 2008 Malibu | 2010 Malibu  |
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MSRP: $21,605-26,880
Invoice: $20,410-25,400
2009 Chevrolet Malibu news, pictures, and information | ||
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CHEVROLET MALIBU'S MOMENTUM PICKS UP IN '09 WITH CUSTOMER-FOCUSED ENHANCEMENTS
• Refined and contemporary exterior that represents the global face of Chevrolet • Úpscale interior wîth available two-tone trim; gauges wîth Chevrolet blue backlighting
• Standard head-curtain side air bags and front seat-mounted thorax protection air bags
• Refined and technically advanced family of economic DOHC powertrains, including a 2.4L Ecotec DOHC four-cylinder and a 3.6L DOHC V-6 wîth variable valve timing
• Six-speed automatic transmission available wîth both four-cylinder and V-6 engines
• Hybrid model – see separate release for information
• Four new exterior colors: Silver Ice Metallic, Summit White, Gold Mist Metallic and Silver Moss Metallic
• New for '09: Bluetooth capability wîth OnStar 8.0
It has been quite a year for the redesigned Chevrolet Malibu. Selected as the 2008 North American Car of the Year and garnering countless accolades and recommendations, the Malibu is making significant advances during an admittedly tough market. With sales of more than 15,000 in March '08, the Malibu rang up a retail sales increase of more than 120 percent.
'The Malibu has rewritten the §egmènt rules by giving customers a refined, value-packed car that is also drop-dead gorgeous,' said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. 'With Malibu retail sales up more than 100 percent in the first quarter of '08, it's clear that Chevrolet's commitment to expressive cars is paying off.'
The 2009 Malibu is offered in several well-equipped trim levels: LS, LT and LTZ – all wîth standard head curtain side air bags and front-seat thorax air bags, as well as available convenience features including remote vehicle starting.
Also offered is the fuel-saving Malibu Hybrid model that is EPA-rated at 26 mpg in city driving and 34 mpg on the highway. (Please see the separate Malibu Hybrid release in Chevrolet's 2009 product guide for complete details.)
New for 2009
As dealers strive to meet customer demand for the Malibu, new features and product changes are minimal for 2009. They include an expanded offering of the fuel-saving 2.4L/six-speed automatic powertrain combination, new exterior colors choices and the addition of Bluetooth wireless connectivity wîth the new OnStar 8.0 system.
Here are the '09 changes and new features in detail:
• The 2.4L four-cylinder wîth six-speed automatic transmission is now standard on LTZ models; the V-6/six-speed powertrain is available
• The six-speed automatic transmission is standard on 2LT and available on 1LT
• StabiliTrak electronic stability control wîth brake assist and traction control is now standard on all models
• Seventeen-inch fascia spoke wheels and touring tires are now standard on LS and 1LT models
• Four new exterior colors: Silver Ice Metallic, Summit White Metallic, Gold Mist Metallic and Silver Moss Metallic
• Bluetooth connectivity available wîth the new OnStar 8.0 system
The optional Bluetooth capability enables safer, hands-free phone calls and other wireless connections via the OnStar system and the vehicle audio system.
2.4L/six-speed powertrain details
Introduced late in the '08 model year on LTZ models and expanded to LT models in 2009, the Malibu's 2.4L Ecotec engine is partnered wîth a 6T40 transmission to deliver a great balance of performance and fuel efficiency. The EPA-estimated fuel economy for this combination is 22 mpg in the city and 33 on the highway.
The 2.4L engine is rated at 169 horsepower (126 kW), which is comparable to the four-cylinder engines from competitors such as the Nissan Altima and Hyundai Sonata – and it out-powers the Toyota Camry. None of those competitors offers a six-speed automatic wîth their four-cylinder engine.
Design
With its strong stance and bold proportions, the Malibu has a profile that reinforces its substantial feel. Clean, pure lines and wheels pushed to the corners, as well as a visually lower, yet longer, greenhouse and a shorter deck suggest motion, agility and attitude. The body sides are clean and elegant, interrupted only by distinctive, wheel-oriented forms that communicate an aggressive, stable stance and a rear profile wîth Corvette cues that connects to Chevrolet's rich performance heritage.
The Malibu's grille is characteristic of the global face of Chevrolet cars, and the twin round taillamps also are Chevrolet cues. LTZ models are distinguished by front fog lamps and clear-lens LED-lit taillamps. The design elements are complemented wîth precise details, including minimized panel gaps, a tight wheel-to-body relationship and select use of chrome trim. V-6 models also receive dual chrome exhaust outlets.
The interior's attention to detail matches the Malibu's exterior, wîth an ergonomic design using premium materials that convey quality and value. The integrated, flowing instrument panel features a Chevrolet-signature dual-cockpit design, wîth prominent gauges backlit in blue, and metallic or wood grain accents.
