Next Gen. Chevrolet Malibu News **Video of the introduction the Malibu (page 5)**
06-06-2006, 02:02 PM
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Next Gen. Chevrolet Malibu News **Video of the introduction the Malibu (page 5)**
Spy Shots: 2008 Chevrolet Impala - - Is this a Zeta or a Malibu replacement? - - by KGP Photography - - Source: The Car Connection
A new, never-before-seen prototype has just broken cover on GM's testing circuit, providing what appears to be our first glimpse of the 2008 Chevy Impala (or a 2008 Malibu - see the note below). We snapped this minimally disguised prototype traversing a distant road deep within one of GM's U.S. Proving Grounds. The great distance between car and camera has made the checkerboard camouflage tape a little more effective, obscuring some of this prototype's more minute details.
Therefore, there is admittedly some degree of speculation involved in calling this the next-generation Impala, but we are confident this is a Chevrolet. The prototype's grille is divided by a Chevy-like crossbar, in the center of which lies a taped-over badge that looks suspiciously like the size and shape of the Chevrolet bow tie.
Searching GM's recent design exercises for similar styling cues brought us to the 2003 Chevrolet SS concept. Although there isn't much synergy between that voluptuous show car sedan and this real-world prototype, it's immediately apparent that the shape of their grilles are nearly identical - suggesting that Chevrolet designers may have been looking to their recent past for detail inspiration. The prototype also appears to have round taillamps - a key design trait of Impalas from 2001-05 and the classic Impalas of the late '50s and early '60s. The rest of the car looks clean and modern, with sharp creases and a strong stance aided by its long wheelbase and relatively short front and rear overhangs.
Since early this year, GM has been finalizing its plans on the next Impala, struggling with a key decision between front- and rear-wheel drive. The leading proposal would have GM utilizing its Global RWD Architecture (formerly known as Zeta), which will spawn its first model later this year as the replacement for the Australian Holden Commodore. According to an article by Rick Kranz in the February 6,
2006 issue of Automotive News: "Within four or five months, GM will determine which U.S. brands will be tagged for RWD and which RWD model or models those brands will receive. The first car is expected to go on sale in late 2007 or early 2008....As for the Impala, GM's design studio is prepared for the decision - both RWD and FWD versions of the next-generation Impala have been finalized. All that remains is the decision."
Well, it's four months later and a this prototype has appeared, its proportions looking very close to a prototype for the Zeta-based Holden Commodore we shot in this same GM test track last November. It's not iron-clad proof, but it looks to us that the next Impala may have gone rear-wheel drive to gain some performance-car credibility, and to do battle with Chrysler's popular 300C.
UPDATE: Several sources have written to TheCarConnection, reporting that this vehicle is the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. There remains some disagreement over whether the Impala will be replaced in 2008 or 2010; stay tuned for more information as we uncover more about this new GM vehicle.
Therefore, there is admittedly some degree of speculation involved in calling this the next-generation Impala, but we are confident this is a Chevrolet. The prototype's grille is divided by a Chevy-like crossbar, in the center of which lies a taped-over badge that looks suspiciously like the size and shape of the Chevrolet bow tie.
Searching GM's recent design exercises for similar styling cues brought us to the 2003 Chevrolet SS concept. Although there isn't much synergy between that voluptuous show car sedan and this real-world prototype, it's immediately apparent that the shape of their grilles are nearly identical - suggesting that Chevrolet designers may have been looking to their recent past for detail inspiration. The prototype also appears to have round taillamps - a key design trait of Impalas from 2001-05 and the classic Impalas of the late '50s and early '60s. The rest of the car looks clean and modern, with sharp creases and a strong stance aided by its long wheelbase and relatively short front and rear overhangs.
Since early this year, GM has been finalizing its plans on the next Impala, struggling with a key decision between front- and rear-wheel drive. The leading proposal would have GM utilizing its Global RWD Architecture (formerly known as Zeta), which will spawn its first model later this year as the replacement for the Australian Holden Commodore. According to an article by Rick Kranz in the February 6,
2006 issue of Automotive News: "Within four or five months, GM will determine which U.S. brands will be tagged for RWD and which RWD model or models those brands will receive. The first car is expected to go on sale in late 2007 or early 2008....As for the Impala, GM's design studio is prepared for the decision - both RWD and FWD versions of the next-generation Impala have been finalized. All that remains is the decision."
Well, it's four months later and a this prototype has appeared, its proportions looking very close to a prototype for the Zeta-based Holden Commodore we shot in this same GM test track last November. It's not iron-clad proof, but it looks to us that the next Impala may have gone rear-wheel drive to gain some performance-car credibility, and to do battle with Chrysler's popular 300C.
