel for long-distance comfort and durability.

The Malibu Eco also has a number of storage areas, including a radio face that swivels up to reveal a six-inch-deep (152 mm) hidden storage area behind a seven-inch (178 mm) touch-screen radio display. Malibu also offers a full range of the latest infotainment options, including new color radio systems and an available navigation system.

Chevrolet’s new MyLink infotainment package and OnStar are standard on the Malibu Eco. They build on the safety and security of OnStar and seamlessly integrate online services like Pandora® internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio®. MyLink integrates wireless connectivity through Bluetooth to enable hands-free use of selected smart phone apps while the device remains safely stowed.

(Please see the separate Interior and MyLink releases for more details.)

eAssist technology

Malibu Eco’s eAssist system is mated to an Ecotec 2.4L direct-injection four-cylinder engine and next-generation six-speed automatic transmission. The 2.4L engine is efficient and lightweight, featuring dual-overhead cams, direct injection, continuously variable intake and exhaust timing and electronic throttle control, as well as a lightweight aluminum cylinder block and cylinder head. It is rated at an estimated 182 horsepower (134 kW) and is a variant of the same engine recognized as one of Ward’s Ten Best Engines in 2010.

Along with the Ecotec 2.4L and six-speed transmission, the eAssist system uses power stored in the air-cooled, lithium-ion battery to provide needed electrical boost in various driving scenarios, optimizing engine and transmission operation. An advanced 115V lithium-ion battery and 15-kW motor-generator unit help increase fuel economy through:

• Regenerative braking, which provides up to 15 kW of electricity to charge the battery
• Enabling a more-efficient final drive ratio by providing up to 15 hp (11 kW) of electric power assistance during heavier acceleration
• Using electricity instead of gasoline when stopped, with automatic and smooth engine start-stop functionality
• Aggressive fuel cut-off during deceleration down to zero mph for added fuel savings
• Intelligent charge/discharge of the high-voltage battery.

The eAssist system captures up to 15kW of power that would be normally lost during braking and uses it to recharge the lithium-ion battery. The system also shuts down fuel delivery in certain deceleration conditions, further improving fuel economy. While in fuel shut-off mode, the motor-generator unit continues spinning along with the engine to provide immediate and smooth take-off power when the driver presses on the accelerator. As the vehicle comes to a stop, the motor-generator unit brings the engine to a controlled stop to position it properly for a smooth restart when the brake is released.

Thanks to eAssist technology, the Malibu Eco can travel 580 highway miles (965 km) between fill-ups with a 15.8-gallon (59.9 liters) fuel tank.

(Please see the separate e Assist release for more details.)

Driving dynamics

Complementing Malibu Eco’s sporty appearance are its European-inspired driving characteristics.

All 2013 Malibu models have been engineered to deliver ride and handling capabilities that are best-in-class and on par with more expensive sports sedans. These include:

• A solid body structure that’s 20-percent stiffer than previous GM models and built on the global midsize architecture. This allows for precise tuning and dynamic vehicle control
• ZF Steering Systems premium electric steering gear that ensures smooth, precise responsiveness and on-center feel
• Proven and continuously refined MacPherson strut front and mutli-link rear suspensions with aluminum components and hollow stabilizer bar to reduce unsrpung weight
• Large, 11.7-inch (297 mm) ventilated front disc and 11.5-inch (292 mm) solid rear disc brakes (with aluminum rear calipers), which are expected to deliver best-in-class stopping distance
• An isolated engine cradle for tuned, refined feedback, without noise or vibration
• Fuel-saving electric power rack-and-pinion variable-effort power steering, resulting in effortless low-speed maneuvers and precise steering feel at higher speeds
• Chassis control technologies include four-channel anti-lock brakes, full-function traction control, four-corner electronic stability control, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist system, corner brake control, panic brake assist and drag torque control.

(Please see the 2013 Malibu Ride and Handling article for more details.)

Safety

The 2013 Malibu Eco is designed to be one of the safest cars in the segment. It delivers safety before, during and after a crash, with features including:

• StabiliTrak stability control system with full-function traction control
• Four-disc brakes with ABS
• Forward collision alert (late availability)
• Lane departure warning (late availability)
• Eight standard air bags – including knee air bags and full-length side curtain air bags – and available rear thorax/pelvis air bags
• Pedal release system.

