Is there a V8 Chevy Malibu?
Short answer: No. The modern Chevrolet Malibu has never offered a factory V8, and the nameplate was discontinued after the 2023 model year. Power in Malibus has come from four- and six-cylinder engines, with turbo options used in some generations.
To understand the question more fully, it helps to look at Malibu’s engine history across eras. The Malibu name has appeared on GM models dating back to the Chevelle era, where V8 options were available. In the late 1990s through the early 2020s, the Malibu as a standalone midsize sedan focused on smaller displacement engines and did not include a V8. As of 2024–2025, Chevrolet no longer produces the Malibu, so there is no current V8 Malibu in production.
Historical context and engine options by era
Below is a concise snapshot of how engine choices varied across the Malibu’s history.
- Vintage Chevelle Malibu (1964–1972): The Malibu badge could be paired with V8 engines, including small-block and big-block options, as part of the Chevelle lineup.
- Modern standalone Malibu (late 1990s–2023): No factory V8 was offered; the Malibu used four- and six-cylinder engines, with turbocharged four-cylinders appearing in some generations for performance and efficiency.
- Discontinuation and current status (2023 onward): Chevrolet ended Malibu production after the 2023 model year, so there is no current Malibu with a V8.
In short, the Malibu name has historical V8 ties in its Chevelle-era roots, but the modern Malibu never included a V8 and is no longer in production.
Alternatives for V8 power from GM today
For buyers seeking genuine GM V8 power in a vehicle that isn’t a Malibu, the options today include a mix of coupes, sedans, and sports cars. The following are current GM models that offer V8 power.
- Chevrolet Camaro SS — 6.2L V8, delivering traditional GM performance in a coupe/convertible body.
- Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing — 6.2L supercharged V8, a high-performance luxury sedan.
- Chevrolet Corvette — V8 options across several generations, including the latest mid-engine variants.
These models provide the V8 experience within the GM lineup, but none carry the Malibu name in today’s market.
Why this matters for buyers and enthusiasts
For enthusiasts who prize a V8 soundtrack, torque, and straight-line performance, the Malibu’s lack of a V8 means looking to GM’s other performance-focused or luxury-branded models. The Malibu’s identity has shifted toward efficiency and modern midsize practicality, while high-performance V8 power remains concentrated in Camaro, Corvette, and Cadillac’s V-series sedan offerings.
Summary
There is no V8 Malibu in production today, and the modern Malibu never offered a factory V8. The Malibu name has historical V8 associations from the Chevelle era, but the contemporary lineage centers on four- and six-cylinder powertrains. For true V8 power from GM today, consider the Camaro SS, the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, or the Corvette.
