Despite getting a lukewarm reception from buyers, the slow-selling Chevrolet Malibu is still putting on a brave face, an important attribute to have given that Chevrolet->ke199 has resorted to commercials to tug at the heartstrings of prospective customers.

Be that as it may, the Malibu is still going to be an attendee at SEMA->ke216 with Chevy deciding to gift wrap the midsize sedan into what its now calling the LTZ Concept.

A new front end design is the first thing you'll notice about the Malibu LTZ Concept. It's an eye-catching change that makes you wonder why Chevrolet didn't do this sooner and potentially save itself from the humiliation of little interest from consumers.

In addition to the modified front, the Malibu LTZ also received a slew of modifications, highlighted by a performance upgrade that includes the addition of a concept Stage Kit, cold-air induction system and a Borla exhaust system. Taken together, the Malibu's 2.0-liter turbocharged engine receives a higher output. No word yet on how much of an increase it is, but considering the standard Malibu has 259 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque on tap, expect figures in excess of 300 across the board with these engine upgrades.

Oh, and there are some styling additions on the Malibu LTZ Concept, including a set of 19-inch wheels from Chevrolet Accessories that are coated in a Sterling Silver finish.

Click past the jump to read about the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu

2014 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ Concept

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ Concept
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 300
  • Torque: 340
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

2014 Chevrolet Malibu

The 2014 Chevrolet Malibu suffered from the Honda Civic bug, receiving a facelift only a year after it had a redesign. With a new look and some more rear legroom, Chevy hopes the Malibu will be more attractive and in turn, be more competitive in the midsize sedan market.

Two engines are available for the Malibu: a 2.5-liter, in-line four cylinder and a turbocharged 2.0-liter, in-line four . Both powerplants have been tweaked for 2014 to help with fuel consumption and power output. The base 2.5-liter makes 196 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque and is expected to return 25 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. The 2.0-liter turbo kicks out a healthy 259 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Fuel efficiency drops with the turbo, however, at 21 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.

Pricing for a base 2014 Malibu start at $22,140 and rises to roughly $32,000 for a well-optioned LTZ model.