Malibu Eco also comes standard with OnStar (with six-month Directions & Connections plan), with Automatic Crash Response – a feature that automatically triggers a response from an OnStar advisor in the event of a crash.

(Please see the Safety press release for more details.)

Quietness

The new Malibu is the quietest Chevrolet ever and is expected to be one of the quietest cars in the midsize segment. To achieve that, interior engineers used road testing, sound evaluation tools and vehicle components to reduce, block and absorb noise from entering the cabin. Some of the contributors to its quiet driving experience include:

• Malibu’s stiff body structure and isolated engine cradle help reduce noise and vibration from being transmitted to the interior.
• The wind tunnel-tuned exterior has a low coefficient of drag – a low drag count of .30 C d (Eco model) helps reduce wind noise to what is expected to be a segment-best 33 decibels.
• Air leakage into the passenger compartment, a primary noise source for all vehicles, is expected to be the best in the segment, at about 20-25 cubic feet per minute.
• A 5.4-mm acoustic-laminate windshield and 5-mm acoustic-laminated front door glass reduce wind noise by about 3 decibels when compared to conventional tempered glass.
• Sixteen expanding-foam acoustic baffles are placed strategically in cavities throughout the body structure. The foam expands when the body passes through the drying oven in the paint shop, filling the cavities to restrict or eliminate sound paths.
• Liquid-applied sound deadening and melt-on sound deadening materials are used on the floor pan.

(Please see the Interior release for more details.)

The all-new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco midsize sedan will start at $25,995 when it arrives in dealerships in the first quarter next year, reinforcing the value proposition of the midsize segment’s longest-running nameplate.

The suggested retail price includes a $760 destination charge but excludes tax, title, license and dealer fees.

The 2013 Malibu Eco is Chevrolet’s most fuel-efficient Malibu ever. It is the first Chevrolet to feature General Motors’ eAssist battery electric/gas propulsion system, which uses a state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery and an electric motor-generator to enable regenerative braking, electric assist and start-stop functionality. That helps deliver a GM-estimated 26 mpg in city driving and 38 mpg on the highway.

Malibu Eco’s highway efficiency is comparable the segment’s popular full hybrids and diesels, but delivered at a lower price:

• 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid – $29,395 / 36 mpg
• 2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI SE Diesel (with automatic) – $27,895 / 40 mpg
• 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid – $26,660 / 39 mpg
• 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid – $26,545 / 40 mpg

Malibu Eco is part of the all-new, 2013 Malibu lineup – Chevrolet’s first global midsize sedan – designed to give customers more style, fuel efficiency, content and features, along with the craftsmanship and dynamic capabilities rivaling high-end sedans. It has a more powerful engine – 182 hp / 134 kW – than the Fusion (156 hp / 116 kW), Camry (178 hp / 132 kW) or Passat (140 hp / 104 kW).

Product highlights for North American models include:

• Expressive exterior designed to stand out, with a wide, athletic stance
• Aerodynamically optimized exterior, including underbody aero enhancements and electronically controlled shutters in the lower grille that close at higher speeds to push more air over and around the vehicle
• All-new, Chevrolet-signature dual-cockpit interior that is more spacious, features premium materials and is engineered to be the quietest in the midsize segment
• First Chevrolet car to offer new Chevrolet MyLink connectivity, which integrates online services such as Pandora® Internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio®
• European-influenced ride and handling traits
• More safety features and technologies, including eight standard air bags, ultra-high-strength steel and rearview camera system.

Additional fuel-saving features include:

• Eco-specific lightweight components and systems, including an aluminum hood, aluminum rear bumper beam, low-mass carpet and dash mat and more, which save approximately 130 pounds (58 kg) over a comparably equipped non-ECO model
• An Eco gauge in the cluster that continuously responds to driving behavior, encouraging fuel-efficient driving. An Auto Stop Indicator on the tachometer informs the driver when the engine is in start-stop mode
• Seventeen-inch low-rolling-resistance all-season Goodyear tires
• The eAssist system mated to a fuel-efficient 2.4L Ecotec direct-injection four-cylinder engine and next-generation six-speed automatic transmission. The 2.4L engine, a variant of the same engine that was recognized as one of Ward’s Ten Best Engines in 2010, is lightweight and features dual-overhead cams, direct injection, continuously variable intake and exhaust timing and electronic throttle control. It also has a lightweight aluminum cylinder block and cylinder head.

