I think its a great looking car, a definite improvement over the existing one. And the weight loss is great too. A too small displacement base turbo engine for the size/weight of the car is likely to bring serious buyer remorse in terms of real world fuel economy vs. the advertised figures (which is all the manufacturers care about, lets face it), just like with the Ford Fusion 1.5 turbo. Obviously this is the way things are going though.
I've read that the eight speed transmission is already in use in the 2015 Corvette, and will be used in future in the ATS, CTS, Camaro etc. Not sure I'd buy one until seeing if GM gets it right, including the programming. It will be interesting to see what the car reviews say as, like Chrysler reviews, the way the transmission works will be looked at closely.
I'm guessing Malibu sales are likely to increase, however mostly from trade ins of GM vehicles, not conquest sales.
