GM's been pretty skimpy with details about the next generation Malibu, but they've recently released another teaser picture of the next generation's center console (http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/08/2013-chevrolet-malibu-gives-us-a-glimpse-of-its-interior/).

I like the looks of it, but functionality is another story. I assume it would work much like Ford's MyTouch, but I haven't tried that yet.

Obviously this isn't the competition for the Focus, but the Fusion/Mondeo. Hopefully GM is going to step their game up more than they did with the Cruze so they'll be ACTUAL competition.

Posted via FF Mobile Dont be so quick to throw the cruze under the bus. Granted its not best in class but its not entirely bad either. Its still a decent car AND we must remeber its 40mpg claim was first in the segment and pushed everyone else to try and match it, come close, or beat it entirely. Back to the Malibu, I personally thought when current generation came out it was a great car. Fit and finish was worlds better then most of GMs other products, it looked great, its interior was very nice and the wrap around dash got an A+. But yes. Ow its a little dated and could use an update, but to be honest its already ahead of some of the competition...from some imports that shall not be named.

Personally I give the Cruze a second look when one drives by. Especially the upper models with the alloy wheels, etc. They look damn good for their price point. Can't wait until there is an SS or performance version out there roaming around...

Not a fan of the center stack at all. Same with the Cruze. I just don't like it when manufacturers do the McDonalds arch curvature in that area. The tail lights definitely look nice though. The only GMC/Chevy concepts I'm psyched about is the Sonic sedan (http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2012-chevrolet-sonic-sedan/) and the Granite concept (http://www.autoblog.com/photos/gmc-granite-concept/).

The Fusion is pretty nice, but the "chrome eyebrows" above the headlights still bother me. I liked the first gen Fusion much better. Although I hear they're going to give it a facelift soon? Hopefully it'll take design cues from the new Taurus and Focus, which both look gorgeous.

Why do I think I'm still putting money on the next-gen Mondeo/Fusion over this one (Next-Gen Malibu)? [hihi]

By 2013 GM could be bankrupt again!!

Not a fan of the center stack at all. Same with the Cruze. I just don't like it when manufacturers do the McDonalds arch curvature in that area. The tail lights definitely look nice though. The only GMC/Chevy concepts I'm psyched about is the Sonic sedan (http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2012-chevrolet-sonic-sedan/) and the Granite concept (http://www.autoblog.com/photos/gmc-granite-concept/).

The Fusion is pretty nice, but the "chrome eyebrows" above the headlights still bother me. I liked the first gen Fusion much better. Although I hear they're going to give it a facelift soon? Hopefully it'll take design cues from the new Taurus and Focus, which both look gorgeous.



Posted via FF Mobile This is the facelift for the fusion. The next one is a total redesign so itll be the next generation. It goes global along with the mondeo.

I can't buy a car model that I always have to add "Barbie" on to in my head.

Personally I give the Cruze a second look when one drives by. Especially the upper models with the alloy wheels, etc. They look damn good for their price point. Can't wait until there is an SS or performance version out there roaming around...

I give them a second look at well, but usually because I mistake them for a new Buick at a distance. Then I see them up close...I stare for a little while, because I'm just not finding the external appeal. Take into account, though, that I'm a fan of the old Cobalt, so my perception of style might not be the norm. Many criticized the Cobalt for looking understated, but I prefer cars like that (e.g. the first gen Mazda6).

Why do I think I'm still putting money on the next-gen Mondeo/Fusion over this one (Next-Gen Malibu)? [hihi]

I am too, for the moment, because we know a lot more about the Mondeo. At least we know that's a world car, so we can have a reasonable idea of what to expect by looking at the EU version. I agree that the Mondeo will probably be a stronger seller at the moment, but I also don't think my opinion will change after seeing more of the Malibu. Not unless Chevrolet steps up with marketing the new Malibu like they've done with the Cruze. The advertising for the two previous generations was underwhelming to say the least.

