Chevrolet Goes ECO Over The 2013 Malibu

[William Maley]

Chevrolet Goes ECO Over The 2013 Malubu

Delivers the fuel economy of a compact car in a midsize sedan

2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco Gallery

2011-04-20

• First Chevrolet with new fuel-saving eAssist™ technology
  
• Estimated fuel economy of 26 city / 38 highway
  
• Uses own energy to recharge the battery and doesn’t use gas when stopped
  
• New exterior shape and features such as active grille shutters to enhance fuel economy
  
• As many as 550 miles of driving range between fill-ups
  

NEW YORK – Chevrolet celebrated Earth Day at the New York Auto Show by introducing the all-new 2013 Malibu ECO, the most fuel-efficient midsize sedan in its 100-year history. It features eAssist™ “light electrification” technology, which is engineered to deliver an estimated 26 mpg in city driving and 38 mpg on the highway without compromising performance.

ECO is based on the all-new, 2013 Malibu sedan, which will be sold in nearly 100 countries on six continents. Sales of the new Malibu begin with the ECO model in the United States in early 2012. The Malibu LS, LT and LTZ trim level offerings join the ECO in summer 2012. Pricing will be announced later.

“The Malibu ECO is a smart choice for customers who want excellent fuel economy without the price premium of popular hybrid sedans,” said Rick Scheidt, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. “The Malibu ECO’s 38-mpg highway estimate is comparable with those hybrids.”

Malibu’s eAssist system uses a state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery and an electric motor-generator to enable regenerative braking electric assist and start-stop functionality. It is efficiently sized, weighing only 65 pounds (29 kg).

Malibu ECO also features an aerodynamic exterior – including underbody aero enhancements – and electronically controlled shutters in the lower grille that close at higher speeds to push more air over and around the vehicle. These enhancements increase aerodynamic efficiency to boost fuel economy.

An ECO gauge in the cluster continuously responds to driving behavior, encouraging fuel-efficient driving, while an Auto Stop Indicator on the tachometer informs the driver when the engine is in start-stop mode.

“Malibu ECO exemplifies Chevrolet’s drive to use technology that delivers high-value, gas-friendly performance,” said Scheidt. “In fact, the Malibu ECO delivers the fuel economy of a compact car in a midsize sedan.”

eAssist details

Malibu ECO’s eAssist system is mated to a 2.4L Ecotec direct-injection four-cylinder engine and next-generation six-speed automatic transmission. The 2.4L engine is efficient and lightweight, featuring dual-overhead cams, direct injection, continuously variable intake and exhaust timing and electronic throttle control, as well as a lightweight aluminum cylinder block and cylinder head. It is rated at an estimated 180 horsepower (134 kW) and is a variant of the same engine that was recognized as one of Ward's Ten Best Engines in 2010.

Along with the Ecotec 2.4L and six-speed transmission, the eAssist system uses power stored in the air-cooled, lithium-ion battery to provide needed electrical boost in various driving scenarios, optimizing engine and transmission operation. An advanced 115V lithium-ion battery and latest-generation 15-kW motor-generator unit help increase fuel economy through:

• Regenerative braking, which provides up to 15 kW of electricity to charge the battery
  
• Providing up to 15 hp (11 kW) of electric power assistance during heavier acceleration
  
• Using electricity instead of gasoline when stopped, with automatic and smooth engine start-stop functionality
  
• Aggressive fuel cut-off during deceleration down to zero mph for added fuel savings
  
• Intelligent charge/discharge of the high-voltage battery.
  

The eAssist system captures up to 15kW of energy that would be normally lost during braking and uses it to recharge the lithium-ion battery. The system also shuts down fuel delivery in certain deceleration conditions, further improving fuel economy. While in fuel shut-off mode, the motor-generator unit continues spinning along with the engine to provide immediate and smooth take-off power when the driver presses on the accelerator. As the vehicle comes to a stop, the engine’s start-stop function is active when the motor-generator unit brings the engine to a smooth stop to position it properly for a smooth restart when the brake is released.

A hill-assist system captures brake pressure to help keep the vehicle stationary when eAssist’s start-stop function is activated on a moderate or steep grade, allowing the driver to accelerate more smoothly from a stop.

Malibu ECO’s eAssist power pack brings together the lithium-ion battery, the integrated power inverter and 12V power supply. It is located in the trunk, behind the rear seat. The electric motor-generator is mounted to the engine in place of the alternator to provide both motor assist and electric-generating functions through an engine belt-drive system. The motor-generator is a high-performance, compact induction motor that is liquid-cooled for increased performance and efficiency. An electric fan cools the power pack, drawing air from a vent located behind the rear seat.

