Official: 2014 Chevrolet Malibu
#1
Official: 2014 Chevrolet Malibu
2014 Chevrolet Malibu gets more torque, more room and inspiration from the Impala
Gallery:
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2014-...photo-5925462/
2014 Chevrolet Malibu is Roomier, More Efficient
• Fuel-saving start-stop technology added to standard model
• Rear knee room improved by 1.25 inches
• Chassis and suspension developments enhance drive experience
DETROIT, Friday, May 31, 2013 – Chevrolet today unveiled the 2014 Malibu – a roomier, more refined and more efficient execution of its midsize sedan. Updated styling, a revised interior, a new 2.5L standard engine and suspension enhancements highlight the changes. It goes on sale this fall.
"The 2014 Chevrolet Malibu builds on the strengths established by the all-new 2013 Malibu to make it a stronger choice for customers," said Mark Reuss, president, General Motors North America. "The midsize sedan segment is the most contested in the industry and we're not sitting still with the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu."
The new and enhanced features include:
• Revised front-end appearance
• Roomier rear seat, with 1.25 inches (31.7 mm) more knee room
• Redesigned center console
• New 2.5L engine with variable valve lift control and start/stop technology helps deliver estimated fuel economy of 23 city / 35 highway – a 5-percent improvement in city mileage and 3-percent greater highway efficiency
• Nearly 14 percent more torque from the available 2.0L turbo engine – 295 lb-ft of torque (400 Nm) – engineered for a greater feeling of power on demand
• Suspension enhancements derived from the all-new 2014 Impala engineered to contribute to a more refined driving experience
• New available Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert safety features
Malibu's revised front-end appearance is influenced by the all-new Impala, creating a more cohesive look across Chevrolet's sedan lineup. The front fascia features a new, more prominent lower grille and the hood extends down and over the leading edge of a narrower upper grille. The grille openings – with black grille texture – are wider and accented with chrome.
Inside, redesigned seats contribute to greater rear-seat space and greater comfort. The front seatbacks are shaped to improve rear-seat knee room, while new cushion sculpturing and revised cushion material allow passengers to sit deeper in the rear seats. Approximately half an inch was trimmed from the front of the rear seat cushion, for greater comfort behind passengers' legs.
The Malibu's redesigned center console has a longer armrest designed for greater comfort, along with a pair of cup holders and dedicated storage for two cell phones.
"We made changes within 18 months, demonstrating an unprecedented commitment to make the Malibu the best car it can be," said Ken Kelzer, executive chief engineer, global full-size and midsize cars. "The 2014 Malibu has been engineered to deliver more precise ride and handling that is on par with more expensive sports sedans."
More efficient, powerful powertrains
An all-new Ecotec 2.5L Intake Valve Lift Control DOHC four-cylinder engine with direct injection is the 2014 Malibu's standard engine. Its variable intake valve actuation enhances efficiency and helps lower emissions, while also enhancing low-rpm torque, for a greater feeling of power at lower speeds. When the iVLC system operates in low-lift mode, the engine pumps only the air it needs to meet the driver's demand. The system switches to high-lift mode at higher speeds or under heavy loads, providing the full output capability of the engine.
New start/stop technology shuts down the 2.5L engine to save fuel when the Malibu stops momentarily, such as at stoplights, contributing to an estimated 5-percent increase in city fuel economy. The engine automatically starts again when the driver takes his or her foot off the brake. An auxiliary battery powers electric accessories such as the climate system, power windows and radio during engine restarts.
The new 2.5L is SAE-certified at 196 horsepower (145 kW) and 186 lb-ft of torque (253 Nm). Revised transmission shift points and quicker shifts also enhance the feeling of performance – while delivering greater refinement.
Additionally, the 2014 Malibu's available 2.0L turbo engine delivers nearly 14 percent more torque than its predecessor. It is SAE-certified at 295 lb-ft (400 Nm). New engine calibration and tuning account for the improvement, making the Malibu 2.0L turbo's torque the best in the segment, even among competing six-cylinder-engines. The result is a stronger feeling of acceleration from a stop and a greater feeling of power on demand in almost all driving conditions.
The 2.0L turbo also produces an SAE-certified 259 horsepower (193 kW).
Chassis refinements
Chassis and suspension updates inspired by the all-new 2014 Impala also contribute to the 2014 Malibu's more refined driving experience, including rebound springs that are internal to the struts. They enable more refined calibration of the dampers for a smoother overall ride, while also improving body roll control and weight transfer during acceleration or turning. That helps keep the wheels planted, contributing to a more precise, controlled feel – especially while cornering.
Fuel-saving electric power rack-and-pinion variable-effort power steering is standard and enables nearly effortless low-speed maneuvers and a higher degree of steering feel at higher speeds. Revised, higher-effort calibrations for 2014 were engineered to improve the overall steering feel. Also, the Malibu's brake system has been revised to provide a more confident feel.
Additional 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.
