Spy Photos: 2012 Chevy Malibu
| August 20, 2010
Spy photographers have once again run into the forthcoming 2012 Chevy Malibu. This new Malibu, which should begin production late 2011 in GM’s recently updated Fairfax, Kansas assembly plant, looks to be a thorough revisioning of the Malibu platform with new sheetmetal– the cutline has been lowered and follows through the door handles, the trunk has a new bustle to it and wheel arches are more subtle– and underpinned by a version of the Epsilon II platform currently used by the Buick Regal and Opel Insignia. That would make this Malibu more likely to be a global offering from GM as opposed to strictly a US market proposition.
The 2012 Malibu is also slated to drop the tired four-speed automatic and offer only a six-speed offering. This new Malibu should come with either the 3.6-liter V6, a base, but direct injection four-pot, and for drivers who want more power and more mpg, a turbo-charged direct-injection ECOTEC motor to hang with the new crop of Ecoboost Fords. A hybrid powertrain will also be offered.
A complete interior overhaul is also expected clearing the way for an optional navigation screen.