[Silver LTZ]

The next generation Malibu is due to hit showrooms in about a year or so. What do you hope they change/add?

Myself, a true sport suspension option, and the DI 3.6 from the new CTS with 306 HP along with much better A6 transmission programming. That would make for a real nice daily driver.

Also, I hope they fix the door panels. They look okay, but are cheap and when you close the door they move. Just cheapens the car.

 

[DrivenDaily]

I'd like to see a little more room to get in and out, a better (more USA-like) tilt wheel, and only slightly different exterior styling, just to update it.

 

[chevyguy8893]

Premium pioneer system like some of the cobalts have with a factory sub, projector headlights to compliment the projector fogs would be nice, and a heated steering wheel like some Cadillac's have (really nice in the winter)

 

[Starship]

I'd like to see:

A smaller diameter steering wheel
BMW-style jack pad slots
More accessible headlamp bulbs

 

[rluck9277]

Direct Injection to give more power and better mileage, wider body, current car is kind of narrow. But looks wise, I would like to see just an evolution of the current car which I feel is a very classy looking car.

 

[GadgetGuy1981]

The Malibu is a great looking car, and I wouldn't change much about styling per se, but I totally agree with the following:

- Headlight accessibility (I want SilverStars, but I am NOT taking the bumper off!)
- Shoulder width in the interior, and enter/exit space (for the big-man Malibu owner, such as myself).
- Modified trunk opening
- Smaller Steering Wheel diameter with a slightly wider and spring-loaded tilt/telescope

Much MUCH props to silver on the door comment as well - I hate that the handle moves around when I pull it shut, and I worry that some day, that little bugger is coming off. Likely right at 36001 miles, my guess.

 

[GadgetGuy1981]

One more thing - Some factory falkens, or at least Bridgestones or Continentals... Goodyear LS2s are a JOKE!

 

[Richard]

1. Definitely Direct Injection which is already offered on several GM Models - adds from 30-40 more HP with the same size engine.

2. A more powerful standard 4 cylinder - at least 180 HP which some of the competition offers already.

3. A regular navigation system. Kind of surprised this was not offered on the current model.

 

[Malo83]

An SS version


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[86lxjunker]

I agree with PP - 3.6 DI should have already been standard.

Upgraded Stereo as well......my right rear speaker rattles sometimes - its really annoying.

I like the styling - not much changes there....I do really like the SS rendering above.

Bigger brakes all around !!!!!

Also agree to a better shift program.....when I get sick of the computer making the weird 6th to 4th shift - I drop mine to M and downshift to 5th ... car is MUCH smoother when I shift it. Also in 10mph traffic - the 1-2 has a big ol clunk ..... I probably should bring it in to see if they have a better shift program for our cars.

 

[Richard]

Also agree to a better shift program.....when I get sick of the computer making the weird 6th to 4th shift - I drop mine to M and downshift to 5th ... car is MUCH smoother when I shift it. Also in 10mph traffic - the 1-2 has a big ol clunk ..... I probably should bring it in to see if they have a better shift program for our cars.

I also notice a big delay in downshifting at highway speeds. I've needed some extra power for passing and I stepped down to the floor. It took a good 2-3 seconds before the tranny downshifted and it got to full acceleration.

I'm wondering if all these extra gears have something to do with that. The computer has to pick one of 6 gears to choose from. I noticed that the 4 speed automatics shifted very quickly when downshifting (the 4T80-E in the Northstar was by far the smoothest with the quickest response). My last car had a 5 speed and I already noticed a delay in downshifting.

 

[Silver LTZ]

I also notice a big delay in downshifting at highway speeds. I've needed some extra power for passing and I stepped down to the floor. It took a good 2-3 seconds before the tranny downshifted and it got to full acceleration.

I'm wondering if all these extra gears have something to do with that. The computer has to pick one of 6 gears to choose from. I noticed that the 4 speed automatics shifted very quickly when downshifting (the 4T80-E in the Northstar was by far the smoothest with the quickest response). My last car had a 5 speed and I already noticed a delay in downshifting.

It isn't the transmissions fault. It is the way they choose to program it for economy. My friend had a A6 Corvette (he can't drive a stick) and I'll tell you that thing rips through the gears and downshifts great. The A6 is our cars has the potential, it just needs better programming. Hence why I wish Diablo Sport would hurry with their handheld tuner!

 

[RaineMan]

Since they killed the G8 and the Impala SS is getting long in the tooth I would really like to see a Malibu "Sport" model with the direct injected 3.6 and available manual transmission. Add a lip kit and small spoiler, ditch the chrome trim for black or body-color, stiffen the suspension, lower it a bit, and bingo. You've got a performance oriented "sports sedan" to better compete with other hot 4-doors on the market.

Also, I would like to see a Malibu wagon. Car based crossovers and hatches are gaining ground every year, and while the Malibu Maxx wasn't a huge success it did fill a role. Mid-size wagons like the Impreza are really popular and it is something that none of the other domestic automakers offer. GM already produces a wagon based on the same platform and sells it in Europe... it would not be hard to bring it over here.

 

[Hareball]

Put the iPod connection back in the glove box or the armrest where it belongs. That's my only (and huge) issue with the current year model.

 

[Silver LTZ]

Put the iPod connection back in the glove box or the armrest where it belongs. That's my only (and huge) issue with the current year model.

When was it ever in the console or glovebox?

 

[RaineMan]

I don't recall Chevy ever having it in either place. The Black Tie radios have always had the jack on the front.

I believe Ford puts their iPod jacks in the glove box... a wise choice honestly.

 

[Hareball]

When was it ever in the console or glovebox?

If you had the 2008-2009 model you could get PAL... the dealers put the iPod connection in the glove box. I was not talking about the generic AUX jack. Or the generic USB that's on the front of the 2010.

 

[Richard]

Also, I would like to see a Malibu wagon. Car based crossovers and hatches are gaining ground every year, and while the Malibu Maxx wasn't a huge success it did fill a role. Mid-size wagons like the Impreza are really popular and it is something that none of the other domestic automakers offer. GM already produces a wagon based on the same platform and sells it in Europe... it would not be hard to bring it over here.

Cadillac added a wagon to the CTS line in 2010. They call it the CTS Sport Wagon.

 

[Richard]

Put the iPod connection back in the glove box or the armrest where it belongs. That's my only (and huge) issue with the current year model.

I noticed that you have an LTZ and you describe your radio as the "Junky Stock Stereo". Actually, the LTZ has an upgraded radio. Why do you think it's Junky? Do you have the Monsoon, or Bose Radio?

 

[Silver LTZ]

I noticed that you have an LTZ and you describe your radio as the "Junky Stock Stereo". Actually, the LTZ has an upgraded radio. Why do you think it's Junky? Do you have the Monsoon, or Bose Radio?

He is kinda right. I have the premium audio and am not happy with it at all. I just added a powered subwoofer which has helped alot though. Still needs work.