Enhanced safety
New Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert safety features are offered, adding to the protection from a car that received a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score in the New Car Assessment Program from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and a 2013 Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Both are the highest ratings possible.
Malibu also comes with 10 standard air bags and an available rearview camera system.
• Fuel-saving start-stop technology added to standard model
• Rear knee room improved by 1.25 inches
• Chassis and suspension developments enhance drive experience
DETROIT, Friday, May 31, 2013 – Chevrolet today unveiled the 2014 Malibu – a roomier, more refined and more efficient execution of its midsize sedan. Updated styling, a revised interior, a new 2.5L standard engine and suspension enhancements highlight the changes. It goes on sale this fall.
"The 2014 Chevrolet Malibu builds on the strengths established by the all-new 2013 Malibu to make it a stronger choice for customers," said Mark Reuss, president, General Motors North America. "The midsize sedan segment is the most contested in the industry and we're not sitting still with the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu."
The new and enhanced features include:
• Revised front-end appearance
• Roomier rear seat, with 1.25 inches (31.7 mm) more knee room
• Redesigned center console
• New 2.5L engine with variable valve lift control and start/stop technology helps deliver estimated fuel economy of 23 city / 35 highway – a 5-percent improvement in city mileage and 3-percent greater highway efficiency
• Nearly 14 percent more torque from the available 2.0L turbo engine – 295 lb-ft of torque (400 Nm) – engineered for a greater feeling of power on demand
• Suspension enhancements derived from the all-new 2014 Impala engineered to contribute to a more refined driving experience
• New available Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert safety features
Malibu's revised front-end appearance is influenced by the all-new Impala, creating a more cohesive look across Chevrolet's sedan lineup. The front fascia features a new, more prominent lower grille and the hood extends down and over the leading edge of a narrower upper grille. The grille openings – with black grille texture – are wider and accented with chrome.
Inside, redesigned seats contribute to greater rear-seat space and greater comfort. The front seatbacks are shaped to improve rear-seat knee room, while new cushion sculpturing and revised cushion material allow passengers to sit deeper in the rear seats. Approximately half an inch was trimmed from the front of the rear seat cushion, for greater comfort behind passengers' legs.
The Malibu's redesigned center console has a longer armrest designed for greater comfort, along with a pair of cup holders and dedicated storage for two cell phones.
"We made changes within 18 months, demonstrating an unprecedented commitment to make the Malibu the best car it can be," said Ken Kelzer, executive chief engineer, global full-size and midsize cars. "The 2014 Malibu has been engineered to deliver more precise ride and handling that is on par with more expensive sports sedans."
More efficient, powerful powertrains
An all-new Ecotec 2.5L Intake Valve Lift Control DOHC four-cylinder engine with direct injection is the 2014 Malibu's standard engine. Its variable intake valve actuation enhances efficiency and helps lower emissions, while also enhancing low-rpm torque, for a greater feeling of power at lower speeds. When the iVLC system operates in low-lift mode, the engine pumps only the air it needs to meet the driver's demand. The system switches to high-lift mode at higher speeds or under heavy loads, providing the full output capability of the engine.
New start/stop technology shuts down the 2.5L engine to save fuel when the Malibu stops momentarily, such as at stoplights, contributing to an estimated 5-percent increase in city fuel economy. The engine automatically starts again when the driver takes his or her foot off the brake. An auxiliary battery powers electric accessories such as the climate system, power windows and radio during engine restarts.
The new 2.5L is SAE-certified at 196 horsepower (145 kW) and 186 lb-ft of torque (253 Nm). Revised transmission shift points and quicker shifts also enhance the feeling of performance – while delivering greater refinement.
Additionally, the 2014 Malibu's available 2.0L turbo engine delivers nearly 14 percent more torque than its predecessor. It is SAE-certified at 295 lb-ft (400 Nm). New engine calibration and tuning account for the improvement, making the Malibu 2.0L turbo's torque the best in the segment, even among competing six-cylinder-engines. The result is a stronger feeling of acceleration from a stop and a greater feeling of power on demand in almost all driving conditions.
The 2.0L turbo also produces an SAE-certified 259 horsepower (193 kW).
Chassis refinements
Chassis and suspension updates inspired by the all-new 2014 Impala also contribute to the 2014 Malibu's more refined driving experience, including rebound springs that are internal to the struts. They enable more refined calibration of the dampers for a smoother overall ride, while also improving body roll control and weight transfer during acceleration or turning. That helps keep the wheels planted, contributing to a more precise, controlled feel – especially while cornering.
Fuel-saving electric power rack-and-pinion variable-effort power steering is standard and enables nearly effortless low-speed maneuvers and a higher degree of steering feel at higher speeds. Revised, higher-effort calibrations for 2014 were engineered to improve the overall steering feel. Also, the Malibu's brake system has been revised to provide a more confident feel.
Additional 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.
