
2012 Chevy Malibu Specs
Article by Matthew C. Keegan
Midsize sedan offers generous interior room.
The Chevrolet Malibu is a midsize sedan that seats five passengers and is available in six trim levels. The front-wheel-drive Malibu is one of the most popular cars sold in America, the current generation model has been in production since the 2008 model year. The Malibu offers two engine choices, an inline-four or a V-6; both are paired with a 6-speed automatic with manual shift capabilities.
2.4-liter Inline-four
The standard engine for the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu is a 2.4-liter (146 cubic inches) double overhead cam inline-four motor with fuel injection and variable valve timing. Rated at 169-horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 160 foot-pounds of torque at 4,500 rpm, this engine has an aluminum block and head, and is teamed with a 6-speed automatic overdrive transmission. This 16-valve engine features a 3.46-inch bore, a 3.86-inch stroke, and a compression ratio of 10.40-to-1.
3.6-liter V-6
The optional 3.6-liter (217 cubic inches) double overhead cam V-6 all-aluminum engine powering the Malibu offers fuel injection and variable valve timing. Rated at 252-horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 251 foot-pounds of torque at 3,200 rpm, this 24-valve engine is teamed with a 6-speed automatic overdrive transmission. This V-6 features a 3.70-inch bore, a 3.40-inch stroke, and a compression ratio of 10.20-to-1.
Malibu Dimensions
The 2012 Chevy Malibu sits on a 112.3-inch wheelbase and is 191.8 inches long, 70.3 inches wide and 57.1 inches tall. The Malibu weighs from 3,421 to 3,473 pounds, has an 15.1 cubic foot trunk and offers a maximum towing capacity of 1,000 pounds. Front and headroom is 39- and 37-inches, respectively. Shoulder room is 59 inches in the front seat and 57 inches in the rear seat. Front and rear hip room is 53- and 52-inches, respectively. Legroom for the front seat passengers is 42.2 inches; for rear passengers legroom is 37.6 inches. This vehicle is equipped with standard 17-inch wheels or optional 18-inch Chrome-tech aluminum wheels.
Fuel Economy
The Environmental Protection Agency rates the 2012 Chevy Malibu at 22 mpg city, 33 mpg highway with the inline-four and 17 mpg city, 26 mpg highway with the V-6 engine. Both vehicles run on regular gasoline.
Noteworthy
An all-new Chevy Malibu will hit the market in January 2012 as a 2013 model. Already on sale in South Korea, this vehicle offers broader shoulders, more interior room, improved performance and optimum fuel efficiency. Main competitors for the Chevrolet Malibu include the Ford Fusion, Dodge Avenger, Toyota Camry, Nissan Sentra, Honda Accord, Mitsubishi Galant, Mazda6, Volkswagen Passat and the Subaru Legacy.
About the Author
Matthew C. Keegan is editor and publisher of "Auto Trends Magazine." Matt is also a contributing writer for Andy's Auto Sport and affiliated websites, an aftermarket supplier of quality auto parts including Chevrolet Corvette catback system and Chevrolet Aveo parts.
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