Looking to buy a 4cyl LTZ. Found out from the dealer that you don't get the original LTZ 18" wheels with the engine down-grade. What's up with that? The larger wheels give a good look from the side

Do they think the 4cyl can't roll the larger wheels or are they too lazy to adjust the odometer calibration?

The other spec's I see with the 4cyl/6sp do not mention the shift buttons. Not that I needed these.

What else would I loose with a 4cyl LTZ?

DrD

When I did a build on the Chevy web site, it looks like there is only one exhaust outlet.
The picture of the 17" Chrome Tech wheel would not open. Have you seen a picture of this wheel? This wheel is not in the Malibu brochure.
I was surprised the 4 cyl cost the same as the 6 cyl.

When I did a build on the Chevy web site, it looks like there is only one exhaust outlet.
The picture of the 17" Chrome Tech wheel would not open. Have you seen a picture of this wheel? This wheel is not in the Malibu brochure.
I was surprised the 4 cyl cost the same as the 6 cyl.

The 4cyl only needs a single pipe. The dealer said the 4cyl LTZ wheels would be a 5 spoke aluminum version. He didn"t have a picture of them. The 4cyl LTZ's price on most web pages is not yet updated. The dealer I talked with didn't have an actual price either but est'ed about $800-$1k under the 6cyl LTZ. Not great considering that the LT2 6cyl upgrade is about $2k.

Another distribution update lists a new 18"-5 spoke wheel but seems it is a new option only for the 6cyl.

DrD

The 4cyl only needs a single pipe. The dealer said the 4cyl LTZ wheels would be a 5 spoke aluminum version. He didn"t have a picture of them. The 4cyl LTZ's price on most web pages is not yet updated. The dealer I talked with didn't have an actual price either but est'ed about $800-$1k under the 6cyl LTZ. Not great considering that the LT2 6cyl upgrade is about $2k.

Another distribution update lists a new 18"-5 spoke wheel but seems it is a new option only for the 6cyl.

DrD

The dual outlet on the 6 cyl LTZ is more of a styling thing and may give more of a rumble. All Malibus have a single pipe, but the LTZ has two outlets coming out of the muffler.
When will the 4 cyl LTZ be available for order?

The dual outlet on the 6 cyl LTZ is more of a styling thing and may give more of a rumble. All Malibus have a single pipe, but the LTZ has two outlets coming out of the muffler.
When will the 4 cyl LTZ be available for order?

That's what I'd like to know. Although with the strike, I'm wondering if this will be pushed back considerably.

That's what I'd like to know. Although with the strike, I'm wondering if this will be pushed back considerably.

If they push it back very much you are into summer, then you may have to order a 09.
Not a bad thing if they start having incentives in 09.

The dual outlet on the 6 cyl LTZ is more of a styling thing and may give more of a rumble. All Malibus have a single pipe, but the LTZ has two outlets coming out of the muffler.
When will the 4 cyl LTZ be available for order?

At the end of Feb I called the number in the back of the malibu brochure. I was told production of the LTZ 4cyl was to start in March. According to the dealer there may have been some made in March but the main customer production starts this month (April). The 4cyl is orderable now. The dealer web site calls it the "Spring Package".

DrD

Leave it to the bean counters at GM to sell a 4 cyl for almost the same price as a 6 cyl and make much more profit.

Leave it to the bean counters at GM to sell a 4 cyl for almost the same price as a 6 cyl and make much more profit.

If it offers the same or better refinement as the 4 cyl - 4sp perhaps it will be more than worth the extra coin.

If it offers the same or better refinement as the 4 cyl - 4sp perhaps it will be more than worth the extra coin.

You mean the 6 cylinder is worth the money or the 4 cylinder LTZ?

I think the 4 Cyl. 6sp. will be worth the extra money if it comes in at $800 to $1000 cheaper than the 6 Cyl. LTz. I'm guessing it will offer a more refined feel and get better fuel economy than the 4sp.

I think the 4 Cyl. 6sp. will be worth the extra money if it comes in at $800 to $1000 cheaper than the 6 Cyl. LTz. I'm guessing it will offer a more refined feel and get better fuel economy than the 4sp.

Agreed, but it may be harder to keep the 4cyl in the higher gears to get the additional fuel economy. I think you'll see a lot more up and down shifting.

I'm not an automotive engineer, however. :o

Agreed, but it may be harder to keep the 4cyl in the higher gears to get the additional fuel economy. I think you'll see a lot more up and down shifting.

