Having unveiled a shadowy teaser photo of the Malibu's->ke1034 profile a week ago, Chevrolet->ke199 continues to build the hype ahead of the sedan's official unveiling with a 49-second video. The footage showcases the harsh validation and development tests the new Malibu has been put through, including spending several hours in GM's->ke2320 Climatic Wind Tunnel, where temperatures can be raised to 140 degrees or lowered to 40 degrees below zero F.
The sedan also endured road durability and suspension tests and all kinds of simulated abuse, including repeated door, hood and trunk-lid slams, and more than 1.5 million miles of driving in controlled environments and on open roads. All told, Chevy says the 2016 Malibu is one tough cookie and claims it will be more dependable and durable than its rivals.
Unfortunately, the company isn't yet willing to let us have a look at the new sedan.->ke142 The vehicle in the video->ke278 is camouflaged. The good news, however, is that the 2016 Malibu is slated to break cover at the 2015 New York Auto Show on April 1st, a little more than two weeks from now. Stick around, more teasers are likely to follow. Hopefully, the Malibu will show some skin before NYIAS begins.
Continue reading to learn more about the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu.
Why it matters
Having bested its rivals in J.D. Power’s Initial Quality Study and Vehicle Dependability Study, the current-generation Malibu is already a dependable and durable car, but that didn't stop Chevy from upping the ante in that department. Given dependability and durability are two very important features in the mid-size market, where the Malibu faces stiff competition from American and Japanese sedans, including the Ford Fusion,->ke4176 Toyota Camry and the Mazda6,->ke346 a tougher sedan is good news indeed. If only Chevy would also fix two of the Malibu's major drawbacks by improving rear legroom and front hip room.