Quiet, thoughtful environment 
Malibu 's strong structure serves as the foundation for an exceptionally quiet environment. Along wîth the robust chassis, which minimizes vibration and noise, the body construction uses noise-reducing materials, such as liquid spray-on sound deadener, laminated steel and composite wheel liners, to deliver one the §egmènt's quietest, most refined driving experiences. Laminated 'quiet glass' also contributes to a quiet environment.
The interior is offered wîth two-tone trim combinations, including Ebony and Brick and Cocoa and Cashmere. There is also an all-Ebony combination, accented wîth a distinctive wood grain element that offers a unique, upscale appearance. Malibu 2LT models feature standard ultra lux-trimmed seats and a specific instrument layout wîth unique, two-tone leather seating surfaces. Heated seats are standard on 2LT and LTZ.
Ambient lighting in areas such as the overhead console and door-pull pockets enhances the Malibu's inviting feel. The overhead console-mounted LED floodlights provide subdued lighting to the center console area between the front seats.
Malibu also comes wîth a great standard stereo system wîth standard XM Satellite Radio and offers a range of upgrades, including a premium eight-speaker, 210-watt sound system that is standard on LTZ and available on 2LT.
Driving experience 
Malibu 's long, 112.3-inch (2,852 mm) wheelbase and wheels-at-the corner stance enable precise, responsive ride and handling characteristics, providing a trait that's rare to the §egmènt: driving satisfaction. The balanced, four-wheel independent suspension system features a MacPherson strut front suspension design and multi-link rear suspension.
Both front and rear suspensions feature aluminum control arms for reduced unsprung mass, direct-acting stabilizer bars to control body roll, and hydraulic bushings to maximize ride compliance while damping road-induced vibrations. The shocks and struts are tuned to smoothly control body motions, enhancing the connected-to-the-road driving feel while maintaining a comfortable ride.
GM's StabiliTrak stability control system is standard on all models. It uses sophisticated vehicle sensors tied to the anti-lock braking system to help the driver maintain control during certain maneuvers. The new panic brake assistance feature provides full braking power when a panic-braking event is detected. This can reduce the braking distance, providing more control in helping to avoid a crash.
Steering response is precise and immediate, thanks to tuned §teering systems designed for each model. Malibu models equipped wîth the 2.4L engine use a variable electric power-assist §teering system, while V-6 models employ a hydraulic-assisted §teering system.
A family of 17- and 18-inch wheels is offered wîth Malibu, all tailored wîth a tight wheel-to-body relationship. LS and 1LT models come wîth 17-inch fascia spoke wheels; 2LT models come wîth 17-inch machined aluminum wheels and LTZ models are fitted wîth bright 18-inch aluminum wheels.
Body structure
The suspension systems are mounted to a robust chassis and integrated body structure that features a safety cage design and strategic placement of high-strength steel for outstanding structural integrity. The strong chassis and body structure enable more rigid mounting of the suspension systems, a design trait that enabled engineers to focus on finer degrees of suspension tuning.
A safety cage construction built into the Malibu's body structure is complemented wîth reinforced rocker sections, as well as a reinforced front body hinge pillar and roof pillars that were designed to improve impact protection. A magnesium cross-car beam unites the lower sections of the A-pillars. This helps protect passengers in side-impact crashes and serves as a solid foundation for the instrument panel. High-strength steel is used in strategic areas to augment overall structural integrity.
Powertrains
 | Vital Stats |
| Engine : 2.4 L., 4-cylinder Power: 169 hp Torque: 160 ft-lbs Engine : 3.6 L., 6-cylinder Power: 252 hp Torque: 251 ft-lbs | |
4-speed Automatic | |
The 2.4L Ecotec DOHC is standard wîth all trim levels and delivers an SAE-certified 169 horsepower (126 kW) and 160 lb.-ft. (217 Nm) of torque. EPA fuel economy is rated at an impressive 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway wîth the four-speed automatic that is standard on LS and 1LT models. Highway mileage increases to 33 mpg wîth the 6T40 six-speed automatic that is standard in LTZ and 2LT models; and available on 1LT.
The LT and LTZ are also available wîth the 3.6L V-6 VVT – a sophisticated, all-aluminum DOHC engine that uses variable valve technology to produce 252 horsepower (188 kW)* while delivering impressive EPA fuel economy of 17 mpg city and 26 mpg in highway driving. It is mated wîth a Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com)
The Malibu's six-speed transmissions enable a strong balance between performance and fuel efficiency, wîth the six forward gears offering optimized performance at all rpm levels, as well as reduced rpm at highway cruising speeds. Lower rpm can enhance fuel economy and reduce cabin noise. The six-speed transmissions also feature TAPshift, which enables the driver to shift manually wîth §teering wheel-mounted controls.
