New 2013 Chevrolet Malibu To get turbo engine

Our man Scott Evans is presently at an event learning more about the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, which we’ve written about extensively. We’ve already told you that the 2013 Malibu will launch in ECO trim (pictured) with GM’s 2.4-liter four-cylinder with eAssist engine under the hood, which will be good for around 170 hp for the engine and 15 hp for the electric motor.

About a half a year later, Chevy will roll out its new 2.5-liter Ecotec four for the Malibu (there will be no six-cylinder option) that should make somewhere in the range of 190 horsepower and will likely be capable of more than 30 mpg on the highway. Both engines will be mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

The only unknown so far is if we’ll see a higher-spec Malibu RS/SS model. At the time of our 2013 Malibu deep dive in the Sept. 2011 issue, we speculated about the possibility of a four cylinder turbo version, and GM officials certainly weren’t denying it.

“I’d say, stay tuned,” global chief engineer Mark Moussa hinted at the time. “You may be pleasantly surprised in the future.”

Well now we have half of the turbo equation. Chevy officials have confirmed to Evans that a turbo model is indeed in the offing in about a year from now, likely for the 2014 model year Malibu.

But which turbo? GM has the 220-horsepower, 2.0-liter Ecotec Buick Regal CXL Turbo engine, which could make for a fine Malibu RS. A Malibu SS would require something like the Regal GS’s high-output 2.0-liter turbo, which makes 270 horsepower. We’ve also been hearing strong rumors that an all-new 2.0-liter turbo making somewhere around 270 horsepower is also in development.

Whatever the final engine and trim, the bottom line is a turbo Malibu is coming. Stay tuned, we’ll have more as we get it…