2012 Holden Malibu 'revealed'

[malazn mafia]

They should name it the new commodore and it would sell like hotcakes.

[The G6ET Spot]

It will sell well as holden will promote it to the hilt.

[Buntz]

Originally Posted by The G6ET Spot

It will sell well as holden will promote it to the hilt.

Of course. Every ignorant Australian will be like... "This is Australian! And it's made here... and looks amazing... and Clarkson will drive on no doubt... FuRRaaah!!" -Idiots.

[Road_Warrior]

Originally Posted by The G6ET Spot

It will sell well as holden will promote it to the hilt.

And why shouldn't they, its not a bad looking car and will probably be well equipped and reasonably finished.

[HULK EF]

looks ok.. lol.. holden should save the time and money wasted on holden badges when half get replaced with chev badges anyway.. lol

[Poetic Justice]

There's your front end

[GS608]

Originally Posted by SCUD

There's your front end

They should chuck that into production as the VF. Hell even i'd buy one thats a damn good looking car!

[Buntz]

Nah. Just name the Malibu the Torana.

[malazn mafia]

Originally Posted by SCUD

There's your front end

dammit, why can't Ford design some classy headlight cluster designs like that for its cars..

[MethodX]

http://andoniscars.blogspot.com/#axzz1JhaRWbS3

Blue Malibu.
GM makes a Camry?

[burnz]

this car will be sold as a chev!!
what you see is what you get their will be no rebadge..

[Hally]

Burnz - I believe you are wrong. Holden have already confirmed it will be the Holden Malibu, released in 2012

[HSVKILLA]

Photos photos photos ,once they appear on the road and are driving around they will blend in as just another middle of the road bland looking car.Man of man i really don't understand why people start threads and then others glorify these pos,why don't we start up one on the new kia rio and watch the replys of who likes it and who does'nt .

[KuRT12]

One thing i haven't heard about it is what engine options it will have?

****y little fuel efficient donks?

or will there be a performance option...

with the rear resembling the camaro that would be pretty sweet if they had a nice 6T / small 8 in there!

[Ben73]

Originally Posted by KuRT12

One thing i haven't heard about it is what engine options it will have?

****y little fuel efficient donks?

or will there be a performance option...

with the rear resembling the camaro that would be pretty sweet if they had a nice 6T / small 8 in there!

Wishful thinking.

It will be a 4 cylinder.
2 point something litre... at the most.

[Supercharged]

Originally Posted by SCUD

There's your front end

Do you really believe they would bring the Torana name back as a front wheel drive?

[Poetic Justice]

I said theres your front end, as in regards to the look, not the badge.

Though I think the Torana name sounds far better than 'Malibu'.

[Buntz]

It looks like they didn't have time to finish the back. It's very camry llike. Which is a shame with such a promising front end.

[MethodX]

Originally Posted by Buntz93ED

It looks like they didn't have time to finish the back. It's very camry llike. Which is a shame with such a promising front end.

Its not the Epica, which is a minor win in itself.
That car just looked odd.

[Polyal]

Shocking name, as bad as colorado, but it looks nice and subtle like every other car in its class (expect the french maybe).

Nothing could be worse than an epica...although that new spark has had a good crack at it.

[jordsnissannx]

Originally Posted by Buntz93ED

It looks like they didn't have time to finish the back. It's very camry llike. Which is a shame with such a promising front end.

the whole thing looks like crap, like an american.

the nose is too big for the back, and its just ugly all over, and why are ford lovers praising a HOLDEN!!!

i bet if they were showing fords on a holden forums, everyone would hate it and tell it to get lost off their site.

NEXT

by the way, the front driving lights look like they stole them off a focus.

in the end, i'd take ANY ford over this junk any day

[ltd]

I drove a hired Malibu out of New York City a couple of years back, and what can I say about it? Well, I never thought anyone would be dumb enough to build a car that rides and handles like a 93 KH Laser, but evidently I was wrong. The car was poo and uninspring to say the least. They're not popular in America, it also begs the question as to how much Daewoo is involved in this car as for mine, it looks very daewoo-ish.
Anyway, with Ford now regaining the number one spot in the USA and being the only local company making a profit, GM has foundered again and is right back on the road to bankruptcy. One must ponder on just how much Holden want this car as opposed to being told it is having it. Surely anything bigger than a Cruze would hurt the Commodores sales? Also, having a mid size locally built car such as the cruze, wouldn't another mid size car hurt the existing mid cars sales?

[Road_Warrior]

Originally Posted by ltd

I drove a hired Malibu out of New York City a couple of years back, and what can I say about it? Well, I never thought anyone would be dumb enough to build a car that rides and handles like a 93 KH Laser, but evidently I was wrong. The car was poo and uninspring to say the least. They're not popular in America, it also begs the question as to how much Daewoo is involved in this car as for mine, it looks very daewoo-ish.
Anyway, with Ford now regaining the number one spot in the USA and being the only local company making a profit, GM has foundered again and is right back on the road to bankruptcy. One must ponder on just how much Holden want this car as opposed to being told it is having it. Surely anything bigger than a Cruze would hurt the Commodores sales? Also, having a mid size locally built car such as the cruze, wouldn't another mid size car hurt the existing mid cars sales?

The new car is obviously not going to be the same as the one you drove.

Here is the GM press release - 4 cylinder only.

Personally I think this car will sell very well as it has a catchy name that will resonate with buyers and is decent looking.

In fact, I'm gonna make an early call. This car will cause problems for the Commodore.

