Power from the 3.9L V-6 is channeled to the front wheels through the Hydra-Matic 4T65 electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission. It is designed for high torque loads and consistent performance and durability. It also features a manual shift mode and an aggressive 3.69 final drive ratio that enhances the performance driving characteristics of 2007 Chevrolet Malibu SS and 2007 Malibu Maxx SS. Adaptive shift control is used to optimize shift quality during varying driving conditions.

Firmer, more responsive suspension systems elevate the driver's feeling of control and feedback. New springs in the front and rear are stiffer and work with specially valved struts and shocks to increase damping and response. The diameter of the front and rear stabilizer bars has been increased, as well, to help reduce body lean while cornering. Also, a variable-ratio, hydraulically assisted rack-and-pinion steering system provides precise steering feel to create an "on rails" driving experience.

Transferring all the suspension enhancements to the tarmac is a set of 18-inch flangeless aluminum wheels and two available tire choices: an all-season 225/50R18 tire and a "summer only" performance 225/50R18 tire. A larger four-wheel disc brake system with standard ABS is included, featuring 11.65-inch (296 mm) vented front discs and solid 10.63-inch (270 mm) rear discs. A performance-calibrated traction control system also is standard.

As with every vehicle wearing the SS badge, 2007 Malibu SS and 2007 Malibu Maxx SS wear sporty interior and exterior cues that include specific front and rear fascias, monochromatic body side moldings and exterior trim, rear spoilers - unique between Chevrolet Malibu and Chevrolet Malibu Maxx - and 18-inch flangeless wheels and dual chrome exhaust outlets.

The new front fascias incorporate the large and low grille opening, with a black crosshatch grille pattern with gold center Chevy bowtie emblem, projector beam fog lamps, and a prominent "chin" spoiler. The grille surround comes in a platinum finish rather than the chrome surround of other Malibu models. The rear fascias provide a tauter overall look to the vehicles, accenting their performance stance, as well as incorporating cut-outs for the dual chrome-tipped 3.5-inch exhaust outlets.

Four exterior colors are offered: White, Black, Laser Blue Metallic and Silverstone Metallic.

Inside, the vehicles feature SS-specific treatment that emphasizes the performance and upscale touches that are woven into all SS models - a heritage of sportiness and comfort that dates back to the first production SS model, the 1961 Impala Super Sport. Chevrolet Malibu SS and Chevrolet Malibu Maxx's features include:

- All-Ebony interior design theme, including the rear shelf of the Malibu and cargo area of the Malibu Maxx
- New sport front seats with enhanced, leather-covered bolsters, contrasting stitching and sport cloth inserts
- Three-spoke leather-wrapped sport steering wheel with prominent SS badge
- Leather-covered shift knob with contrasting stitching


Chevrolet Malibu SS 2007 and Chevrolet Malibu Maxx SS receive a unique instrument cluster with sport graphics, chrome-ringed gauges and red pointers, and the SS logo. The instrument panel also has a redesigned "PRNDM" display, with the "M" designating the vehicles' manual shift mode.

*Horsepower and torque are SAE certified. A new voluntary power and torque certification procedure developed by the SAE Engine Test Code committee was approved March 31, 2005. This procedure (J2723) ensures fair, accurate ratings for horsepower and torque by allowing manufacturers to certify their engines through third-party witness testing. GM was the first auto manufacturer to begin using the procedure and expects to use it for all newly rated engines in the future.

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