By 2013 GM could be bankrupt again!!

[slap] By 2013 the world could end, too. Stick to the topic at hand, please.

I can't buy a car model that I always have to add "Barbie" on to in my head.

To be fair, Malibu Barbie wasn't produced until the 70s, almost a decade after the GM car (http://www.fashion-doll-guide.com/Malibu-Barbie.html). But I get what you're going for - name association has played a part in automotive sales before. Just look at the disaster of the Nova in Latin America...though I personally wouldn't mind GM giving its midsize offering a name other than "Malibu." Nova would be fine with me, since the other one that I think of offhand, Chevelle, would cause internet riots from old-school purists. It wouldn't matter much to me if they decided to "reinvent" the brand that way, but it would kind of undermine the whole "Chevy Runs Deep" spiel, citing history and long-standing monikers like Malibu and Impala.

That's not to say I disapprove of their new naming trend, however; in today's markets, what seems to work well are powerful, catchy names. Though that's unsurprising, since it's basic marketing strategy...just look at the 60s for proof (Mustang, Thunderbird, etc.). Cruze. Sonic. Spark. Good names, even though the Sonic is just a facelifted Aveo. The Spark is another engaging nameplate, though my personal jury is still out in the styling department. I'd have to sit in one.

Here ya go...

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/2013-chevrolet-malibu-large-opt.jpg

Not too bad. Still wouldn't own one (personal preference) but I gotta hand it to GM, they're definitely improving on their designs. I see a few hints of Taurus mixed in there.

Looks a lot like previous generations of the Malibu. Not bad looking, and definitely classy, but it's just not that exciting. I think the Taurus/Fusion look meaner, but I am partial to Fords.

I didn't even know this car was still being made. I guess this is equivalent to the Fusion in size and the Impala would be Taurus sized?

I didn't even know this car was still being made. I guess this is equivalent to the Fusion in size and the Impala would be Taurus sized?

That would be correct.

I think it looks more aggressive than the current version.

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/002-2013-chevrolet-malibu-ltz.jpg

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/005-2013-chevrolet-malibu-ltz.jpg

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/006-2013-chevrolet-malibu-ltz.jpg

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/007-2013-chevrolet-malibu-ltz.jpg

Thats one thin GPS/control unit and I like how it opens up to dub as a cubby space. I wonder if the unit is that thin or is that just a control panel with the brain box/module buried in the dash somewhere just like GM did in the late 1980's-early 1990's with some vehicle's radio. On cars like the Buick Regal, Pontiac Sunbird, GMC/Chevy full size pickups the radio itself was buried in the dash and attached to a display/control panel.

Kudo's to GM for trying something novel

Wow those interior shots are heavily photoshopped. If the real interior looked nearly that good, that would be a leap forward for GM interior quality. Although it's a bit busy for my tastes, and the blue stitching on the brown dash isn't for me... but I like the Camaro-influenced gauge pods.

Some of the interior materials look upscale, but I think it's ruined by the inclusion of those fake wood pattern plastic inserts along the steering wheel, window switch, and center stack areas. On the other hand this is a car for older people, so I guess it fits the demographic.

The layout itself would drive me a little nuts. While I commend their efforts for not putting 150981 different buttons on the center stack (*cough* Acura *cough*) the vertical symmetry, identical shape, nearly identical size, and identical smoothness of the radio and AC knobs could lead to some confusion that would require me to take my eyes off the road. And that fancy schmancy flippy nav screen is bound to rattle over time with age.

Few rules of good interior design...

1. Fewer moving parts means fewer rattles and fewer things breaking. Hidden compartments can also distract the driver momentarily when being used.

2. Every control surface needs to be within reach of the driver. If you have to lean over to change anything, the designer failed at his job.

3. Knobs and buttons should have distinguishing features (location, size, texture, etc) to help indicate their function without having to keep your eye off the road.