MotorTrend First Look: 2013 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ

[TOMS1SS]

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

The Impala/Monte Carlo SS both had 5.3L LS4s.

Hilariously enough, the new standard LFX V6 in the 2012 Impala makes just one less horsepower than the 2009 Impala SS, but...

Yes and at the time those were SS badge worthy, they might have been handlers but they were quick in a straight line. It will be interesting to see what the LFX runs in the Impala, it doesn't have the torque but not knowing the exact weight vs an LS4 I'd venture it guess it weighs less.

Originally Posted by Stew

You are 100% about car prices, it's like food prices. heck, everything is going up except for the amount we receive at payday lol. I do agree about the 2000-2003 NA Monte Carlo SS, and the 06-07 Malibu and Malibu MAXXSS.

I remember when 30k was enough to live reasonably well, have a nice car and have money left over to go into savings. Every time I do my monthly budget I'm glad that I've bumped my career up a couple notches since then. You want really a sick feeling look at 40k in 1980 would come out to today with inflation factored in.

[DGthe3]

Originally Posted by TOMS1SS

For what it is as a commuter car I like it....that said I see two problems. First over 28k on the high side for a mid-size? What the hell can be in a mid-size worth 28k? Secondly the concept of a 270hp car be badged an SS makes me sick. If they do something like an upgraded engine it should be called the "Sport" kinda like how my mom's Equinox is. The SS badge should only be applied to cars that have AT LEAST 300 horses.

A 260 hp Cobalt was clocked as being just a couple seconds behind the Camaro SS at the Nurburgring. It is definately a Super Sport

In my mind, it comes down to power to weight ratio. If its 12 lb/hp or less, it won't be doing a disservice to the SS badge, as long as they do other things like offer an upgraded suspension & wider tires and so forth. I mean, if you look at power alone, then most trucks & SUV's that GM sells would qualify as 'Super Sports' yet something like the Cobalt SS/TC wouldn't.

That said, if the Regal is any indication, they'd need to do more than give the Malibu more than 270 hp to qualify it as a Super Sport. Too much car for not enough engine.

[coolman]

This is what I was hoping for instead. The one fen posted looks to much like the old ones for me. I do like the back end though.

[FenwickHockey65]

Originally Posted by coolman

This is what I was hoping for instead. The one fen posted looks to much like the old ones for me. I do like the back end though.

That will never happen. Too much like the Regal GS. In fact that's really just a 2013 Malibu with a GS/OPC front end grafted on.

In all honesty there probably won't be a Malibu SS. There will be a 2.0T engine option with more power, but a performance variant? Doubtful.

[coolman]

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

That will never happen. Too much like the Regal GS. In fact that's really just a 2013 Malibu with a GS/OPC front end grafted on.

In all honesty there probably won't be a Malibu SS. There will be a 2.0T engine option with more power, but a performance variant? Doubtful.

I here you ,but that would be awesome!

I saw my first Regal in the flesh the other day. They are a very nice looking car.

[DGthe3]

Originally Posted by coolman

This is what I was hoping for instead. The one fen posted looks to much like the old ones for me. I do like the back end though.

That looks like a bloated 2008-2012 Malibu to me. In contrast, the next gen Malibu seems to have more defined sheet metal and looks a bit smaller than the current cars.

[coolman]

Originally Posted by DGthe3

That looks like a bloated 2008-2012 Malibu to me. In contrast, the next gen Malibu seems to have more defined sheet metal and looks a bit smaller than the current cars.

I guess it is a little bulky looking ,but I like the front fascia and the stance.


I like the look of the 2013 ,but I'm starting to get tired of the fact that they are making the entire line look the same. I know all the reasons why they do. I know we've been through that a million times ,but I don't have to like it.

It's not just GM either. Don't get me wrong it all of them. It's getting harder and harder to tell the different makes apart among one brand.

[PatsRS]

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

If you're trading your Pontiac next year, you'll be able to get a Malibu. They start production early 2012.

This Friday I am going to Main Street in Motion here in NJ and I plan on driving both cars plus a 'vette and anything else I can squeeze in.

[Captain Awesome]

Sadly, the car has taillights that look like they were designed by the same team that gave us the "sunglasses" euro-market Camaro taillights.

The people commenting on the Motor Trend site apparently are not enthused by the look. Hopefully, they will abort this "branding" by the time Camaro is in the 6th Gen.

[Silverlsinva]

I love the look of the new malibu looks better than any other midsize out there and its not made to go fast look at the new cruze everything is supposed to be better quality and better mpgs its for familys that dont need a suv or minivan or for someone who wants to commute. If u want a sporty car buy a sports car like camaro or regal Gs or any other one that was designed for sportyness.

[TheCaptain]

I really love the look of this new Malibu, inside and out. Some good design went into this car!

I love the powerdome hood too!

[a_Username]

That is just 1000 times better.

[KnightRiderSS]

I like it...I wish it had beefier engine options though

[snizzle]

Wait, the Malibu stole our steering wheel!?!?!? J/k

The interior is really beautiful. Great job stepping up to the plate GM. I'm tired of the hard plastic argument.