One of the most-powerful naturally aspirated four-cylinder engines in the midsize segment – the all-new Ecotec 2.5L – makes its debut this summer on the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu midsize sedan. It’s so powerful that it has even higher output than the new Ford Fusion and Toyota Camry. This fall, it will be the turn of the introduction of the new Ecotec 2.0L turbo engine. It has the highest horsepower of any previous V-6 offered in a Malibu. The SAE-certified 197hp (147 kW) and 191 lb.-ft. of torque (259 Nm) produced on the Malibu's Ecotec 2.5L is the most torque of any naturally aspirated four-cylinder in this segment. In comparison with rivals, it offers 19hp higher (14 kW) and has 21 more lb.-ft. of torque (28 Nm) than the 2.5L I4 engine of the 2012 Toyota Camry LE.
It also offers 27 extra hp (20 kW) and 21 more lb.-ft. (28 Nm) compared to the 2013 Ford Fusion's 2.5L four-cylinder. The Ecotec 2.0L turbo is SAE-certified at 259hp (193 kW) and 260 lb.-ft. of torque (353 Nm). It could sustain its peak torque from 1,700 to 5,500 rpm. This wide range offers an instant feeling of power in all driving conditions and it contributes to its 0-60kph acceleration in 6.3 seconds. Direct injection is used on its new engines to have better fuel efficiency and more power.
Of course, this engine helps boost global sales of the Malibu. The two variants will be available in the U.S., Canada, Israel and other markets, while rounding out an assorted North American powertrain lineup, which includes the segment-exclusive, fuel-saving eAssistTM technology in the Malibu Eco. It comes with start-stop technology with regenerative braking as well as a lightweight lithium-ion battery to offer an electric boost in some conditions, offering a GM-estimated 25 mpg in the city 37 mpg on the highway. This fuel economy rating is better than any presently available non-hybrid midsize sedan. The 2013 Malibu is the first global midsize sedan from Chevrolet. Eventually, it will make its way to almost 100 countries on six continents. It’s already available in China and South Korea while sales will start this year in over 70 more countries such as in Canada, across Europe, Scandinavia, the Middle East, Africa and other markets in the Asia-Pacific region.