Thanks to eAssist technology, which also enables a numerically lower final drive ratio, the Malibu ECO can travel as much as 550 miles between fill-ups, despite having only a 15.8-gallon gas tank.

Aero efficiency

Malibu ECO – and the entire 2013 Malibu lineup – was designed to be aerodynamically efficient, with a coefficient of drag near the standout performance of the Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric vehicle.

Aerodynamic design engineers removed about 60 counts of wind drag from the new Malibu, compared to its predecessor. Malibu spent hundreds of hours in GM’s wind tunnel, fine-tuning the form to maximize fuel efficiency. For example, engineers shaped Malibu’s front corners so that air runs close and uninterrupted along the body sides to the rear of the vehicle.

Malibu ECO is among the first in the midsize segment with a fuel-saving, active shutter system in the lower grille. The Malibu ECO’s active shutter system automatically closes airflow through the lower intake opening when air intake is least needed. When closed, the shutter system enhances aero performance by redirecting airflow around the front of the vehicle and down the sides, rather than through it. The shutter is open or closed based on engine coolant temperature and speed. For example, the shutters open when the car is traveling up a hill, pulling a trailer, or in hot city driving; the shutters close at highway speeds when engine cooling is less required.

Other aerodynamic features on the Malibu ECO include:

• Outside rearview mirrors designed to maximize aerodynamic efficiency
  
• Taillamps are shaped for aero performance without design penalty
  
• Four underbody panels – more commonly found on premium-priced cars – cover approximately 50 percent of the lower portion of the vehicle and provide an aerodynamically clean flow path under the vehicle
  
• Standard 17-inch wheels and low-rolling-resistance tires engineered to improve fuel economy.
  

About the all-new 2013 Malibu

The Malibu ECO is part of the all-new, 2013 Malibu lineup – Chevrolet’s first global midsize sedan – which gives customers more style, fuel efficiency, content and features, craftsmanship, and dynamic capabilities rivaling high-end sedans. Product highlights for North American models include:

• Expressive exterior design with a wide, athletic stance
  
• Segment-best aerodynamics – close to those of the Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric car – that enhance fuel efficiency and reduce wind noise, including active electronic shutters on select models
  
• All-new, Chevrolet-signature dual-cockpit interior that is more spacious, features premium materials and is engineered to be the quietest in the midsize segment
  
• New Chevrolet MyLink connectivity seamlessly integrates online services like Pandora® Internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio®
  
• European-influenced ride and handling traits
  
• New safety features and technologies including up to 10 air bags, ultra-high-strength steel, lane departure warning/forward collision warning and rearview camera system.
  

The exterior design of the all-new Malibu carries DNA from its sister vehicles, the Camaro and Corvette. A wider stance, broad shoulders and an integrated rear spoiler bring a new athleticism to Malibu and give it a more aggressive, track-tested appearance. It has a 4.5-inch (114mm) shorter wheelbase and 62-inch (1,574mm) front and rear tracks that are more than 2 inches (51mm) wider than the model it replaces.

The Malibu’s interior was designed to bring an element of sophistication to everyday driving, featuring an all-new dual cockpit design with more room, thanks to its increased width. Compared to the previous model, Malibu has nearly four cubic feet (113 L) of additional interior volume, along with more front and rear shoulder and hip room and more than one cubic foot (28 L) of extra trunk space. Available soft, ice-blue ambient lighting reflects off of and complements chrome accents and ensures even, consistent illumination along the instrument panel and in storage pockets.

The Malibu also has a number of storage areas, including a radio face that articulates up and down to reveal a six-inch deep, illuminated storage area behind its seven-inch touch-screen radio display – a U.S. first in a midsize car. Malibu will also offer a full range of the latest infotainment options, including new color radio systems and an available navigation system.

Malibu will include Chevrolet’s new MyLink infotainment package at launch. It builds on the safety and security of OnStar and seamlessly integrates online services like Pandora® Internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio®. MyLink integrates wireless connectivity through Bluetooth to enable hands-free use of selected smart phone apps while the device remains safely stowed. It features a high-resolution, full-color touch screen display designed to manage the number of steps required to complete a task.

