Spied: is this the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu SS Caught in the Wild?

Chevy Malibu SS '16 spy shot

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…

Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism - Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum.  His words, good humor and videos are enjoyed worldwide.
Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism – Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum. His words, good humor and videos are enjoyed worldwide.