I'm not an automotive engineer, however. :o

The trans ratios used for the LTZ 4cyl are adjusted down from that used on the 6cyl. So hopefully it is optimally matched to that engines torque curve.

DrD

The trans ratios used for the LTZ 4cyl are adjusted down from that used on the 6cyl. So hopefully it is optimally matched to that engines torque curve. DrD
Thanks, DrD. I was hoping someone would explain it. :)

The 4cyl/6sp LTZ is now loaded into the dealers cost page. The so called "Spring Package" discounts the basic 6cyl LTZ cost by $1075. A bit more then my dealer's first guess.


DrD

The 4cyl/6sp LTZ is now loaded into the dealers cost page. The so called "Spring Package" discounts the basic 6cyl LTZ cost by $1075. A bit more then my dealer's first guess.


DrD

Not too bad. I may look into this.

Not too bad. I may look into this.

If your interested you may want to check it out real soon, yahoo just reported yet another uaw strike threat.

http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/080418/gm_plant_strikes.html



DrD

The Chevy site still does not list a price for the Spring Package, so I'm not sure they are making the 4 cyl LTZ or if you can order one yet.

The Chevy site still does not list a price for the Spring Package, so I'm not sure they are making the 4 cyl LTZ or if you can order one yet.

boo, my order has been in for several weeks. The factory gave a built date range starting last week. No further confirmations yet.

This story is recent in the last few days:
http://finchannel.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11249&Itemid=42

DrD

I wonder if the dealers will be ordering any 4 cyl LTZs for their stock and when they will be available.

Found out that the 4cl/6sp LTZ's have been on the lots for almost 2 weeks now. Sat in one yesterday. The way to find them on the dealer lookup page is to find an LTZ with a lower then normal msrp. The spring package (4cyl/6sp option) adjusts the price down by $1075.

DrD

Also keep in mind, with the 4 cylinder package, you get electronic steering instead of hydrolic.

I have the 6 cylinder LTZ. The extra power is so great for the highway, and I'm averaging 24mpg in mixed driving right now after only 400 miles on the car :)

Also keep in mind, with the 4 cylinder package, you get electronic steering instead of hydrolic.

I have the 6 cylinder LTZ. The extra power is so great for the highway, and I'm averaging 24mpg in mixed driving right now after only 400 miles on the car :)


Did I mention that the 4cyl/6sp sticker lists 32 MPG Highway?

I know about the trade off of the power steering, though one review I read said that the V6 hydraulic PS system was one of the small noises you did sometimes hear from the otherwise quite interior. At least with the electric PS I assume there's one less fluid system and one less serpentine belt loop/pulley to worry about.

DrD

Did I mention that the 4cyl/6sp sticker lists 32 MPG Highway?

I know about the trade off of the power steering, though one review I read said that the V6 hydraulic PS system was one of the small noises you did sometimes hear from the otherwise quite interior. At least with the electric PS I assume there's one less fluid system and one less serpentine belt loop/pulley to worry about.

DrD

I don't hear it at all when I'm driving. And from what I've read elsewhere, it seems like people like the hydrolic steering better. To each their own I guess.

I don't hear it at all when I'm driving.
I haven't noticed a noise either. :confused:

I haven't noticed a noise either. :confused:

Same here.

Here's a 4 cyl LTZ from a local dealer. My question is would a six-speed shiftable transmission make the 4 cyl more responsive and peppy? Also, the sticker is confusing - does the 4 cylinder LTZ have 17" or 18" wheels and single or dual exhaust ports? And what does the HMD refer to with the transmission?

Window Sticker

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REEDMAN-TOLL AUTO WORLD
1700 EAST LINCOLN HWY
LANGHORNE, PA 19047-
Phone: (215) 757-49612008 Malibu LTZ Sedan
ENGINE, 2.4L DOHC MFI
TRANSMISSION AUTO 6 SPD, HMD
RED JEWEL TINTCOAT
COCOA/CASHMERE
VIN: 1G1ZK57B78F256451
MANUFACTURER'S SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE
$27,095.00 STANDARD VEHICLE PRICE
Options installed by Manufacturer
FRONT LICENSE PLATE BRACKET
$ 0.00 ENGINE, 2.4L DOHC MFI
NO CHARGE LTZ SPRING SPECIAL INCLUDES:
ENGINE, 2.4L DOHC MFI
17" WHEELS, CHROMETECH
(REPLACES STD/OPT WHEELS)
SINGLE CHROME EXHAUST
$ -1,075.00 SUNROOF, POWER TILT AND SLIDE
$ 800.00 RED JEWEL TINTCOAT
$ 295.00 TRANSMISSION AUTO 6 SPD, HMD
NO CHARGE $20.00 TOTAL OPTIONS
$27,115.00 TOTAL VEHICLE & OPTIONS
$650.00 DESTINATION CHARGE
$27,765.00 TOTAL VEHICLE PRICE*