A global lineup of fuel-efficient and powerful four-cylinder engines complements the Malibu’s European-inspired driving characteristics. In addition to the ECO’s Ecotec 2.4L engine, the Malibu’s North American lineup also features an all-new Ecotec 2.5L dual overhead cam, four-cylinder engine with direct injection. It has new features, including enhanced authority continuously variable valve timing, variable-displacement oil pump and electronic thermostat that save fuel while delivering V-6-like performance. It is estimated the engine will be SAE certified at more than 190 horsepower (141 kW) and 180 lb.-ft. of torque (245 Nm). Both engines are mated to a Hydra-Matic 6T40 six-speed automatic with features designed to enhance powertrain efficiency.

When it comes to the driving experience, the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu has been engineered to deliver ride and handling capabilities that are best-in-class and on par with more expensive sports sedans. These include:

• A solid body structure as stiff as any in the global midsize sedan market, allowing for precise tuning and dynamic vehicle control
  
• A premium steering gear that ensures smooth, precise responsiveness and on-center feel
  
• Proven and continuously refined MacPherson strut front and mutli-link rear suspensions
  
• Large, ventilated front disc and solid rear disc brakes, clamped on by dual-piston front and single-piston rear aluminum calipers, which are expected to deliver best-in-class stopping distance
  
• An isolated engine cradle for tuned, refined feedback, without noise or vibration
  
• Fuel-saving electric power rack-and-pinion variable-effort power steering, resulting in effortless low-speed maneuvers and a higher degree of steering feel at higher speeds
  
• Chassis control technologies include four-channel anti-lock brakes, full-function traction control, four-corner electronic stability control, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist system, corner brake control, hydraulic brake fade assist and drag torque control.
  

The new Malibu will be built in multiple locations around the globe, including the Fairfax, Kan. and Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plants in the United States.

[G. David Felt]

Glad the tree huggers will have a nice looking auto they can buy, but it does nothing for me. I will pass.

[vonVeezelsnider]

I'll take the 2.5L or the 2.0T with more trunk space, especially since it'll get about 35MPG on its own. On a side note I LOVE that color, reminds me of the Medium Adriatic Blue color that they built cars in in the mid 1990s, very classy color.

[Robert Hall]

The regenerative braking system kind of sounds like a KERS..

Edited April 20, 2011 by Cubical-aka-Moltar

[frogger]

They didn't release a pic of the Eco trunk so I 'll assume it won't be a pleasant surprise..deal killer for me.

[Drew Dowdell]

Of note: No LED tail lights on the Eco model.

[SAmadei]

Of note: No LED tail lights on the Eco model.

Immediately noticed and it makes the rear end of the car look 10x better. No Flavor-Flav eyewear look to them. I would hope that LEDs bulbs would still be in place under the plastic, but I doubt it.

These end up looking like Japan/Aussie export Corvette lenses to me.

Edit: Too bad the Eco version doesn't trim the 1995 Chrysler Cirrus trunk lid bump off. There should be no trunk above the lights, IMHO.

Edited April 20, 2011 by SAmadei

[Croc]

Why no LEDs? They look a lot less tacky, but it just doesn't make any sense to me in 2011 that a car doesn't have LED tails. On an ECO model, no less.

[loki]

sad they can't use the 2.5 for the ECO... torque limits i would assume (instead of lowering it's output)

from main pic on this page.... not tail pipe?

[Robert Hall]

Why no LEDs? They look a lot less tacky, but it just doesn't make any sense to me in 2011 that a car doesn't have LED tails. On an ECO model, no less.

LED lighting seems to be overhyped...

[Justin Bimmer]

I think this is why the new Malibu LTZ has the lights it does. Look at the old one.

[ocnblu]

Sleazy trick they're pulling, bringing the "Eco" model to market first, to try to force the e-assist crap on people who otherwise want to be first on their block with a new style Malibu. BOOOOOOOOOOOOO, Chevrolet.

[PurdueGuy]

Why no LEDs? They look a lot less tacky, but it just doesn't make any sense to me in 2011 that a car doesn't have LED tails. On an ECO model, no less.

LED lighting seems to be overhyped...

It still seems odd to not put LED lighting, which is more efficient and generally considered more upscale, on the Eco model.

[Drew Dowdell]

Sleazy trick they're pulling, bringing the "Eco" model to market first, to try to force the e-assist crap on people who otherwise want to be first on their block with a new style Malibu. BOOOOOOOOOOOOO, Chevrolet.

Perhaps the 2.5 engine won't be quite ready yet but the eAssist engine will be.

