Chevrolet has recently revealed some of the latest information about the existing and upcoming models of the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. The Malibu has been one of the brand's most popular models and this was probably the reason why Chevrolet has carefully prepared for the release of the 2013 version of this model. Although General Motors has been very secretive of the vehicle's overall features, the company has provided a few statements that somehow describe the things that most car buyers should expect from the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu and this includes the following.
The existing and upcoming engine options
Chevrolet has provided some information about the existing and upcoming engine options that would probably be available for the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. First off, the latest version of the Malibu is currently available in the market as the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco. This is powered by a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission and paired with a small electric motor. The engine and the small electric motor are capable of producing a combined power output of 182 horsepower and 172 lb.-ft. of torque.
Although the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco is using an electric motor, this vehicle is not considered as a full hybrid but a mild hybrid. This simply means that the Malibu Eco is not capable of running by just using electricity alone. Instead, the electric motor reduces the engine's workload by providing power to the vehicle's accessories and by enabling the sedan's stop/start system to work and thereby help the vehicle conserve fuel. Due to this, the Malibu Eco obtains the impressive fuel economy rating s of 25 miles per gallon in the city, 37 miles per gallon on the highway, and 29 miles per gallon when combined.
But aside from the engine used in the Malibu Eco, General Motors is also planning to use a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder Ecotec engine and a 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injected 4-cylinder engine on the upcoming trim levels of the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. The 2.5-liter 4-cylinder Ecotec engine that will roll out this summer pumps out a maximum power output of up to 197 horsepower and 191 lb.-ft. of torque. The 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injected 4-cylinder engine on the other hand produces about 259 horsepower and 260 lb-ft. of torque. The Malibu which is powered by the turbocharged and direct-injected 2.0 is expected to hit the dealerships this fall.
Fully redesigned features
Chevrolet has also confirmed that the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu will be sold as a fully-redesigned version of its predecessor. As seen on the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco, the vehicle obtained a major exterior and interior upgrade. The materials used in the vehicle's cabin were quite upscale. Unlike before, Chevrolet has used a lot of soft-touch materials on the Malibu's interior. In addition to this, the company has also used a lot of sound deadening materials on the vehicle to reduce the noise that are heard inside the cabin when the engine is working or when the sedan is running at higher speeds.