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STANDARD EQUIPMENT
Items Featured Below are included at NO EXTRA CHARGE in the Standard Vehicle Price Shown at Right
*** MECHANICAL ***
5 YEAR / 100,000 MILE POWERTRAIN LIMITED WARRANTY SEE DEALER FOR DETAILS
3.6L V6 DOHC ENGINE
TRANSMISSION, 6 SPD AUTOMATIC
TAPSHIFT MANUAL SHIFT CONTROL
4-WHL INDEPENDENT SUSPENSION
*** SAFETY & SECURITY ***
AIR BAGS, DUAL FRONTAL, PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM; HEAD CURTAIN SIDE AIR BAGS, FRONT/OUTBOARD REAR; SIDE IMPACT AIR BAGS, DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM, 4-WHEEL DISC
STABILITRAK-STABILITY CONTROL TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
REAR CHILD SEAT LATCH SYSTEM
1YR ONSTAR DIRECTIONS W/TURN- BY-TURN NAVIGATION(ASK DEALER ABOUT GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE)
*** EXTERIOR ***
18" WHEELS, BRIGHT ALUMINUM
TOURING TIRES
POWER HEATED OUTSIDE MIRRORS, W/ DRIVER-SIDE AUTO DIMMING
FOG LAMPS
DUAL CHROME EXHAUST TIPS
*** INTERIOR ***
AIR CONDITIONING, AUTOMATIC CLIMATE CONTROL
POWER DOOR LOCKS
POWER WINDOWS, DRIVER EXPRESS DOWN AND UP
POWER TRUNK RELEASE
AM/FM STEREO W/ 6-DISC CD CHANGER, PREMIUM AUDIO SYSTEM
XM SATELLITE RADIO - SERVICE FEE EXTRA. 1ST 3 MONTHS INCL.
PWR SEAT, DRIVER, 8-WAY
PWR SEAT, PASSENGER, 6-WAY
HEATED FRONT SEATS
SEATS, LEATHER APPOINTED
FLOOR MATS, PREMIUM
SEAT, REAR SPLIT FOLDING
DRIVER INFORMATION CENTER
TILT AND TELESCOPIC LEATHER WRAPPED STEERING WHEEL WITH CRUISE CONTROL
REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY
REMOTE VEHICLE START
ADJUSTABLE PEDALS
UNIVERSAL HOME REMOTE
INSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR, AUTO DIMMING, COMPASS

The 4 cylinder LTZ is single exhaust and 17" tires because of the smaller engine. The 4 cylinder is supposed to be peppier and get better gas mileage because of the two extra gears. I am not sure what HMD means...

The 4 cylinder LTZ is single exhaust and 17" tires because of the smaller engine. The 4 cylinder is supposed to be peppier and get better gas mileage because of the two extra gears. I am not sure what HMD means...

I don't think the $1000 price difference is sufficient to justify the 4 cylinder engine. I guess if the fuel costs end up being that much of a difference it could be justified, but $1000 doesn't seem enough of a savings to go with 4 cylinder vs. 6 cylinder.

Just bought one - pleased so far, nice looking car. The wheels are pretty nice, like the 18's better, but I can live with these chrome ones and they are easier to clean.

Going to check on converting the exhaust to duals, just for the nicer look. Should be fairly easy, I would think. Different valence panel from a V6, and a different muffler - I would think it would fit right on. Any help appreciated - anyone done this yet?

Added - I have ordered the duals from the V6 and the panel. It looks like a direct take off and replace and will have duals. Looking forward to the look.

Dumb question, how much hp does the 4 cylinder have? I bought one and don't even know......:(

Dumb question, how much hp does the 4 cylinder have? I bought one and don't even know......:(

If I recall it has 169HP.

If I recall it has 169HP.


You are correct on the non-hybrid version....hybrid version I believe come in around 172HP

If I recall it has 169HP.

Thanks, really pushing the curve with all that hp! Seems peppy though.