[Chris_Doane]

Sleazy trick they're pulling, bringing the "Eco" model to market first, to try to force the e-assist crap on people who otherwise want to be first on their block with a new style Malibu. BOOOOOOOOOOOOO, Chevrolet.

Perhaps the 2.5 engine won't be quite ready yet but the eAssist engine will be.

Bingo.

Most of the eAssist R&D would already be done.

[ocnblu]

I don't believe your excuse for this. Sorry. To me, it is clearly an attempt to force people into something.

[Chris_Doane]

I don't believe your excuse for this. Sorry. To me, it is clearly an attempt to force people into something.

Ha, well, Drew is correct.

One of my friends has spent the last 1-2 years of his life working on the Malibu program at GM. The motor simply won't be ready yet. If he doesn't know, no one does. R&D on a new motor is not something done over a month or two.

[ocnblu]

Your friend is toeing the company line, Chris. You seriously think a simple, enlarged Ecotec engine requires mucho "R&D"? "...a month or two..." what are you talking about? You're saying the 2.5L Ecotec engine was conceived a month or two ago? That it was a last-minute decision... AND that it is a clean-sheet engine design? Bah.

Edited April 21, 2011 by ocnblu

[Chris_Doane]

Your friend is toeing the company line, Chris. You seriously think a simple, enlarged Ecotec engine requires mucho "R&D"? "...a month or two..." what are you talking about? You're saying the 2.5L Ecotec engine was conceived a month or two ago? That it was a last-minute decision... AND that it is a clean-sheet engine design? Bah.

Hah, you're free to think whatever you like, but, you really have no idea what you're talking about.

Talk to some automotive engineers, I do all the time. Engineers don't tow the company line, that's the job of the people who represent the company in the public and in the media.

[ocnblu]

Um, OK thanks. I will.

[Intrepidation]

Impressive fuel economy numbers.

[FAPTurbo]

Sleazy trick they're pulling, bringing the "Eco" model to market first, to try to force the e-assist crap on people who otherwise want to be first on their block with a new style Malibu. BOOOOOOOOOOOOO, Chevrolet.

Or maybe it is coming out first to drum up positive press and publicity. Nobody is being forced into anything; if someone doesn't like it, they can wait a couple months or buy a different car. GM wouldn't release the ECO model first if they knew it would cost them sales in the long run... maybe there are actually people who WANT this sort of vehicle.

[Drew Dowdell]

Wholesale gas prices spiked today. Most of the country will be over $4.25 a gallon in 3 to 4 weeks.... likely all of the country by July 4th.

All that needs to happen is to have the news stories continue about these gas prices.... "and next up, Chevy releases a new mid-size car that they claim can beat the Toyota and Ford hybrid fuel economy"

[Croc]

I think this is why the new Malibu LTZ has the lights it does. Look at the old one.

I don't get it. I'm aware of what the outgoing Malibu looks like?

[Drew Dowdell]

The outgoing LTZ has LED tail lamps that use pinpoints similar to the 2013 version

[Croc]

The outgoing LTZ has LED tail lamps that use pinpoints similar to the 2013 version

Okay...but what does that have to do with questioning the use of incandescents on an ECO model? I'm not even going into the "introducing unnecessary assembly complexity" yet...

[loki]

Wholesale gas prices spiked today. Most of the country will be over $4.25 a gallon in 3 to 4 weeks.... likely all of the country by July 4th.

All that needs to happen is to have the news stories continue about these gas prices.... "and next up, Chevy releases a new mid-size car that they claim can beat the Toyota and Ford hybrid fuel economy"

it was 3.50 at a couple places around here yesterday.think it was still today.

edit: evidently you're wrong olds.... lol

http://www.csnews.com/top-story-gulf_ceo_talks_oil_prices_with_cnbc-58539.html

The price of oil is likely nearing a top and will fall beneath $100 a barrel by July 4, Gulf Oil CEO Joe Petrowski told CNBC this morning.

Edited April 21, 2011 by loki

[Intrepidation]

Personally I prefer the look of the LED units, these looks plain.

Objectively speaking, I'm a little puzzled why they don't use LEDs on an ECO model. LEDs use less energy...more ECOnomical.

[Robert Hall]

Personally I prefer the look of the LED units, these looks plain.

Objectively speaking, I'm a little puzzled why they don't use LEDs on an ECO model. LEDs use less energy...more ECOnomical.

Regular lighting is cheaper and lighter weight? That could explain the ECO angle...or maybe it's just they wanted the ECO to look different..

