Chevrolet Impala
| Chevrolet Impala | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Manufacturer | General Motors |
| Production | 1958–1985 1994–1996 2000–present |
| Predecessor | Chevrolet Lumina (For post-2000 models) |
| Class | Full-size (1958-1996) Mid-size (2000-present) |
The Chevrolet Impala was, through 1996, a full-sized automobile built by General Motors for their Chevrolet division. The Impala was reintroduced in 2000 as a mid-sized front-wheel-drive car. Ed Cole, Chevrolet's chief engineer in the late 1950s, defined the Impala as a "prestige car within the reach of the average American citizen."
From 1958 until 1965, the Impala was Chevrolet's most expensive full-size car. In 1965, Chevrolet introduced the more-expensive Caprice.
In the late sixties, the Impala was typically positioned just below the top luxury trim, the Caprice, and above the more economical models like the Biscayne or the Bel Air. The Impala, named for a southern African antelope, is most readily distinguished by a pair of three rather than two taillights at its rear. It competed in the market against other full-size cars such as the Ford Galaxie 500 and the Plymouth Fury.
One of both General Motors' and America's most successful auto nameplates, the Impala was often the best-selling automobile in its formative years when full-sized cars dominated sales. The 1965 sales of over one million units still stands as a record. The current version of the Impala is the 8th best selling vehicle (of any kind) and 5th best selling car in the United States and has the distinction of being the top selling American nameplate sedan, according to Reuters Top 20 Best-selling Vehicles Scorecard for the calendar year of 2007.
Impala showcar
The Impala name was first used for the Corvette-based show car at the 1956 General Motors Motorama. Painted emerald green metallic, with a white interior, the Impala featured hardtop styling.
1958–1961
| First generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Production | 1958-1961 |
| Body style(s) | 2-door convertible 2-door coupe 2-door hardtop 4-door hardtop 4-door sedan |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Engine(s) | 235 cid Blue Flame I6 283cid 195-220 bhp Turbo Fire V8 348 W-series Turbo Thrust V8 |
The Impala was introduced in 1958 as a new, upmarket, sporty trim package created for Bel Air coupes and convertibles. Unique to the model were its six taillights, which set it apart from lower trim levels with only two lights on a side. This classic styling cue would become its trademark. The Impala became a separate model in 1959 in both two- and four-door versions and became the best-selling car in the Chevrolet lineup. For 1960, it became the best-selling automobile in the United States and held that position for the next decade. From 1958 until 1966, Impala sales were in excess of 13 million units, more than any other full-size car in the history of the automobile.
 Chevrolet Impala 1958 |  1959 Impala convertible |
 1959 Chevrolet Impala (modified lowrider) |  1961 Impala SS |
1962-1964
| Second generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Production | 1962-1964 |
| Assembly | Arlington, Texas |
| Body style(s) | 2-door convertible 2-door coupe 2-door hardtop 4-door hardtop 4-door sedan 4-door station wagon |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Platform | B-body |
| Engine(s) | 230cid 140 bhp (100 kW) Turbo Thrift I6 283 cid 195-220 bhp Turbo Fire V8 327 cid 250-300 bhp Turbo Fire V8 409 W-series Turbo Thrust V8, 340-425bhp |
| Related | Chevrolet Bel Air Buick LeSabre Pontiac Parisienne Pontiac Catalina/Laurentian Pontiac Bonneville |
The Impala was redesigned on the new GM B platform for 1962. It also had a redesign body styling.
1965-1970
| Third generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Production | 1965-1970 |
| Assembly | Arlington, Texas |
| Body style(s) | 2-door convertible 2-door coupe 2-door hardtop 4-door hardtop 4-door sedan 4-door station wagon |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Platform | B-body |
| Engine(s) | 250 cid 155 bhp (116 kW) Turbo Thrift I6 283 cid 195-220 bhp Turbo Fire V8 307cid 115-200 bhp Turbo Fire V8 327 cid 250-375 bhp Turbo Fire V8 350 cid 250-350 bhp Turbo Fire V8 396 265-425 bhp Turbo Jet V8 409 340 bhp Turbo Jet V8 427 335bhp-425 bhp Turbo Jet V8 |
| Related | Chevrolet Bel Air Buick LeSabre Pontiac Parisienne Pontiac Catalina/Laurentian Pontiac Bonneville Chevrolet Caprice |
Redesigned again in 1965, the Impala set an all-time industry annual sales record of more than 1 million units in the U.S., which has never been bettered.
