With the upcoming U.S. spec Chevrolet Malibu scheduled to be released next year as a 2013, Chevrolet Europe made the announcement that they will be receiving the car as well. The Euro-spec model, which will be unveiled at this years Frankfurt Motor Show, will be the first Malibu available for the European market. A somewhat large car for outside of America, the new Malibu rides on a 2,737 mm wheelbase and will prove that no matter where someone lives, people still like big cars.
“The Chevrolet Malibu is the brand’s new top-of-the-range offering, bringing proven value with a premium feel to Europe’s midsize segment.” Compared to European superminis, the term ‘midsize’ can mean ‘big’. When it goes on sale next year (no word as to whether or not it will be a 2012 or 2013), the Malibu will be Chevrolet Europe’s flagship model.
Two engines and transmissions will be offered at first. A 2.0 liter inline four cylinder will make 164 horsepower burning gasoline while a euro-friendly 2.4 liter diesel inline four will produce 169 horsepower. Matched to those engines will either be an automatic or a manual: assuming both six speeds. A European-specific suspension tuning has been put into play so that the Malibu can compete dynamically with much more expensive competition. The tuning may be different, but the fully independent suspension setup with struts up front and a multi-link rear is the same as the U.S. model.
Source: Chevrolet
