Four Decades of Data Used to Test 2016 Chevrolet Malibu
Recorded customer use drives durability testing for next-generation midsize sedan
2015-03-11
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DETROIT (Wednesday, March 11, 2015) – Data collected over decades from across the globe is helping ensure the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu can handle the world’s worst roads reliably and dependably, even if the all-new midsize sedan never drives on them.
Data collection boxes placed in real-world driving conditions around the world since 1972 accurately record the harshness and frequency of every jounce, bump, and shudder inflicted on the car on roads in the U.S., Russia, Saudi Arabia and developing markets.
“Although most Malibu owners will never put their car through similar abuse, we test all new vehicles in extreme climates, inclement weather and on punishing road surfaces,” said Dan Devine, Malibu validation engineer. “The 2016 Malibu is definitely up to these challenges.”
Tests like these ensured the current generation Malibu was dependable and durable, two qualities that in turn helped Malibu stand out from its rivals in important quality surveys, such as J.D. Power’s Initial Quality Study and Vehicle Dependability Study.
General Motors engineers analyze the data to calculate the precise amount of damage potholes and other hazards create over 240,000 kilometres. Then the conditions are replicated at GM’s Milford Proving Ground in Michigan on three unique road courses, each riddled with simulated potholes of increasing severity. Engineers run preproduction cars through the course up to hundreds of times.
Additional validation and development tests include logging more than 2.4 million kilometres of driving in controlled environments and on open roads.
The 2016 Malibu also endured some harsh weather through drives in scorching Yuma, Ariz. – which averages 41 oC in July – and sub-zero temperatures at the Cold Weather Development Centre in Kapuskasing, On., which averages a low of -25 oC in January. At the GM Technical Center in Warren, Mich., the Malibu put in several hours in the Climatic Wind Tunnel, where temperatures can be raised to 60 oC or lowered to 40 oC below zero.
The new Malibu also endures a battery of stationary and dynamic tests to simulate abuse well beyond the average lifetime of the car. These tests include:
- A four-post vehicle test which balances each wheel on a hydraulic post that actuates the suspension at high frequency, accelerating the wear on bushings and dampers.
- Door, hood and decklid slams speed up wear on hinges and latches.
- Road durability testing includes extremes such as twist ditches, driveway angles, mud and gravel, high-speed tests, chatter bumps, Belgian blocks and salt spray.
The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu will be available late in 2015 and represents Chevrolet’s commitment to innovation through significant advancements in technology, safety and connectivity.
About Chevrolet in Canada
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, doing business in more than 115 countries and selling more than 4.8 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.ca, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/chevroletcanada or by following @ChevroletCanada on Twitter.
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