In 1965, Chevrolet introduced the Impala Caprice. Beginning with the four-door hardtop sedan body, Impala Caprices received unique upholstery, wood grained accents on the dashboard and specialty pulls on the insides of the doors. The Impala Caprice was reintroduced as the Chevrolet Caprice in 1966, taking the top position in the full-size Chevrolet lineup. The Impala however, remained Chevrolet's top-selling model until the late 1970s. The 1967 model was redesigned along the lines of the 1963 Buick Riviera. The Coke bottle shape was strengthened and the curves were biggest with the 1967-68 models. In keeping with Federal regulations, safety features were built into Impalas during the 1967 and '68 model years, including a fully collapsible energy-absorbing steering column, side marker lights, and shoulder belts for closed models. During the 1969 model year, for example, Impala production topped Caprice production by 611,000 units.
Right Hand Drive cars were manufactured in Canada for export to some countries such as Australia, UK etc., until 1969. They used a version of the 1965 Impala dash panel until 1969. Australian models were assembled in Australia from kits as this lessened tax on the cars.
Engine choices included the inline six-cylinder as well as the famous Chevy small-block and big-block V8s.
 1965 Chevrolet Impala |  1965 Impala SS |  1965 Impala SS |
Six-cylinder:
- 235cid Blue Flame 6 (1958-1962)
- 230cid 140 bhp (100 kW) Turbo Thrift 6 (1963-1965)
- 250cid 155 bhp (116 kW) Turbo Thrift 6 (1966-1969)
Small block V8s:
- 283cid 195bhp-220 bhp Turbo Fire V8 (1957-1967)
- 307cid 200 bhp (150 kW) Turbo Fire V8 (1968)
- 327cid 235-375 bhp Turbo Fire V8 (1961-1969)
- 350cid 250-350 bhp Turbo Fire V8 (1969-1980)
- 400cid 255-265 bhp Turbo Fire V8 (1970-1976)
Big block V8s:
- 348 W-series Turbo Thrust V8, 250bhp-350bhp (1958-1961)
- 409 W-series Turbo Thrust V8, 340bhp-425bhp (mid-1961 to early 1965); This engine was immortalized in the Beach Boys song titled "409".
- 396 265bhp-425 bhp Turbo Jet V8 (mid-1965 to 1969); sung about in the song "SS 396"
- 427 335bhp-425 bhp Turbo Jet V8 (1966-1969)
- 454 345-390bhp(1970-1976)
Impala SS
In 1961, the Impala SS (Super Sport) was introduced to the market. The SS badge was to become Chevrolet's signature of performance on many models, though it has often been an appearance package only. The Impala's SS package in 1961 was truly a performance package, beginning with the high-performance 348 in³ (5.7 L) V8 engines (available with 305, 340, and 350 hp (230, 255 and 260 kW)) or the new 409 in³ (6.7 L) V8, which was available with up to 425 hp (317 kW). The package also included upgraded tires on station wagon wheels, springs, shocks and special sintered metallic brake linings. Starting in 1962, the Impala SS could be had with any engine available in the Impala, down to the 235 in³ 135 hp (101 kW) inline-6. With one exception, from this point until 1969, the SS was an appearance package only, though the heavy-duty parts and big engines could still be ordered. From 1962-on, Super Sports were limited to the hardtop coupe and convertible coupe exclusively.
The exception was the Z24 option package available in combination with the standard Z03 Super Sport package. Starting in 1967 through 1969, buyers of Impala Z24s got cars badged as "SS427" models. The SS427 included a heavy-duty suspension and other performance goodies, as well as a Turbo-Jet 427 in³ V8 in either L36 (385 hp 1967-1968 390 hp in 1969) or L72 (425 hp RPO 1968-1969 only. 17 L-72s were rumored to have been built in 1967; however, this has been disputed and none has surfaced as yet). Special SS427 badging, inside and out, was the rule, but few were sold since muscle car enthusiasts were looking toward big-block intermediates such as the Chevelle SS396 and Plymouth Road Runner, which were lighter and faster off the line. From 1968 to 1969, Z24s could be ordered without the Z03 SS package, which meant SS427 equipment but no bucket seats or center console.
