GM Teases 2013 Chevrolet Malibu

[FenwickHockey65]

Originally Posted by c-dub

They need to quit BSing and just rebadge the G8 and release it as a chevy.

Why would you want the outdated VE when you can get a VF in two years?

[Zabo]

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

Why would you want the outdated VE when you can get a VF in two years?

This is what I don't get. GM wants to put out an EP II LWB Impala AND a US Spec VF.

So that'd give us a the '13 Bu, a '14-15 Impala on a stretched EPII AND a RWD Zeta Sedan.

Fen, as a rabid GM fan would you mind explaining the rationale behind this.. because I sure don't understand why they're planning on releasing similar cars under a single brand.

Unless the idea is that the VF is a Charger fighter and the next gen Impala is a Taurus fighter with AWD and a huge arse price tag (for a Chevy - like Ford did with the Taurus).

[ron10]

would like to see GM come out with a 2 door SS model with a kick ass engine.

[FenwickHockey65]

Originally Posted by Zabo

This is what I don't get. GM wants to put out an EP II LWB Impala AND a US Spec VF.

So that'd give us a the '13 Bu, a '14-15 Impala on a stretched EPII AND a RWD Zeta Sedan.

Fen, as a rabid GM fan would you mind explaining the rationale behind this.. because I sure don't understand why they're planning on releasing similar cars under a single brand.

Unless the idea is that the VF is a Charger fighter and the next gen Impala is a Taurus fighter with AWD and a huge arse price tag (for a Chevy - like Ford did with the Taurus).

You've more or less got the idea. The VF Commodore we're getting will most likely be a Charger-killer. We've been hearing no V6 model, only V8, although that is likely to change if gas keeps going up the way it is. Also, it's destined to be a relatively low volume product.

Meanwhile, Impala will go up against the Taurus. Malibu vs. Fusion.

[Zabo]

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

You've more or less got the idea. The VF Commodore we're getting will most likely be a Charger-killer. We've been hearing no V6 model, only V8, although that is likely to change if gas keeps going up the way it is. Also, it's destined to be a relatively low volume product.

Meanwhile, Impala will go up against the Taurus. Malibu vs. Fusion.

Are they still keeping production in RHD-land where the kangaroos roam? If so I guess I'm skipping the 5th and 6th gens for this one.

G8 GTs running 40Kish sticker back in '08.. yeouch. GM is planning too much good s**t down the pipe. Pity Ford Australia is going Taurus on the Falcon in '16-17.

EDIT: That is if I don't wind up just shipping out to Australia for work overseas (wherein I can get an HSV and not worry about snow. )

[Stew]

Looks like it will be a nice car, but autoblog is saying it will be offered only with na 2.4 and turbo 2.0 engines. The 3.6 V6 is one of my favorite parts of the car and the turbo 2.0 in the Regal is rather unimpressive. Maybe they will heavily rework it for the Malibu? i know this is where everyone is going (the sonata, optima, and the next fusion), but I like my torquey 6 cylinders.

[JoeP@TeamBeckyD]

....another Chevy Win!!....

[AZCamaroFan]

what the heck. i thought it was coming out for 2012

[Zabo]

Originally Posted by BeckyD@RodgersChevrolet

....another Chevy Win!!....

No duh. If they keep pricing competitive with the Fusion and have a better hybrid drivetrain I'll just push for the fam to compromise on a slightly 'Camaro' inspired Malibu.

I'd imagine GM hasn't abandoned (but tather shelved) the stage packages for the LNF and if so needed could just tweak that 2.0T unit. Market demands are really willing to sacrifice performance for fuel economy (but not like 1975 slug levels).

Got that going on under our roof right now with our Milan. It's got the little 4cyl base option and has very little pep. But my T/A trained lead foot can only kill it down to 27mpg average.

I think if GM can do good on a mid cycle engineering tweak in the 'Bu's 4cyl plans (Again, adapting the stage options for the 2.0T) and leave the Sixes to the Impala they should be able to edge out Ford (who still uses 6cyls in their medium sedans).

Seriously.. before (march '10) our bill ran around 500/mo. 3 87 octane cars.

Now it's 500/mo. in TODAY's prices. 2 87 octane cars ( 4cyl and a 3.1L '04 Impala) and 1 93 octane car (See sig.).

Pretty sure if Ford doesn't step up to abandoning 6cyls for more torqey and engineered turbo 4 cyl sedans they could lose a sale to GM in our case. Be it the 'Nox or the new 'Bu depending on what they want to lease next.

We're watching this one closely guys. Don't let us down, GM.

[Zabo]

Originally Posted by AZCamaroFan

what the heck. i thought it was coming out for 2012

Yeah, as a 2013 model. Remember it's already approaching april '11. Give them 8 months to finish IVER and CTF testing and soon ordering and production should start spooling for an early '12 release (or later when GM makes the announcement).

[Sevn86]

Originally Posted by LostInMoscow

I hope that it can compete with the Accords and Camrys of the world. I'm tired of ending up with a Honda for a DD!

Seriously you and me both! I just got a Toyota Camry.

[toesuf94]

Originally Posted by Sevn86

Seriously you and me both! I just got a Toyota Camry.

eww. Sorry.

[Stew]

Originally Posted by Zabo

No duh. If they keep pricing competitive with the Fusion and have a better hybrid drivetrain I'll just push for the fam to compromise on a slightly 'Camaro' inspired Malibu.

I'd imagine GM hasn't abandoned (but tather shelved) the stage packages for the LNF and if so needed could just tweak that 2.0T unit. Market demands are really willing to sacrifice performance for fuel economy (but not like 1975 slug levels).

Got that going on under our roof right now with our Milan. It's got the little 4cyl base option and has very little pep. But my T/A trained lead foot can only kill it down to 27mpg average.

I think if GM can do good on a mid cycle engineering tweak in the 'Bu's 4cyl plans (Again, adapting the stage options for the 2.0T) and leave the Sixes to the Impala they should be able to edge out Ford (who still uses 6cyls in their medium sedans).

Seriously.. before (march '10) our bill ran around 500/mo. 3 87 octane cars.

Now it's 500/mo. in TODAY's prices. 2 87 octane cars ( 4cyl and a 3.1L '04 Impala) and 1 93 octane car (See sig.).

Pretty sure if Ford doesn't step up to abandoning 6cyls for more torqey and engineered turbo 4 cyl sedans they could lose a sale to GM in our case. Be it the 'Nox or the new 'Bu depending on what they want to lease next.

We're watching this one closely guys. Don't let us down, GM.

Yeah, I know Ford is supposed to start offering the 2.0 ecoboost in the next gen Fusion (2014?) If GM offers the 255-260 HP version of the 2.0T, it will be enough (the ecoboost is around 240HP). What i am afraid of, is that they will stick the Regals 220HP mill, and I just don't think that is near enough for a top level motivator.

[Sevn86]

Originally Posted by toesuf94

eww. Sorry.

Ya I know...lol Its nothing like the camaro.