Yahoo Autos Junkyard Gem: 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx SS
When the Chevrolet Malibu got moved to the Opel-derived Epsilon platform for the 2004 model year (making it a first cousin to the Saab 9-3 in the process), The General decided to make a five-door hatchback version known as the Malibu Maxx. Production of the Maxx continued just through 2007 and buyers weren't much interested in a midsize hatchback (Chevrolet's first since the Corsica), so these cars are tough to find in junkyards today. I'd been keeping a lookout for the very rare Malibu Maxx SS for a few years when I finally spotted this gutted '06 in Denver.
The ordinary Malibu Maxx got a 201-horsepower High Value V6 displacing 3.5 liters, but the SS received the mighty 3.9-liter LZ9 version. This very compact 60-degree V6 generated 240 horsepower and featured variable valve timing — very unusual for a pushrod engine.
The Maxx SS also came with a stiffer suspension, cool-looking wheels, hydraulic power steering instead of the electric type in the regular Malibu, and SS badges all over the place.
A manual transmission would have provided a great deal of driving fun, but the LZ9's 240 pound-feet probably would have snapped regular axle shafts like Mr. Salty pretzels. All post-1983 Malibus sold in the United States have had two pedals mandatory, sorry to say.
