2013 Malibu Production Moved Up Four Months to Early 2012

General Motors has recently released two separate teaser images of the new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, a model which the automaker hopes to sell in some 100 markets globally. Due to the fact that the ‘Malibu’ name has been made famous by American pop culture, the news that the car will be a global product has had a lot of impact, so the GM’s top execs have pushed for the production to start sooner than was originally planned.

The next-generation car will arrive four months sooner, according to an inside source quoted by Detroit News. Production was originally expected to begin in mid-2012, however, the urging of GM CEO Dan Akerson has resulted in it being move more than a quarter earlier, GM spokesman Dave Darovitz said.

"Mr. Akerson requested we study the program to see if we can move quicker and faster," Darovitz said.

The 2013 will get its global unveiling next Monday at the Shanghai Motor Show and at the New York Auto Show. The Malibu will ride on the shortened version of GM's Epsilon II platform – the architecture that underpins both the Buick Regal and LaCrosse. Though only the taillight and a bit of the interior have been revealed, we expect to see an imposing version of Chevrolet’s signature grille at the front.

Following the lead set by the Koreans with the Hyundai Sonata, we expect to only see the a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter and turbocharged 2.0-liter under the bonnet. A hybrid version should also be a given, given the fact that it shares its platform with the Regal.