All-New 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Gives Customers More

Chevrolet's First Global Midsize for Customers in Nearly 100 Markets on Six Continents

All-new exterior designed to stand out around the world

All-new, dual-cockpit interior with more room, more quietness, more premium materials and content, and greater craftsmanship

All-new, fuel-efficient, 2.5L four-cylinder Ecotec engine with next-generation six-speed automatic powertrain

All-new ride and handling package engineered for best-in-class performance

All-new, aerodynamically efficient shape and active shutter system save fuel and reduce wind noise

All-new Chevrolet MyLink in-car infotainment system integrates online services like Pandora® Internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio®

New radio face that articulates up and down revealing a six-inch-deep hidden storage compartment, a first for a U.S. midsize sedan

New safety features including 10 air bags, lane departure/forward collision warning system and a rearview camera system

On sale in the U.S. in 2012

DETROIT and SHANGHAI – The all-new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu made its global debut today, with simultaneous introductions in the United States and China – two of the nearly 100 countries on six continents where it will be sold. Chevrolet's first global midsize sedan will provide customers from Shanghai to New York and Sydney to Sao Paulo with expressive design, advanced technologies, ride performance and fuel-efficient powertrains.

"The current Malibu has left an award-winning impression and changed the way people think about Chevrolet. It redefined what an American midsize car could be," said Rick Scheidt, vice president, Chevrolet Marketing. "This all-new Malibu delivers on the intangibles of today's Malibu but gives customers even more: more style, fuel efficiency, content and features, craftsmanship, and dynamic capabilities rivaling high-end sedans."

Product highlights for North American models include:

All-new, fuel-efficient and powerful 2.5L four-cylinder engine and next-generation six-speed automatic that lead Malibu's powertrain lineup

Expressive exterior design with a wide, athletic stance

Segment-best aerodynamics – close to those of the Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric car – that enhance fuel efficiency and reduce wind noise, including active electronic shutters on select models

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

New Chevrolet MyLink connectivity seamlessly integrates online services like Pandora® internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio®

European-influenced ride and handling traits

New safety features and technologies including 10 air bags, ultra-high-strength steel, lane departure warning/forward collision warning and rearview camera system

Expressive and efficient exterior

"The exterior design of the all-new Malibu carries DNA from its sister vehicles, the Camaro and Corvette, to bring a sporty sensibility to the family sedan segment," said Bryan Nesbitt, executive director for GM exterior design and Chevrolet Brand Champion.

A wider stance, broad shoulders and an integrated rear spoiler bring a new athleticism to Malibu and give it a more aggressive 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.

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, with a coefficient of drag (Cd) rating near Chevrolet Volt's Cd of .280. Because of Malibu's new shape and design, engineers were able to remove 60 counts of wind drag compared to the model it replaces.

Malibu also has electronically controlled and integrated active aero shutters (select models in North American markets) 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. Whether the shutter is open or closed depends 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.

Roomier, more refined interior

The new Malibu interior was designed to bring an element of sophistication to everyday driving, featuring an all-new dual cockpit design that creates an inviting, roomy and comfortable environment.

The increased width of the new Malibu means a more spacious cabin. Compared to the previous model, it has nearly 4 cubic feet (113 L) of additional interior volume, along with more shoulder and hip room.

The Malibu 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 and in storage pockets. 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.

The Malibu also 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 – a U.S. first in a midsize car. Malibu will also offer a full range of the latest infotainment options, including new color radio systems and an available navigation system.

Malibu will include Chevrolet's new MyLink infotainment package at launch. It builds on the safety and security of OnStar and seamlessly integrates 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.

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.

All-new 2.5L powertrain

The 2013 Malibu features a global lineup of fuel-efficient and powerful four-cylinder engines that complements its European-inspired driving characteristics.

An all-new Ecotec 2.5L dual overhead cam, four-cylinder engine with direct injection leads Malibu's engine lineup in North America. It is expected to be one of the most efficient of its size in the market. 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. 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.

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. It has been engineered to be best-in-class and on par with more expensive sports sedans.

Benefiting from continuous refinement of an award-winning global architecture, engineers have tested, tuned and calibrated the Malibu on rural roads, highways, freeways and GM validation facilities around the world.

Contributing to the Malibu's ride and handling characteristics are:
A solid body structure as stiff as any in the global midsize sedan market, allowing for precise tuning and dynamic vehicle control

A premium steering gear for smooth, precise responsiveness and on-center feel
Proven and continuously refined MacPherson strut front and mutli-link rear suspensions
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

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 a higher degree of 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, hydraulic brake fade assist and drag torque control.

Safety features
When it comes to safety features, the new Malibu will be one of the best-equipped in the segment. The Malibu will also be pedestrian protection-compliant in all markets where it is sold, and for the first time in North America. 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 these standard and available safety features:

Dual-stage driver and front passenger air bags

Driver and front passenger pelvic/thorax side-impact air bags

Driver and passenger knee air bags

Roof rail air bags with rollover protection

Available second-row head/thorax side-impact air bags

Available lane departure warning system with forward collision alert

Available 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.

The new Malibu comes in LS, LT and LTZ trim levels, with 10 exterior colors and four interior color combination choices in North America, depending on the model. Malibu production in the United States begins in early 2012. It 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.

[LANKY 1]

I was expecting a speed boat. The interior looks pretty good though. but so many buttons, i like the simple dash of the AU

[Ford_The_Win]

Not too bad, but definitely not a fan of the teal piping and stitching. Brown, grey and teal, like a 1970s suit.

[MethodX]

Thats more like it, red one lookd\s the goods.
Hopefully they sell heaps.
The Camaro-ish rear end looks especially good.

[Mr Hardware]

Who decided a cruze is too small but a commodore too large?

[Chopped]

I like the rear on it, very Camaro'ish.

[stang65]

Luv the camaroish rear end +3

[vztrt]

The interior looks good.