2013 Malibu Eco: The Ultimate Guide

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.)

Overview

Model:	2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco midsize sedan
Body style / driveline:	4-door, 5-passenger front-engine transaxle (front-drive)
Construction:	steel body-frame integral (unibody) with front and rear crumple zones; galvanized steel front fenders, hood, door panels, one-piece bodyside outer panel and trunk lid
Global vehicle class:	midsize sedan
Manufacturing locations:	Fairfax, Kansas and Detroit-Hamtramck, Michigan
Key competitors:	Hyundai Sonata, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord

Engines

Type:	Ecotec 2.4L DOHC I-4 VVT DI w/ eAssist	Ecotec 2.5L DOHC I-4 VVT DI
Application:	Malibu Eco	Malibu LS, LT, LTZ
Displacement (cu. in. / cc):	145.4 / 2384	152.5 / 2499
Bore & stroke (in. / mm):	3.46 x 3.85 / 88 x 98	3.46 x 3.97 / 88 x 101
Block material:	lost foam cast aluminum	lost foam cast aluminum
Cylinder head material	cast aluminum	cast aluminum
Valvetrain:	overhead camshafts, four-valves per cylinder, continuous cam phaser intake and exhaust	overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, continuously variable valve timing
Valve lifters:	hydraulic roller finger follower	hydraulic roller finger follower
Ignition system:	coil-on-plug	coil-on-plug
Fuel delivery:	high-pressure direct injection and electronic throttle control	high-pressure direct injection and electronic throttle control
Compression ratio:	11.2:1	11.3:1
Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm):	182 / 134 @ 6200 rpm (est.)	190 / 141 @ 6200 estimated, SAE certification pending
Torque (lb.-ft. / Nm @ rpm):	172 / 233 @ 4900 rpm	180 / 245 @ 4500 estimated, SAE certification pending
Recommended fuel:	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
Max. engine speed (fuel cut-off):	7000 rpm	7000 rpm
Emissions controls:	SAI System, PZEV-capable, close-coupled, catalytic converter, variable valve timing; positive crankcase ventilation; evaporative system	SAI system, PZEV-capable, close-coupled, catalytic converter, positive crankcase ventilation; evaporative system
Additional features:	extended-life spark plugs extended-life coolant	extended-life spark plugs extended-life coolant
GM-estimated fuel economy (city / hwy / combined):	25 / 37 / 29	TBD

Transmission

Type:	Hydra-Matic 6T40 six-speed automatic
Gear ratios: (:1):
First:	4.58
Second:	2.96
Third:	1.91
Fourth:	1.45
Fifth:	1.00
Sixth:	0.75
Reverse:	2.84

Electric Drive System

Type:	belt-driven, liquid-cooled induction motor/generator unit and lithium-ion battery system; air-cooled power electronics and battery pack
Maximum electric generating power:	15 kW @ 1570-3180 rpm
Maximum electric motor torque (cranking):	110 lb.-ft. / 150 Nm
Maximum electric motor torque (electric assist):	79 lb.-ft. / 107 Nm @ 1,000 rpm
Maximum electric motor power (electric assist):	15 hp / 11.2 kW @ 1,000-2,200 rpm
Lithium-ion battery:	115V, 0.5-kWh, 15 kW peak power

Chassis/Suspension

Front:	independent, MacPherson strut-type with dual-path mountings, specifically tuned coil springs, direct-acting stabilizer bar (hollow); hydraulic ride bushings
Rear:	four-link independent rear; hollow stabilizer bar
Traction control:	all-speed using engine torque reduction and brake intervention
Steering type:	rack-mounted electric rack-and-pinion power steering
Steering wheel turns lock-to-lock:	2.68
Turning circle, curb-to-curb (feet / meters):	37.4 / 11.4
Steering ratio:	15.2:1

Brakes

Type:	four-wheel disc w/ABS (w/ESC)
Brake rotor diameter – front (in / mm):	11.7 / 297 vented; single-piston, cast iron caliper
Brake rotor diameter – rear (in / mm):	11.5 / 292 solid; single-piston, aluminum caliper

Wheels/Tires

Wheel size and type:	17 x 8.5-inch aluminum
Tires:	P225/55R17 low-rolling resistance

Dimensions

Exterior

Wheelbase (in / mm) :	107.8 / 2738
Overall length (in / mm):	191.3 / 4859
Overall width (in / mm):	73 / 1854
Overall height (in / mm):	57.6 / 1462
Front track (in / mm):	62.1 / 1577
Rear track (in / mm):	62 / 1574
Coefficient of drag (cD):	.30 (GM-estimated)

Interior

Seating capacity (front / rear):	2 / 3
Headroom (in / mm):	39.0 / 991 (front) 37.6 / 955 (rear)
Legroom (in / mm):	42.1 / 1069 (front) 36.9 / 936 (rear)
Shoulder room (in / mm):	57.5 / 1461 (front) 57.1 / 1450 (rear)
Hip room (in / mm):	55.7 / 1414 (front) 54.4 / 1382 (rear)
EPA passenger volume (cu ft / L) :	100 / 2832
EPA interior volume (cu ft / L):	116.3 / 3292
Cargo volume (cu ft / L):	14.3 / 405 – Eco 16.3 / 462 – LS, LT, LTZ

Performance

0-60 mph (seconds):	8.7 (GM-estimated)
60-0 mph braking (ft. / m):	134 / 41 (GM-estimated)

Capacities

Fuel tank (gal / L):	15.8 / 59.9
Engine oil (qt / L):	2.4L: 5.0 / 4.7
Cooling system (qt / L):	2.4L: 5.0 / 4.7
Curb weight (lbs / kg):	3620 / 1642

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2013 Malibu Eco: The Ultimate Guide

Overview

Engines

Transmission

Electric Drive System

Chassis/Suspension

Brakes

Wheels/Tires

Dimensions

Performance

Capacities

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