A five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, as well as a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty is standard on the Malibu Eco. Certain eAssist components are covered by an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty, including the electric motor generator, three-phase electric power cables and high-voltage lithium-ion battery.

The Malibu Eco is offered with cloth or leather seats in eight exterior and three interior color choices. It is well-equipped in standard form and available with four equipment packages: Package 1 – Power Convenience; Package 2 – Premium Audio; Package 3 – Leather; and Package 4 – Navigation.

Standard powertrain and chassis content:

• Ecotec 2.4L direct injection with continuously variable valve timing and eAssist technology, rated at 182 horsepower (135 kW)
• Six-speed automatic transmission with tap-shift control
• 2.64:1 axle ratio
• Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS
• Regenerative braking
• Grade braking control
• Panic brake assist
• Electronic park brake with push button
• StabiliTrak electronic stability control system
• Electric power steering (rack-mounted)
• MacPherson strut front suspension
• Four-link rear suspension
• Seventeen-inch five-spoke aluminum wheels
• P225/55R17 all-season low-rolling-resistance Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max tires

Standard exterior content:

• Active front lower grille aero shutters and aerodynamic underbody panels
• Projector-beam headlamps with automatic exterior lamp control
• Heated, power-adjustable outside mirrors (body color)
• Fin-type combined OnStar/SiriusXM Satellite Radio antenna (body color)
• Acoustic-laminated, solar-absorbing glass
• Intermittent windshield wipers with structureless blades

Standard interior content:

• Chevrolet MyLink
• Six-inch-deep illuminated (when headlamps are on) hidden storage behind articulating touch screen radio face
• Air conditioning – dual zone automatic climate control with odor filter
• Audio system: AM/FM stereo with CD with MP3 playback and auxiliary input jack
• Seven-inch-diagonal color touch screen for the audio system
• USB port for the audio system
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio
• Six-speaker sound system
• Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity
• Cruise control
• Remote keyless entry
• Power windows with express down feature
• Power door and window locks
• Driver information center
• Tilt and telescopic steering column
• Steering wheel audio and cruise controls
• Ice blue ambient lighting
• Driver’s footrest
• Overhead console
• Compass display
• Two auxiliary power outlets
• Rear center armrest with storage

Standard safety content:

• OnStar with six months of Directions and Connections plan, including Automatic Crash Response, Crisis Assist, Stolen Vehicle Assistance, Remote Door Unlock, and more.
• Dual-stage frontal air bags
• Driver and front passenger thorax side-impact air bags
• Driver and front passenger knee air bags
• Head curtain side-impact air bags (front and rear outboard seating positions)
• Safety belt pretensioners
• Tire pressure monitoring system

Package 1 – Power Convenience includes all standard equipment plus:

• Eight-way power driver’s seat with lumbar control
• Rearview backup camera system
• Remote start
• Auto-dimming inside rearview mirror
• Universal garage door opener

Package 2 – Premium Audio includes all content in Package 1 plus:

• Pioneer nine-speaker audio system with high-output amplifier
• Fog lamps
• Leather-wrapped shifter knob and steering wheel

Package 3 – Leather includes all content in Package 2 plus:

• Leather-trimmed seating
• Eight-way power-adjustable front passenger seat with lumbar control
• Heated front seats

Package 4 – Navigation includes all content in Package 3 plus:

• Navigation system
• Memory seats and mirrors
• Auto-up driver’s window

A power-operated sunroof is available on Packages 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Exterior Color Choices:

• Silver Ice Metallic
• Black Granite Metallic
• Summit White
• Crystal Red Tintcoat
• White Diamond Tricoat
• Taupe Gray Metallic
• Steel Blue Metallic (late availability)
• Champagne Silver Metallic (late availability)

Interior Color/Trim Choices:

• Jet Black
• Jet Black/Titanium
• Cocoa/Light Neutral

The Eco is the first trim level of an all-new Malibu lineup to launch in the United States. Other Malibu trim levels including LS, LT and LTZ are scheduled to begin production next summer in Fairfax, Kan. and Detroit-Hamtramck. The 2013 Malibu will be sold in nearly 100 countries on six continents and will serve as a flagship Chevrolet midsize in many parts of the world. The Malibu is built in multiple locations including the United States, China and Korea.