UPDATE: Several sources have written to TheCarConnection, reporting that this vehicle is the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. There remains some disagreement over whether the Impala will be replaced in 2008 or 2010; stay tuned for more information as we uncover more about this new GM vehicle.
06-06-2006, 06:03 PM
#5
The sizzle in the Steak
Looks FWD...no?
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06-06-2006, 09:39 PM
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The sizzle in the Steak
Looks very similar to the interior of the last gen Ford Probe
06-06-2006, 10:39 PM
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Originally Posted by gavriil
06-07-2006, 08:54 AM
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Originally Posted by gavriil
06-07-2006, 01:29 PM
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Looks good so far. i like the over all poporsions. Now if they can get the right blend of interior materials right should be great
06-07-2006, 01:44 PM
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GM really needs to get this right. The spy shots look good, and the interior design looks good too, IMHO. This is their bread and butter car, and it has to be on par with Camry in every way. Aura's a great car, but it'll be positioned and packaged as a premium alternative and more of a direct competitor to the Passat. Though the SUVs are selling very well, Chevy really needs to knock this one out of the park.
06-07-2006, 02:42 PM
#18
The sizzle in the Steak
That interior still makes me laugh at how much they copied the old Ford probe.
06-08-2006, 09:09 AM
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Originally Posted by gavriil
Again, journalists that saw the next Malibe a year ago said this thing looks great. Let's see.
08-01-2006, 10:11 AM
#21
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More spy pics...
08-07-2006, 10:10 PM
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Originally Posted by gavriil
08-08-2006, 09:05 AM
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Originally Posted by gavriil
08-11-2006, 02:01 PM
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Bigger, sleeker 2008 Chevrolet Malibu revealed - - By Ed Hellwig - - SOurce: Edmunds.com
GM's engineers did their best to keep the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu under cover, but our spy photographers still managed to capture photos and video of a camouflaged prototype undergoing hot-weather testing in the California desert.
Built on a six-inch-longer wheelbase than the current model, the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu will have more space between its wheels than either the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord. At 112 inches, the Malibu's wheelbase also exceeds the current Chevrolet Impala, so look for that sedan to grow significantly when it gets a full redesign for 2009.
Unlike the Impala, which is expected to switch to rear-wheel drive, the Malibu is sticking with front-wheel drive and either four-cylinder or V6 engines. The 2.4-liter version of GM's Ecotec four-cylinder would put the Malibu in line with most of its competitors on the low end, while making it easy to offer the hybrid system set to debut in the Saturn Aura.
Given that Saturn's new midsize sedan shares its platform and wheelbase with the Malibu, the Aura's 3.6-liter V6 is the most likely power plant for top-of-the-line Malibus as well. It develops 252 horsepower and 251 pound-feet of torque in the Saturn, and sends it power through a six-speed automatic transmission. If Chevrolet wants the Malibu to compete with the Camrys and Accords of the world, it's going to need at least 250 hp and six speeds in its gearbox.
Look for the next-generation Chevrolet Malibu to make its official debut at the Detroit auto show early next year, with sales beginning roughly six months later.
Built on a six-inch-longer wheelbase than the current model, the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu will have more space between its wheels than either the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord. At 112 inches, the Malibu's wheelbase also exceeds the current Chevrolet Impala, so look for that sedan to grow significantly when it gets a full redesign for 2009.
Unlike the Impala, which is expected to switch to rear-wheel drive, the Malibu is sticking with front-wheel drive and either four-cylinder or V6 engines. The 2.4-liter version of GM's Ecotec four-cylinder would put the Malibu in line with most of its competitors on the low end, while making it easy to offer the hybrid system set to debut in the Saturn Aura.
Given that Saturn's new midsize sedan shares its platform and wheelbase with the Malibu, the Aura's 3.6-liter V6 is the most likely power plant for top-of-the-line Malibus as well. It develops 252 horsepower and 251 pound-feet of torque in the Saturn, and sends it power through a six-speed automatic transmission. If Chevrolet wants the Malibu to compete with the Camrys and Accords of the world, it's going to need at least 250 hp and six speeds in its gearbox.
Look for the next-generation Chevrolet Malibu to make its official debut at the Detroit auto show early next year, with sales beginning roughly six months later.
08-14-2006, 08:08 AM
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I think the final product will look better than the Camry and Accord (though the Accord is due for a change soon, I assume). If the interior's up to par, Chevy will finally have a product tha may be worthy of knocking Camry off of it's perch.
11-22-2006, 09:02 PM
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For GM, it's about Malibu's inner beauty
For GM, it's about Malibu's inner beauty
Sharon Terlep / The Detroit News
DETROIT -- General Motors Corp. wants its future Malibu to look and feel more sophisticated to drivers and it announced Tuesday that it's starting from the inside of the car.
