Report: Chevrolet confirms coupe version of Malibu is a no-go

The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu is making out to be a pretty big car for Chevrolet, especially since the prerelease photos speak for themselves. And at one point during the planning for the new Malibu, word was circulating that the General was considering a coupe version, which would bring back a pretty big nameplate from the 1960s. But after a small press conference with Ed Welburn, GM’s vice president of global design, a coupe Malibu is confirmed to be only an idea.

“A Malibu coupe could be a pretty nice car,” Welburn said with his usual broad smile. “But it is not in the plan right now.”

The Malibu coupe started off as an artist’s rendering in the form of a sketch and painting. Word then started floating around the news desks that it was a possibility and as a result, some photoshop renderings popped up as well. During the press conference regarding the coupe, none of the photos or renderings were referenced as Welburn wanted to make clear that the Malibu is currently a no-go.

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And what a shame because the Malibu is truly making out to be a very handsome automobile. To cut off a set of doors would certainly boost its appeal—but then again I am biased to coupes.

Refresher: The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu will go on sale in the United States in 2012 in LS, LT and LTZ trim-levels. The standard engine offering in the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu is a 2.5L Ecotec direct-injected 4-cylinder making more than 190-hp with a maximum torque of 180 lb-ft. The Chevrolet Malibu Eco is powered by GM’s eAssist system and is mated to a 180-hp 2.4L Ecotec direct-injection 4-cylinder engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission. The Chevrolet Malibu Eco estimated to get 38 mpg on the highway.

– By: Chris Chin

Source: Inside Line

Chris Chin

Chris Chin is the Editor-In-Chief of egmCarTech and is a regular contributor to Automobile Magazine.

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