The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu will arrive completely different, courtesy of an extensive, A to Z overhaul. According to Chad Lyons, Chevrolet Spokesperson, the redesign will provide meaningful benefits.
“Midsize customers want a car that is practical above anything else,” he said. “It needs to be spacious inside, have stand-out styling but also be fuel efficient.”
Solid Foundations
The Malibu’s redesign hits some fundamental areas essential when competing in an already tough segment. One of the first advancements comes in the literal bones of the car; a reduction of 300 lbs. throughout the Malibu’s higher-strength steel structure allows a better power to weight ratio balance.
It’s a best of both worlds approach for Chevrolet but also a delicate balance.
“One of the pinnacle areas to improve fuel-efficiency relates to having a lighter mass,” Lyons said. “This needs to be accomplished while also maintaining or improving the structural integrity.”
In addition to fuel economy and safety, the proper balance of power to weight ratio will increase Malibu’s handling and responsiveness. According to Lyons, Chevrolet seeks a more engaging feel behind the wheel.
Family Friendly
While the details of the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu are slim now, I asked Lyons the impact the car will have on families. After all, Malibu’s segment is where families often look. I was once a sales consultant for a large car dealership and I had many customers who looked at vehicles, like the Malibu, to run 7 days a week, in all types of weather conditions.
From taking the kids to school, getting to work, running dozens of errands and weekend road trips, a reliable family car, well designed and trustworthy, is an accomplishment. I take nothing away from performance cars and the paces they go through or the rigorous durability tests trucks endure.
However, do we think about the harsh conditions the average family car faces?
Chevrolet did.
“The 2016 Malibu was designed to deliver more efficiency, connectivity and advanced safety features than ever,” Lyons said.
Inside Out
Photos of the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu don’t yet exist but we do know the wheelbase was extended nearly four inches. This allows more room for passengers and cargo. Exterior descriptions label the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as “sleek” and “sculpted” with its roof line now pointed more to the rear.
“Dynamic” and “sophisticated” have also been echoed.
It’s anybody’s guess at the moment but the cover will lift for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu at the New York International Auto Show next month. Expect the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu to share the successful character traits of its brothers and sisters too. The strengths of other Chevrolet cars including the Impala, Cruze, Volt and even the Corvette are incorporated into the 2016 Malibu.
“These are exciting times at Chevrolet right now,” Lyons said.
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Photo Credit: ChevroletSpecial Thanks: Chad Lyons, Chevrolet Spokesman: chad.lyons@chevrolet.com
*The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu is expected to go on sale by the end of 2015*
About Chevrolet:
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, doing business in more than 115 countries and selling around 4.8 million cars and trucks a year. Fuel economy, performance, safety and technology remain cornerstones of the brand.
