2014 Chevrolet Malibu
By Gary Witzenburg
On Sale: Fall 2013
Expected Pricing: $23,000 to $30,000



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The 2014 Chevrolet Malibu, which was all-new for 2013, will be significantly refreshed for 2014, a remarkably quick (18-month) reaction to disappointing sales.
Why? It followed a handsome and popular previous model but on a shorter wheelbase with less rear legroom. This latest-generation Malibu launched in early 2012 as a 2013 model with just one powertrain, a fuel-efficient but pricey eAssist mild hybrid system, followed later by a new four-cylinder engine. Add to that the competition: Malibu was losing market share to a phalanx of excellent new mid-size sedans from domestic and import competitors.

The 2014 Malibu addresses a number of shortcomings of the all-new 2013 model. First, rear legroom and knee room in the 2014 Malibu is increased 1.25 inches for a noticeable improvement in back-seat comfort over the 2013 model. Second, the eAssist powertrain's fuel-saving Stop/Start feature, which shuts down the engine when the car is stopped then smoothly restarts it when the brake is released, comes standard with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Third, the Malibu's chassis and suspension are improved for 2014 for better-balanced ride and handling.

Beyond those changes are a new, sportier face for the 2014 Malibu, with black-out mesh grille texture in wider twin-port openings, a nicely redesigned center console and new available Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert safety features.
The 196-hp DOHC 2.5-liter Ecotec engine, with variable valve lift control and Stop/Start, delivers EPA-rated fuel economy of 23/35 mpg City/Highway, a 5-percent improvement on the City rating and 3-percent better on the Highway vs. the 2013 model. Revised transmission shift points and quicker shifts enhance refinement and the feeling (if not the reality) of performance for the 2014 Malibu.
For those wanting a much quicker, more fun-to-drive mid-size sedan, the available 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder offers 259 horsepower and a 295 pound-feet of torque.
Redesigned front seats with more deeply sculpted seatbacks contribute to the improved rear-seat room and comfort, and a slightly shorter rear cushion with more seatback sculpturing and a new material allow rear passengers to sit more deeply in their seats. The new center console has a longer armrest, twin cup holders and dedicated storage for two cell phones.
The 2014 Malibu suspension updates were inspired by the all-new Chevrolet Impala, including rebound springs integrated inside the struts, which contribute to the Malibu's smoother ride while reducing weight transfer and body roll during acceleration and cornering. Standard energy-efficient, variable-effort electric power rack-and-pinion steering enables near-effortless low-speed driving along with improved steering feel at higher speeds, and the new Malibu's brake system is also improved for a more solid, confident feel.
The suite of standard chassis control features includes four-channel anti-lock brakes, full-function traction control, four-corner electronic stability control, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist system, corner brake control, hydraulic brake fade assist and drag torque control. Ten airbags are also standard, and a rear-view camera system is available.
800-222-1020
www.chevrolet.com

 

2014 Chevrolet SS
By Laura Burstein
On Sale: Fall 2013
Expected Pricing: $44,470



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Fans of rear-wheel-drive compact sportscars will no doubt salivate over the all-new Chevrolet SS performance sedan, unveiled at the Daytona International Speedway as the pace car for the NASCAR season opener.
The four-door powerhouse is significant, because, as GM North America President Mark Reuss (and founder of Chevrolet's performance division) points out, it's been 17 years since the brand has built anything like it, despite the fact that sporty rear-wheel-drive vehicles were key in shaping Chevrolet's brand identity in earlier years.
Under the hood is Chevrolet's 6.2-liter V8 engine, the same one used in the outgoing Corvette. In the Chevrolet SS, it's expected to crank out 415 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. Estimates put the 0-60 mph time at about five seconds. Purists will bemoan the lack of a manual transmission. A 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters will be the only option.
An aluminum hood, rear deck lid and engine block help to keep the car light. A MacPherson suspension up front and a multi-link setup in back aim to keep the Chevrolet SS firmly planted. Chevrolet claims a near 50/50 weight distribution, a claim all-too-often reserved for luxury sportscars like BMW. The Chevrolet SS will ride on 19-inch alloy wheels with Bridgestone summer tires and big Brembo brakes.
The Chevrolet SS will be built in Australia on GM's global Zeta platform, and is largely based on the Holden Commodore, which is built in the same assembly plant for the Australian market.
Size-wise, the Chevrolet SS is 195.5 inches long and 74.7 inches wide, slightly larger than the Malibu, and shorter (but wider) than current-generation Impala, the latter of which was the last model to feature a variant with an SS badge.
Front legroom in the new SS sedan is about on par with these models at 42 inches, while the SS slightly bests both the Malibu and the Impala in rear legroom at an ample 39 inches.
Standard features will include leather upholstery with an eight-way power driver's seat, air conditioning, color display screen, color head-up display, 9-speaker Bose audio system, rearview camera and GM's MyLink infotainment system. Several electronic safety features also come standard, including lane departure warning, blind spot detection, forward collision alert, rear cross-traffic alert and an automatic parking assist system.
The 2014 Chevrolet SS goes on sale fourth quarter of 2013, according to Chevrolet. The 2014 Chevrolet SS will retail for $44,470, including $995 destination, Chevrolet said, and the only options will be a power sunroof ($900) and a full-size spare tire ($500).
800-222-1020