[Intrepidation]

Uses more electrical energy, on a car that's supposed to be as frugal as possible you'd think they'd use the more energy efficient lighting system.

[z28luvr01]

I'd guess the battery used to power the accessories and the battery used to help propel the car are on different circuits. More likely, the non-LED taillamps on the ECO are for cost savings to keep the surcharge for the ECO over the non-ECO Malibu to a minumum.

[daves87rs]

Sleazy trick they're pulling, bringing the "Eco" model to market first, to try to force the e-assist crap on people who otherwise want to be first on their block with a new style Malibu. BOOOOOOOOOOOOO, Chevrolet.

Or maybe it is coming out first to drum up positive press and publicity. Nobody is being forced into anything; if someone doesn't like it, they can wait a couple months or buy a different car. GM wouldn't release the ECO model first if they knew it would cost them sales in the long run... maybe there are actually people who WANT this sort of vehicle.

My thoughts exactly.

[daves87rs]

Wholesale gas prices spiked today. Most of the country will be over $4.25 a gallon in 3 to 4 weeks.... likely all of the country by July 4th.

All that needs to happen is to have the news stories continue about these gas prices.... "and next up, Chevy releases a new mid-size car that they claim can beat the Toyota and Ford hybrid fuel economy"

it was 3.50 at a couple places around here yesterday.think it was still today.

edit: evidently you're wrong olds.... lol

http://www.csnews.co...cnbc-58539.html

The price of oil is likely nearing a top and will fall beneath $100 a barrel by July 4, Gulf Oil CEO Joe Petrowski told CNBC this morning.

Nope, olds is right on this. Demand means nothing.(only look at the huge loss for Japan for that)

The rapidly falling value of our dollar will keep gas prices up there.

If by chance it really does start falling again-look out.....

[daves87rs]

I don't believe your excuse for this. Sorry. To me, it is clearly an attempt to force people into something.

That only counts if it's based on price. (i.e-like the top model)

If the price is still down there (ie affordable), then that is fine for now.

They might not need the other engine......

[loki]

Nope, olds is right on this. Demand means nothing.(only look at the huge loss for Japan for that)

The rapidly falling value of our dollar will keep gas prices up there.

If by chance it really does start falling again-look out.....

dave i was being sarcastic.. sorry, to waste time.

[ocnblu]

As far as the LED taillights go, do we know for sure that the ridiculous ECO is the only model NOT to get them? Perhaps it is only the top LTZ trim that gets them.

[ZL-1]

Perhaps if there's an LTZ with the eco drivetrain one would get LED tail lights?

[Justin Bimmer]

Wholesale gas prices spiked today. Most of the country will be over $4.25 a gallon in 3 to 4 weeks.... likely all of the country by July 4th.

All that needs to happen is to have the news stories continue about these gas prices.... "and next up, Chevy releases a new mid-size car that they claim can beat the Toyota and Ford hybrid fuel economy"

it was 3.50 at a couple places around here yesterday.think it was still today.

edit: evidently you're wrong olds.... lol

http://www.csnews.co...cnbc-58539.html

The price of oil is likely nearing a top and will fall beneath $100 a barrel by July 4, Gulf Oil CEO Joe Petrowski told CNBC this morning.

Nope, olds is right on this. Demand means nothing.(only look at the huge loss for Japan for that)

The rapidly falling value of our dollar will keep gas prices up there.

If by chance it really does start falling again-look out.....

The gas wholesale price issue is really easy to fix. Stop allowing Banks and other investors to speculate on oil as a commodity. Only allow people who have a direct interest in the commodity speculate on it.

[daves87rs]

Nope, olds is right on this. Demand means nothing.(only look at the huge loss for Japan for that)

The rapidly falling value of our dollar will keep gas prices up there.

If by chance it really does start falling again-look out.....

dave i was being sarcastic.. sorry, to waste time.

Oh-Sorry!

I've been in so many gas debates lately I didn't even notice! My bad!

Wholesale gas prices spiked today. Most of the country will be over $4.25 a gallon in 3 to 4 weeks.... likely all of the country by July 4th.

All that needs to happen is to have the news stories continue about these gas prices.... "and next up, Chevy releases a new mid-size car that they claim can beat the Toyota and Ford hybrid fuel economy"

it was 3.50 at a couple places around here yesterday.think it was still today.

edit: evidently you're wrong olds.... lol

http://www.csnews.co...cnbc-58539.html

The price of oil is likely nearing a top and will fall beneath $100 a barrel by July 4, Gulf Oil CEO Joe Petrowski told CNBC this morning.

