2006 Chevrolet Malibu Review

Specifications

Chevy Adds Three More SS Models to 2006 Lineup

From the multi-million dollar Advanced Technology display, showcasing GMs global efforts in developing fun, practical, and environmentally-friendly vehicles, the biggest of the Big Three switched gears for the New York International Auto Show earlier this year.

The show, which regularly takes place at the Jacob Javits Center in the Big Apple, highlighted GM muscle power through a variety of performance-oriented Chevrolets.

Chevy claims that 2006 is the year in which it will resurrect the SS nameplate, one famed as the designation for its high-performance machines during the 60s and 70s. Vehicles such as Camaro, Chevelle, and El
Camino featured the Super Sport badge, packing big cubes with gobs of tire-smoking torque, but in the years since the oil embargo and power-crippling emissions were implemented, Chevrolet has seemingly defiled the legendary name with weak-kneed machines.

As of late, things are starting to look up for the SS name and its values. The 205-horsepower supercharged Cobalt SS is a respectable performer and Chevy finally gave the SSR the power its hot-rod looks deserved by dropping the new Corvettes LS2 V8 under the hood. Elsewhere, the lackluster supercharged V6 Impala and Monte Carlo SS have been replaced by an all-new V8-powered version, which offers big cubes, but iffy performance from their front-wheel drive layout.

The latest additions to the SS family, which just debuted at the New York event, include the Malibu SS and Malibu Maxx SS. This duo, however, might make a true fan of the famed double-consonant designation seriously question the scruples of Chevrolets marketing team. The big change with the Malibu is the addition of the new 3.9-liter “3900″ V6, which features variable valve timing for its OHV pushrods. This mysterious layout (why not use the DOHC motor from the LaCrosse?) makes a less-than-impressive 240 horses and 241 lb-ft of torque, especially when compared to many competitors on market with more in their less flashy base V6 trim (even the bread and butter Camry is expected to offer its 280-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 as an option next year). The new SS is also linked to a four-speed automatic transmission, which is hardly state of the art.

Also included in the SS package is a special body kit with monochromatic sport fascias, black-out grille, fog lamps, a rear spoiler and dual exhaust. The SS includes special suspension tuning as well, which stiffens the stock cars floaty ride, while massive 18-inch chromed alloy wheels replace the stock undersized wheel and tire package. Inside, ebony sport buckets are matched to a special three-spoke steering wheel, and a leather-wrapped shift knob. Exciting stuff!

GM will also be offering the 3900 in the Pontiac G6 GTP, which will be available with a six-speed manual gearbox in addition to the automatic. It appears that the components that back up the SS name are no longer an SS exclusive.

Chevrolets other addition to the SS lineup will come in the form of a tarted- up Trailblazer, which without doubt emphasizes the sport in sport utility vehicle. While enthusiasts may question how this large and heavy midsize SUV could be a true SS vehicle, it certainly deserves it more than the Malibu as it packs a retuned version of the Corvettes LS2 V8 engine. On that note the announcement of the Trailblazer SS is not surprising, being that the reworked Chevrolet SSR, which also utilizes this engine for 2006, is based on the Trailblazer platform, making the tie-up a match made in heaven.

With 390 horsepower, 395 lb-ft of torque and optional road-tuned all-wheel drive, the Trailblazer SS is capable of rushing from standstill to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds, which is fairly impressive for a vehicle of this size. Whats even more impressive is that this SS has a suspension system that was tuned on one of the worlds best performance proving grounds, Germanys famed Nurburgring racetrack.

It wont be as nimble as the racy Cobalt SS, but with a ride height thats been lowered by 1.0 inches up front and 1.8 inches in back, twin-piston calipers clamping 12.8-inch front discs, and GMs StabiliTrak stability control system, this Trailblazer will make light work of any road.

The Trailblazer SS loses none of the regular models practicality, retaining a 6,000-lb payload, and the ability to comfortably transport five in style.

Outside, the SS receives monochromatic paint for its sportier front and rear fascias, and it rides on chrome-plated 20-inch wheels, wrapped in wide 255/50WR20 performance rubber.

Inside, SS accents such as a T-bar shifter handle, aluminum interior details, special door sill plates and French stitching on the upholstery, brighten up what is otherwise a somewhat dated cockpit.

With the addition of these three models, Chevrolet will bring the total of SS-badged vehicles from five up to eight. While some offer the guts to back up the nameplate (Trailblazer SS), Chevrolet still hasnt quite proven to the public that all of its nominations are worthy of the legendary double-S insignia (Malibu SS). Expect to see these two cars hit showrooms late this summer. Pricing has yet to be announced, but expect it to be competitive.