Future Car Trends: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu: In Detail

Page 1: Overview / History
Page 2: Feature detail / Specifications

Style, performance and fuel economy

The all-new 2008 Chevrolet Malibu delivers great performance, fuel economy and refinement, wrapped in a clean, tailored design that carries the new face of Chevrolet. The new Malibu will be unveiled at the North American International Auto Show. It arrives at Chevrolet dealerships later this year.

“The 2008 Malibu rewrites Chevrolet’s midsize car strategy, offering a stylish, uncompromising package that stacks up against the most popular competitors,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. “We know the competition is very good, and this new Malibu has the goods – both tangible and intangible – to assert a leadership position in the segment and re-affirm Chevrolet’s commitment to expressive cars.”

Indeed, the 2008 Malibu brings a fresh perspective and new proportions to the midsize segment. It is more than three inches (76 mm) longer than the current model, with a six-inch-longer (162 mm) wheelbase that delivers a poised, wheels-at-the-corners stance and helps provide a smoother, more direct driving experience. In fact, Malibu's wheelbase is three inches (76 mm) longer than Toyota Camry.

“ Malibu is the car our customers have been looking for,” said Peper. “There is more style and content on the new Malibu than any other competitor in the segment.”

The new Malibu is offered in three well-equipped trim levels: LS, LT and LTZ – all with standard head-curtain side air bags and front-seat thorax air bags, OnStar Gen 7 with remote diagnostics, and XM Satellite Radio. StabiliTrak electronic stability control is standard on LT and LTZ models.

Highlights of the redesigned 2008 Malibu include:

All-new refined and contemporary exterior with new dual-port grille design that represents the new face of Chevrolet
Twin round taillamps
Upscale interior design with available two-tone trim; gauges with Chevrolet blue backlighting
Standard head-curtain side air bags and front seat-mounted thorax protection air bags
Available 110-volt household-type AC power outlet
Refined and technically advanced family of economic DOHC powertrains, including a 2.4L Ecotec DOHC four-cylinder and a 3.6L DOHC V-6 with variable valve timing
Fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission available with both four-cylinder and V-6 engines – a segment exclusive for four-cylinder engines
Five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
Four-wheel independent suspension and longer wheelbase that deliver a more controlled, satisfying and confident driving experience
Family of large wheels, including 18-inch ultra-bright polished wheels on LTZ
Available large, panoramic sunroof
Standard tire pressure monitoring system

Design details

With its strong stance and bold proportions, the 2008 Malibu has a profile that reinforces its substantial feel. Clean, pure lines and wheels pushed to the corners, as well as a visually lower yet longer greenhouse and a shorter deck suggest motion, agility and attitude. The body sides are clean and elegant, interrupted only by distinctive, wheel-oriented forms that communicate an aggressive, stable stance and a rear profile that connects to Chevrolet’s rich performance heritage.

The Malibu's dual-port grille is characteristic of the new face of Chevrolet cars and the twin round taillamps are Chevrolet cues, too, with LTZ models distinguished by front fog lamps and LED-lit taillamps. The design elements are complemented with precise details, including minimized panel gaps, a tight wheel-to-body relationship and select use of chrome trim. V-6 models also receive dual chrome exhaust outlets.

The interior’s attention to detail matches the Malibu's exterior, with an ergonomic design using premium materials that convey quality and value, including a cast skin material on the instrument panel. The integrated, flowing instrument panel features a Chevrolet-signature dual-cockpit design, with prominent gauges backlit in blue, and metallic or wood grain accents.

The new Malibu has greater storage, too, with thoughtful features that maximize utility, including a deep center console with a sliding cover that opens to accommodate larger items. Also standard is an auxiliary in-dash storage compartment on the instrument panel for sunglasses, CDs and other items. An available rear power center provides a household-style 110-volt AC power outlet.

Safe and secure

The 2008 Malibu has a comprehensive roster of standard and available features that helps protect occupants before, during and after a crash. They include:

Dual-stage frontal air bags with GM Passenger Sensing System
Head curtain side-impact air bags (front and rear outboard seats)
Front seat-mounted thorax protection air bags
Front safety belt pretensioners
LATCH child safety seat anchors
Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS
Traction control
StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with panic brake assistance (LT and LTZ models)
Tire pressure monitoring system

All 2008 Malibu models come with OnStar Gen 7, which features standard automatic crash notification service and OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation – the first factory-installed, fully integrated GPS navigation system from OnStar.

Chevrolet Malibu Heritage

Chevrolet introduced the Malibu in 1964 as the top model of the then-new Chevelle midsize car line. Its combination of sporty styling, enhanced trim and high level of equipment quickly made the Malibu synonymous with value. Continual upgrades included styling changes in each model year through the car’s first generation of production. The year-by-year styling changes have made the first-generation models instantly recognizable to legions of enthusiasts.

The Malibu evolved within the midsize segment for nearly 20 years, with an all-new generation introduced in 1973. Following industry trends, it was made smaller in 1978, yet retained its characteristic combination of contemporary styling and features. The Malibu's first era – and, indeed, an industry-wide era of rear-wheel-drive cars – closed after the 1983 model year, as Chevrolet introduced an all-new generation of front-wheel-drive midsize cars.

Malibu was reintroduced in 1997 as an all-new contender in the midsize segment. It quickly earned a reputation as a well-built, value-driven competitor. It was redesigned for the 2004 model year and attracted awards and recommendations from the media, independent research groups and safety advocates. The Malibu topped its segment in the 2005 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Survey. With approximately 160,000 sold in 2006, the Malibu continues to be one of Chevrolet’s best-selling cars.

Highlights in Malibu history

1964 – Introduced as the top model of Chevrolet’s new midsize lineup, it sold more than 200,000 in its first year.

1968 – A significant redesign delivered a smoother, more rounded Malibu ; sales increased to more than 260,000.

1973 – An all-new vehicle was introduced, with a “Colonnade” hardtop design that was developed to support increased safety performance.

1978 – Another all-new Malibu was introduced, this time in a smaller, trimmer package that also included significant advances in component weight reduction.

1983 – The final model year for the Malibu in its traditional rear-wheel-drive configuration.

1997 – Malibu is reborn as a midsize, front-wheel-drive sedan, attracting accolades for its value, safety and quality.

2004 – Redesigned on a new vehicle platform, the Malibu enhanced its reputation as a high-quality, safe and value-driven competitor in the midsize segment.

2008 – The third generation of the front-drive Malibu is launched, with distinctive styling, a longer wheelbase and exclusive features such as a fuel-saving, four-cylinder/six-speed automatic powertrain combination.

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