The 2008 Chevrolet Malibu will feature a striking two-tone cockpit and other upscale features GM hopes will help one of its mainstay models stand out in a crowded field of midsize sedans dominated by Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.
Troy Clarke, president of North American operations, showed the first pictures of the Malibu's new interior to the Automotive Press Association on Tuesday in Detroit.
"We paid very close attention to precision and detail" with the Malibu design, Clarke said. "We're making it look like a much more expensive vehicle."
The Malibu represents GM's efforts to focus more on interiors and design, an area in which the carmaker once lagged the best foreign automakers. GM is also trying to strengthen its position in passenger cars as many buyers turn away from SUVs.
"It's a beautiful car," said Jim Quinlan, a Chevy dealer from Knoxville, Tenn., who saw the new vehicle at a recent dealers meeting in Las Vegas. "They've got a dead winner on their hands with that one."
The automaker is looking to build that kind of buzz about the redesigned Malibu, which will debut in January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
The Malibu's interior "showcases the precision and detailed execution that will differentiate it among the mid-size car segment," Chevrolet General Manager Ed Peper said in a statement. It "will offer a number of striking and progressive interiors that use premium materials to demonstrate quality and value not seen before in this segment."
The new Malibu will come with optional leather trim and more rounded exterior design that will be markedly different from the boxy Malibu of today.
GM has not said how much the new Malibu will cost. Analysts have said the basic model may be similar to the 2007 base price of $17,155.
The Malibu has been an important vehicle for GM. It has sold more than 144,000 units this year, making it the third best-selling Chevrolet car behind the Impala and Cobalt. But demand is down about 12 percent through October compared with the first 10 months of last year.
Edmunds.com's Insideline Web site predicts the new Malibu will "finally put some heat" on the Accord and Camry.
The Malibu is vital to GM not only for its sales, but for its potential to help improve the automaker's image, said Brian Moody, road test editor with Edmunds .com.
The Malibu has long been a worthy competitor among foreign counterparts such as the Accord, but interiors that appear cheap have devalued the vehicle in the eyes of consumers, Moody said.
"They've gotten knocked in the past for having terrible interiors," he said. With the new Malibu, "they've taken things up not just a notch but maybe two or three. This is about projecting an image of quality and competitiveness.
"That's what's at stake."
You can reach Sharon Terlep at (313)223-4686 or sterlep@detnews.com.
Pics at:
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll...611220344/1148
Sharon Terlep / The Detroit News
DETROIT -- General Motors Corp. wants its future Malibu to look and feel more sophisticated to drivers and it announced Tuesday that it's starting from the inside of the car.
The 2008 Chevrolet Malibu will feature a striking two-tone cockpit and other upscale features GM hopes will help one of its mainstay models stand out in a crowded field of midsize sedans dominated by Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.
Troy Clarke, president of North American operations, showed the first pictures of the Malibu's new interior to the Automotive Press Association on Tuesday in Detroit.
"We paid very close attention to precision and detail" with the Malibu design, Clarke said. "We're making it look like a much more expensive vehicle."
The Malibu represents GM's efforts to focus more on interiors and design, an area in which the carmaker once lagged the best foreign automakers. GM is also trying to strengthen its position in passenger cars as many buyers turn away from SUVs.
"It's a beautiful car," said Jim Quinlan, a Chevy dealer from Knoxville, Tenn., who saw the new vehicle at a recent dealers meeting in Las Vegas. "They've got a dead winner on their hands with that one."
The automaker is looking to build that kind of buzz about the redesigned Malibu, which will debut in January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
The Malibu's interior "showcases the precision and detailed execution that will differentiate it among the mid-size car segment," Chevrolet General Manager Ed Peper said in a statement. It "will offer a number of striking and progressive interiors that use premium materials to demonstrate quality and value not seen before in this segment."
The new Malibu will come with optional leather trim and more rounded exterior design that will be markedly different from the boxy Malibu of today.
GM has not said how much the new Malibu will cost. Analysts have said the basic model may be similar to the 2007 base price of $17,155.
The Malibu has been an important vehicle for GM. It has sold more than 144,000 units this year, making it the third best-selling Chevrolet car behind the Impala and Cobalt. But demand is down about 12 percent through October compared with the first 10 months of last year.
Edmunds.com's Insideline Web site predicts the new Malibu will "finally put some heat" on the Accord and Camry.
The Malibu is vital to GM not only for its sales, but for its potential to help improve the automaker's image, said Brian Moody, road test editor with Edmunds .com.