All Malibu powertrain combinations are supported wîth GM's five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Safe and secure
The Malibu has a comprehensive roster of standard and available features that helps protect occupants before, during and after a crash. They include:
• Dual-stage frontal air bags wîth GM passenger sensing system
• Head curtain side-impact air bags (front and rear outboard seats)
• Front seat-mounted thorax protection air bags
• Front safety belt pretensioners
• LATCH child safety seat anchors
• Four-wheel disc brakes wîth ABS
• Traction control
• StabiliTrak stability control system wîth panic brake assistance
• Tire pressure monitoring system
All Malibu models come standard wîth OnStar 8.0, which features advanced automatic crash notification, remote diagnostics, monthly status report and Turn-By-Turn Navigation. It is the first factory-installed, fully integrated GPS navigation system from OnStar.
Turn-by-Turn allows consumers to talk to a live adviser, who in turn sends complete step-by-step directions to customers' vehicles through their OnStar system. These audio directions automatically play through the vehicle's stereo as needed, triggered by the OnStar system's GPS capabilities. The directions also are displayed on the radio screen. This enables drivers to be guided to their destination while keeping their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road.
*SAE certified. Source - Chevrolet
The name Malibu was originally utilized as the description for Chevrolet's top series models in the Chevelle line in 1964. This line continued all the way up to the 1983 model year. A mid-sized vehicle, the Malibu is produced in the United States by General Motors. Attempting to stay smaller than the full-size Impala model, the Malibu is marketed in the U.S., Mexico, Canada and Israel.
1964 was the original production year of the Chevelle Malibu. Production continued until 1972 and the Malibu was restyled for the 73 model year. The lineup included the base Chevelle Deluxe, mid-range Malibu and the top-line Laguna. The Deluxe was dropped in 1974 and the Malibu took the place as the entry-level Chevelle. The Malibu classic also replaced the Laguna trim package. Continuing until 197, the SS was introduced and replaced the Laguna S-3 model.
Except the Monte Carlo coupe, the Malibu name replaced the Chevelle name on all mid-sized Chevrolets for the 1978 model year. As this was the down-sized version in comparison to previous mid-sized Chevrolets, only two trim levels were available, Malibu and Malibu Classic. A total of three body-styles were introduced, the station wagon, coupe and sedan. In 1981, the two-door coupe, which was mnemonic of the 1964 Chevelle hardtop was last produced. Today this coupe has been a highly sought after collector item for drag racers.
Filling the void for mid-sized police vehicles, once the Chevrolet Nova ended production, the 9C1 police option was transferred to the 4-door Malibu line. A special order of Malibu sedans was also produced in 1981 by GM Canada, though this was eventually rejected due to quality concerns. These Malibu's were considered undesirable with the combination of the smallest V6 engine and a 3-speed manual transmission and the 'Iraqui Taxi's' were auctioned off to the public at an extremely reduced rate.
The final year that a Malibu Classic was marketed, the 82 Malibu shared GM's re-designated rear-wheel drive G platform with the Pontiac Grand Prix and the Oldsmobile Cutlass. Before being replaced by the front-wheel drive Chevrolet Celebrity, 4-door sedan Malibu's were produced until 1983. The El Camino continued to be produced in 1987 though the sedan and wagon were soon phased out.
For 1997, the Malibu was named Motor Trend magazine's Car of the Year. In the same year and an all new front-wheel drive Malibu built on an extended wheelbase version of the GM N platform was introduced. The Malibu shared the N platform the with Pontiac Grand Am, Buick Skylark, Oldsmobile Alero and Achieva and was produced at the Oklahoma City Assembly plant and the Wilmington Assembly plant. Production was eventually moved to Lansing, Michigan.
Before the Oldsmobile Alero, the Oldsmobile Cutlass was a clone of the Malibu as a stopgap vehicle and replaced the Chevy Corsica. Falling between the Cavalier and the Lumina in the Chevrolet lineup, the Malibu has taken the place of the now discontinued Corsica. A high level of standard equipment is found in the Malibu, and due to the competitive nature of midsize sedan market, the price is highly aggressive.
An all-new, front-wheel-drive midsize sedan was introduced in 1997 for the model year.
Emphasized body edges are showcased in the present series, which is a mid-sized, 5-seat sedan that is constructed on the Epsilon chassis designed in Germany also used in the Opel Vectra and Saab 9-3.
Malibu's were designed with a front grille with the Malibu logo in silver in the center from 97 to 99. The blue Chevrolet emblem on the front grille was placed on the 2000 to 2003 models. In 2000, the 3.1 L V6 was updated with 170 hp while the 4-cylinder was dropped. The 4-cylinder was reintroduced in 2004, while the N-body Malibu/Chevrolet Classic continued in production until 05.
In 2008, the Malibu is scheduled to be redesigned and built on the long-wheelbase Epsilon platform before being released to the public.By Jessica Donaldson
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| Ford Fusion | ($19,035-25,605) |
| Ford Taurus | ($24,125-31,275) |
| Honda Accord | ($20,775-31,005) |
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| 2008 Malibu | 2010 Malibu |
