The all-new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu sedan has been calibrated to offer ride and handling that could be rated the best in its segment. The sedan will be offered in 100 markets located in six continents. The global development team continuously refines its award-winning global architecture to match the car’s resized measurements such as wider front and rear tracks. It also features more direct steering and advanced chassis control systems. The refinements in its architecture have resulted to a Malibu with European-style precision and comfort to match the wide range of driving conditions in North America. It offers a segment-leading stopping distance due to its use of large, ventilated front disc and solid rear disc brakes, clamped on by dual-piston front and single-piston rear aluminum calipers. Moussa said that no matter what the surface is, the driver would “feel connected to the road in the new Malibu.”
The driver would also not even be aware of the noise and road imperfections. He explained that driving the 2013 Malibu sedan would incite the same feeling that drivers get when getting behind the wheel of premium sedans. There’s a great sense of control at highway speeds and at low speeds, there’s “excellent maneuverability.” To be used as Malibu’s standard engine, this all-new, Ecotec 2.5L engine with direct injection debuts this summer. It offers a higher horsepower than the present Malibu engine and has greater low-rpm torque for on-demand power. GM claims that the 2.5L generates 190hp (140 kW) and 180 lb.-ft. of torque (250 Nm).
Production will start in early 2012 for Chevrolet’s most fuel-efficient Malibu ever with the ECO model. GM also said that the Malibu ECO returns 26 mpg city and 38 mpg highway fuel economy due to its advanced eAssist light-electrification technology, which has low fuel consumption but doesn’t compromise drive performance. It features a lightweight lithium-ion battery and an electric motor-generator to have regenerative braking electric assist and start-stop function. Its weight is only 65 pounds (29 kg) and it is positioned in the trunk in a way that doesn’t compromise space by much. Malibu ECO’s eAssist system comes with an Ecotec 2.4L direct-injection four-cylinder engine and next-generation six-speed automatic transmission. It has a rating of 182hp (134 kW) and 172 ft.-lbs. of torque (233 Nm).