From hot rod to police cruiser to convertible to America’s main street sedan, few midsize cars have appealed to so many, for so long, as the Chevrolet Malibu.

The Malibu is the auto industry’s longest-running midsize nameplate, spanning 35 years, six decades, and eight iterations.  Chevrolet has produced more than 8.5 million Malibus in the United States since its debut in 1964.

Introduced as the top model of the Chevrolet Chevelle midsize car line, Malibu’s combination of sporty design, enhanced trim and high level of standard equipment quickly established Malibu with 200,000 total sales in its first year. From 1964 to 1967, Malibu was available in a full range of body styles including two-door hardtops, two-door convertibles, four-door sedans and station wagons.

In its debut year, the Malibu lineup included the now legendary 300-horsepower, 327 cubic-inch V8 Malibu SS coupe and convertible; the following year introduced a more powerful 350-horsepower 327 cubic-inch small block. The Malibu SS Z16 package – available only in the hardtop model – featured Malibu’s first big block engine – a 396 cubic-inch 375 horsepower powerplant.

For the 1966 model year, the Malibu SS was replaced by the SS396. This model came with a heavy-duty suspension and other performance upgrades. The 396 V8 was available in 325, 360 and 375 horsepower versions.

The Malibu was significantly redesigned for the 1968 model year as fastback styling overtook the industry. This second generation of Malibus continued with the front engine and rear-wheel-drive layout, but used different wheelbases for two-door and four-door models.

Chevrolet introduced a third generation of Chevelles, including a Malibu, in 1973 that would continue through 1977. The Malibu was available in coupe, sedan and wagon configurations. The Malibu SS package was available on all body styles including the wagon. In 1974, the Malibu became the entry-level Chevelle model.

The third-generation Malibu also was successful in NASCAR. The 1973-1977 body was aerodynamic and amassed 25 winner’s circle appearances for Chevrolet drivers Cale Yarborough, Bobby Allison, Darrell Waltrip and Benny Parsons.

A smaller Malibu debuted in 1978, responding to a rise in fuel economy demands, yet retained contemporary styling and features. The Malibu’s first era of rear-wheel-drive cars ended after the 1983 model year when an all-new generation of front-wheel-drive midsize cars was introduced in 1997 following a 14-year production hiatus.

Malibu was reborn as a four-door sedan with a four-cylinder 150 horsepower and a V6 with 155 horsepower. Malibu quickly earned a reputation as a well-built, value-driven sedan designed to take on established midsize leaders. It also earned Motor Trend magazine’s Car-of-the-Year award for 1997.

A sixth-generation Malibu debuted for the 2004 model year in four-door sedan and extended sedan versions with Ecotec 4-cylinder and V6 engines. It again garnered awards and recommendations from automotive media, independent research groups and safety advocates. The Malibu topped its segment in the 2005 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study.  In 2006, the Malibu SS model was reintroduced with a 240-horsepower V6 with more aggressive front and rear clips, 18” wheels, and sport bucket seats.

In 2007, Chevrolet launched a seventh-generation for the 2008 model year. It became one of the division’s most highly decorated vehicles, earning more than 40 automotive industry honors, including the 2008 North American Car of the Year.

The Malibu was Chevrolet’s – and General Motors – best-selling passenger car in 2010, with nearly 200,000 cars (198,770) sold. The Malibu is the industry’s only midsize car to win the Consumers Digest Automotive “Best Buy” award the past three years – 2011, 2010 and 2009. It has also been named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety the past two years (2010 and 2011). Malibu helped Chevrolet increase market share by 2 percentage points within the mid-car segment from just under 7 percent in 2008 to nearly 9 percent in 2010.

