Chevrolet Malibu Eco 2013 debuts.

WorldWide Tech & Science. Francisco De Jesús.

Specifications:

Model:	2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco midsize sedan
Body style / driveline:	4-door, 5-passenger front-engine transaxle (front-drive)
Construction:	steel body-frame integral (unibody) with front and rear crumple zones; galvanized steel front fenders, hood, door panels, one-piece bodyside outer panel and trunk lid
Global vehicle class:	midsize sedan
Manufacturing locations:	Fairfax, Kansas and Detroit-Hamtramck, Michigan
Key competitors:	Hyundai Sonata, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord

Engines

Type:	Ecotec 2.4L DOHC I-4 VVT DI w/ eAssist	Ecotec 2.5L DOHC I-4 VVT DI
Application:	Malibu Eco	Malibu LS, LT, LTZ
Displacement (cu. in. / cc):	145.4 / 2384	152.5 / 2499
Bore & stroke (in. / mm):	3.46 x 3.85 / 88 x 98	3.46 x 3.97 / 88 x 101
Block material:	cast aluminum	cast aluminum
Cylinder head material:	cast aluminum	cast aluminum
Valvetrain:	overhead camshafts, four-valves per cylinder, continuous cam phaser intake and exhaust	overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, continuously variable valve timing
Valve lifters:	hydraulic roller finger follower	hydraulic roller finger follower
Ignition system:	coil-on-plug	coil-on-plug
Fuel delivery:	high-pressure direct injection and electronic throttle control	high-pressure direct injection and electronic throttle control
Compression ratio:	11.2:1	11.3:1
Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm):	182 / 134 @ 6200 rpm (est.)	190 / 141 @ 6200 estimated, SAE certification pending
Torque (lb.-ft. / Nm @ rpm):	172 / 233 @ 4900 rpm	180 / 245 @ 4500 estimated, SAE certification pending
Recommended fuel:	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
Max. engine speed (fuel cut-off):	7000 rpm	7000 rpm
Emissions controls:	SAI System, PZEV-capable, close-coupled, catalytic converter, variable valve timing; positive crankcase ventilation; evaporative system	SAI system, PZEV-capable, close-coupled, catalytic converter, positive crankcase ventilation; evaporative system
Additional features:	extended-life spark plugs extended-life coolant	extended-life spark plugs extended-life coolant
GM-estimated fuel economy (city / hwy / combined):	25 / 37 / 29	TBD

Transmission

Type:	Hydra-Matic 6T40 six-speed automatic
Gear ratios: (:1):
First:	4.58
Second:	2.96
Third:	1.91
Fourth:	1.45
Fifth:	1.00
Sixth:	0.75
Reverse:	2.84
Final drive ratio	2.64:1

Electric Drive System

Type:	belt-driven, liquid-cooled induction motor/generator unit and lithium-ion battery system; air-cooled power electronics and battery pack
Maximum electric generating power:	15 kW @ 1570-3180 rpm
Maximum electric motor torque (cranking):	110 lb.-ft. / 150 Nm
Maximum electric motor torque (electric assist):	79 lb.-ft. / 107 Nm @ 1,000 rpm
Maximum electric motor power (electric assist):	15 hp / 11.2 kW @ 1,000-2,200 rpm
Lithium-ion battery:	115V, 0.5-kWh, 15 kW peak power

Chassis/Suspension

Front:	independent, MacPherson strut-type with dual-path mountings, specifically tuned coil springs, direct-acting stabilizer bar (hollow); hydraulic ride bushings
Rear:	four-link independent rear; hollow stabilizer bar
Traction control:	all-speed using engine torque reduction and brake intervention
Steering type:	rack-mounted electric rack-and-pinion power steering
Steering wheel turns lock-to-lock:	2.68
Turning circle, curb-to-curb (feet / meters):	37.4 / 11.4
Steering ratio:	15.2:1

Brakes

Type:	four-wheel disc w/ABS (w/ESC)
Brake rotor diameter – front (in / mm):	11.7 / 297 vented; single-piston, cast iron caliper
Brake rotor diameter – rear (in / mm):	11.5 / 292 solid; single-piston, aluminum caliper

Wheels/Tires

Wheel size and type:	17 x 8.5-inch aluminum
Tires:	P225/55R17 low-rolling resistance