The Impala SS could be identified by "SS" emblems on the rear fenders and trunk lid. The Impala SS became its own series (separate model rather than an option package) for 1964. In 1968, the Impala SS once again became an option package. 1967 and 1968 SS427s got a special domed hood and body emblems, and the 1968 model featured "gills" on the front fenders in front of the wheel opening, possibly to remind people of its Corvette cousin. In 1969, the Impala SS was available only as the Z24 (SS427), coming exclusively with a 427 in³ V8 of 335, 390 or 425 hp (317 kW). This was the final year for the Impala SS until 1994.
1969 was the last year that the Impala SS was offered with the Z24 package, but the only year in which front disc brakes and 15-inch (380 mm) wheels were standard; that made the 1969 SS427 better than the previous version. Although the 427 was replaced by the 454 in³ Turbo-Jet V8 in 1970, the SS option was gone. Thus, the 1969 Impala SS427 got the best of both worlds, which is why it is so valuable and is often cloned today.
1971-1976
| Fourth generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Production | 1971-1976 |
| Assembly | Arlington, Texas |
| Body style(s) | 2-door convertible 2-door Sport Coupe (hardtop) 2-door Custom Coupe (formal hardtop) 4-door hardtop 4-door sedan 4-door station wagon |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Platform | B-body |
| Engine(s) | 454 345-390 bhp V8 350cid 250-350 bhp Turbo Fire V8 400cid 255-265 bhp Turbo Fire V8 |
| Transmission(s) | 3-spped manual (standard, 1971-1972 on all six-cylinder cars), Turbo-Hydramatic (optional 1971-1972 on six-cylinder cars; standard on V-8 powered cars from mid-1971 onwards) |
| Related | Chevrolet Bel Air Buick LeSabre Pontiac Parisienne Pontiac Catalina/Laurentian Pontiac Bonneville Chevrolet Caprice Oldsmobile 88 |
In 1971, the redesigned full-size B-body would be the largest full-size car ever offered by GM. However, the 1970s marked the impact of the 1973 energy crisis. Gasoline prices doubled between 1973 and 1979. Industry car sales plummeted 20 percent between 1973 and 1974, and for the first time in recent history, annual passenger car travel in the U.S. actually declined. The Impala's sales dropped to 176,376 units in 1975, the weakest since its introduction in 1958. In spite of the large size of these cars, an Econominder gauge package was offered on 1975 and 1976 models to keep track of gas mileage. Station wagons replaced the swinging tailgate with an unusual design where the back window retracted into the roof, which was abandoned on the subsequent redesign.
While still very good cars, these Impalas had some notorious reliability issues. The appearance of a large crack in the dashboard when exposed to the sun's rays was jokingly referred to as the "Mark of Excellence" by some owners. The windows would sometimes leak, including the back window leaking into the trunk. Many different car makes of the era were plagued by these same maladies though.
The 1972 introduced a "gaping" grille which extended below the bumper. The large size was partly because of federal bumper rules which required 5 mph (8.0 km/h) impact protection beginning in 1973, and the rear in 1974.
Powertrains consisted of V8 engines only, offered with 350, 400, or 454 cid; however, the long-familiar six-cylinder engine continued to be standard on two-door hardtop coupe and four-door pillared sedan models through the end of the 1972 model year. Beginning in 1972, all engines were designed to run on unleaded gasoline. Catalytic converters were introduced in 1975. High Energy Ignition, or HEI, debuted on the 75 models as well, although it is said HEI was installed on some 1974 cars. The Impala convertible model was dropped after 1972, and continued as a Caprice until 1975.
Several new options were offered for the first time in 1975. In addition to the Econominder gauge package, new options included intermittent wipers and a divided 50-50 bench seat (with a choice of sport cloth or vinyl trim). Also in 1975, the dashboard, radio and climate control graphics were revised; the speedometer read up to 100 mph, and had smaller numbers for kilometers per hour.
Although the "Super Sport" model was long since discontinued, two special models were offered:
- A "Spirit of America" package. Offered in 1974 on hardtop coupe models, this was primarily a trim package featuring special white body paint, a white vinyl top, sports-styled dual remote outside rearview mirrors, special wheel covers, optional rally rims (sourced from the Chevrolet C10 truck, painted white), a vinyl bodyside molding insert, and pinstriping and interior trim in either red or blue. The interior trim also included color-keyed seat belts and floormats. Special fender badges (along with one on the dashboard) announced the package to passengers or passers-by.
