2008 Malibu thinks bigger
Gerry Malloy
Considering its potential production volume, the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu looms as one of the most significant introductions at the upcoming North American International Auto Show.
All new and bigger than its predecessor, the front-wheel-drive sedan will compete more directly with the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.
The rethought Malibu clears the way for the next-generation, rear-drive Impala to move further upmarket.
The clean, fresh design reaffirms "Chevrolet's commitment to expressive cars," GM says.
A "dual-port grille" represents the new face of Chevrolet, while twin round taillamps evoke the bow-tie heritage.
The mid-sizer is 76 mm longer overall than the current model and has a bigger wheelbase.
Malibu will offer a choice of two DOHC powertrains – a 2.4-litre Ecotec four-cylinder and a 3.6-litre V6, with variable valve timing. Nary a pushrod in sight.
Both engines will mate to six-speed automatic transmissions – a segment exclusive for four-cylinders.
Three trim levels are planned: LS, LT and LTZ.
All include standard front-side and front-and-rear head-curtain airbags, as well as OnStar Gen 7 and XM satellite radio.
All models have four-wheel disc brakes, with ABS, and traction control. StabiliTrak electronic stability control is standard on LT and LTZ models.
Other highlights include a more luxurious interior, more storage space and an available panoramic sunroof.
Like the Ford Fusion, the new Malibu promises to provide a legitimate North American alternative to the Asian-brand competitors that have long dominated the mid-size sedan class.
No word yet on the fate of the Malibu Maxx five-door after model year 2007.
NAIAS, held at the Cobo Center in downtown Detroit, runs Saturday, Jan. 13, through Sunday, Jan. 21. For more information, visit www.naias.com.
MKR PREVIEWS LINCOLN DNA
The influence of ex-Volvo designer Peter Horbury, who took over Ford's top design job in North America two years ago, is becoming apparent.
His touch will mark most of the firm's products on display at this month's Detroit show.
It will be especially in evidence in the Lincoln MKR concept, which epitomizes the brand's past and future design essence, as distilled by Horbury.
At first glance, the MKR appears to be a racy coupe – a modern successor to such celebrated designs as the Continental Mk II.
In fact, it's a sleek sedan in the mode of the Mercedes-Benz CLS "four-door coupe."
"We've reinterpreted the best of Lincoln designs over time, preserving the restraint and elegance synonymous with the brand," says Horbury.
He sees the MKR as "sophisticated and modern, resembling an athlete – extremely strong and fit but looks elegant in a tuxedo."
The concept features seven exterior cues suggestive of past Lincoln designs:
Three or four of these elements are likely to appear on future production Lincolns, Horbury says.
They include the concept's most dramatic feature and the brand's new visage: the split grille inspired by the 1941 Lincoln Continental Cabriolet.
The grille suggests the bow of a boat cutting through the water and serves as background for an oversize Lincoln star.
Under the MKR's sculpted hood resides a new "TwinForce" 3.5-litre V6 that combines gasoline direct injection technology with turbocharging.
It delivers 415 hp (an impressive 118 hp per litre) and 400 lb.-ft. of torque.
This six marks the birth of an engine family that will power a range of future Ford and Lincoln products.
It's flex-fuel capable, enabling the driver to switch back and forth between gasoline and E85 ethanol, or a combination of the two.
Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, the V6 provides 15 per cent better fuel economy than a V8 with similar performance, Ford claims.
'06 SALES SECOND-BEST EVER
Doom and gloom abounded early last year, as forecasters saw a sales slide for 2006, following an incentive-induced buying binge in 2005.
Those predictions proved valid for the U.S., where sales fell 2.6 per cent last year.
But in Canada they rose 2 per cent, topping 1.6 million for only the second time in history.
More than 1.7 million vehicles were sold here in 2002, our best year ever. But sales dropped below 1.6 million each year since – until now.
The Ford F-Series is still our top-selling vehicle (and truck), and the Honda Civic our top-selling car.
The gloom was valid for Canada in the first half of 2006, which lagged '05 by 3 per cent, but sales took off in August and have remained strong ever since.
A strong dollar, solid job growth and keen economic performance in resource-rich provinces were keys to the second-half upturn, says consultant Dennis DesRosiers.
The big winners were Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Suzuki, Toyota and Volkswagen, all of which saw sales climb more than 10 per cent over 2005.
BMW, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda and Mitsubishi also outpaced the market.
With an 8 per cent increase, Ford led the Big Three, which collectively lost another 2 per cent of market share to Asian- and European-badged brands.
DaimlerChrysler lagged slightly with a 1.7 per cent hike.
GM's sales slipped 7.8 per cent, largely due to reducing daily-rental fleet business and incentives for more profitable business. Nissan/Infiniti, Porsche, Jaguar and Volvo also suffered sales declines.
mgmalloy@aol.com;
wheels@thestar.ca