Dimensions

Exterior

Wheelbase (in / mm) :	107.8 / 2738
Overall length (in / mm):	191.3 / 4859
Overall width (in / mm):	73 / 1854
Overall height (in / mm):	57.6 / 1462
Front track (in / mm):	62.1 / 1577
Rear track (in / mm):	62 / 1574
Coefficient of drag (cD):	.30 (GM-estimated)

Interior

Seating capacity (front / rear):	2 / 3
Headroom (in / mm):	39.0 / 991 (front) 37.6 / 955 (rear)
Legroom (in / mm):	42.1 / 1069 (front) 36.9 / 936 (rear)
Shoulder room (in / mm):	57.5 / 1461 (front) 57.1 / 1450 (rear)
Hip room (in / mm):	55.7 / 1414 (front) 54.4 / 1382 (rear)
EPA passenger volume (cu ft / L) :	100 / 2832
EPA interior volume (cu ft / L):	116.3 / 3292
Cargo volume (cu ft / L):	14.3 / 405 – Eco 16.3 / 462 – LS, LT, LTZ

Performance

0-60 mph (seconds):	8.7 (GM-estimated)
60-0 mph braking (ft. / m):	134 / 41 (GM-estimated)

Capacities

Fuel tank (gal / L):	15.8 / 59.9
Engine oil (qt / L):	2.4L: 5.0 / 4.7
Cooling system (qt / L):	2.4L: 5.0 / 4.7
Curb weight (lbs / kg):	3620 / 1642

Note: Information shown is current at time of publication.



Pricing:

The all-new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco midsize sedan will start at $25,995 when it arrives in dealerships in the first quarter of next year, reinforcing the value proposition of the midsize segment’s longest-running nameplate.


The suggested retail price includes a $760 destination charge – but excludes tax, title, license and dealer fees.
The 2013 Malibu Eco is Chevrolet’s most fuel-efficient Malibu ever. It is the first Chevrolet to feature General Motors’ eAssist battery electric/gas propulsion system, which uses a state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery and an electric motor-generator to enable regenerative braking, electric assist and start-stop functionality. That helps deliver a GM-estimated 25 mpg in city driving and 37 mpg on the highway.


Malibu Eco’s highway efficiency is comparable to the segment’s popular full hybrids and diesels, but delivered at a lower price:

• 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid – $29,395 / 36 mpg
• 2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI SE Diesel (with automatic) – $27,895 / 40 mpg
• 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid – $26,660 / 39 mpg
• 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid – $26,545 / 40 mpg

Malibu Eco is part of the all-new, 2013 Malibu lineup – Chevrolet’s first global midsize sedan – designed to give customers more style, fuel efficiency, content and features, along with the craftsmanship and dynamic capabilities rivaling high-end sedans. It has a more powerful engine – 182 hp / 134 kW – than the Fusion (156 hp / 116 kW), Camry (178 hp / 132 kW) or Passat (140 hp / 104 kW).
Product highlights for North American models include:

• Expressive exterior designed to stand out, with a wide, athletic stance

• Aerodynamically optimized exterior, including underbody aero enhancements and electronically controlled shutters in the lower grille that close at higher speeds to push more air over and around the vehicle

• All-new, Chevrolet-signature dual-cockpit interior that is more spacious, features premium materials and is engineered to be the quietest in the midsize segment
• First Chevrolet car to offer new Chevrolet MyLink connectivity, which integrates online services such as Pandora® Internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio®
• European-influenced ride and handling traits
• More safety features and technologies, including eight standard air bags, ultra-high-strength steel and rearview camera system.

Additional fuel-saving features include:

• Eco-specific lightweight components and systems, including an aluminum hood, aluminum rear bumper beam, low-mass carpet and dash mat and more, which save approximately 130 pounds (58 kg) over a comparably equipped non-Eco model

• An Eco gauge in the cluster that continuously responds to driving behavior, encouraging fuel-efficient driving. An Auto Stop Indicator on the tachometer informs the driver when the engine is in start-stop mode
• Seventeen-inch low-rolling-resistance all-season Goodyear tires
• The eAssist system mated to a fuel-efficient 2.4L Ecotec direct-injection four-cylinder engine and next-generation six-speed automatic transmission. The 2.4L engine, a variant of the same engine that was recognized as one of Ward's Ten Best Engines in 2010, is lightweight and features dual-overhead cams, direct injection, continuously variable intake and exhaust timing and electronic throttle control. It also has a lightweight aluminum cylinder block and cylinder head.