- A "Landau" model, for 1975-1976 models (and carried over into the late 1970s and 1980s). Like the "Spirit of America" package, this was primarily an appearance package. The model featured a choice of special paint colors, sports-styled dual remote outside rearview mirrors, color-keyed wheel covers, a landau vinyl roof (with chrone band across the roof), a vinyl bodyside molding insert, and pinstriping. Inside there were color-keyed seat belts and floormats. Fender and dashboard emblems rounded out the package.
1977–1985
| Fifth generation | |
|---|---|
| Production | 1977-1985 |
| Assembly | Arlington, Texas |
| Body style(s) | 2-door coupe 4-door sedan 4-door station wagon |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Platform | B-body |
| Engine(s) | 229 V6 231 V6 1977-1979 250 in³ L6 1980-1982 267 in3 V8 1977-1985 305 in³ V8 1977-1979 350 in³ V8 1980-1985 Olds 350 dieselV8 |
| Transmission(s) | 3-speed automatic 4-speed automatic (optional, 1981-1985) |
| Wheelbase | 116 in (2946 mm) |
| Related | Chevrolet Caprice Chevrolet Bel Air Pontiac Safari Pontiac Bonneville Pontiac Parisienne Pontiac Catalina/Laurentian Oldsmobile 88 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser Buick LeSabre Buick Estate Cadillac Fleetwood Cadillac Brougham |
The changes in the automobile marketplace resulted in Chevrolet redesigning the Impala once again in 1977 to meet changing demands. The new downsized Impalas were shorter, taller and narrower. The new Impala's frame was a shortened version of the one introduced in 1971 and would be utilized until 1996 when the B-body production line was shut down. The Impala was typical of smaller, lighter (even more so than the 1977 Chevelle), and more fuel efficient full-size American cars. Even with its smaller dimensions, the new Impala featured increased headroom, legroom and trunk space.
Production of the downsized model increased substantially versus 1976, and the Impala regained the number one US sales position. The redesigned 1977 Impala/Caprice was named Motor Trends car of the year.
No convertible models were offered. Pillarless hardtops were also discontinued, the result of rumors of Federal rollover standards looming in the near future. The relatively rare 1977-1979 coupes did have a double bent tempered rear window much like the Monte Carlo Aerocoupe.
Engine availability was reduced in 1977 when the v-six was introduced with 110 SAE(net)hp. Other options included 267cid and 305cid V8 engines. The 350cid V8 engine was optional in some years. Oldsmobile's 350cid V8 diesel engine also was available.
In 1980, a slight facelift took place, although the body style remained the same, and all the sheetmetal was changed. From 1980-1990, all GM B-bodies shared similar doors that can be replaced by removing model-specific trim pieces.
Although the Impala (and the upscale Caprice) sold well into the early 1980s, the Impala was more of an entry-level vehicle along with fleet usage - especially with law enforcement. The Impala was discontinued in 1985, while the Caprice continued unchanged until 1990. The Caprice received a major redesign in 1991 and continued until 1996.
1994-1996
| Sixth generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Production | 1994-1996 |
| Assembly | Arlington, Texas |
| Body style(s) | 4-door sedan |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Platform | B-body |
| Engine(s) | 5.7 L LT1 V8 |
| Transmission(s) | 4-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase | 115.9 in (294 cm) |
| Length | 214.1 in (544 cm) |
| Width | 77 in (196 cm) |
| Height | 54.7 in (139 cm) |
| Curb weight | 4221 lb (1914 kg) |
| Related | Chevrolet Caprice Buick Roadmaster Cadillac Fleetwood |
In 1991, the GM B platform was extensively redesigned, though it retained the same shortened frame design of the 1977 redesign.
The Impala SS badge was resurrected at the 1992 Detroit Auto Show as a concept car designed by GM designer Jon Moss. The concept car was two inches lower to the ground than the regular Caprice, and was powered by a 8.2L engine. Eventually, the concept car's motor was replaced with a 5.7L engine derived from the corvette.
