Special Chevrolet Malibu Celebrates 110th Birthday

American car manufacturers are drifting further and further away from the traditional sedan. But in Asia, people still appreciate this traditional body shape, and the Chevrolet Malibu seems to be one of the more popular models in countries like China. The Chevy Malibu has been suffering from declining sales in recent years, and the famous brand is set to come to an end in 2024, but that hasn't stopped Chevrolet from bringing out a brand new special edition in China. Just last month Chevrolet launched the updated 2022 Chevy Malibu XL in China, and now it has introduced the 2022 Chevy Malibu XL Special Edition, a car that celebrates the 110th anniversary of the GM brand.

To celebrate this momentous occasion, Chevrolet treated the Malibu to some sporty touches that highlight the attractive shape of this midsize sedan while paying tribute to the brand's rich racing heritage. The 2022 Chevy Malibu Special Edition is based on the top-of-the-line Redline trim level and adds an exclusive Carbon black package that includes sharper lower body molding, and a more aggressive front bumper design.

At the back, the Malibu Special Edition gets a mean-looking diffuser, and a rear spoiler finished in a carbon look. The most obvious exterior change is the black stripe running down the center of the car. Carbon-look door mirrors and a set of 18-inch wheels wrap things up. To remind passers-by that this ain't no ordinary Malibu, a 110th-anniversary plaque adorns the rear fenders.

Under the hood, this special edition doesn't disappoint: Chevrolet's 2.0-liter turbocharged LSY four-cylinder engine kicks out 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, which it sends to the wheels via a smooth nine-speed automatic transmission. Only 1,100 of these 2022 Chevy Malibu XL Special Edition cars will be offered to the Chinese public (which has already bought 870,000 ninth-generation Malibu vehicles) at a price of 219,900 Chinese Yuan (around $34,500). Don't expect this cool-looking version to come to the US.