Sweet: GM Replaces Man's Malibu After Surviving Horrific Crash with Sugar-Filled Trailer

Marc Keinath is a very lucky man. Not only did he survive a horrific crash in his 2004 Malibu, but he also received a brand new replacement, courtesy of General Motors. Earlier this week, Mr. Keinath was driving along Interstate 75 in Genesee County, Michigan, when he was caught off-guard by a patch of black ice and spun out of control. While he eventually regained control of the car, unfortunately, a tractor-trailer hauling 20 tons of sugar smashed into the rear of the Malibu and then fell on top of it.

"As parts of the roof of the Malibu began to yield under the tremendous weight of the trailer, Keinath fully reclined his seat to give him more room inside, reached for his cell phone and dialed 911," said GM in a statement. Miraculously, the Malibu withstood the immense pressure and Mr. Keinath was able to walk away with no serious injuries.

“This is an incredible story of survival that shows you just never know what’s going to happen on the road”, said Rick Scheidt, executive director at Chevrolet. “When you look at Marc’s Malibu, you would never expect anyone would ever walk away from it”.

“It’s been a heck of a week for me”, said Keinath. “I want to thank God for giving me a second chance at life, the firefighters and first responders who helped me, and Chevy for making a car that can hold a semi”.

By Csaba Daradics

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eBay Sleeper: 1979 Chevrolet Malibu with Pontiac GTO 5.7-liter LS1 V8

Now that Pontiac is officially gone, one way of keeping the heritage alive is to salvage whatever parts you can find. We don’t know if that’s what the owner of this 1979 Chevrolet Malibu thought, but, nevertheless, he did swap the original engine with a modern 5.7-liter LS1 V8, sourced from a wrecked GTO, while keeping the styling of the car pretty much stock.

Engine aside, the old-school Malibu has been fitted with a 9-inch Ford locking differential, a Tremec T-56 six-speed manual, various Corvette drive accessories and Edelbrock rear shock absorbers.

The seller claims it's in good condition without any rust, and that it is accompanied by the original engine and transmission, purchase order and receipts for every new part installed.

As far as we can tell from the photographs, the interior is also in good shape, fitted with hard-to-find factory original bucket seats and floor console (according to the owner).

The mileage is listed at 47,656, but it could be what the new engine has clocked up and not the car. In any case, the Malibu seems to have aged well and the bevy of new parts installed should put any reliability-related worries to rest. It should be pretty fast, too.

*The car was listed for sale on eBay for $11,000, but the reserve was not met.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: eBay , Via: Ridelust

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eBay Sleeper: 1979 Chevrolet Malibu with Pontiac GTO 5.7-liter LS1 V8

Now that Pontiac is officially gone, one way of keeping the heritage alive is to salvage whatever parts you can find. We don’t know if that’s what the owner of this 1979 Chevrolet Malibu thought, but, nevertheless, he did swap the original engine with a modern 5.7-liter LS1 V8, sourced from a wrecked GTO, while keeping the styling of the car pretty much stock.

Engine aside, the old-school Malibu has been fitted with a 9-inch Ford locking differential, a Tremec T-56 six-speed manual, various Corvette drive accessories and Edelbrock rear shock absorbers.

The seller claims it's in good condition without any rust, and that it is accompanied by the original engine and transmission, purchase order and receipts for every new part installed.

As far as we can tell from the photographs, the interior is also in good shape, fitted with hard-to-find factory original bucket seats and floor console (according to the owner).

The mileage is listed at 47,656, but it could be what the new engine has clocked up and not the car. In any case, the Malibu seems to have aged well and the bevy of new parts installed should put any reliability-related worries to rest. It should be pretty fast, too.

*The car was listed for sale on eBay for $11,000, but the reserve was not met.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: eBay , Via: Ridelust

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VIDEO: Chrysler Promo Compares New 200 with Chevy Malibu and Ford Fusion

In what may be a sign of the times, the Chrysler Group is using bloggers, and members of social media sites and forums to promote its newest models on film. Here we see the company's latest promotional clip showing off the restyled and upgraded Sebring sedan, which as most of you know, has been renamed to 200.

The video hosts a number of people from various websites as well as one of its own marketers, and compares the mid-size sedan with Chevrolet's soon-to-be-replaced Malibu (see the official drawings here) and the Ford Fusion. Being a Chrysler made / edited promotional video, we'd take everything said with plenty grains of salt. Follow the break to watch the short clip.

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GM Upping the Ante by Offering Rival Vehicles for Test Drive

According to a report from Reuters, General Motors is preparing for try-the-competition test drives in Chicago, L.A., Philadelphia, and Miami.

The project, called "Test Drive Studio", goes something like this: when consumers walk into a participating dealership, they'll be offered test drives in the mid-size Malibu and the Equinox and Traverse crossovers.