The 1994 Impala SS went into production 14 months later at GM's plant in Arlington, Texas, and was almost identical cosmetically to the concept car, the only noticeable change being the chromed bowtie logo on the grill (vs a red logo on the concept). The car was, in essence, a high-performance version of the Caprice. From a mechanical standpoint, it used the Caprice 9C1 police package as its base and as such got most of the equipment formerly available only to law enforcement and government agencies. This included a sport-tuned suspension with reinforced shocks and struts, a high-capacity upgraded reverse flow cooling system, larger and more powerful four-wheel disc brakes, transmission cooler, dual exhaust, a higher-output electrical system, and other minor mechanical alterations. Not all of the police equipment was carried over however, as the Impala SS did not get the external oil-to-air engine oil cooler, nor were all the body mounts secured (the standard Caprice and Impala SS were assembled at the factory with the front 3 body mounts missing one of the rubber cushions, while the 9C1 was assembled with all rubber cushions in place), although both are popular aftermarket additions to the Impala SS by their owners.
The Impala SS was uniquely fitted with a standard 3.08 limited-slip rear differential and suspension that was an inch lower. A retuned LT1 5.7 L small-block V8 was standard on the Impala SS, making 260 hp (190 kW) and 330 ft·lbf (447 N·m) of torque. The primary difference between the LT1 in the Impala and the LT1 that was in the Corvette and Camaro was that the Impala engine was fitted with cast-iron cylinder heads instead of aluminum ones, and a camshaft that was designed more for low-end torque than high-end horsepower. Another difference was that the Impala LT1 had 2 bolt main bearing caps while the Corvette LT1 had 4 bolt main bearing caps. The transmission used in the car was the 4L60E, which was itself an upgraded and revised version of the previous 700R4. However, the transmission was not beefed up for the power of the LT1, and transmission failures after 100,000 miles (160,000 km) were commonplace.[citation needed]
Several other cars in the B-body line also shared a similar powertrain: these were the Chevrolet Caprice, Buick Roadmaster, and the Cadillac Fleetwood which all shared the LT1 engine and 4L60E automatic transmission.
Cosmetically, the Impala SS received body-colored trim, which helped reduce the sometimes "bloated" look of the standard Caprice, a unique single-bar grille with no hood ornament and, a rear deck spoiler. It was fitted with 17-inch (430 mm) brushed aluminum wheels with 255/50ZR17 tires. Inside, the car came with a central console with cup holders (1994 and 1995 models) and a storage compartment, leather seats embroidered with the Impala SS logo, and a standard leather-wrapped steering wheel.
For the 1994 model year, it was available only in black with a grey interior. Due to a shortage of the unique 5-spoke aluminum wheels (manufactured by ROH in Australia), only 6,303 cars were sold. However, the wheel shortage was remedied for the 1995 model year and 21,434 cars were sold. In 1995, Dark Cherry Metallic and Dark Grey Green were added as exterior color options, and the body paneling on the rear quarter panel was altered to reflect the cosmetic effect formerly achieved by a window insert. 1996 was the last year of production with 41,941 units sold. The 1996 Impala SS production went late into the model year; some being produced as late as December 17, 1996. It saw minor interior alterations, with the digital speedometer being replaced by an analog one, along with a tachometer. The shifter was moved from the column to the center console, and the engine was given an OBD-II computer control system (the camshaft was reground to adjust for the new computer).
The entire B/D-body line, consisting of the Chevrolet Caprice, Impala SS, Buick Roadmaster and Cadillac Fleetwood, was discontinued by General Motors, as GM wanted more assembly lines to be able to produce more profitable SUVs. Another fact was that the Caprice was the only B-body with a market share since fleet sales to law enforcement outnumbered sales of all other B-bodies.
2000-2005
| Seventh generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Production | 2000-2005 |
| Assembly | Oshawa, Ontario, Canada |
| Body style(s) | 4-door sedan |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Platform | W-body |
| Engine(s) | 3.4 L LA1 180 hp (130 kW) V6 3.8 L L36 200 hp (150 kW) V6 3.8 L supercharged L67 240 hp (180 kW) V6 |
| Transmission(s) | 4-speed 4T65E automatic 4-speed 4T65E-HD automatic |
| Wheelbase | 110.5 in (2807 mm) |
| Length | 200.0 in (5080 mm) |
| Width | 73 in (185.5 cm) |
| Height | 2000-02: 57.5 in (1460 mm) 2003-05: 57.3 in (1458 mm) |
| Curb weight | 3,465 lb (1,572 kg) |
| Related | Buick Century Buick Regal Chevrolet Monte Carlo Oldsmobile Intrigue Pontiac Grand Prix Buick LaCrosse |
The Impala name was "resurrected" for the 2000 model year to replace the mid-size Lumina. It was built at the Oshawa Car Assembly in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. Unlike the earlier Impalas, this one was front-wheel drive and was available with two V6 engines. This car was based on the GM W platform. A new Impala SS with a supercharged V6 was brought out for the 2004 model year.
