World Car Fans shows the '08 'Bu?

[Guest YellowJacket894]

World Car Fans shows the '08 Malibu?

| December 17, 2006 | YellowJacket894

Recently, World Car Fans released a chop of what they thought to be the next Opel Omega. However, whenever I looked at it, I felt something amiss.

First off, the proportions were that of a front-drive car (I.E. Epsilon) instead of rear-drive (I.E. Zeta, which a new Omega would be based on). Second, many things matched up with spy shots I, and you as well, have seen of GM's break through mainstream product for 2007: the new 2008 Malibu.

Things didn't add up.

So, obviously, only one thing made sense to me: WCF used and enhanced images of Chevrolet's new 2008 Malibu to produce their Omega rendering.

A new rendering attempting to return WCF's chop back to it's normal state follows as well as proof that shows the images link up. Original chop and original images previously found in this thread can be seen at the link at the end of this post.

Original Images and WCF's Rendering

Edited December 18, 2006 by Flybrian

[mjdecker]

hmm.. very close. I think (hoping) the grill will be a bit bolder, more close to the SS concept in your signature rather than the current impala as in the chop.

[AH-HA]

Ummm... no. :AH-HA_wink:

[Guest YellowJacket894]

Well, it's a quick chop, so I didn't really work out the final details. The grille is from the Prisma Y concept, if you're wondering. I'm working on making the grille (and other details) a bit closer to the final car, just to keep you updated.

Edited December 17, 2006 by YellowJacket894

[nzr]

looks good to me

[gm4life]

It looks really good to me! You nailed nice chop man!

[turbo200]

well, i would have said hell ya if ah-ha hadn't said anything [care to complement us with more of your presence? ]. still, this looks great as a chevy, and from the details you pointed out, it sure as hell looks like it could theoretically match! and this chop is great, would make a great malibu, it's only a little too close to the last gen s-class, but it's niiice

[ToniCipriani]

Try a more bumper integrated grille as seen on the Aveo spyshot or the WTCC Ultra. I think the grille is integrated instead of a separate unit.

Like this:

[ToniCipriani]

And here's a closer look at the grille to help you out:

http://www.worldcarfans.com/spyphotos.cfm/...en-chevy-impala

Edited December 17, 2006 by ToniCipriani

[Intrepidation]

Nice chop, and while It looks similar, I don't think it's the actual Malibu. Why? One big reason. If you look at the Omega chop, the beltline is relatively straight. On the other hand, the spyshot of the Malibu shows a gently arching beltline.

[ToniCipriani]

From this angle I think it's rather hard to tell from the beltline, as I think that part has been chopped away in the original photos. The mirrors look like it has been swapped with Opel's, thus this would affect the area around it.

[Northstar]

Yay, AH-HA is back!

You can tell the contouring on the sides are different.

[Intrepidation]

From this angle I think it's rather hard to tell from the beltline, as I think that part has been chopped away in the original photos. The mirrors look like it has been swapped with Opel's, thus this would affect the area around it.

228737[/snapback]

It's a difficult section to chop though, especially given the limited visible space between the mirror and the C-pillar. I could be wrong, and whoever did it had uber skill...but I think there would be some sloppiness to it.

It's a rather radical change to do, yet it's on a small area...so I don't see a chopper bothering with it.

Edited December 17, 2006 by Dodgefan

[ToniCipriani]

Well... you have to understand, they do chopping for a living, so the BETTER be good at it...

[Intrepidation]

Well... you have to understand, they do chopping for a living, so the BETTER be good at it...

228744[/snapback]

True

[Daryl Z71]

That looks really sharp in my opinion. I hope that the final product turns out close to that if not the same!

Edited December 17, 2006 by Daryl 83

[DetroitNut90]

I actually thought the chopped Opel was based on the S-Class...

There are some similarities, but my main reservation in agreeing is that the chop's grille area (at least to me) looks more slanted and has a more pronounced crease to it than the spied prototype. Who knows, though...I guess we'll find out soon enough...

Edited December 17, 2006 by DetroitNut90

[ToniCipriani]

As to why there is a more pronounced crease, possibilities:

1. The WCF guys chopped it this way to show what the Omega looks like, and the original pic does not have the crease on the bumper, as in the earlier spyshots

2. The orignal spyshots show a base model with an "SS" trim bumper, and the standard models do have a different grille than the spyshots, thus the crease

[Guest YellowJacket894]

Images updated. Much closer this time, although maybe still a little rough around the edges.

