The Chevrolet Impala has been around for many years, with the first generation sprouting as a 1958 model. After taking a couple of breaks here and there, Chevrolet’s full-size car is in its ninth generation and it’s beginning to show its age.
Nine generations breeds a variety of engine options, but the current Impala model is powered by a choice of two engines: a 3.5L V6 engine producing 211hp and 214 lb-ft of torque and a 3.9L V6 engine delivering 224hp and 240 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. The mid-level trim comes with Active Fuel Management which shuts off half of the engine’s cylinders in order to improve fuel efficiency. The Impala can now get 14-18mph city and 21-29mpg highway.
The ninth generation Chevrolet Impala went on sale back in 2006 and since then, the model has remained virtually unchanged, but things are about to change as Chevrolet is currently testing the next generation Impala. Our spy photographers have already caught the new Impala during its first test run and even though it’s heavily camouflaged, it still looks quite promising.
Compared to the current Impala, the future model seems to be sportier, borrowing a few few design cues from the Camaro, especially the nose and grille inserts. The interior also seems to be better equipped than the current model with a stitched dash, aluminum accents, and a large nav screen.
The next gen Chevrolet Impala will be built on the LWB version of the Epsilon 2 chassis and will be offered with a new range of engines, including a 3.6 liter V6 engine and a new 2.0 liter turbo four-cylinder. An E-assist model may also follow after the launch.
The new Chevrolet Impala will be put into production in January 2013. GM will likely build the Impala at their Oshawa plant and Hamtramck.
You might have wondered exactly why the latest Transformers trailer was aired during the Daytona 500. Well, apart from the NASCAR race being one of the most watched sporting events in the US, the new trailer was aptly aired during the race because of a partnership between the movie and the racing series.
If you had no idea before, then let this new trailer be your introduction to three new robots that will be featured in the third installment of the blockbuster movie franchise: they’re Chevrolet Impalas dressed up as NASCAR race cars that also happen to be Transformers.
Until now, no names or affiliations – word has it that they’re one of the good guys – have been given for these three racing robots, but whatever their allegiances are, it’s still pretty cool to see some US-bred NASCAR racers in the movie.
The movie hits theaters on July 1st, 2011, making it another four-month wait for ardent fans of the franchise. And if you’re fans of NASCAR like we are, there’s another reason – or three – to anxiously wait for the movie’s release. Until then, check out the new Transformers trailer and keep a sharp eye out for those bad-ass NASCAR Transformers.
Every time a new Transformers movie is being made, we can pretty much expect director Michael Bay to have a couple of new toys added to the cast of robots already present in the movie.
For the third installment of the blockbuster franchise, Bay went out of his way to have a few stock cars in the flick, dressed in NASCAR livery and packing some serious ammunition. All in all, three NASCAR racers have been added to the movie, although there have been conflicting reports with regards to which side of the fence they belong on.
Some folks have been led to believe that the NASCAR-dressed Chevrolet Impalas would be on the Decepticon’s side playing the role of the Stunticons, three psychotic robots that form together to create the Menasor. On the flip side, recent rumors have surfaced that the three robots are Autobots and will be called the Wreckers.
Wherever their allegiances lie, we’re nevertheless excited to see some NASCAR representation in the movie. We’re not sure how the racing series is going to take it - especially if these three end up being Decepticons - but we’re pretty sure that they’re happy getting the free publicity.
The Detroit Automaker has announced today that they will be recalling a total of 322,409 2009 and 2010 model Chevy Impalas due to concerns regarding the safety belt.
GM will inspect a small group of vehicles whose front seat belt webbing may not have been properly secured to the pretensioners. This suspected defect will cause the seat belt anchor to fail during a crash – not good news to Impala owners at all. Dealers will be called upon to inspect both front seat belt mechanisms and, if necessary, re-install the defective parts. GM claim they know of no injuries or deaths relating to this condition – yet. Impala customers will be notified by October 25, 2010 to bring their cars in. Of course necessary repairs will be conducted free of charge.
This is the fourth installment of a major recall this year, following Toyota dropping bombshells regarding the Matrix and Corolla, Lexus LS,Prius, and, of course, BMW Motorcycles with faulty braking systems. Is it just us or are the world’s automakers playing corner-cutting Russian Roulette with their customers’ lives?
Like in all of its previous years, the 2011 Impala continues to combine fuel efficiency and fuel options with roominess and popular standard features. For 2011, it will be offered in three trim levels: LS, LT and LTZ retail models.
Also for 2011, Chevrolet is offering a new Luxury Package that includes: front bucket seats with leather-appointments, front passenger six-way power seat adjuster, flip-and-fold-flat rear seat, bose premium eight-speaker audio system, one-year subscription of XM Radio, new inside auto-dimming rearview mirror, new Universal Home Remote, new outside heated power-adjustable mirrors and a rear spoiler. All models are available with 16-, 17- and 18-inch wheel designs.
The LS and LT models are powered by a 3.5 liter V6 engine that delivers 211 HP and 216 lb.-ft. of torque and also offers E85 FlexFuel capability. The LTZ models is powered by a 3.9 liter V6 engine that delivers 224 HP and 235 lb.-ft. of torque (319 Nm).
