Teaser for 2016 Chevrolet Malibu debuting at 2015 New York Auto Show

Teaser for 2016 Chevrolet Malibu debuting at 2015 New York Auto Show

Chevrolet’s current Malibu was all-new for the 2013 model year but after a lackluster sales performance some updates were rushed for 2014. Unfortunately, one of the car’s biggest drawbacks, a lack of room in the rear, will have to wait until a full redesign. The good news is that the redesign is coming much sooner than we first thought, with General Motors Company [NYSE:GM] confirming that an all-new Malibu will be presented next month at the 2015 New York Auto Show.

We already knew that a new Malibu was in the works, but now we have some of the details plus a teaser showing the car’s sleek new profile. The new Malibu, which will go on sale by the end of the year as a 2016 model, will be based on a heavily-updated version of the current model’s Epsilon platform, the new one dubbed “E2XX”.

E2XX is one of GM's four core platforms and will eventually underpin a host of models sold under every brand except Cadillac. Other models to be based on the front-wheel-drive E2XX will be the next Regal and LaCrosse from Buick, the next Insignia from Opel, and possibly a new model from Holden.  

Designed virtually from the ground up to deliver more efficiency, connectivity and advanced safety features than ever, the E2XX platform will allow the 2016 Malibu to weigh around 300 pounds less than the current model, despite it being larger. That would put the new car's weight at around 3,000-3,300 pounds. The wheelbase of the 2016 Malibu grows by four inches, which has led to increased rear legroom and interior space. The weight savings have been brought about mostly from the use of high-strength steel in the car’s construction.

2016 Chevrolet Malibu spy shots

2016 Chevrolet Malibu spy shots

From the teaser, as well as previous spy shots of prototypes, we can see that the design of the 2016 Malibu is much sleeker than that of the current Malibu. We go far as to say it's even reminiscent of Audi’s svelte A7.

“The roofline has been stretched rearward giving a more sleek profile, while the front wheels have moved forward and front and rear overhangs have been reduced,” GM design chief Ed Welburn said of the new car. “Along with the sculpted body side, these cues help Malibu appear more dynamic and sophisticated.”

More details on the 2016 Chevy Malibu will be shared each week leading up to the New York Auto Show debut. To see what else will be at the show, head to our dedicated hub.

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