[titan]

well, i would have said hell ya if ah-ha hadn't said anything [care to complement us with more of your presence? ]. still, this looks great as a chevy, and from the details you pointed out, it sure as hell looks like it could theoretically match! and this chop is great, would make a great malibu, it's only a little too close to the last gen s-class, but it's niiice

228729[/snapback]

Ditto. I was getting excited till Ah-Ha shot it down... now I'm wondering, was the original speculation of it being a Zeta based product (originally shown with an Opel badge) possible? I wonder? Care to chime in, Ah-Ha.

[Guest YellowJacket894]

Ditto.  I was getting excited till Ah-Ha shot it down...  now I'm wondering, was the original speculation of it being a Zeta based product (originally shown with an Opel badge) possible?  I wonder?  Care to chime in, Ah-Ha.

228764[/snapback]

AH-HA didn't "shoot it down." I think he was alluding to something else, actually. Not that the chop and my assumption were totally wrong.

And there's no way in hell that's a Zeta car originally. The proportions are not Zeta. Period. Case closed. Rear-drive cars haven't had front overhangs like that since, well, I don't know when exactly.

Edited December 17, 2006 by YellowJacket894

[CSpec]

Isn't this a chop of that chop of the Opel Zeta?

[Guest YellowJacket894]

CSpec: You mean this?

Click link to view.

Obviously, no. Nowhere near the same. (It's also proof the proportions are different.)

[CSpec]

No... this:

http://www.cheersandgears.com/forums/index...showtopic=14200

[turbo200]

when the title of this thread said, "according to me," it was clear this is speculation. now the wording has changed, and the first post comes off as if it has some fountain, just enough to make us believe it might have some fountain of truth, for the casual observer.

i would change it to refect that this is all speculation.

oh, and ah-ha did shoot you down. at least he says no. the original point of the first post was the belief that the Omega chop was indeed just a doctored version of the official Malibu shots.......and thus his response was "no". the winky at the end could be taken to mean anything, although it COULD mean the chop you've made really is ultimately close, but that your belief that the chop was based off the official Malibu shots was incorrect........

[turbo200]

another thing to recall about future Chevy designs is the implementation of the SS concept fascia that is right above me. There have been numerous allussions to the fact that SS would be incorporated. And yes, you look at the grille and it is proportioned and shaped exactly the same as in the spy shots of the Malibu.

What's even more interesting to me, is the headlight shape and style you came up with for your chop are very similar to the SS concept as well, at least in overall shape, presentation, and placement in relation to the grille and hood....

Edited December 17, 2006 by turbo200

[ToniCipriani]

No... this:

http://www.cheersandgears.com/forums/index...showtopic=14200

228789[/snapback]

I saw that on WCF and posted that. I wasn't even sure, if it was actually a Zeta in the first place. I just quoted WCF. Edited December 17, 2006 by ToniCipriani

[ToniCipriani]

oh, and ah-ha did shoot you down. at least he says no. the original point of the first post was the belief that the Omega chop was indeed just a doctored version of the official Malibu shots.......and thus his response was "no". the winky at the end could be taken to mean anything, although it COULD mean the chop you've made really is ultimately close, but that your belief that the chop was based off the official Malibu shots was incorrect........

228797[/snapback]

AH-HA is known for "vague" responses, as he's not allowed or supposed to disclose anything, and he's kind enough to give us hints.

A simple "no" can just mean anything. Yours was just one possibility.

[prototype66]

I think you nailed it! GM is utilising their global platform to it's advantage.I bet we are in for some FANTASTIC changes at the General these coming years.

[Solstice007]

A simple "no" can just mean anything.

So now "no" also means "yes"? If he had simply said "yes", would you also debate that "yes" means "no"?

[mot76]

So, everybody was saying the new malibu would be a knock out? After seeing this illustration, I hope this is a mistake on the iilistrator's part. The front looks like it came from an Uplander or would better look good on a pick up. Too much going on there. To say that only Pontiac gets reskinned cars is a farse, concidering this Malibu is a clone of an Opel and a Saturn. GM can do better with this one.

[Guest YellowJacket894]

Well, you know, we'll probably know something by the end of this month or very early the next.

To me, there's just way too many coincidences for that not to be some sort of Malibu pic.

[BuddyP]

I had the same thoughts the first time I saw the Omega post, the body lines reminded me of the Maliby spyshots.

[91z4me]

Ummm... no.  :AH-HA_wink:

228710[/snapback]

Bout time you said something.

Give it up for the namesake of the :AH-HA_wink: .

[ZL-1]

If you look at the Omega chop, the beltline is relatively straight. On the other hand, the spyshot of the Malibu shows a gently arching beltline.

228735[/snapback]

I noticed that too. The beltline on the chop reminds me more of the Peugeot 407 sedan than an Opel.

[Guest YellowJacket894]

ZL_1: Hmmm . . . I sort of get what you're saying.

