Chevrolet has addressed its customers this year with a new generation of midsize sedan, the all-new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu was revealed at both Shanghai and Detroit motor shows boasting a completely fresh design inside and out along with a more fuel-efficient powertrains options.
General Motors said that the new Malibu will compete in over 100 markets setting new standards for premium style and assertive performance.
Designers adapted some of the successful features of the last generation car into a more aggressive, aerodynmaic shape. Malibu has been designed with a wider track than before and an aggressive stance, giving it a new presence on the road. Under the hood, buyers can look forward to a more efficient 2.5-liter four cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox.
A Sporty Exterior Design
Inspired from the shape and lines of its sisters the Camaro and Corvette, the exterior design of the all-new Malibu brings a sporty spirit to the family sedan segment.
A wider stance, broad shoulders and an integrated rear spoiler bring a new athleticism to Malibu and give it a more aggressive appearance.
Other exterior design cues include Chevrolet’s dual-port grille, projector HID headlamps, larger Chevrolet bow-tie badges front and rear, and new Camaro-inspired LED dual-element taillamps. The look is complemented by a range of large 17-, 18- and 19-inch wheels.
The new Malibu exterior is anticipated to be SAE-certified as one of the most aerodynamically efficient cars in the segment.
Malibu also has electronically controlled and integrated active aero shutters to improve aerodynamics and enhance fuel economy without sacrificing the exterior design.
Malibu’s active shutter system automatically closes airflow through the lower intake opening when air intake is least needed. When closed, the shutter system enhances aerodynamic performance by redirecting airflow around the front of the vehicle and down the sides, rather than through it.
An Interior with more space and refinement.
The new Malibu offers a more spacious interior that features an all-new dual cockpit creating an inviting, roomy and comfortable environment.
Compared to the previous model, Malibu has a more spacious cabin thanks to its increased width. It hasnearly 4 cubic feet (113 L) of additional interior volume, along with more shoulder and hip room.
The Malibu has a number of storage areas, including a radio face that articulates up and down to reveal a six-inch deep storage area behind its seven-inch 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.
Malibu also enjoys Chevrolet’s new MyLink infotainment package which was revealed at its launch.
MyLink features a high-resolution, full-color touch screen display designed to manage the number of steps required to complete a task. MyLink also adds stereo audio streaming and wireless control of smart phones, building on the Bluetooth hands-free calling capability already offered in most Chevrolet vehicles.
Fuel-Efficient 2.5 Liter Engine and a Boost in Performance
The 2013 Malibu features an all-new fuel-efficient, 2.5 L four-cylinder Ecotec engine which is considered to be the most efficient of its size in the market.
It is estimated the engine will be SAE-certified at more than 190 horsepower (141 kW) and 180 lb.-ft. of torque (245 Nm). The new engine has noise-reducing features such as a cast exhaust manifold, steel crank, low-noise timing chain and direct mount accessories that contribute to a quiet-cabin experience.
New features include enhanced authority continuously variable valve timing, variable-displacement oil pump and electronic thermostat that save fuel, while delivering V-6-like performance.
The 2.5L is mated to a Hydra-Matic 6T40 six-speed automatic with features designed to enhance powertrain efficiency. They include changes to clutch controls and hardware that improves shift response and time. These changes enabled engineers to specify higher gearing to improve cruising efficiency while maintaining acceleration performance and driveability.
Driving experience
The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu delivers precise ride and handling thanks to its solid body structure which allows for precise tuning and dynamic vehicle control.
Engineers have tested, tuned and calibrated the Malibu on rural roads, highways, freeways and GM validation facilities around the world resulting in a premium steering gear for smooth, precise responsiveness and on-center feel.
The Malibu is also known for its fuel-saving electric power rack-and-pinion variable-effort power steering, resulting in effortless low-speed maneuvers and a higher degree of steering feel at higher speeds.
It also includes four-channel anti-lock brake, full-function traction control, four-corner electronic stability control, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist system, corner brake control, hydraulic brake fade assist and drag torque control.
Safety features
What makes the Malibu so special is the special features it includes and which probably are rare to find in other vehicles such as the pedestrian protection-compliant feature which will be available in all its cars and in all markets where it is sold.
Pedestrian protection design in the front of the vehicle reduces the chance of secondary collision between the pedestrian and engine block in car-pedestrian accidents.
The Malibu will also offer dual-stage driver and front passenger air bags, driver and front passenger pelvic/thorax side-impact air bags, driver and passenger knee air bags and roof rail air bags with rollover protection.
Also available will be second-row head/thorax side-impact air bags and lane departure warning system and a rearview camera system.
OnStar is also included in Malibu’s safety features and includes Automatic Crash Response, as well as improved voice recognition technology, remote diagnostics, remote door unlock, Stolen Vehicle Slowdown and six months of uplevel Directions and Connections service that includes Turn-By-Turn Navigation.
2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions
Exterior
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Wheelbase (mm) :
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2738
|
|
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Overall length (mm):
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4859
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|
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Overall width (mm):
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1854
|
|
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Overall height (mm):
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1462
|
|
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Front track (mm):
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1577
|
|
|
Rear track (mm):
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1574
|
|
|
Key competitors:
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Hyundai Sonata, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord
|
Interior
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Seating capacity (front / rear):
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2 / 3
|
|
Headroom (mm):
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991 (front)
955 (rear)
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|
Legroom (in / mm):
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1069 (front)
936 (rear)
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|
Cargo volume (L):
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462
|
|
Fuel tank (L):
|
70
|
Engine
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Type:
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Ecotec 2.5L DOHC I-4 VVT DI
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|
Displacement (cc):
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2457
|
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Bore & stroke (mm):
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88 x 101
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|
Horsepower (hp @ rpm):
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190 @ 6200
|
|
Torque (lNm @ rpm):
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245 @ 4500
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Transmission
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Type:
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Hydra-Matic 6T40 six-speed automatic
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Chassis/Suspension
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Front:
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independent, MacPherson strut-type with dual-path mountings, specifically tuned coil springs, direct-acting stabilizer bar (hollow); hydraulic ride bushings
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|
Rear:
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four-link independent rear; hollow stabilizer bar
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|
Turning circle, curb-to-curb (meters):
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11.4
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Wheels / Tires
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Wheel size and type:
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16 x 8.5-inch aluminum
17 x 8.5-inch aluminum
18 x 8.5-inch aluminum
19 x 8.5-inch aluminum
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