Chevrolet Malibu Preview – 2007 Detroit Auto Show: Blurring the lines between midsize and full-size, the redesigned 2008 Chevrolet Malibu gets a longer wheelbase than and almost identical head and legroom measurements as the supposedly larger Impala. Based on the same platform as the Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura, the new Malibu is basically a Chevy flavor of those two cars offered in LS, LT, LTZ, and, to be introduced later, Hybrid trim. Gone is the sporty SS and the funky Maxx hatchback, replaced by a sleek sedan wearing the new face of Chevrolet: a dual-port grille.

This bigger and more powerful Chevy Malibu helps pave the way for a rumored size increase and switch to rear-wheel-drive for the 2009 Impala. More important, the new Malibu replaces today's dowdy rental-car-special with a dynamic, more desirable family sedan. Given its basis on the entertaining Pontiac G6 and impressive Saturn Aura foundation, Chevy loyalists will find plenty to like about the redesigned Malibu. Whether it can win Honda, Nissan and Toyota intenders remains to be seen.

Choose between a 164-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder combined with electric assist power steering that should get 31 mpg on the highway and a 252-hp, 3.6-liter V6 with variable valve timing and conventional hydraulic power steering good for 26 mpg on the highway. A six-speed automatic with driver shift control is standard on all but LS and LT with the four-cylinder engine; LTZ four-cylinders get the six speed. Every Malibu comes with a powertrain warranty good for five years or 100,000 miles, four-wheel-disc antilock brakes, and traction control. Stability control is standard on LT and LTZ models.

Choose between a 164-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder combined with electric assist power steering that should get 31 mpg on the highway and a 252-hp, 3.6-liter V6 with variable valve timing and conventional hydraulic power steering good for 26 mpg on the highway. A six-speed automatic with driver shift control is standard on all but LS and LT with the four-cylinder engine; LTZ four-cylinders get the six speed. Every Malibu comes with a powertrain warranty good for five years or 100,000 miles, four-wheel-disc antilock brakes, and traction control. Stability control is standard on LT and LTZ models.

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