A five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, as well as a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty is standard on the Malibu Eco. Certain eAssist components are covered by an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty, including the electric motor generator, three-phase electric power cables and high-voltage lithium-ion battery.
The Malibu Eco is offered with cloth or leather seats in eight exterior and three interior color choices. It is well-equipped in standard form and available with four equipment packages: Package 1 – Power Convenience; Package 2 – Premium Audio; Package 3 – Leather; and Package 4 – Navigation.
Standard powertrain and chassis content:

• Ecotec 2.4L direct injection with continuously variable valve timing and eAssist technology, rated at 182 horsepower (135 kW)
• Six-speed automatic transmission with tap-shift control
• 2.64:1 axle ratio
• Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS
• Regenerative braking
• Grade braking control
• Panic brake assist
• Electronic park brake with push button
• StabiliTrak electronic stability control system
• Electric power steering (rack-mounted)
• MacPherson strut front suspension
• Four-link rear suspension
• Seventeen-inch five-spoke aluminum wheels
• P225/55R17 all-season low-rolling-resistance Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max tires

Standard exterior content:

• Active front lower grille aero shutters and aerodynamic underbody panels
• Projector-beam headlamps with automatic exterior lamp control
• Heated, power-adjustable outside mirrors (body color)
• Fin-type combined OnStar/SiriusXM Satellite Radio antenna (body color)
• Acoustic-laminated, solar-absorbing glass
• Intermittent windshield wipers with structureless blades

Standard interior content:

• Chevrolet MyLink
• Six-inch-deep illuminated (when headlamps are on) hidden storage behind articulating touch screen radio face
• Air conditioning – dual zone automatic climate control with odor filter
• Audio system: AM/FM stereo with CD with MP3 playback and auxiliary input jack
• Seven-inch-diagonal color touch screen for the audio system
• USB port for the audio system
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio
• Six-speaker sound system
• Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity
• Cruise control
• Remote keyless entry
• Power windows with express down feature
• Power door and window locks
• Driver information center
• Tilt and telescopic steering column
• Steering wheel audio and cruise controls
• Ice blue ambient lighting
• Driver’s footrest
• Overhead console
• Compass display
• Two auxiliary power outlets
• Rear center armrest with storage

Standard safety content:

• OnStar with six months of Directions and Connections plan, including Automatic Crash Response, Crisis Assist, Stolen Vehicle Assistance, Remote Door Unlock, and more.
• Dual-stage frontal air bags
• Driver and front passenger thorax side-impact air bags
• Driver and front passenger knee air bags
• Head curtain side-impact air bags (front and rear outboard seating positions)
• Safety belt pretensioners
• Tire pressure monitoring system

Package 1 – Power Convenience includes all standard equipment plus:

• Eight-way power driver’s seat with lumbar control
• Rearview backup camera system
• Remote start
• Auto-dimming inside rearview mirror
• Universal garage door opener

Package 2 – Premium Audio includes all content in Package 1 plus:

• Pioneer nine-speaker audio system with high-output amplifier
• Fog lamps
• Leather-wrapped shifter knob and steering wheel

Package 3 – Leather includes all content in Package 2 plus:

• Leather-trimmed seating
• Eight-way power-adjustable front passenger seat with lumbar control
• Heated front seats

Package 4 – Navigation includes all content in Package 3 plus:

• Navigation system
• Memory seats and mirrors
• Auto-up driver’s window

A power-operated sunroof is available on Packages 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Exterior Color Choices:

• Silver Ice Metallic
• Black Granite Metallic
• Summit White
• Crystal Red Tintcoat
• White Diamond Tricoat
• Taupe Gray Metallic
• Steel Blue Metallic (late availability)
• Champagne Silver Metallic (late availability)

Interior Color/Trim Choices:

• Jet Black
• Jet Black/Titanium
• Cocoa/Light Neutral

The Eco is the first trim level of an all-new Malibu lineup to launch in the United States. Other Malibu trim levels including, LS, LT and LTZ, are scheduled to begin production next summer in Fairfax, Kan. and Detroit-Hamtramck. The 2013 Malibu will be sold in nearly 100 countries on six continents and will serve as a flagship Chevrolet midsize in many parts of the world. The Malibu is built in multiple locations including the United States, China and Korea.


Source: GM