Spy Shots: 2012 Chevrolet Malibu prepares to shake up mid-size segment
by Jonathon Ramsey on Mar 27th 2010 at 12:41PM 
We've seen patent drawings of the Chevrolet Malibu, and now spy shooters have captured the real thing cruising the hinterlands like a Yeti. Additional styling elements will be added to the bodywork, giving the current car's graceful bulk a few more angles and a bit more finesse. The prototype's better-looking than the patent sketches indicate, which is no surprise, but we're still looking forward to how those front and rear lights will evolve. At least in back, it looks like they won't be true dual units, as envisioned on a couple of sketch-based renderings, but will have single lenses outboard and another set on the trunk.
Inside, which is where we think the Malibu can really step up its game, "vastly improved" materials are said to be on the way. A significantly better ride will come courtesy of the HiPer strut system on the car's new Epsilon II platform.
[Source: Car & Driver]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Vizel 12:58PM (3/27/2010)
*sigh... Do I have to wait till see what Chevrolet and others have to offer, or can I just go buy my Hyundai Sonata/Ford Fusion now? This market is just... so competitive.
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FlappyPaddle 1:01PM (3/27/2010)
I cant wait for the ecoboost fusion to come out already the anticipation is killing me!
Poopy 1:07PM (3/27/2010)
I doubt an ecoboost Fusion will ever materialize in V6 form. If anything, there will be a N/A four pot and then a turbo'd four pot to replace the V6 in all but the Sport. Ford would then have a simular setup to what Hyundai is currently offering. Now all you need is a chip and a less restrictive exhaust and you are off to the races.
FlappyPaddle 1:37PM (3/27/2010)
@Poopy
I was talking about the 2.0L ecoboost motor that is coming out I guess I should have stated that but oh well. I am also hoping that awd drive makes it into the mix with the dct! Take notes GM thats how you build a car.
Pat 1:38PM (3/27/2010)
Interesting how the undergogs, Fusion and Sonata, are increasingly becoming the reference alongside Camry and Accord (which are arguably on their way down)
Will Chevy climb to the top or will stay where it is?
Dan 2:51PM (3/27/2010)
As grotesquely overweight as the other Epsilon II products are I'm not getting my hopes up.
FlappyPaddle 12:59PM (3/27/2010)
It will really have to step up its game alot to even be considered in my books, the current interior is awful it drives like the wheels where attached wrong and I am not a fan of the current styling although I know many are. The powertrain is really the only worthy part are the current car and its starting to fall behind as it is already.
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AMcA 1:58PM (3/27/2010)
I certainly hope that the HiPer suspension system (which looks great) stays on the upper end Epsilons. They need something to differentiate these cars if they're going to use Epsilon from Chevy on up to Caddy.
Toyotadiehard 1:06PM (3/27/2010)
"2012 Chevrolet Malibu prepares to shake up mid-size segment"
Let me guess, People will be trading in their camries as they did for the current model..This model will also careen out the gate ,chevy will state they only forecast to sell 1200 the first month but demand is so high they sold 4000. sounds familiar?
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Blake 1:17PM (3/27/2010)
I thought the Camry was the one careening out the gate.
AMcA 1:58PM (3/27/2010)
Toyota's got a new tagline:
"You can't stop us now!"
Shiftright 1:12PM (3/27/2010)
Can't believe I'm saying this but actually looking forward to it. I'm a big fan of the current one's well tailored and proportioned restrained styling, and given GM's new vigor lately, this might be a winner.
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Amine Fares 1:16PM (3/27/2010)
looks kinda weird
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BSD 1:21PM (3/27/2010)
Reminds me of the MKV Jetta. Big and bulky.
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Greg Aryous 1:43PM (3/27/2010)
Looks kinda bland and old style (similar to how the Cruze looks compared to the new Focus). With Ford's awesome new MyFord Touch interior driver interface breaking new ground and leap-frogging the industry, I don't see anything that exciting coming from Chevy... even the new Sonata has more style!
Plus, as Ford rolls out the new 2.0 I4 EcoBoost across their line-up and gets 35+ MPG with V6 performance out of the Fusion... what's Chevy's answer...?
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why not the LS2LS7? 2:09PM (3/27/2010)
Chevy's answer is they've sold a 2.0L 261HP DI turbo 4 cylinder in the US since 2006. And they've already announced a variant of it for use in the Buick Regal.
Greg Aryous 2:33PM (3/27/2010)
So Chevy has a turbo lag I4 engine since '06... so what... it doesn't have the (125) patented engine controlls that Ford's EcoBoost uses to elimiante turbo-lag and seemlessly integrate with the 6-speed auto trans for the awesome driving experience that is EcoBoost.
Plus, the MyFord Touch driver interface is "Unmatched" by ANY competitor and gives Ford a significant competitive advantage... here's what independent technology consulting firm Gartner has to say: "MyFord Touch could be a category killer. Right now, Ford has redefined this market, and it has made it very difficult for anybody to enter the space and compete...." Makes Chevy look sooooooo far behind and OnStar is an expensive and obsolete joke!!
Wiggy 6:11PM (3/27/2010)
OnStar is a wonderful service. No distracting screens and live flesh and blood people help you find your destination even if you don't know exactly where it is you want to go. I won't even use my GPS anymore.
why not the LS2LS7? 2:10PM (3/27/2010)
With just these spy shots to go by, I like the current design better. This is pretty busy, I like the current simple one.
Although I really need to see more to be sure.
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jv2k 2:46PM (3/27/2010)
I agree but we haven't gotten a clear angle in the shots and it is still in camo.
It might not beat the last gen's look but I'm sure it'll look a lot better in it's final form.