Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

2013 Chevy Malibu's turbo four rated at 269 HP, 0-60 in 6.3 seconds

We weren't exactly smitten with the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco when we got the chance to tae one out for a spin, thanks in part to the eAssist wizardry aimed at improving the vehicle's fuel economy. With a lackluster drivetrain, regenerative brakes and low rolling resistance tries, the Malibu Eco simply isn't capable of keeping its head high among the competition. Even so, we were told to wait for the Ecotec 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder set to debut this year. Now we know why. According to General Motors, the engine is good for 269 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. More importantly, all that torque comes on at a very low 1,700 rpm.

The direct-injection engine helps the Malibu hit 60 mph in a scant 6.3 seconds. Trust us when we say that's an improvement over the Eco model. While there's no word on fuel economy, we would expect the engine to return well better than the 17 mpg city and 26 mpg highway supplied by the outgoing 3.6-liter V6, an engine that was only good for 252 horsepower.

This isn't the first time GM has dabbled with a turbocharged four-cylinder. The company supplied buyers with a 2.0-liter Ecotec in vehicles like the Pontiac Solstice GXP, HHR SS and Cobalt SS that put out 260 horsepower.

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/08/2...0-in-6-3-seco/

spwolf

And 2004 engine in Camry beats it :-).

Toyota will have tough time replace GR series engines.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

nice! and not bad looking either.

spwolf

it is nice... but very heavy.... Lexus GS kind of heavy... Hence not good performance or fuel mileage.

Fizzboy7

I would have expected a few ticks quicker with all that power. However, what matters more today are the mpg numbers. If it doesn't get numbers in the low 20's and low 30's, it's not going to be competitive.

84Cressida

This thing is a porker. While it has (ever so slightly) better numbers than the Camry V6, the Camry will still outrun it easily.

MPLexus301

iTrader: (3)

Maybe it's just me, but in a car like this, I'd rather just have the smoothness/simplicity of 6 cylinders.

Blackraven

I like it.............they should export this thing

spwolf

we have had Insignia in Europe for a long time now :-)

Lexuslvr91

The Camry is faster than any car in its class at 0-60 in 5.8 sec.

Every other auto site states power is 259 hp and 260 lb-ft.

LexBob2

Even though it's been around for a while, the 3.5 V6 and 6 speed auto used in the Camry, Avalon, Venza etc. etc. is still class leading/competitive. I've had 2 ES350's and the drivetrain on both is silky smooth, plenty quick and can easily get 30-33 mpg on the highway if I watch my speed.

Blackraven

Ah I see............but probably to an extent (since after all the Opel/Vauxhall Insigna, it's Buick counterparts as well as this Malibu use the Epsilon II body platform of GM).

Anyways, I meant export globally...............which GM states that their eyeing in more than 100 countries.

In Australia, this will slot below the Commodore (since Holden doesn't have the Insignia).

And from where I'm from, Chevrolet does not have a mid-size/executive/D-SEGMENT vehicle yet (i.e. the highest grade passenger car is only the Cruze). Initially, we planned to bring in the Epica diesel.............but the Epica ceased production so the Malibu would be great imho.

SLegacy99

Mmmm, I love my 4 cylinder turbo. Would buy another in it a minute.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

I too would still prefer this as a top trim option. That's why I'm so dissapointed the 2013 ford fusion only offers 4s as well

bagwell

who cares?!?!?!?

A lot of mom's out there racing in their Camry or what?


I really like the looks of the back...