It's a prototype so I suspect it'll be cleaned up a bit but on the whole I think it's looking pretty good right now. I like the current gen but a major model change is definitely required to stay competitive. Compared to the whole 200 conversation... this is looking like it's attempting to shoot for first even if it doesn't make it. I do like some of the more stylish aspects drawing from the Camaro. It's another way to approach the mid-size sedan that we haven't really seen quite as much... Hyundai has gone for swoopy, Kia did teutonic like hard lines, this is going for some Americana influence... the only new midsizer to not try something interesting is VW this time around.
I'm glad to see some spice this area.
Also kudos for 4 cylinder only and a 7 speed DCT. Is this really coming from GM?
Well, probably cause this is nothing like the 200. The 200 was an incredibly valiant attempt to take an existing car that was no where near (being kind) a class leader, and make it competitive. Nothing more. THey knew they couldn't get it into the top of the class with the time and money they had, so they did the best they could with what they had, while working their butts off on the REAL new 200, which will be out in a year and a half.
The Chevy is a full redesign. Brand new car. If they shoot for anything other than first place, they are just not trying hard enough. The last Malibu was a good car, earning a spot on the Car and Driver 10 best list and always selling well for GM. The next one needs to be a lot better. The last one showed that GM could be serious in the category. The next one actually has to really challenge the Camcord in the sales race. GM sure has it's work cut out for them.
