2013 Chevrolet Malibu coming with all-new turbo powertrain

Chevrolet has announced pricing and equipment details on the all-new 2013 Malibu and it’s coming with new powertrain options. Today's press release tells us that the mid-size sedan will be offered with a couple of new engines, one being a first-ever turbocharged four-cylinder. With many of the Malibu’s competitors offering turbocharged four-cylinder engines, the new turbo will help Chevrolet stay in the game.

Chevrolet is replacing Malibu’s outgoing V-6 with the all-new turbocharged four-cylinder EcoTec 2.0-liter engine producing 259 horsepower and 260 lb. ft. of torque. Chevy says the new Malibu turbo will go from 0-60 in 6.3 seconds. The new turbocharged 2.0-liter engine will produce plenty of horsepower and deliver better fuel economy over the V-6.

This is the future of engines and Chevrolet needed this offering to stay competitive with the Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Ford Fusion and VW Jetta. Only two trims are available with the turbo four-cylinder engine: the LT starting at $27,710 and the LTZ starting at $30,925.

The 2013 Malibu gets another new engine

The 2013 Chevy Malibu will also be offered with an all-new 2.5-liter EcoTec engine rated at 197 horsepower which is 17 percent more than the previous generation engine. Fuel mileage is expected to be competitive in the mid-30s. The engine will get the latest direct-injection and continuously variable valve timing and will come standard in the LS, LT and LTZ models.

Pricing on the Malibu is announced

The base 2013 Chevrolet Malibu will start at $23,150 in four-cylinder LS trim including a $760 destination charge. The 2013 Malibu 1LT ($24,765) includes a seven-inch color touch screen, Chevrolet MyLink with Bluetooth, USB and auxiliary input, and blue ambient lighting.

The 2LT trim level ($26,000) adds dual-zone climate control and color driver information center. The advanced safety package for 2LT, 3LT, and LTZ models includes Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning.

The 2013 Malibu LTZ ($28,590) is the top trim level. LTZ models come with LED taillights, 18-inch alloy wheels, dual chrome exhaust tips, silver grille insert, fog lamps, eight-way power seats, heated front seats; leather seating, steering wheel, and shift knob and remote start. A rearview camera and a power sunroof are options. A premium package is available on the LTZ and includes passive entry/keyless access, HID headlights, push-button start, as well as a driver’s memory seat and mirrors.

The all-new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu will be in showrooms this summer and the turbocharged variant will be available later this fall. We''ll see how the new Malibu turbo does against some stiff competition in the mid-size segment.