Malibu, Cruze RS hatch SEMA show cars explore personalization possibilities
2016-10-19
DETROIT — Chevrolet previewed the Malibu and Cruze RS hatchback Blue Line concepts today ahead of their Nov. 1 public debut at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
Blending equal parts style, performance and function, they demonstrate the lifestyle and personalization possibilities of the brand’s latest vehicles — all with sophisticated aesthetics. Both of the concept vehicles feature Genesis White exteriors accented with blue-tinted windows and 18-inch concept wheels painted slate blue metallic.
“The Chevrolet Blue Line Series concepts integrate accessories that offer greater personalization choices for customers,” said Roger McCormack, director, Accessories and Performance Parts Marketing. “Each vehicle wears production and concept accessories thematically linked under the Blue Line Series banner. We look forward to gauging public reaction at the SEMA Show and other venues.”
The production and concept accessories were developed in Chevrolet’s design studio alongside the vehicles.
“Chevrolet accessories bring a level of value and peace of mind that can only come from parts that are designed, engineered, tested and backed by the same team that developed the vehicles,” said McCormack. “It’s a level of integration that enhances the sporty appearance of the vehicles.”
Malibu Blue Line
The Blue Line concept combines design accents with performance parts, for a more athletic stance and sporty look.
The Genesis White exterior offers a transitional look, appearing bright white in some light and light gray in other conditions. In addition to the slate blue metallic 18-inch concept wheels, Chevrolet Accessories include:
- Ground effects kit with a rear diffuser
- Black grille insert
- Black Chevrolet bow tie emblems
- Rear spoiler
- Suspension lowering kit
- Floor liners with premium metal badging
- Illuminated doorsills
- Sport pedal kit
The new suspension lowering kit includes springs that lower the ride height 0.4 inch (10 mm) for a sportier stance and more responsive handling. It is designed for models equipped with the available 2.0L turbocharged engine, which is rated 250 horsepower and matched with an all-new, available nine-speed automatic transmission that offers efficiency and refinement enhancements over the previous six-speed automatic transmission.
The concept also features a concept Chevrolet Performance brake kit (painted Harbor Gray Metallic) and additional custom touches that include tinted headlamp and taillamp lenses and polished exhaust tips.
Cruze RS Hatch Blue Line
The Blue Line concept is based on the 2017 Cruze RS hatchback, which adds a functional, sporty and stylish choice to Chevrolet’s lineup.
It also features a Genesis White exterior, blue-tinted windows, 18-inch slate blue metallic concept wheels and the following Chevrolet Accessories:
- Chrome grille insert (available now)
- Suspension lowering kit (available now)
- Performance brake package (available by the end of 2016)
- Performance air intake system (available mid-2017)
- Performance exhaust system (available mid-2017).
Chevrolet’s new performance brake kit is offered for Cruze sedan and hatchback models originally equipped with available 16-inch or larger wheels. It features larger, 11.8-inch-diameter (300 mm) front Duralife vented and slotted rotors and new calipers versus the stock 10.9-inch (276 mm) rotors.
The suspension kit includes springs to reduce ride height by 0.4 inch (10 mm) and a larger-diameter front stabilizer bar that contributes to more responsive handling.
The concept’s black interior features custom satin graphite accents on the instrument panel, shift knob and door inserts, while the sport pedal kit, illuminated doorsills and an interior trim kit are Chevrolet Accessories.
Under the hood, the Cruze RS Hatchback’s standard 1.4L Turbo engine – rated at 153 horsepower – is accessorized with Chevrolet Performance’s air intake kit and performance exhaust system.
The intake kit includes a high-flow air filter and a secondary inlet duct to decrease air restriction, while the performance exhaust is a high-flow system that reduces backpressure for optimal engine breathing and performance. The intake kit includes a calibration (dealer-installed) exhaust system that is 50-state emissions-compliant.
It’s important to note the new-vehicle warranty remains intact when a Chevy dealer installs the accessories and performance parts.
The Malibu and Cruze Blue Line concepts will join approximately 20 additional Chevrolet models at the SEMA Show, Nov. 1-4. Follow the action at ChevySEMA.com, #CHEVYSEMA, @ChevroletPerformance on Instagram and Chevrolet Performance on Facebook.