Chevy->ke199 unveiled its newly redesigned, ninth-generation 2016 Malibu at the 2015 New York Auto Show->ke226 earlier this year, and it certainly has some radical styling compared to previous models. It is, without a doubt, the best looking Malibu->ke1034 since the name was resurrected back in 1997. Now, with the SEMA Auto Show->ke216 kicking off November 3rd, Chevy has previewed its Malibu Redline Series Concept.

When we first saw the new Malibu in NY, it was clear Chevy wanted to make it a more upscale model. The new Redline Series concept showcases a number of production and concept->ke169 accessories that give the new Malibu an even more distinguished look. Chevy’s Director of Accessories and Performance Parts Marketing, Roger McCormack, said, “Chevrolet Accessories bring value and the added security of knowing the parts are designed, engineered, tested and backed by the same team that developed the vehicles.”

The SEMA Auto Show and other venues will be used to gauge the public's reaction to the concept accessories, so not everything seen there will be available when the 2016 Malibu hits showroom floors, but all production accessories seen on the Redline Concept will be available at launch. The Redline Series package will be offered on other Chevy vehicles as well, including the Silverado,->ke1787 Colorado 1500, Trax, and the Camaro.

Continue reading to learn more about the Chevrolet Malibu Red Line Series concept.

Exterior

The Malibu Redline Concept is showcased in Enhanced Silver Metallic Paint and has a custom Charcoal roof panel with graphite and red accents. The roof also has a Thule rack with skis and a snowboard mounted for display.

Up front, the main differences are red fog lamp bezels and a gloss black grille. The side-view mirrors have black mirror caps and the front doors sport the Malibu nameplate in gloss black with red accenting. The bowtie emblem has been swapped out for the concept black bowtie kit, and the headlight lenses appear to have a mild tint to them as well.

Chevy surrounded all glass with Satin Graphite molding and gave the windows a fairly dark tint – a styling choice that really makes the side body lines stand out in the Silver Metallic Paint. In the rear, the most noticeable thing is the blacked out window. Like in the front, the rear bowtie has been swapped out for a black bowtie emblem, and the taillights also have a mild tint. The rear deck lid sports the same custom Malibu emblem from the front doors and has a more pronounced lift to it, forming a spoiler that gives the rear a sporty look. To tie the whole exterior together, the car rides on 19-inch wheels with a red accent between two of the spokes and center caps that have the black bowtie emblem. The 19-inch wheels will be available as accessories for the 2016 production model – without the custom center cap and red accent, of course.

Interior

The Redline Series Package doesn’t bring anything to the table as far as interior customization goes, but given the intense look of the redesigned exterior, that isn’t too much of a disappointment. However, the concept is equipped with premium floor mats, a cargo mat, and a sports pedal kit, all of which add to the value of the interior and will be available as optional add-ons when the Malibu goes on sale.

Drivetrain

Chevy has yet to release any specifics on the drivetrain of the Redline Series Malibu. Given the fact this is a concept, I’m thinking the Redline Series package will be available with the upper trim level, with a 250-horsepower, turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Other drivetrain possibilities include the less powerful 1.5-liter Ecotec, or perhaps the 1.8-liter hybrid drivetrain from the Volt now that the Malibu will once again be offered as a hybrid model.

I would think that as time goes on, Chevy might introduce a few minor performance options for models equipped with the Redline Series package, especially when you consider how the package was performance based back when it was offered for the late Saturn brand. It's pure speculation, but I would expect to see at least a performance exhaust system and maybe an upgraded intake system for more motivation. On the note of performance, the concept is equipped with Chevy’s Performance concept suspension lowering kit that gives it a nice stance without dropping the ride height too much.

Conclusion

At this point, it looks like the Redline Series Concept Package is all about visual flair. That being said, I think Chevy has done a nice job with it so far. I’m not sure how well the window molding, roof, and red coloring will go with some of the other paint options available for the Malibu, but it certainly looks good on silver. I wouldn’t mind seeing what the package looks like on black paint, either. I’m saddened that the package, at least so far, doesn’t include any performance upgrades – to me, it seems like it should, but that could always change in the near future. The glossy inserts and grille are a very nice touch, and I’m glad Chevy didn’t go overboard with body graphics or exterior trim. One thing is for sure – the addition of this package makes it worthwhile to wait for the 2016 model.