2013 Chevrolet Malibu
- Starting price: Less than $26,000 (2013 "Eco" model)
- What's retro: The name
- What's modern: Fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine
Chevrolet is introducing a new generation of the Chevy Malibu for the 2013 model year, which begins this fall. It will be the third redesign since GM revived the Malibu nameplate in 1997 after a 14-year absence. The classic Malibu, with a name reminiscent of the surfing craze and The Beach Boys, was launched in 1964 as an offshoot of the Chevelle model. The current retro car model sits on a platform that's shared with GM's Opel brand in Europe.
The new Malibu has fuel-saving technologies like an "active shutter system." Located in the lower grille, it closes automatically when air intake is least needed to save fuel by reducing aerodynamic drag. Two engines are being offered at launch, both four cylinders with direct injection. Direct injection saves fuel by creating more efficient burning. GM expects the Malibu "Eco" version to get 37 mpg on the highway.