2008/09 Chevy Malibu
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2008/09 Chevy Malibu
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.
2008 Chevrolet ImpalaSince 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.
2008 Chevrolet ImpalaSince 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.
http://www.thecarconnection.com/Enth...78.A10490.html
Lexus Fanatic
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From: Massachusetts
Originally Posted by 4TehNguyen
too large for a malibu im guessing its more of an impala
Can't be a new Impala since the current Impala just came out for 2006.
As far as a new Malibu goes, GM needs to step it WAAAY up from the current piece of crap
that's out. I can't believe people buy it!
Originally Posted by JLSC4
Can't be a new Impala since the current Impala just came out for 2006.
As far as a new Malibu goes, GM needs to step it WAAAY up from the current piece of crap
that's out. I can't believe people buy it!
As far as a new Malibu goes, GM needs to step it WAAAY up from the current piece of crap
that's out. I can't believe people buy it!
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Lexus Fanatic
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From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
I agree with the Car Connection, for several reasons. This is most likely the new Malibu.
First, the current Impala is not old enough...and GM right now does not have the money or resources to replace a car that is only a couple of years old in the marketplace. Second, the car in the photo IMO appears too small to be an Impala, which is a medium-to-full-size car by today's standards. Third, there doesn't appear to be enough space under the hood to drop in a V8, which will be mandatory if the new Impala is going to have an SS model or compete with the Chrysler 300. Fourth, the short trunk appears to have been designed for a possible hatchback application as well ( the next Malibu Maxx ? ) And fifth, the Impala does not have to share its design with any European GM models, but the Malibu shares its general platform with several vehicles GM sells in Europe....and some Saabs, Saturns, and Pontiacs here as well.
First, the current Impala is not old enough...and GM right now does not have the money or resources to replace a car that is only a couple of years old in the marketplace. Second, the car in the photo IMO appears too small to be an Impala, which is a medium-to-full-size car by today's standards. Third, there doesn't appear to be enough space under the hood to drop in a V8, which will be mandatory if the new Impala is going to have an SS model or compete with the Chrysler 300. Fourth, the short trunk appears to have been designed for a possible hatchback application as well ( the next Malibu Maxx ? ) And fifth, the Impala does not have to share its design with any European GM models, but the Malibu shares its general platform with several vehicles GM sells in Europe....and some Saabs, Saturns, and Pontiacs here as well.
Last edited by mmarshall; Jun 5, 2006 at 10:37 AM.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Sep 2001
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From: Southern Cali 310
August 9, 2006
2008 Chevrolet Malibu
Brenda Priddy & Company
Chevy tests next-generation Malibu for '08
Chevrolet has begun testing its next-generation Malibu, which is due to arrive in dealerships in early 2008.
The new Malibu gets striking new sheet metal and a completely redesigned cabin. The front-wheel drive will ride on a revised version of the corporate Epsilon global midsize car platform. When the new four-door arrives, Chevy will no longer offer the wagonlike Malibu Maxx edition.
The Malibu will be longer and roomier than the current car, with more powerful engines. GM reportedly is working on a hybrid variant for 2009.
Lexus Champion
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,175
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From: Connecticut
I'm sure it'll be a pretty good car. But look what producing "pretty good" cars has done for Mitsubishi. The Galant is a fine alternative to a Camry or Altima and yet Mitsu has to cut out and sell organs to fund their rebate programs.
GM will either have to concede defeat in the midsize family sedan segment currently dominated by imports and focus their development efforts elsewhere (SMALL CARS!!!!!!!!! NOT FROM DAEWOO) or do better than the competition to try and grab market share back. I'm sure they understand this. So I wonder where the disconnect is.
M.
GM will either have to concede defeat in the midsize family sedan segment currently dominated by imports and focus their development efforts elsewhere (SMALL CARS!!!!!!!!! NOT FROM DAEWOO) or do better than the competition to try and grab market share back. I'm sure they understand this. So I wonder where the disconnect is.
M.
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