New Chevrolet Malibu To
Celebrate European Debut At IAA In Frankfurt
Having celebrated its world debut
at concurrent shows in the U.S. and China, the new Malibu will
form a cornerstone of Chevrolet's presence at the 2011 Frankfurt
Motor Show. In Europe, where Malibu was not previously
available, the all-new version will go on sale next year and be
the brand's new flagship.
"The Malibu will come on top of
the seven new entries launched in Chevrolet's centennial year,"
said Wayne Brannon, President and Managing Director of Chevrolet
Europe. "The Chevrolet Malibu is the brand's new
top-of-the-range offering, bringing proven value with a premium
feel to Europe's midsize segment."
With a wheelbase of 2,737 mm and a
track width of 1,577 mm, the new Malibu has an athletic posture.
Its grounded stance and an integrated spoiler combine to give
the car an assertive look. Thanks to a drag coefficient close to
the Volt's 0.28, the Malibu will be one of the most
aerodynamically efficient cars in Chevrolet's passenger vehicle
line-up.
Other exterior design cues include
Chevrolet's signature dual-port grille, powerful Xenon or high
intensity discharge (HID) headlamps, large Chevrolet bow-tie
badges in front and rear, and new Camaro-inspired LED
dual-element tail lamps. Wheel sizes range from 17- to 18-inch
options to suit an array of buyer preferences. Nine exterior
colors and up to four interior color combinations can be chosen
from, depending on the model selected.
The new Malibu features an all-new
dual cockpit design that creates an inviting, spacious and
comfortable environment with plenty of shoulder and hip room.
The metallic or chrome accents used, the
soft ambient lighting along the instrument panel and in storage pockets
as well as the contrast stitching add to the car's interior refinement.
In strategic locations, noise-deadening materials have been applied for
a quiet, relaxed ride.
The Malibu has a number of storage areas,
including a radio face that articulates up and down to reveal a six-inch
deep storage area behind its seven-inch touch-screen radio display – a
first in a midsize car. The full range of latest infotainment options
that the Malibu offers includes new radio systems and an available
navigation system. On up-level specifications, Bluetooth wireless
connectivity enables hands-free use of smart phone apps while the device
remains safely stowed.
Customers will be able to chose between
two fuel-efficient and powerful 4-cylinder gasoline or diesel-fueled
engines with 2.0 liter and 2.4 liter displacements and a power output of
164 hp and 169 hp, respectively. In Europe, the all-new Malibu will be
available with both manual and automatic transmission.
The Chevrolet Malibu has been engineered
to be on par with more expensive sedans in terms of ride and handling.
Benefiting from continuous refinement of award-winning midsize entries,
GM engineers have tested, tuned and calibrated the Malibu on rural
roads, highways, freeways and the company's validation facilities around
the world.
When it comes to safety features, the new
Malibu will be one of the best-equipped vehicles in the segment. It will
be pedestrian-protection-compliant in all markets where it is sold. A
total of 8 airbags, dual-stage driver and front passenger airbags,
driver and front-passenger pelvic/thorax side-impact airbags as well as
roof rail-airbags with rollover protection, are standard safety features
for all global markets. Rear park assist and a rearview camera are
available with mid- and up-level offerings.
The Malibu will be built in manufacturing
facilities around the world, including the United States, South Korea
and China.