After that, GM puts its (and the US taxpayers') money where its mouth is: they'll offer people the chance to go out in comparable Fords, Toyotas, and Hondas.

Not only will the program offer consumers a chance to make a more direct comparison, but it will save them time in the process. "You come in and drive any of these competitive products at your leisure...You don't have to go running around town to go to a bunch of dealerships," says General Motors' Steve Tihanyi, a director of marketing.

Tihanyi explains that the final goal is to draw the attention of people online by using pop-ups (do pop-ups still work?) on Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book. Not sure about that, but having these Studios in high-traffic shopping centers would be just fine.

Just make sure the dealers don't harass people. Like that Ford dealership I hit up recently and had a guy in the rain knocking on my window for a sale. Wake up man, I'm not getting out of my car to stand in the rain to talk to a salesman. LET IT GO.

- By Phil Alex

Via: Reuters

Patent Designs of Chevrolet Sedan with Camaro-esque Read End: Is it the New Malibu, Impala or Something Else?

Fact: these official drawings of an unnamed Chevrolet sedan were filed with the U.S. patent office by General Motors. And well, that's where the facts end and the speculations start. Looking at the photos, we assume that this mystery Chevrolet four-door saloon with the Camaro-inspired rear-end design is either a mid- or full-size sedan.

And while we know for sure that General Motors is readying a redesign for its Camry-fighting Chevrolet Malibu, we're not at all certain that this is the car depicted here.

For all we know, it could be a replacement for the Impala or (less probably) maybe for the European market and Daewoo-based, Chevy Epica sedan.

Hit the jump to check out the rest of the drawings and tell us what you think in the comments section.

New Chevy Cruze May Be Delayed Until 2011, Malibu Until 2013

One of GM's most promising future models -some say maybe even more promising than the all-electric Volt, the new Chevrolet Cruze could be delayed until 2011, nearly a year after its original U.S. market launch date, according to a report from Businessweek citing sources within the company. Likewise, the next next-generation Chevy Malibu may also be delayed by six months, into 2013, the report said. While GM spokesperson Dee Allen would not confirm any specific product delays, he told the magazine that "the company will continue to review the portfolio and concentrate on what's most important," adding that that some new-car programs "are going to shift around a bit." -Continued

And the reason behind these delays at such a crucial time when GM needs to inject its portfolio with cars that people actually want to buy like the Cruze? What other than to save cash as the General is getting ready for an even more thornier year in 2009.

Yes, you heard right: 2009 is expected to be worse than 2008 which will see around 14 million vehicles being sold in the States compared to 16.2 million in 2007. According to Massachusetts research firm IHS Global Insight, vehicles sales in the U.S. are expected to drop further in 2009 to around 13.4 million units - not exactly the business environment everyone was hopping for.

"GM doesn't have a choice," told Businessweek IHS Global Insight analyst John Wolkonowicz. "They have to do whatever it takes to get through until the car market recovers. That won't happen until 2010."

Hopefully for all us, GM will manage to make it through to 2010 - with or without Chrysler LLC under its protective arms...

Via: Businessweek

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Chevy Introduces New Malibu LTZ with 4-Cylinder Engine

Equipped with GM’s 2.4L 4-cylinder Ecotec engine, the LTZ is the newest member to join the Malibu family. The 169Hp strong 2.4L unit is partnered with a 6-speed automatic transmission and according to Chevy, EPA-estimated fuel economy for this combination is 22 mpg in the city and 32 on the highway (vs the 3.6L’s 26 / 17 mpg figures) General Motors plans to ship the new version of the cars to dealers starting Thursday, April 24 with a MSRP of $26,545. -Continued

“This new Malibu LTZ model answers customers’ calls for a premium-equipped car with an efficient, four-cylinder engine,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. “With this new model, the Malibu lineup offers an unmatched range of powertrains, technology and amenities, along with the great styling that has helped make it a runaway success since the first ’08 model rolled off the line.”

The Malibu LTZ with the 2.4L/six-speed powertrain is distinguishable on the exterior by its new 17-inch Chrometec wheels and a single, chrome exhaust outlet. Inside there are no differences compared to the V6-powered LTZ models.

2008 Chevrolet Malibu Prices Announced

Chevy came out today with the price list for its all-new 2008 Malibu sedan lineup that will arrive in dealerships this November. Prices kick off at $19,995 for the base LS that’s equipped with a 169Hp 4-cylinder 2.4L and go all the way up to $26,995 for the 253 Hp 3.6 V6 LTZ. In between there’s the 1LT and 2LT trim levels that are priced at $20,955 and $22,635 respectively while the (mild) hybrid version of the Malibu gets a $22,790 sticker. -Details in Chevy’s press release after the jump

All-New 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Delivers A Lot Of Value Starting At $19,995

CHICAGO – Chevrolet today announced pricing for its all-new 2008 Malibu midsize sedan lineup, with MSRPs starting at $19,995 for the base LS and for the first time, a hybrid for $22,790. The Malibu continues to drive home Chevy’s commitment to dependable, fun-to-drive cars packed with value.