[ZL-1]

228907[/snapback]

I was driving behind a 407 this afternoon and when the guy turned it struck me that the belt line creases look similar. Maybe it was the easiest image to chop given whatever information sources leaked to WorldCarFans.

[CreativeVision]

Well, you know, we'll probably know something by the end of this month or very early the next.

To me, there's just way too many coincidences for that not to be some sort of Malibu pic.

228865[/snapback]

If the new Malibu is not being unveiled in Detroit, it will at least be on display in Chicago come Feb.

[Mule Bakersdozen LS]

WELCOME BACK AH-HA!!!! The grille in the photoshop looks like it is off-the lower part of Malibu's grille is lower-tiered than the headlights-at least that's what I'm seeing.

[K.C.]

Judging by the spy photos, I love the overall design. Its a huge improvement over the current car with the camo on. I have high hopes for this car. I just hope it competes with Camry-Accord-Altima at every level.

K.C.

[KillFort]

Evok or Ah-ha, would you be able to shed any more light or hints?

Like, "Nope, not it.. the real deal is better." or "It's close."

Edited December 17, 2006 by KillFort

[Robert Hall]

Well, the proportions in this illustration and the original Opel one look more FWD than Zeta to me (i.e. the short front wheel-to-door distance).

[Drew Dowdell]

the winky at the end could be taken to mean anything,

228797[/snapback]

the winky at the end is Ah-Ha's signature, nothing more.

[Drew Dowdell]

I think it's more likely that the Omega will ride on an extended Epsilon <which this whole exercise could also prove> than on Zeta.

[MyerShift]

It would look good, but I highly doubt that the new Malibu would bear such a close resemblance to any Opel.

That's Saturn's department.

[Guest YellowJacket894]

when the title of this thread said, "according to me," it was clear this is speculation. now the wording has changed, and the first post comes off as if it has some fountain, just enough to make us believe it might have some fountain of truth, for the casual observer.

No. I changed it so you and other readers know my stance on the subject. There is just too much proof for me to change my mind, I'm sorry.

A Zeta-based car would not look like that or have those proportions. And how do you explain the hood cutline being the exact same thing on the chop and the spy photo? Answer me that.

i would change it to refect that this is all speculation.

Well, that's obviously how you would do it then. But, since I'm not you, no further edits, save for one more possible photo edit, will be made to this thread.

oh, and ah-ha did shoot you down.

Are you sure? Are you AH-HA? Do you have the ultimate proof that I am 100 percent wrong? If so, show me.

AH-HA likes to make you think. Like I said, I think he's alluding to something else related to the matter, not that I'm 100 percent wrong. Second guessing isn't always a bad thing.

at least he says no. the original point of the first post was the belief that the Omega chop was indeed just a doctored version of the official Malibu shots.......and thus his response was "no".

Again, do you have proof that I am totally wrong?

It would look good, but I highly doubt that the new Malibu would bear such a close resemblance to any Opel.

That's Saturn's department.

Hmmm . . . you know, it really doesn't look much like an Opel, really.

[Guest YellowJacket894]

I think it's more likely that the Omega will ride on an extended Epsilon <which this whole exercise could also prove> than on Zeta.

Interesting thought. I guess since the last Omega was rear-drive, everyone expects the new one to be as well.

Hmmmm . . . you know what? This crossed my mind -- maybe someone wanted to illustrate what the next Vectra would look like instead of the Omega. The illustrator also possibly wanted to leak Malibu photos in the process, and used it as a base (since, after all, the Malibu and Vectra are Epsilon cars) for his chop. I don't think embargo policies have any definite stance on using a forbidden photo in such a circumstance, do they? I mean, change around enough stuff to make something appear the same, yet different, and it wouldn't really be wrong to show it to a viewing audience.

[daves87rs]

I'm going to agree with with Ah-ha on this one.

I would think that it would have more of a retro look to it, as does the next Impy.

Granted, just a bit....

And on a side note:

For those of you in Michigan, keep your eyes peeled-there's at least a few

roaming around metro Detroit being tested.

I was behind (and in front of) one in camo that looks a lot like those spy pics..

They're going to test the daylights out of it. Good.

I'm assuming that there is some floating around the home plant too... :AH-HA_wink:

[daves87rs]

It would look good, but I highly doubt that the new Malibu would bear such a close resemblance to any Opel.

That's Saturn's department.

229055[/snapback]

Agreed.

[Chris_Doane]

World Car Fans Breaks GM Embargo

Negatory.

WCF used and enhanced images of Chevrolet's new 2008 Malibu to produce their Omega rendering.

Negatory. Edited December 18, 2006 by CD/BP