2006 Chevrolet Malibu SS Preview

Chevy wants to make it so that every kid – old or young – dreams of driving a Malibu. And as hard as that may be to accept, the latest introductions to the never-ending lineup of Chevrolets – the SS versions of the Malibu and Malibu Maxx – just may win more than a few recruits. Along with the new 2006 TrailBlazer SS, these Malibu variants bring the Chevrolet SS total to eight members, a family that includes cars and trucks with at least some performance heritage. The idea of marketing high performance variants of commonplace cars has been around for a while with mostly positive results, so Chevy is milking the formula for all it’s worth as it scrambles for sales in a competitive marketplace. Here's hoping that the Malibu SS is a hit in the minds of shoppers. With more performance, exterior sex appeal and interior upgrades, the Malibu SS sedan and Malibu Maxx SS hatchback are at least improvements over their mainstream equivalents. In the end, however, the question that burns is this: Can I rent that Malibu SS from Avis?

Overview

Sad but true – a Malibu SS just don't seem to strike the same chord as a Dodge Charger SRT-8. And maybe, on the road, they aren't supposed to – but special performance cars such as these really earn their keep in marketing dollars and the reflected glow of their sex appeal. However, it seems unlikely that many Malibu shoppers would be inclined to pay extra for more performance. Similarly, shoppers looking for a mainstream performance ride probably won’t be too interested in the 2006 Malibu or Malibu Maxx SS.

Pricing

Production of the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu SS and Malibu Maxx SS is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2005. When these vehicles make their way to dealerships, bank on limited numbers. Pricing will be announced closer to production time, but consider: sticker price for the top trim of the Malibu and Malibu Maxx runs a little more than $24,000. Given that, it’s easy to imagine GM selling the SS versions for just under $30,000.

Performance

Chevrolet's newest Malibu SS models are equipped with a 3.9-liter V6 that delivers 240 horsepower and 241 lb.-ft. of torque. General Motors claims that 90 percent of the engine’s peak torque is available from 1,800 to 5,800 rpm. The engine is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode and adaptive shift control. Performance upgrades include a sport-tuned suspension.

Design

Appearance changes include SS-specific front and rear fascias, with blacked-out crosshatch grille patterns, larger grille openings, projector beam fog lamps, rear spoilers, and dual chrome-tipped 3.5-inch exhaust outlets. SS models also get monochromatic exterior moldings and trim, 18-inch wheels and an SS-specific ebony interior with ”gun metal” trim accents. SS models also have sport seats with larger bolsters, a new three-spoke leather-wrapped sport steering wheel and a leather-covered shifter knob.

Wrap-Up

By adding more power, along with interior and exterior upgrades, Chevrolet has nicely spiced the Malibu and Malibu Maxx. As a marketing device, it may well infuse these mainstream vehicles with some enthusiasm. And if the price isn’t too much more, the SS could make an ordinary ride a little extraordinary. Photos courtesy of GM