“When we debuted Malibu at the North American International Auto show in January, we promised that its $40,000 looks would cost half as much,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. “Well, we’ve kept our word. Customers will see everything we’ve packed into a sedan starting under $20 grand and think there’s a typo on the sticker.”

Malibu is built to be the best midsize car in the market, having been benchmarked against the top names in the class and loaded with standard features that many competitors don’t offer at any price. The design team focused on the attributes that mattered most to midsize car buyers such as families and commuters.

All Malibus are equipped with a long list of standard features, including six air bags (dual-stage frontal, seat-mounted side-impact thorax and head-curtain side air bags); four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with all-speed traction control; OnStar Gen 7 safety and security system with Turn-by-Turn Navigation; air conditioning; and XM Satellite Radio.

Along with the LS and Hybrid, the Malibu lineup includes the 1LT and 2LT trim levels and the top-of-the-line LTZ. MSRP for the 1LT is $20,955; 2LT, $22,635 and the LTZ, $26,995. All include the $650 destination charge.

Malibu, arriving in dealerships in November, combines fuel efficiency, performance and a long list of standard amenities wrapped in a design that carries the new face of Chevrolet. It features a strong body structure, precise build quality and refined driving dynamics. It is more than three inches longer than its predecessor, with a six-inch-longer (112.3 in / 2,852 mm) wheelbase.

GM’s StabiliTrak electronic stability control system is standard on LT, LTZ and Hybrid models. A number of equipment packages also are available and include features such as power-adjustable pedals, premium seating, uplevel interiors; power equipment groups and a deluxe audio system.

Malibu performance comes from two powerful yet fuel-efficient dual-overhead cam four- and six-cylinder engines, including a standard 169-horsepower (126 kW) 2.4L Ecotec DOHC four-cylinder engine that delivers 30 mpg highway, 22 city (’08 EPA); and an available 252-horsepower (188 kW) 3.6L DOHC V-6 with variable valve timing, rated at 26 mpg highway and 17 city.

The Malibu Hybrid, featuring the affordable GM Hybrid System, also goes on sale in November. Powered by a hybrid version of the 2.4L Ecotec, it is rated at 32 mpg highway and 24 city.

Four-cylinder-equipped models come with a four-speed transmission with overdrive. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard with the 3.6L V-6 and will be available next spring on the four-cylinder-equipped LTZ – the first four-cylinder engine/six-speed transmission combination in the segment.

Other highlights of the redesigned 2008 Chevy Malibu include:

• All-new refined and contemporary exterior with a new grille design and heritage-inspired twin round taillamps
• Upscale interior design with a choice of cloth, suede and leather inside; available two-tone cockpit in a number of color combinations; gauges with Chevrolet blue LED backlighting
• Ambient lighting in areas such as the overhead console and door-pull pockets for a more inviting cabin
• Standard four-wheel independent suspension for a more controlled and confident driving experience
• One of the segment’s quietest, most refined driving experiences, thanks to noise-reducing materials such as a liquid spray-on sound deadener, laminated steel, laminated “quiet glass” and composite wheel liners
• Standard theft-deterrent system for vehicle and contents
• Remote vehicle starting (standard on 2LT and LTZ; available on 1LT) and standard universal home remote on 2LT and LTZ
• TAPshift manual shift control, available on 2LT and standard on LTZ
• Sixteen-inch standard wheels on LS and an available family of large wheels, including 18-inch ultra-bright aluminum polished wheels available on 2LT and standard on LTZ
• Available rear power center includes 110-volt AC adapter with three-prong outlet on 1LT, 2LT and LTZ (included and available only with Rear Power Package)
• Available sunroof on LT and LTZ models
• Premium eight-speaker, 210-watt sound system standard on LTZ and available on 2LT.
• Standard tire-pressure monitoring system

“We strive to offer the best value in every segment where we compete, and midsize cars are not different,” Peper said. “For example, the Chevy Impala has been one of the biggest success stories in this industry during the past two years, gaining more than two points of market share. Now, combined with Malibu, this gives us a solid one-two punch in midsize cars and puts Chevy back into the car game in a big way.”

The Malibu is built at the GM Fairfax Assembly Plant in Kansas City, Kan. The dependability of the 2008 Malibu is backed by GM’s five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, the best protection package in the industry, providing customers with added peace of mind and value during their ownership experience.