The all-new 2013 Malibu is Chevrolet’s eighth-generation Malibu and first global midsize for customers in nearly 100 markets on six continents. It will serve as Chevrolet’s flagship vehicle in many parts of the world including China, Korea, Europe, Australia and more.  The Malibu is designed to stand out around the world with a roomy, quiet and upscale interior. Its ride and handling is expected to challenge the best cars in the midsize category. The new Malibu will be built in China, Korea and two locations in the United States. It is scheduled to start production in Fairfax, Kan., in early 2012 and at Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly next summer.

Highlights in Malibu history: (model years)

• 1964 – Introduced as the top model of Chevrolet’s new midsize lineup, it sold more than 200,000 in its first year.
• 1968 – Significant redesign delivered a smoother, more rounded Malibu; sales increased to more than 260,000 units.
• 1973 – All-new Malibu introduced, with a “Colonnade” hardtop design developed to support increased safety requirements..
• 1978 – Smaller, trimmer Malibu with significant advances in component weight reduction is introduced. 
• 1983 – Last year for rear-wheel-drive configuration.
• 1997 – Malibu reborn as a midsize, front-wheel-drive sedan, attracting accolades for value, safety and quality.
• 2004 – Redesigned on new vehicle platform, Malibu enhanced its reputation as a high-quality, safe and value-driven competitor in the midsize segment.
• 2008 – Seventh  generation Malibu is launched with distinctive design,  longer wheelbase and exclusive features such as a fuel-saving, four-cylinder/six-speed automatic powertrain. This current generation Malibu has sold more than 700,000 units since 2008.
• 2013 – All-new Malibu designed to deliver high levels of content and features, interior craftsmanship, a line-up of fuel efficient four cylinder engines with dynamic capabilities rivaling high-end sedans set to launch in early 2012. The 2013 Malibu is Chevrolet’s most aerodynamic and fuel efficient midsize ever.

When the Chevrolet Malibu nameplate was first introduced in 1964:

• Lyndon B. Johnson was President of the United States
• The Rolling Stones released their debut album, “The Rolling Stones”
• The Beatles made their first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show
• The Civil Rights Act – one of the most important piece of legislation in American history – became law
• The average price for a new home in the United States was just over $13,000
• Gasoline was 30 cents per gallon, postage stamps were 5 cents and a movie ticket was $1.25
• Cassius Clay beat Sonny Liston for the World Heavyweight championship
• Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. received the Nobel Peace Prize
• Bubble wrap was invented by Marc A Chavannes.

The 2013 Malibu release is still just under a year away for those of us here in North America. But soon car shoppers in Korea will get the first shot at owning one of the most anticipated sedan redesigns in years.

Chevrolet today launched the brand’s first global midsize sedan, the all-new Malibu to the Korean market. It will start production this month at GM Korea’s Bupyeong manufacturing facility and begin sales Nov. 1.

“Korea is the first country to produce and sell the all-new Malibu,” said GM Korea President and CEO Mike Arcamone. “With expressive styling, a comfortable cabin, outstanding ride and handling, and top-notch safety, it will exceed the expectations of consumers.”

While new to Korea, the Malibu nameplate is the industry’s longest-running midsize passenger car nameplate, spanning 35 years. More than 8.5 million Malibus have been produced in the United States since its debut in 1964. The product name also conveys the luxury character of the vehicle by creating a connection to the affluent Pacific Ocean beachfront enclave in California.

The all-new eighth-generation Malibu carries on the award-winning heritage of the seventh generation, which has garnered more than 40 industry awards, including 2008 North American Car of the Year.

Segment-best ride and handling was a fundamental element for dynamic engineers as they calibrated the all-new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu sedan for customers in 100 markets on six continents.

Benefiting from continuous refinement of an award-winning global architecture, the global development team matched the car’s resized proportions – including wider front and rear tracks – with more direct steering and advanced chassis control systems. Architecture refinements   produced a Malibu with European-style precision and comfort tailored to North America’s diverse range of driving conditions.

“Our development team has been everywhere with the new Malibu, tuning the ride on rural back roads, suburban boulevards, urban freeways and just about every other type of road imaginable,” said Mark Moussa, global chief engineer. “The result is the most finely tuned Chevrolet mid-size sedan ever, with controlled dynamics in all driving conditions.”