Enhanced safety
New Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert safety features are offered, adding to the protection from a car that received a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score in the New Car Assessment Program from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and a 2013 Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Both are the highest ratings possible.
Malibu also comes with 10 standard air bags and an available rearview camera system.
#2
The 2014 Chevrolet Malibu, having stared at the Impala across the showroom floor for a year, gets nips and tucks all over inspired by its larger brother. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder in the base car will get a stop-start system and 23 city miles per gallon, 35 highway, each number representing a one-mpg improvement over the 2013 car. Output is 196 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque.
Opt for the 2.0-liter turbo and, while power holds steady at 259 hp, torque goes up by 14 percent to a striking 295 lb-ft (a figure Chevy calls best in the class). The final details include newly programmed transmission shift points and faster shifts, for better engaging and enjoying the added power.
Opt for the 2.0-liter turbo and, while power holds steady at 259 hp, torque goes up by 14 percent to a striking 295 lb-ft (a figure Chevy calls best in the class). The final details include newly programmed transmission shift points and faster shifts, for better engaging and enjoying the added power.
#3
Lexus Fanatic
Opt for the 2.0-liter turbo and, while power holds steady at 259 hp, torque goes up by 14 percent to a striking 295 lb-ft (a figure Chevy calls best in the class).
#4
The turbo 2.0 liter I4 torque figure is pretty beefy. I like the new front end. More photos are available here:
http://media.gm.com/content/media/us...ce-malibu.html
http://media.gm.com/content/media/us...ce-malibu.html
#6
Lexus Fanatic
#7
Or V6 production is already maxed out due to usage on other models.
Etc etc etc.
So there isn't "no reason the malibu couldn't get it" besides a space constraint
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#9
Lexus Test Driver
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Perhaps so, but, given the choice, I'd rather have a V6. The 3.6L V6 I sampled a few days ago, for instance, in the new Impala, was just superb for everyday all-around driving. No reason the Malibu couldn't get it...unless it would just be too tight a fit under the hood.
I'm guessing they could offer a V6 in the car if they wanted to, but simply chose not too.
#10
Lexus Test Driver
GM is officially out of control here. Three separate grilles and none of them are the same size or shape. Even worse, the main one is now fishmouth-shaped, a la Avalon. There is absolutely no room for a big fishmouth grille AND GM's split-grille theme. One or the other, but not both! It's like a child doodling in art class with no restrain.
As the article mentioned, it's the rear taillights that needed addressing. Muscle car cues have no place on today's middle-America mainstream sedans. That would be like putting Camaro taillights on the back of a Camry or Accord. Should be equally silly on the Malibu, but GM can't keep it's hands out of the toy box and grow up.
As the article mentioned, it's the rear taillights that needed addressing. Muscle car cues have no place on today's middle-America mainstream sedans. That would be like putting Camaro taillights on the back of a Camry or Accord. Should be equally silly on the Malibu, but GM can't keep it's hands out of the toy box and grow up.
#11
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
#12
Lexus Fanatic
You've come up with (probably) the best and most rational reason, right now, why the V6 may not be used on the Malibu. I don't agree with the fuel-economy arguements, or the Have-to-Move-up-to-Impala arguement for simply PR reasons. And the fuel-economy issue can be at least partially-addressed by cylinder-deactivation at cruise, as Honda does with some V6s. But, yes, I agree that if enough engines aren't available, then the more-expensive Impala would get it first (and, of course, the Lacrosse and some other GM products also use them). But the most likely answer to that is to simply hire another shift at the engine plant (if the plant is not already at capacity), or find another way to step up production. .
Last edited by mmarshall; 05-31-13 at 05:51 PM.
#13
Lexus Fanatic
pbm317 came up with what is probably the best arguement...the availability issue of the engine-blocks (see my response just above). The 3.6L is a very popular engine in both GM sedans and SUVs, and, obviously, only so many are (currently) available. It was a reason I should (maybe) have considered myself, but didn't.
#14
Those EPA numbers look pretty competitive. Hopefully they ring true unlike Ford's unfortunate debacle.
It's also a mighty cool thing to get a 1.25 inch stretch in rear legroom. I sat in a '12 Malibu and the rear space wasn't shabby at all.
On the exterior note, GM really knows how to make cars look big. They might not stand out stylistically, but they can have impressive presence merely based on size.
It's also a mighty cool thing to get a 1.25 inch stretch in rear legroom. I sat in a '12 Malibu and the rear space wasn't shabby at all.
On the exterior note, GM really knows how to make cars look big. They might not stand out stylistically, but they can have impressive presence merely based on size.
#15
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
pbm317 came up with what is probably the best arguement...the availability issue of the engine-blocks (see my response just above). The 3.6L is a very popular engine in both GM sedans and SUVs, and, obviously, only so many are (currently) available. It was a reason I should (maybe) have considered myself, but didn't.
don't have time right now to compare fuel economy on models with the 4 vs the 6 though, but i still believe CAFE and cost are the two big reasons.