GM's engineers did their best to keep the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu under cover, but our spy photographers still managed to capture photos and video of a camouflaged prototype undergoing hot-weather testing in the California desert.
Built on a six-inch-longer wheelbase than the current model, the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu will have more space between its wheels than either the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord. At 112 inches, the Malibu's wheelbase also exceeds the current Chevrolet Impala, so look for that sedan to grow significantly when it gets a full redesign for 2009.
Unlike the Impala, which is expected to switch to rear-wheel drive, the Malibu is sticking with front-wheel drive and either four-cylinder or V6 engines. The 2.4-liter version of GM's Ecotec four-cylinder would put the Malibu in line with most of its competitors on the low end, while making it easy to offer the hybrid system set to debut in the Saturn Aura.
Given that Saturn's new midsize sedan shares its platform and wheelbase with the Malibu, the Aura's 3.6-liter V6 is the most likely power plant for top-of-the-line Malibus as well. It develops 252 horsepower and 251 pound-feet of torque in the Saturn, and sends it power through a six-speed automatic transmission. If Chevrolet wants the Malibu to compete with the Camrys and Accords of the world, it's going to need at least 250 hp and six speeds in its gearbox.
Look for the next-generation Chevrolet Malibu to make its official debut at the Detroit auto show early next year, with sales beginning roughly six months later.
See new Chevrolet models
Built on a six-inch-longer wheelbase than the current model, the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu will have more space between its wheels than either the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord. At 112 inches, the Malibu's wheelbase also exceeds the current Chevrolet Impala, so look for that sedan to grow significantly when it gets a full redesign for 2009.
Unlike the Impala, which is expected to switch to rear-wheel drive, the Malibu is sticking with front-wheel drive and either four-cylinder or V6 engines. The 2.4-liter version of GM's Ecotec four-cylinder would put the Malibu in line with most of its competitors on the low end, while making it easy to offer the hybrid system set to debut in the Saturn Aura.
Given that Saturn's new midsize sedan shares its platform and wheelbase with the Malibu, the Aura's 3.6-liter V6 is the most likely power plant for top-of-the-line Malibus as well. It develops 252 horsepower and 251 pound-feet of torque in the Saturn, and sends it power through a six-speed automatic transmission. If Chevrolet wants the Malibu to compete with the Camrys and Accords of the world, it's going to need at least 250 hp and six speeds in its gearbox.
Look for the next-generation Chevrolet Malibu to make its official debut at the Detroit auto show early next year, with sales beginning roughly six months later.
See new Chevrolet models
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