The Impala was available in two trim levels from 2000 to 2002. The base model came equipped with cloth bench seats, the 180 hp 3.4 L LA1 V6, and a 3-gauge instrument cluster. The LS came factory-equipped with cloth bucket seats upgradeable to leather with center console and floor shift, color-keyed "Impala" door scripts and trunk badge, anti-lock brakes, traction control, keyless remote entry, integrated foglamps, 4-gauge instrument cluster, and the 200 hp 3.8 L L36 V6. Options available on all models included a sunroof, OnStar system, rear decklid spoiler, Driver Information Center with built-in HomeLink system, heated power front seats, and 16 inch 1990s SS-inspired wheels. All options found or available on the LS were available on the base model. All models came equipped with power windows, door locks and mirrors.
In 2003, Chevrolet introduced the LS Sport appearance package. Added to the LS model, it offered a 6-gauge cluster, front bumper extension, color-keyed tail light panels and a chrome exhaust pipe tip.
The 2004 to 2005 Impala SS came equipped with the 3.8 L supercharged L67 V6 engine. It was rated at 240 hp (180 kW) and had been previously used in the Pontiac Grand Prix GTP, Buick Regal GS and Pontiac Bonneville SSEI. Although the vehicle was discounted as not being a 'true SS', the lightweight supercharged sedan was actually quicker than the 1990s Impala SS, with 0-60 mph times pushing 6.5 seconds compared to the earlier models' 7.1.
Police Package
Also released with this version were the Police Package and Undercover Police Package, named 9C1 and 9C3, respectively. Available only to law enforcement, it has had more success than its predecessor, the Lumina 9C3. The 9C1 was basically a base model with a stronger suspension and the 3.8 L V6 engine. It was only available in a few basic colors. Another addition was the "SURV MODE" switch which replaced the fog light switch found on the LS. This enabled the driver to turn off all lights in the vehicle and "hide"; something not allowed with the civilian models as automatic headlights were standard. The 9C3 was comparably equipped to the 9C1, but the ability to add other convenience options and more paint and interior choices set the 9C3 apart.
2006-2009
| Eighth generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Production | 2006-2010 |
| Assembly | Oshawa, Ontario, Canada |
| Body style(s) | 4-door sedan |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Platform | W-body |
| Engine(s) | 3.5 L LZE V6 3.9 L LZ9 V6 5.3 L LS4 V8 |
| Transmission(s) | 4-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase | 110.5 in (2807 mm) |
| Length | 200.4 in (509 cm) |
| Width | 72.9 in (185.2 cm) |
| Height | 58.7 in (149.1 cm) |
| Curb weight | 3,674 lb (1,666 kg) |
| Related | Buick LaCrosse/Allure Chevrolet Monte Carlo |
The 2006 Impala was introduced at the 2005 Los Angeles Auto Show, resembling a Caprice. Like the Buick LaCrosse, this model uses the updated GM W platform. The base engine is a 3.5 L V6 producing 211 hp (157 kW). The new Impala features new taillights, different from the four-circle style of the previous generation. The most notable news about the model, though, is the SS model's use of the Generation IV small-block V8 in a front-wheel drive Chevrolet for the first time, and the first V8 in a Chevrolet sedan since the 1996 Caprice: the new 5.3 L V8 (with Displacement on Demand, now called Active Fuel Management or AFM) produces 303 hp (226 kW). With the use of the 5.3L LS4 V8, the Impala SS is capable of a 5.6 second 0-60 mph time and a quarter mile time of 14.2 seconds traveling at 101 mph. The car is 200.4 in (509 cm) long, 58.7 in (149.1 cm) high, and 72.9 in (185.2 cm) wide. Available trim levels are LS, LT, LTZ and the aforementioned SS.
