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2016 Chevrolet Malibu Shows its Frowny Face in NY

Say goodbye to the eight-gen Malibu and hello to the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The golden bowtie’s sedan was replaced with a brand spanking new generation less than four years since the eight-gen model adopted the GM Epsilon II architecture.
2016 Chevrolet Malibu 22 photos
Photo: Chevrolet
2016 Chevrolet Malibu2016 Chevrolet Malibu2016 Chevrolet Malibu2016 Chevrolet Malibu2016 Chevrolet Malibu2016 Chevrolet Malibu2016 Chevrolet Malibu2016 Chevrolet Malibu2016 Chevrolet Malibu2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid2016 Chevrolet Malibu2016 Chevrolet Malibu2016 Chevrolet Malibu2016 Chevrolet Malibu2016 Chevrolet Malibu2016 Chevrolet Malibu2016 Chevrolet Malibu
For the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu mid-size sedan, GM switched to the all-new E2XX platform. As far as we know, a stretched version (GM P2XX) will soon be introduced for next-gen full-size sedans such as the upcoming Buick LaCrosse and Chevrolet Impala.

What does the GM E2XX bring new to the table? For starters, the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu is “nearly 300 lbs (136 kilograms) lighter” than the outgoing generation and it has a wheelbase that’s been stretched 3.6 inches (approximately 9.1 centimeters).

So basically, we’re in the presence of a bigger yet more light-footed machine

The standard model will offer an all-new 1.5-liter turbo four-banger (160 HP / 119 kW and 184 lb-ft / 250 Nm) matched with a 6-speed auto. According to GM, the EcoTEC offers 37 mpg (6.3 l/100 km) highway.

What about the 2.0T?

That’s good for a “GM-estimated” 250 HP and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) channeled to the front wheels via an all-new 8-speed automatic transmission. This is the first time General Motors offers eight ratios on a FWD model. Fuel efficiency? We’re promised roughly 22 mpg (10.7 l/100 km) city and 32 mpg (7.3 l/100 km) highway.

And here comes the biggest news: 2016 Chevrolet Volt hybrid technology found its way into the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. Combining an all-new 1.8L lump and a two-motor drive unit, the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid claims 182 HP (136 kW) total system power.

Sounds neat so far. MPG, please?

I’ll be much obliged to tell you that the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid will offer “an estimated combined fuel economy rating exceeding 45 mpg (5.2 l/100 km).” An 80-cell lithium-ion battery with 1.5 kWh capacity can power the hybridized Malibu up to 55 mph (88 km/h) on zap alone. Kinetic energy recovery during braking is employed to juice up the battery pack on the move.

Before you check the release below for further 2016 Chevrolet Malibu information, I want to mention one last thing about the new kid on the block: it will be built at GM’s Fairfax Assembly Plant in Kansas City, four models will be offered (LS, LT, Hybrid, Premier) in total and wireless phone charging technology is optional on the Hybrid and standard on Premier.

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About the author: Mircea Panait
Mircea Panait profile photo

After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well.
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