Here are the facts about the vehicle in this photo, which could be a test-mule for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu SS: there’s testing hardware, elongated exhaust (which can be used for emmisions test purposes) and performance tires/wheels. There’s one more thing: the turbo spooled up as it passed our camera vehicle.
It sounds good.
Like the current Chevrolet Malibu Turbo, if this is the test-mule for thew 2016 Chevrolet Malibu SS, it may have a modified version of engine that’s in the slick Buick Regal GS. The current Malibu Turbo has the same 259 horsepower, turbocharged/intercooled, DOHC 16-valve, 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 295 lbs-feet of torque that’s in the GS.
If the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu SS hopes to be competitive, it will need to put out a lot more horsepower than the current Malibu Turbo. If GM tunes the 2.0-liter turbo to exceed 300 horsepower (it is capable of more power) it will have a competitive chance. The same goes for handling, which is (currently) mid-level.
Mind you: this is all pure speculation regarding this test vehicle. One thing we know is that it IS a test-mule and it moves/sounds like the Buick Regal GS (like the ones Roman and I tested). If nothing else, it poses some interesting questions like:
- Like the Buick Regal GS, will the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu SS have the Hyperstrut system?
- Are those the same wheels that grace the Buick Regal GS?
- Will there be an AWD variant?
- Can GM keep the price down so the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu can under the V6 competition?
All worthy questions.
Speaking of the Buick Regal GS AWD…
