January 7, 2003

2004 Chevrolet Malibu uses new global platform

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Detroit, Michigan - Aimed at the heart of the family car market, the all-new 2004 Chevrolet Malibu is based on GM's global 'Epsilon' platform also used in the Saab 9-3 and Opel Vectra. The new Malibu sedan will be available in three trim levels - standard, LS and LT and will be manufactured at General Motors' Fairfax Assembly plant in Kansas City, Kansas. Start of production is targeted for the third quarter of 2003.

The first passenger car in the Chevrolet lineup to bear Chevy's new, next-generation family-look, the 2004 Malibu has a wider stance and shorter overhangs. The new Malibu is more spacious on the inside with 101 cubic feet of interior space. A fold-flat front passenger seat and a fold-down 60/40-rear seat allow the interior to be tailored to fit varying needs.

The new Malibu has the ability to adapt to individual driver comfort and needs. The personalized fit package allows drivers of all sizes to tailor the position of the seat, steering wheel and pedals to their exact comfort. Power driver seat height adjuster, tilt/telescopic steering wheel and adjustable brake and accelerator pedals can be adjusted to fit varying needs. No other mid-size sedan offers all these features together, claims GM.

As well, a segment-first factory-installed remote vehicle-start package allows the driver to start the car from inside the house on cold winter mornings or sweltering summer afternoons. The system is targeted to work from approximately 60 metres (200 feet).

GM says the Epsilon body structure gives the Malibu a high degree of structural stiffness, greatly enhancing both vehicle handling and interior acoustics. In fact, Malibu's rigid body structure, at 27 Hz, is on par with most luxury cars. A four-point isolated front cradle with tuned bushings - also usually found only on high-end luxury vehicles - and an independent front and rear suspension further contribute to Malibu's sure handling and quiet ride. Rounding out the package is an independent front suspension with McPherson struts and a four-link independent rear suspension.

All Malibu models will be equipped with the electric variable-assist power steering that increases its nimbleness and excellent on-center feel.

The standard engine will be the Ecotec 2.2-litre, dual-overhead-cam four-cylinder engine that produces 140 horsepower and 150 lbs.-ft. of torque and delivers the best fuel economy in the class. The optional 3.5 litre V6 produces 200 horsepower and 210 lbs.-ft. of torque. Both engines are mated to a four-speed electronically controlled automatic overdrive transmission

GM says the 2004 Malibu sedan is designed to be among the safest mid-size passenger cars on the market. It is designed to achieve frontal and side impact ratings that are among the best of any cars in the mid-size segment. The Malibu has dual-stage air bags and is equipped with the first passenger car application of a capacitance-based Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) to suppress air-bag deployment if a child or small adult (5th percentile female) is in the front passenger seat. Optional side roof air bags are available.

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