Nope, olds is right on this. Demand means nothing.(only look at the huge loss for Japan for that)

The rapidly falling value of our dollar will keep gas prices up there.

If by chance it really does start falling again-look out.....

The gas wholesale price issue is really easy to fix. Stop allowing Banks and other investors to speculate on oil as a commodity. Only allow people who have a direct interest in the commodity speculate on it.

It would be nice JB....

[Blake Noble]

Why is there so much butthurt over what taillights are in this car? This thread and the other one over in the Chevy Cars section is full of non-stop bitching about why this doesn't have LEDs vs. regular bulbs. It could have CFLs and lampshades hanging from its ass for all I care.

That said, my hat's off to Chevy. I really think this latest incarnation of the Malibu is going to stack up well. Yeah, the ECO model isn't a full hybrid model, but I think it's very possible light-footed drivers will see a surprising mpg return with this car.

[carman21]

I just like the technology and the car itself, I hope GM finds a better place to put the battery pack.

[Chris_Doane]

Talked to my engineer friend tonight about the Malibu launch.

The reason we are getting the Eco model first is indeed engine availability. The 2.4L eAssist powertrain is ready to go now. The way he put it, it was simply a matter of "dropping it in" since that powertrain was already in 2 other GM vehicles and the work was done.

I asked him if the 2.5L was simply an enlarged 2.4L...and, well, I'm just going to post the exchange word for word:

Engineer: Oh that is exactly what the engine is, they actually send it to todd's customs, he bores it 5 over and sends it back, then they drop it in

Me: LOL

Engineer: Todd is back logged right now though

Me: I bet

Engineer: so the program got delayed, what a bitch

Sarcasm aside, I asked how much of the 2.5L was new:

"Quite a bit. lots of the components are new, they are doing a lot for FE." He said he thought these new motors would really be competitive.

The other funny thing was that I told him I thought the LED tails didn't look all that good. He wasn't really a fan of them either and said LED tails were never part of the original plan. Marketing said they had to add them in order to be competitive.

[Croc]

This is too funny. Yes, marketing is correct that they need LEDs to be competitive, but design should have known how to do it TASTEFULLY. Morons. It honestly looks like some dumpy middle-aged midwesterner thought "Hey, all the kids like Kanye, Kanye wears light-up LED sunglasses...let's make the taillights look like that!!"

[ocnblu]

Thanks for the update, Chris. I can see a slow ramp-up of sales for the car that way, maybe that's a good thing. Fleet managers and regular people interested in keeping the car past the warranty period should be more interested in the 2.5L.

[z28luvr01]

I prefer the look of the all-red lenses in the LED lights, but I hate it when you can actually see the individual LED bulbs. Most manufacturers that use LED taillights are guilty of this - it makes the lights look like cheap eBay specials. It's actually pretty pathetic considering that GM got it right 11 years ago:

[Chris_Doane]

From talking to him, I get the sense the LEDs might've been quite a late add. They may not have had much choice, from an engineering standpoint, with other aspects of the car long since locked in.

[Nick]

I prefer the look of the all-red lenses in the LED lights, but I hate it when you can actually see the individual LED bulbs. Most manufacturers that use LED taillights are guilty of this - it makes the lights look like cheap eBay specials. It's actually pretty pathetic considering that GM got it right 11 years ago:

Yes, I was just going to post a similar thing. This is a perfect example of getting the LED tails right. There are still some good examples of LED tails out there today, but the ones on the Malibu looks chintzy.

[balthazar]

I've said the same thing more than once WRT the DTS' tails pictured above. Well done & classy AND unique.

[ocnblu]

It is awesome following a Cadillac with LED tails if you're a car geek like me. The uniform, instant red beacons are cool to watch, and they catch your eye so well, they have to be safer. I prefer the Malibu EEK, oh tails to the LTZ ones, though... they do look cheesy when lit.

[Paolino]

Lighting, gauges and wipers are my thing. Let's ignore the wiper thing cause I come off like a freak, but with me. Proper lighting/accents can really make a car pop and stand out. They did so many great little effects on the inside, I'm surprised that's what they did for the LED version of the Malibu's taillamps. I was hoping with some creative pipe lighting or deflectors they could really make it look cool from behind.

The shape of the overall lights is definitely better than what I thought it'd look like.