The Malibu has long been a worthy competitor among foreign counterparts such as the Accord, but interiors that appear cheap have devalued the vehicle in the eyes of consumers, Moody said.
"They've gotten knocked in the past for having terrible interiors," he said. With the new Malibu, "they've taken things up not just a notch but maybe two or three. This is about projecting an image of quality and competitiveness.
"That's what's at stake."
You can reach Sharon Terlep at (313)223-4686 or sterlep@detnews.com.
Pics at:
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll...611220344/1148
11-22-2006, 09:14 PM
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'08 Malibu echoes Corvette
Restyled Chevy to debut at Detroit car show
BY MARK PHELAN
FREE PRESS AUTO CRITIC
November 22, 2006
The 2008 Chevrolet Malibu interior has a sporty double-cockpit design. The two-tone feature comes with optional leather trim. (Chevrolet)
Chevrolet will unveil a radically redesigned version of its Malibu midsize sedan at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January.
The first picture of the car's interior reveals a far more upscale and inventive design than the current model's straightforward passenger cabin. General Motors Corp. did not release any photos of the exterior of the car, which is larger and more stylish than the current model.
The interior features a dual-cowl dashboard reminiscent of Chevrolet's classic Corvette Stingray and a two-tone interior with optional leather trim.
The 2008 Malibu also features a totally new body, a stylish rounded shape unlike the current squared-off profile.
"There's lots of upside" for Chevrolet sales "if they do the Malibu right," said Jim Hall, vice president for industry analysis in the Southfield office of consultant AutoPacific.
"It's the first Chevrolet in years that looks more expensive than it is. That was the secret of success for the 1955 Chevrolet," the car that launched Chevrolet's greatest era, he said.
"Since Chevrolet lost its way in the 1980s, this is the first model that has a chance of achieving the core of what the brand's success has been about since 1955," Hall said.
The Web site Insideline.com predicts the new Malibu will be "bigger, more powerful and better looking" than the current model, adding the 2008 "may finally put some heat on the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord." The Web site predicts the car will feature four-cylinder and V6 engines.
The 2008 Malibu should go on sale next fall. GM will build it in the Kansas City, Kan., plant that produces the current Malibu and the new Saturn Aura. GM has not announced prices, but the least expensive model should not rise much above the 2007's base price of $17,155, excluding destination charges.
Contact MARK PHELAN at 313-222-6731 or phelan@freepress.com.
Copyright © 2006 Detroit Free Press Inc.
'08 Malibu echoes Corvette
Restyled Chevy to debut at Detroit car show
BY MARK PHELAN
FREE PRESS AUTO CRITIC
November 22, 2006
The 2008 Chevrolet Malibu interior has a sporty double-cockpit design. The two-tone feature comes with optional leather trim. (Chevrolet)
Chevrolet will unveil a radically redesigned version of its Malibu midsize sedan at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January.
The first picture of the car's interior reveals a far more upscale and inventive design than the current model's straightforward passenger cabin. General Motors Corp. did not release any photos of the exterior of the car, which is larger and more stylish than the current model.
The interior features a dual-cowl dashboard reminiscent of Chevrolet's classic Corvette Stingray and a two-tone interior with optional leather trim.
The 2008 Malibu also features a totally new body, a stylish rounded shape unlike the current squared-off profile.
"There's lots of upside" for Chevrolet sales "if they do the Malibu right," said Jim Hall, vice president for industry analysis in the Southfield office of consultant AutoPacific.
"It's the first Chevrolet in years that looks more expensive than it is. That was the secret of success for the 1955 Chevrolet," the car that launched Chevrolet's greatest era, he said.
"Since Chevrolet lost its way in the 1980s, this is the first model that has a chance of achieving the core of what the brand's success has been about since 1955," Hall said.
The Web site Insideline.com predicts the new Malibu will be "bigger, more powerful and better looking" than the current model, adding the 2008 "may finally put some heat on the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord." The Web site predicts the car will feature four-cylinder and V6 engines.
The 2008 Malibu should go on sale next fall. GM will build it in the Kansas City, Kan., plant that produces the current Malibu and the new Saturn Aura. GM has not announced prices, but the least expensive model should not rise much above the 2007's base price of $17,155, excluding destination charges.
Contact MARK PHELAN at 313-222-6731 or phelan@freepress.com.
Copyright © 2006 Detroit Free Press Inc.
11-22-2006, 10:23 PM
#36
Lola
Originally Posted by LuvMyTSX
Well they better do something good with the exterior, too, because the current Malibu is 
.
.
The car needs a complete redesign, not just the interior.
11-23-2006, 11:20 PM
#39
The sizzle in the Steak
So I guess the old Ford Probe interior lives on?!?!?
