Chevrolet recently unveiled the 2014 Malibu – a roomier, more refined
and more efficient execution of its midsize sedan. Updated styling, a
revised interior, a new 2.5L standard engine and suspension enhancements
highlight the changes. It goes on sale this fall.
“The 2014 Chevrolet Malibu builds on the strengths established by the
all-new 2013 Malibu to make it a stronger choice for customers,” said
Mark Reuss, president, General Motors North America. “The midsize sedan
segment is the most contested in the industry and we’re not sitting
still with the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu.”
The new and enhanced features include:
- Revised front-end appearance
- Roomier rear seat with 1.25 inches (31.7 mm) more knee room
- Redesigned center console
- New 2.5L engine with variable valve lift control and start/stop
technology helps deliver estimated fuel economy of 23 city / 35 highway –
a 5-percent improvement in city mileage and 3-percent greater highway
efficiency
- Nearly 14 percent more torque from the available 2.0L turbo engine –
295 lb-ft of torque (400 Nm) – engineered for a greater feeling of
power on demand
- Suspension enhancements derived from the all-new 2014 Impala engineered to contribute to a more refined driving experience
- New available Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert safety features
Malibu’s revised front-end appearance is influenced by the all-new
Impala, creating a more cohesive look across Chevrolet’s sedan lineup.
The front fascia features a new, more prominent lower grille and the
hood extends down and over the leading edge of a narrower upper grille.
The grille openings – with black grille texture – are wider and accented
with chrome.
Inside, redesigned seats contribute to greater rear-seat space and
greater comfort. The front seatbacks are shaped to improve rear-seat
knee room, while new cushion sculpturing and revised cushion material
allow passengers to sit deeper in the rear seats. Approximately half an
inch was trimmed from the front of the rear seat cushion, for greater
comfort behind passengers’ legs.
The Malibu’s redesigned center console has a longer armrest designed
for greater comfort, along with a pair of cup holders and dedicated
storage for two cell phones.
“We made changes within 18 months, demonstrating an unprecedented
commitment to make the Malibu the best car it can be,” said Ken Kelzer,
executive chief engineer, global full-size and midsize cars. “The 2014
Malibu has been engineered to deliver more precise ride and handling
that is on par with more expensive sports sedans.”
More efficient, powerful powertrains
An all-new Ecotec 2.5L Intake Valve Lift Control DOHC four-cylinder
engine with direct injection is the 2014 Malibu’s standard engine. Its
variable intake valve actuation enhances efficiency and helps lower
emissions, while also enhancing low-rpm torque, for a greater feeling of
power at lower speeds. When the iVLC system operates in low-lift mode,
the engine pumps only the air it needs to meet the driver’s demand. The
system switches to high-lift mode at higher speeds or under heavy loads,
providing the full output capability of the engine.
New start/stop technology shuts down the 2.5L engine to save fuel
when the Malibu stops momentarily, such as at stoplights, contributing
to an estimated 5-percent increase in city fuel economy. The engine
automatically starts again when the driver takes his or her foot off the
brake. An auxiliary battery powers electric accessories such as the
climate system, power windows and radio during engine restarts.
The new 2.5L is SAE-certified at 196 horsepower (145 kW) and 186
lb-ft of torque (253 Nm). Revised transmission shift points and quicker
shifts also enhance the feeling of performance – while delivering
greater refinement.
Additionally, the 2014 Malibu’s available 2.0L turbo engine delivers
nearly 14 percent more torque than its predecessor. It is SAE-certified
at 295 lb-ft (400 Nm). New engine calibration and tuning account for the
improvement, making the Malibu 2.0L turbo’s torque the best in the
segment, even among competing six-cylinder-engines. The result is a
stronger feeling of acceleration from a stop and a greater feeling of
power on demand in almost all driving conditions.
The 2.0L turbo also produces an SAE-certified 259 horsepower (193
kW). The Malibu ECO remains in the lineup and receives the exterior and
interior upgrades as well as chassis and suspension updates.
Chassis refinements
Chassis and suspension updates inspired by the all-new 2014 Impala also
contribute to the 2014 Malibu’s more refined driving experience,
including rebound springs that are internal to the struts. They enable
more refined calibration of the dampers for a smoother overall ride,
while also improving body roll control and weight transfer during
acceleration or turning. That helps keep the wheels planted,
contributing to a more precise, controlled feel – especially while
cornering.
Fuel-saving electric power rack-and-pinion variable-effort power
steering is standard and enables nearly effortless low-speed maneuvers
and a higher degree of steering feel at higher speeds. Revised,
higher-effort calibrations for 2014 were engineered to improve the
overall steering feel. Also, the Malibu’s brake system has been revised
to provide a more confident feel.
Additional chassis control technologies include four-channel
anti-lock brakes, full-function traction control, four-corner electronic
stability control, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist
system, corner brake control, hydraulic brake fade assist and drag
torque control.
Enhanced safety
New Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert safety features
are offered, and the Malibu also comes with 10 standard air bags and an
available rearview camera system.
Courtesy of media.gm.com
