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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. Video: Chevrolet Presents its New Lineup in Creative Fashion
Chevy revealed a very cool commercial that highlights the coolest models it has unveiled in the past few months, including the Sonic, Spark, Impala, Corvette Stingray and Volt. There’s no need to tell you, but from all these models the new Stingray is our favorite, but the 2014 Impala is also pretty sexy model too. The idea behind this commercial is that Chevy is offering a model for anyone out there; you just need to dare go and find the one that suits you best. What we cannot understand is what the heck the robo-dog is doing in there. Then again, much like blue jean commercials, car commercial don’t make sense, so who knows! Chevrolet’s motto for the new commercial is also pretty direct: "With the best lineup of vehicles ever, we believe ingenuity can do the impossible. So why just go from A to B when imagination can take you everywhere?" 1963 Chevrolet Impala SS "Mystery Motor" 
If we were to say the name “Robert Glenn Johnson Jr” not many people, besides hardcore NASCAR fans, would know who we are talking about. However, mention the name Junior Johnson and “Mystery Motor” and nearly every NASCAR fan knows what we’re talking about. If you haven’t figured it out, Robert Glen Johnson Jr and Junior Johnson are the same person. The Mystery Motor refers to Junior Johnson’s most famous car, which was a 1963 Chevy Impala SS with an extremely rare Mk II engine. This engine was a very limited production model that was wedged between the Mk I 438/409 engine and Mk IV 427 engine. This engine only saw roughly 50 total units produced, though some claim there were only 18 ever produced, making it one of the rarest GM engines ever built. Shortly after these engines went out to various Chevrolet drivers, Chevy pulled the plug on its race sponsorship and the owners of the cars were stuck with modifying and fitting the engines themselves. Junior Johnson’s Mk II 427 wound up being the most powerful built at the time and resulted in a total of seven wins, nine pole positions, 13 top-5 finishes, and 14 top-10 finishes in just 33 races in the 1963 season. Its overall power and rarity earned it the name “Mystery Motor.” Following the 1963 season, Chevy had began production of the Mk IV 427, rendering the Mystery Motor ineligible for NASCAR competition and reducing Johnson’s win total to less than half the following year. If you have ever wanted to own a piece of automotive and NASCAR history, this is your chance, as RK Motors Charlotte has put Johnson’s 1963 Impala SS up for sale, Mystery Motor and all. Click past the jump to read our full review. Full story 2015 Chevrolet Impala SS
The SS (Super Sport) name was first used back in 1961 and since then, it has become Chevrolet’s signature of performance on many models. Back then, the Impala was in its fourth generation and the SS version brought an amazing power increase of 305 - 425 HP, depending on the version. Now, the tenth generation Impala is on the horizon, changing its focus from being a once feared muscle car to a plain and simple family car, but the SS model will still be there to tickle the fancy of practicality and performance. The future, standard Chevrolet Impala was just unveiled at the 2012 New York Auto Show, so we expect to see the SS version launched sometime by the end of the year or in early 2013. The new SS should follow the same guidelines set in the previous models, so expect to see a V8 engine with an output of up to 450 HP cradled under that family sized hood. In terms of design, the new Impala SS will receive a modified bumper, new grille, new side skirts, a new set of wheels, an SS badge, and some new red paint. Report: No All-Wheel Drive for 2014 Impala We are all just becoming accustomed to the fact that the Impala will no longer be just a rental car beater, as Chevrolet has completely redesigned it and actually made it a competitor in the full-size car market and Chevy’s already trying to shoot itself in the foot. When Chevy began leaking out information about the 2014 Impala, we all assumed it would have an all-wheel-drive option, even though GM said nothing about it during the official unveiling in New York. This became even more obvious when we found out that it will be based on the Epsilon platform, which is the same platform that the AWD Cadillac XTS and AWD Buick LaCrosse are based upon. To our surprise, we learned from our friends at GMInsideNews.com that Chevy has zero plans of offering an AWD version of the Impala in either the near or distant future. Chevy actually made the brash and unfounded statement that all-wheel-drive vehicles are only a small part of the full-size car market. Actually that statement is downright false, to some experts. Paul Lacy of IHS stated last year that by 2015 AWD sales will account for nearly 30% of all automotive sales. Then again, if GM doesn’t want to take an industry expert’s opinion, it can look at sister company Cadillac. In 2009 and 2010 nearly one-half of all CTS sales were AWD models. Add in the fact that all of the main competitors to the Impala, including the Charger, Taurus, and 300, all have at least an optional AWD system. We don’t know exactly why Chevy is not planning on an AWD offering for the Impala and we honestly think that they are taking a step backwards at the worst possible time. When you first release a vehicle you don’t want to cut out an item like AWD, which is an important purchasing point for undecided shoppers. The undecided shopper is the one you need to reel in and things like AWD make that a possibility. Bad form, Chevy. 2014 Chevrolet ImpalaThe Impala was once a feared muscle car that could also haul around the entire family, but things have changed since the 1960s and automakers are more focused on economy and emissions. This means that the once legendary Impala has become a family car, plain and simple. In 2014, Chevy is completely revamping the Impala in an attempt to keep it fresh and it is slated to be revealed at the 2012 New York Auto Show. Like many automakers this year, Chevy just can’t resist releasing information early. Chevy has released all of the specifications and even some nice images of the anticipated production model. No more teasers guys, this is supposedly the real deal. From the looks of it, the best-selling full-size sedan in 2011 is looking to reclaim that crown with this redesign. The redesign itself is rather drastic for Chevy’s standards, so prepare yourself. Then again, some of the standard features — engine, transmission and safety features — are pretty average and not surprising at all. 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. With sedans like the Dodge Charger, Ford Taurus and Nissan Maxima sneaking up on it, can the Impala pull off the feat or repeating as a best seller? Updated 11/23/2012: Chevrolet just announced its flagship new sedan, the 2014 Impala, will go on sale in the spring of 2013 at a starting price of $27,535, including an $810 destination charge. All of the 2014 Impala’s pricing is listed after the jump. UPDATE 02/25/13: Our Canadian readers will be happy to know that Chevrolet has finally priced the Impala in your currency. At a base price of $28,445, customers can treat themselves to the 195-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder. If they want a V6, they’ll have to shell out $32,945 for LT trim and $39,645 for the LTZ trim. Check out the full review after the jump to see if the 2014 Chevrolet Impala has the goods to remain the best seller in America. Full story Video: NASCAR robots featured in latest Transformers adYou 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. NASCAR Transformers spotted on Transformers 3 set
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. GM Recalls Defective Impalas 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? 2011 Chevrolet Impala
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). Press release after the jump. Full story
Video: For the love of God, please don’t launch your car over a toll boothWho knew that toll gates could become instruments for flying cars. We didn’t think so, either. But apparently, somebody does, and this video will show you how you can take a Chevy Impala and launch it without any Hollywood gimmickry. The only thing you need to do is be intoxicated, as this female driver clearly was at the time of her stunt-driving audition. After leaving the Dallas-Forth Worth International Airport, the driver decided that paying for the toll wasn’t something she was willing to do, so instead of having to scamper around her bag for loose change, she decided to just jump the damned thing. Unfortunately, the jump wasn’t all that high as the car clipped the booth instead. On the other hand, both the driver and the booth operator escaped the incident without any serious injuries. We know the kind of behavior that people display while they are intoxicated and, while some of those behaviors are relatively harmless, launching your car over a toll booth isn’t one of them. So we strongly advise anybody to exercise caution, just roll your car through the toll, and pay the fee. | Chevrolet Impala latest reviews:Find us on Facebook | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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