New Chevrolet Malibu LTZ Model Revealed

[mikeyb]

Four cylinder with six-speed automatic

The new 2008 Chevrolet Malibu has been very successful in its first year of production, reason enough for GM to expand its appeal with another premium Chevrolet Malibu LTZ model. The Malibu range already consists of the LS, V6 LT, V6 LTZ and Malibu Hybrid.

The new Malibu LTZ will feature a 2.4 liter four-cylinder Ecotec engine producing 169 hp (126 kW) and will be coupled to a Hydra-Matic 6T40 six speed automatic transmission. The new four-cylinder LTZ will be competing with the Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima and Hyundai Sonata. The six-speed automatic improves the mileage numbers by 2mpg to 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on highways.

This new Malibu LTZ model answers customers calls for a premium-equipped car with an efficient, four-cylinder engine, said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. The new Malibu LTZ will be priced at USD 26,545 and can be distinguished from the other Malibu's by its unique 17-inch Chrometec wheels and single chrome exhaust outlet. The interior is the same as the upscale Malibu V6 LTZ.

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[mikeyb]

Another boring autotragic.

 

[NCZ13]

when i saw this thread post i was thinking to myself... hmmm there just might be an exciting version of the malibu out...

and i was wrong. looking at the photo, its nothing special, it looks like every other malibu... and a 6 spd auto isnt helping either.

 

[TinmanMS6]

It's not terribly clear from that article, but the news here is that the top-trim Malibu is now available with a 4 banger. My mom would be ecstatic--she currently drives a fully loaded Camry with a 4-banger. She'd actually prefer a stick, though. Her old 626 had one, and she had always driven manuals until the Camry. Just can't find boring cars with a proper tranny these days!

 

[mikeyb]

She would be better off staying with the Camry. My dad went to look at the new Malibu a while ago and he thinks his Accord EX-L is still a better car. He said that its a nice car but he likes both the Accord and Camry alot better.

 

[TinmanMS6]

I'll probably push her towards a new 6. That, at least, should be available with a manual, and I think it's something she'd love, but just isn't the kind of thing that people like her--women of near-retirement age who want A->B appliances--gravitate towards. Talking to my dad, she just went out and bought it one day without any input from either of us. He, on the other hand, got a Mini Cooper S a little while ago and absolutely loves that car. Won't shut up about it.

 

[Hughes412]

I think you guys are way to ONE sided to see just how good this car really is. It looks really good on the street, it drives good and has the balls to back it. Pluse the build quality is pretty damn good too. I would take this over a honda and especially over the Toyota. My main gripe is the price. I just can't see paying 28+ for a FWD car!

 

[mikeyb]

The new Malibu does look good. I just question the fit and finish in 5 years and the resale value. Where is the AWD Malibu?

 

[coolmazda5]

Another boring autotragic.

Sadly yes, but is a Malibu. I cannot imagine Malibu with MT that would sell. 99.9% of potential buyers would not look after MT on a Malibu, unfortunately.

The only GM MT cars in North America that I would see are obviously some Chevy SSs, some Pontiacs and some Saturns (designed in Europe or Australiasia) (sad2)

 

[mikeyb]

Sadly yes, but is a Malibu. I cannot imagine Malibu with MT that would sell. 99.9% of potential buyers would not look after MT on a Malibu, unfortunately.

The only GM MT cars in North America that I would see are obviously some Chevy SSs, some Pontiacs and some Saturns (designed in Europe or Australiasia) (sad2)

What no Saab?

 

[coolmazda5]

^^ Ooops, true, GM is too big already

 

[Hughes412]

The new Malibu does look good. I just question the fit and finish in 5 years and the resale value. Where is the AWD Malibu?

I hear ya, chevy has to prove them selves here. But to not give credit where credit is do just makes these threads seem almost childish. AWD would be a big help in selling, but then again the way car makes only sell packages it would be another package that cost too much. I hate that s***. Just let me pick and choose the s*** I want!!!!

Also, while I know most people on here are performance orinted, these cars are not gear towards us. I don't think this car will ever have a stick. It's geared to the famly guy that wants a nice family car. I for one would like to have the v6 auto. I looked at them but the car I want would be over 26k and If I'm gona blow 30k I'll wait and add 10-15k and get something I REALLY want!

By the way, I drive 1+ hrs a trip in rush hour. Sticks suck after awhile.

 

[TinmanMS6]

By the way, I drive 1+ hrs a trip in rush hour. Sticks suck after awhile.

Yeah, before we moved out to the country, I was hating driving the MS6 in ATL traffic. I'd really like to try out a DSG. Can't wait until those replace traditional automatics altogether. Losing a bit of the involvement is worth the flexibility for a daily driver IMO.

 

[coolmazda5]

Oh, and I got into a rental Malibu the other day (as a passenger). Don't recommend the leather seats, they feel and look awful...