Also updated are the 9C1 & 9C3 trim levels for Police Package models, which do not have the civilian SS's 303 hp (226 kW) V8 engine available, but instead use the 3.9L V6. The reason for this is that the Police Sedans utilize the SS radiator and cooling system as an upgrade from the standard 3.9L engine (used in the Impala LTZ). GM did not wish to design a specific radiator and cooling system to equip to a low-production V8 police vehicle. Also, the heavy-duty steel wheels were not redesigned, and as such, the Police Sedan uses the original center caps or the older style wheel covers. A factory spoiler is an available option, and cruise control and a CD player are standard.
The interior has been completely redesigned. The 2006 Impala featured a wood trim center console with chrome accents on all major control buttons. The dashboard featured a chrome Impala logo embedded in the wood grain trim that runs across the front of the vehicle and onto the doors. The new control knobs found throughout the vehicle's cockpit are similar to those found in the new Buick models as well as the Cadillac DTS, all of which feature a similar center console. Another interior revision is the location of the cupholders, which are now concealed beneath the mid-section of the vehicle's center console.
2007
The Impala receives several new colors, and an AFM-equipped 3.9L V6 for 2007, as well as a Regency-outfitted "Impala RSS". The RSS will include more aggressive rims, front/rear bumper and rocker panel extensions, a BMW M-inspired spoiler and various interior upgrades. The 9C1 and 9C3 models receive an aluminized interior trim instead of the standard wood grain.
Impala in NASCAR
In 2007, the Impala began to replace the Monte Carlo on the NASCAR stock car racing circuit; more specifically, on all the scheduled racing events where NASCAR has mandated the use of a car with different (and some) new specifications, better known as the Car of Tomorrow, it was recently announced that in 2008 the Impala will be the only Chevrolet nameplate on the NASCAR Circuit.
2008
The Impala receives the FlexFuel feature seen in other GM vehicles on the LS, LT, LTZ, 9C1 and 9C3 models. The SS retains the same drivetrain and does not receive the FlexFuel feature due to the high performance nature of the powertrain. The Police Sedans receive the FlexFuel feature to compete against the Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor, which also received a similar feature allowing it to utilize E85. Also, the 9C1 and 9C3 begin coming equipped with an external trunk lock tumbler. Neither feature is available to the civilian version of the car.
50th Anniversary Edition
To commemorate the 50th year of Chevrolet Impala, a special 50th Anniversary Edition goes on sale in Spring 2008. Based on the Impala LT, it adds the following:
- FE3 Sport Suspension (replaces the FE1 Touring Suspension)
- Four-wheel ABS
- Eighteen-inch alloy wheels (replaces 16-inch wheels)
- Rear spoiler
- "50th Anniversary" Impala badge on the C-pillar
- Two-tone, leather-trimmed seats and "50th" logo embroidered on the front headrests
- Eight-way power-adjustable driver seat (replaces six-way adjustability)
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel with accent-color thread (includes audio controls)
- Ebony carpet
- Ebony floor mats with accent threading
- "50th" Anniversary emblem on the sill plates
- Two premium exterior colors: Black Granite Metallic or Red Jewel Tintcoat
Awards
The Impala was selected as the 2006 and 2007 Fleet Car of the Year by Automotive Fleet and Business Fleet magazines and won the 2006 CAA Pyramid Award for Environmental Initiatives for the launch of its new Ethanol Powered E-85 model.
Future
The Impala is reported to be getting a heavy redesign for the 2010 model year, with sales expected to begin in Spring of 2009. What isn't clear is exactly what platform it will switch to, however. Most reports say it will be transferred to the rear-wheel drive Zeta platform alongside the new Camaro as well as the Pontiac G8 and a possible, yet unnamed large sedan for Buick. If that's the case, the 2010 Impala will likely mirror the Pontiac G8's engine and transmission offerings, with V6 and V8 models, and presumably a high performance model, with a Corvette V8 to carry the Impala SS name on into the future. The Chevrolet Impala would be constructed at the current Oshawa, Ontario plant that W-Body cars are built in.
Other, more recent reports, however, have the Impala transferring over to the Epsilon II platform, joining the Buick LaCrosse, which makes this change in 2009, Saturn's Aura, which switches in 2011, despite being introduced to the U.S. Market for 2008, and eventually, Chevrolet's own Malibu, which switches to that platform in 2013 (the Pontiac G6 has other plans for 2013.) Those recent reports do not name that car either Impala or Malibu; referring to that car as, "A large, front-drive sedan for Chevrolet." No production plant is announced for the Epsilon II platform at this time.
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