The very first examples of the new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu sedan for the North American market were shipped today to the GM brand’s dealers across the United States.
The North American region 2013 Malibu is manufactured at GM’s Fairfax assembly plant in Kansas, though the company also plans to begin production of the car at its Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant later this summer.
The new Malibu launches in Eco trim, which combines a 2.4-liter Ecotec four-cylinder engine with a six-speed automatic and GM’s eAssist mild-hybrid tech that utilizes a lithium-ion battery and an electric motor-generator. The gasoline unit produces 180HP but receives up to 15 more horsepower during heavier acceleration from the eAssist system.
It delivers up to 26 mpg in city driving and 38 mpg on the highway, with prices starting from $25,995, including a $760 destination charge.
We already knew about GM’s plans to add a 2.5-liter four-cylinder Ecotec engine with around 190HP to the 2013 Malibu’s range this summer, but today, the company also officially confirmed a third engine option, an all-new 2.0-liter Ecotec Turbo that will follow later in the year.
GM did not release any additional information but we reckon that it’s the same turbocharged inline-four introduced on the 2013 Cadillac ATS in which it’s rated at 270-horsepower and 260 lb-ft. of torque (353 Nm).
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