A roster of integrated elements enable the dynamics of Malibu’s driving experience, including:

• A solid body structure as stiff as any in the global mid-size sedan market, enabling more precise tuning and dynamic vehicle control
• Proven and refined MacPherson strut front and four-link rear suspensions
• Hydraulic ride bushings and isolated lower A-arms that enable a more quiet and refined ride
• A premium, ZF rack-mounted electric power steering gear for smooth, precise responsiveness and greater on-center feel
• Chassis control technologies include StabiliTrak electronic stability control, with full-function traction control, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist system, corner brake control, and hydraulic brake assist

Large, ventilated front disc and solid rear disc brakes, clamped on by dual-piston front and single-piston rear aluminum calipers, which are expected to deliver segment-best stopping distance.

“Whatever the surface, you feel connected to the road in the new Malibu, while also being comfortably isolated from the imperfections and noise of the road,” said Moussa. “The feel behind the wheel is like that of premium sedans that cost thousands more, with a great feeling of control at highway speeds and excellent maneuverability at low speeds.”

An all-new, Ecotec 2.5L engine with direct injection makes its General Motors debut this summer and is Malibu’s standard engine. It has more horsepower than the current Malibu engine and greater low-rpm torque for on-demand power whenever the driving situation calls for it. The 2.5L delivers a GM-estimated 190 horsepower (140 kW) and 180 lb.-ft. of torque (250 Nm).

Chevrolet will begin production early next year with its most fuel-efficient Malibu ever with the ECO model. The Malibu ECO delivers GM-estimated 26 mpg city and 38 mpg highway fuel economy, thanks to its advanced eAssist light-electrification technology, which saves fuel without compromising drive performance. The system uses a lightweight lithium-ion battery and an electric motor-generator to enable regenerative braking electric assist and start-stop function. It weighs only 65 pounds (29 kg) and is situated in the trunk without significantly compromising space.

Malibu ECO’s eAssist system is mated to an Ecotec 2.4L direct-injection four-cylinder engine and next-generation six-speed automatic transmission. It is rated at a GM-estimated 182 horsepower (134 kW) and 172 ft.-lbs. of torque (233 Nm).

Strong structure and new proportions

Malibu’s greater feeling of control starts with the body-frame integral foundation. The body structure is 19-percent stiffer than the model it replaces, which translates to a more solid feel for passengers as well as enabling more precise calibration of the suspension and chassis components. More precise suspension tuning supports the car’s increased feeling of control.

The stiff body structure is composed of about 65 percent high-strength steel and ultra-high-strength steel. A finite element model computer program was used during development to ensure the optimal shape and forms of the steel, thereby eliminating unnecessary material that would add weight and detract from the Malibu’s overall ride and handling performance – and negatively affect fuel efficiency.

Integrated within that stiffer body structure are new proportions that provide a wider stance. Compared to the outgoing model, the 2013 Malibu’s 107.8-inch (2,738 mm) wheelbase is 4.5 inches (114 mm) shorter, but with front and rear tracks – 62 inches each (1,574 mm) – that are 2.5 inches (63 mm) wider in front and 2.0 inches (51 mm) wider in the rear, which helps the Malibu feel more planted in turns.

Dual paths and four links

The benefit of experience with the Malibu’s architecture helped engineers dial in a greater degree of control through the front and rear suspensions. They are composed of a compact, low-mass strut design in the front and a multi-link design in the rear with a higher degree of tuning and the incorporation of premium features. Highlights include:

• McPherson-strut front suspension with dual-path mountings, which separates the transfer of spring damper loads to the body to a smoother-feeling ride and an enhanced feeling of control.
• Side-load-compensated strut modules are designed to reduce the sliding friction caused by the bending load on the strut that is common in most suspension geometries, for more-precise suspension tuning. This configuration also enabled the front wheels to be moved farther outboard to enhance stability.
• Aluminum steering knuckle/strut carriers and control arms are used to minimize un-sprung weight, optimize weight distribution throughout the front suspension and intended to foster a more nimble driving feel.
• A direct-acting front stabilizer bar enables a more direct and immediate feeling to steering inputs. It is mounted to the rear portion of the engine cradle, with each end of the bar connected to the front struts. This hollow bar is also lighter than a solid bar.
• Isolated lower A-arms, with integrated ball joints, are attached via two mounting points on a sub-frame that, in turn, is mounted with four isolators to the body structure. This provides a firmer foundation for the A-arms, which helps engineers tune the suspension more precisely, while also reducing noise and vibration that could be transmitted to the interior.
• Hydraulic ride bushings in the front control arms deliver a higher degree of ride isolation, quieter performance and more controlled transfer of road inputs.
• A four-link rear suspension intended to contribute to the car’s controlled feel, with a direct-acting performance and precise calibration, thanks to its mounting directly to the stuff body structure. The four links include an upper camber link, two lower links and a trailing link. The suspension also features a hollow-section stabilizer bar.
• A family of 16 -, 17-, 18- and 19-inch five-spoke wheels and tires is matched with suspension tuning specific to each wheel size intended to optimize ride and handling.

Electrifying steering

Another element of Malibu’s greater feeling of control is the integration of a rack-mounted electric power steering technology on all Malibu models. It is a dual-pinion system – one for steering and the other to move the rack – that is designed to deliver excellent response and on-center characteristics. It also helps save fuel because engine power isn’t required to turn it, as is the case with conventional hydraulic systems.

A premium ZF steering gear is used on the Malibu, which is known for torsional stiffness and lower operating friction, which is intended to enhance the steering feel with almost perfect linear response. Additionally, the steering column and intermediate shaft feature stiff, direct-acting and low-friction ball bearing designs. That means there is almost no “lash” in the entire steering system, which should translate to a more immediate and connected-to-the-road feel for the driver.

Variable-effort steering is offered on the Malibu. It increases the level of power assistance during low-speed maneuvers, such as parking, and decreases at higher speeds. 

Confident chassis control systems

A suite of electronically controlled chassis systems are designed to enhance overall ride and handling qualities and help make for a safer journey. All are part of the StabiliTrak electronic stability control system, which also incorporates full-function traction control. This progressive system reacts indiscernibly for the driver and continually adjusts to accommodate the driving situation. In most driving situations, it enhances the feeling of control without the driver   knowing it.

When a situation arises that requires a higher level of electronic intervention – signaled by inputs detected by a yaw sensor mounted in the center of the vehicle – StabiliTrak will modulate the brakes at the individual wheels, reduce power or do both to help the Malibu’s driver remain in control. The system incorporates advanced braking features to assist in a variety of conditions, including:

• Cornering Brake Control is activated when the car is braking while cornering. Brake pressure is individually varied among all four wheels to keep the car stable.
• Panic Brake Assist helps the driver in emergency braking situations, giving the driver a higher deceleration gain than would be possible from the regular brake system booster.
• Hydraulic Brake Assist automatically increases braking pressure to compensate for brake fade under repeated applications of heavy braking.

The Malibu’s brake system consists of four-wheel discs, featuring 11.7-inch (296 mm) vented front discs and dual-piston front calipers. A four-channel antilock system is tied in with StabiliTrak to provide more control in wet and icy conditions.

Beyond the size and specifications of the Malibu’s brakes, they were tuned to provide a strong, confident feel and deliver braking performance that is expected to be among the best in the segment.

The new Malibu is available in LS, LT, ECO and LTZ models in North America. Malibu production in the United States begins in early 2012 with the ECO model. Malibu will be built in multiple locations around the globe, including the Fairfax, Kan., and Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plants in the United States. Pricing is scheduled to be announced later this year.

John “Moose” Bednarchik and Suzanne “Suzy” Cody are not your typical automotive engineers. He’s an admitted “fitness nut” who got a second chance at life after nearly dying of a heart attack at age 33. She’s a blue-haired, Camaro-driving, roller derby-playing mom. Together, they’ve helped shape the design of Chevrolet’s most fuel-efficient midsize car ever, the 2013 Malibu.

Because of their work, more than 60 counts of wind drag have been removed as a result of the new Malibu’s shape and fine-tuning of the car’s exterior design. These aerodynamic improvements give customers up to 2.5 miles per gallon more on the highway.

