A leaky patent office gave us our first look at the revised 2012 Chevrolet Malibu, but our spy photographers have just sent us the first live images of the updated sedan. Riding on a new Epsilon II platform, the 2012 Malibu is expected to make its official debut in late 2010 or early 2011.

Judging from the latest images and the previous drawings, the 2012 Malibu will retain many of the design cues of the current car, albeit with a fresher look. The front headlights appear to have a jeweled look, not unlike the treatment seen on the 2011 Buick Regal. Chevrolet’s signature cross-bar grille, however, remains front and center.

The rear of the Malibu also appears to be in line for an update, with the taillights receiving a Camaro-like treatment.

It’s been reported that the Malibu will shrink a bit in its next iteration, but the extent of that downsizing remains unknown. The current Malibu rides on a 112.3 inch wheelbase, but it remains to be seen if the Malibu will adopt the Buick LaCrosse’s 111.7 inch wheelbase or the Regal’s shorter 107.8 inch wheelbase, although the former seems more likely. Both the LaCrosse and Regal ride on the Epsilon II platform.

With a 2012 model year designation, expect the new Malibu to bow at the beginning of the next auto show season – in either Los Angeles or Detroit – with an on sale date sometime in 2011.

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looking great!

 

looks like Camaro taillights

 

Looks like a Lexus or BMW rear

 

Close...not exactly.

The current Malibu, IMO, is one of the nicest domestic-badged sedans on the market....light-years ahead of former models. I hope they don't screw this next one up while trying to further "Improve" it. But, of course, time will tell. The article says it will be downsized.....I hope not much, as the current model is an ideal size for many Americans.

The fact that, in the picture, they are test-driving it in the snow shows that (maybe ?) it will have the AWD option. That's something that the current model lacks, while the Buick LaCrosse, Ford Taurus, and Ford Fusion/Mercury Milan all offer it.

 

I think this will be a hit. It looks great based on these spyshots and the patent drawings!

This could be the best GM sedan design in years.

I can't wait to see what the interior looks like.

 

Looks good.

I like how they comment the headlights look to have a jeweled design even though you can't see them in these pics.