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Sedans Chevrolet Malibu Article Comments - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu First Look, First Drive, and Full Test
106 messages, Last post on Mar 30, 2008 at 2:11 PM
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First Look: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu - There's more to the new Mailbu than just the sheet metal and the low-sheen plastic. Even the proportions look significantly better thanks to a wheelbase that's a whopping 6 inches longer than the outgoing Malibu (now the longest in the class). From nose to tail, the Malibu measures 3 inches longer than before, and this visually pushes the wheels to the corners of the car and gives it a stable look. These dimensions should also provide GM with the means to make tangible improvements in ride quality and handling compared to previous efforts. (more)
First Drive: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu - he new Malibu shares the same basic chassis as the well-received Saturn Aura, and this means the expected MacPherson strut front suspension and multilink independent rear. It differs from the Aura only in tuning, really. Chevrolet says it used a new tuning philosophy for the Malibu, and as far as we can tell, this means the car now slots between the mushy Camry and the sporty Accord. (here)
Full Test: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ - The new Malibu jumps smack in the middle of most consideration lists. It might even sell well to the lost generation in California. (more)
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Replying to: sarah12 (Nov 06, 2007 12:53 pm) gm 3.6 is a DOHC, 3.5 is a pushrod. 3.6DOHC is very capabale. with SIDI it is competitive with any BMW,LEXUS and INFINITI. 300hp is about the maximum of these engines. Honda V6 has very poor fuel economy 21/29 (old EPA standard), even impala can get better fuel economy (21/31). Honda V6 has never been a fuel economy leader. Now Honda V6 has a good fuel economy, it has poor performance. DO NOT BLEND Honda I4's economy with V6's. Regarding your comments about GM 3.6DOHC+SIDI, go read some technical description and come back talk about it. It is rediculous to make a statement like GM should tear down HONDA/TOYOTA engines to learn about VVT. That tells how much you know about engine technology.
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Replying to: sarah12 (Nov 06, 2007 12:53 pm)
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Replying to: fshi (Nov 06, 2007 5:53 pm) VVT was born in Italy, lived in the US sometime with no growth (GM's attempt to vary valve lift it did not succeed and GM dropped the whole technology),went back to Italy and got mass produced by Alfa Romeo. Then, went to Japan to be electronically controlled by Honda (VTEC) and Nissan (NVCS), and came back to the US. Note that the VCM is available on the Honda's V6, and we're not talking about the I4s here, but the V6s so, you are the one who is doing a little blending here. 
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Replying to: clace (Nov 06, 2007 7:19 pm) What is your prediction on the LTZ's numbers (the V6)? |
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I suppose that my comment is really directed at GM as a whole and is not a comment about the new Malibu. As a quick side note I think that GM has done a more than commendable job of executing the Malibu and all of its recent model introductions but there is a lingering question about their sales philosophy that I think needs to be addressed. Bluetooth connectivity for cell phones, they don't do it and why? I currently own 2 07 vehicles: BMW 550i and Range Rover and both have bluetooth. My wife and I recently drove both to our summer home up north and were able to talk to one another for the whole trip without holding a cell phone to our ear. Ford gets it (Sync) why doesn't GM? I considered the 07 Escalade but it had no bluetooth and the tilt steering wheel was manual and not electric what gives with that? Also navigation systems are not offered in all GM models and I absolutely hate OnStar. My experience with it pretty much matches yours. Anyway I just hope that someone at GM reads this and understands that they need to add options that buyers want; this ain't the 50's and they don't get to dictate what the market does anymore. Thanks for the forum! |
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Replying to: sarah12 (Nov 07, 2007 8:49 am) 3.6 is the hi-tech engine, with DOHC, VVT, DI stuff. bottomline is that honda V6 was not a benchmark for fuel economy before, it is even below the low cost GM 3.5. as for GM DOHC3.6+DI, you said it is in the trailer of lexus, bmw, infinity, mercedes, hehe, go read the most recent edmunds comparison of luctury sports cars...
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Replying to: fshi (Nov 07, 2007 1:51 pm) 2007 BMW 335i 2008 Cadillac CTS 2007 Infiniti G35 Sport 2008 Lexus IS 350 2008 Mercedes-Benz C350 Sport 0-60 mph acceleration, sec. 5 6.3 5.5 5.3 5.9 Quarter-mile acceleration, sec. 13.6 14.8 13.9 13.8 14.3 Quarter-mile speed, mph 103 95.4 102.6 101.3 97.7 60-0-mph braking, feet 112 109 111 116 115 Lateral Acceleration, g 0.86 0.89 0.89 0.87 0.86 600-ft slalom, mph 68.9 67.2 69.4 68.5 68.9 Do you get it now ?
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Replying to: sarah12 (Nov 07, 2007 4:06 pm) |
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Replying to: sarah12 (Nov 07, 2007 4:06 pm) As you said, honda 3.5's performance is due to its fuel economy considerations, can i conclude cts's performance is due to its priority of ride quality and giving more room to the passenger? Do not use double standard. |
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Please focus your comments about the article, which is focusing on the Malibu. Thanks for your cooperation! |
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