Bednarchik, 39, the lead aerodynamic engineer for the all-new Malibu, knows more than most how big changes can improve efficiency – aerodynamic and otherwise. Since his heart attack, he lost 100 pounds and maintains his weight by following a rigorous health and fitness regimen. He joined Motor City CrossFit in Sterling Heights, Mich. and participates in a high-intensity strength and conditioning program typically endured by police, firefighters, soldiers and professional athletes.

Bednarchik applies the same intensity and discipline at work. After four years of development and more than 400 hours testing and fine-tuning the new Malibu in GM’s wind tunnel, Bednarchik achieved the lowest wind drag for a Chevrolet midsize car in the past 100 years. 

Overcoming wind resistance can account for one-third of the fuel used at highway speeds.

“A tough training regimen and aerodynamics have a lot in common. In each case, you worry about increasing the total efficiency of the body. For aerodynamics, we want forms and surfaces that make the vehicle more slippery when traveling through air. Good aerodynamics means free fuel economy for our customers.”

The Malibu’s aerodynamic improvements are measured one “count” at a time – or 0.001 coefficient of drag. Initial testing of pre-production Malibu vehicles in GM’s wind tunnel has recorded a low drag coefficient nearly as efficient as the Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle of .28 C_d.

Some of the Malibu’s key aerodynamic features that help improve fuel economy include:

• 11 counts: Outside rearview mirrors are specifically designed to deflect wind without “upsetting” the airflow
• 10 counts: Rounded front corners – from the  bottom of the fascia up through the headlamps – help air flow smoothly along the Malibu’s body sides
• Seven counts: Shutters in the lower grill opening on select models open and close automatically to maximize aerodynamic efficiency. This increases cooling airflow to the engine under certain conditions, such as under high engine loads at low speeds, and reduces aerodynamic drag when extra cooling is not needed.

Like Bednarchik, his colleague Suzanne Cody defies any preconceived notions associated with engineers.

By day, this 34-year-old mother of two works to make the all-new Malibu more efficient. At night, she is “Shovey Camaro,” a member of the Bath City Roller Girls derby team from Mt. Clemens, Mich. Her derby number of “6.2L” pays homage to the power and size of the V-8 engine in her 2010 Camaro SS, and her blue hair displays her passion for GM.

“When all the other moms pull up to school in their minivans or crossovers, I arrive in my Inferno Orange, 426-horsepower Camaro Coupe with my blue hair and twin child seats in tow,” said Cody. “I usually get a few laughs and some stares, but roller derby has given me the confidence I need to aggressively work toward my goals.

“For a lot of people, their work and private lives are fairly well segregated, but that doesn’t work for me. I apply the same passion at the roller derby and at work, to benefit our customers.”

Improving the aerodynamic efficiency of the new Malibu wasn’t easy. Bednarchik and Cody’s testing is detailed and exhaustive, at times requiring midnight shifts in GM’s wind tunnel in Warren, Mich. They test aero changes as small as 1 millimeter at a time, and they may test one part of the Malibu multiple times until they are satisfied they’ve achieved the most efficiency possible. 

“Negotiating the competing interests of design, manufacturing and vehicle engineers – all of whom have different goals for an individual part or the vehicle’s overall design – can be inspiring,” said Cody. “But we all have a common goal – to give Malibu customers around the world Chevrolet’s most fuel-efficient midsize car ever.”

Adding to the complexity of vehicle design, Bednarchik and Cody also needed to create an aerodynamically efficient Malibu that meets the government safety requirements of multiple countries around the world.

“The Malibu was my first assignment on a truly global program, so I spent a lot of time researching the different standards around the world,” said Bednarchik. “For example, smaller mirrors could improve aerodynamics further, but each global market has requirements for mirror size that must be met.

“Ultimately, we were able to design the Malibu so that drivers around the world would benefit from aerodynamics, or free fuel economy for our customers,” Bednarchik said. “It’s amazing when I think that the design decisions we made in the wind tunnel could save Malibu buyers around the world hundreds – if not thousands – of dollars at the pump.”

The new Malibu will be sold in nearly 100 countries on six continents. It is available in LS, LT, ECO and LTZ models in North America. Malibu production in the United States is scheduled to begin in early 2012 with the ECO model. Malibu will be built in multiple locations around the globe, including the Fairfax, Kan. and Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plants in the United States. Pricing will be announced later this year.