RWD Chevy Impala?

"Unlike the Grand Prix, which is being pitched as a mildly tweaked version of the all-new Australian-designed and engineered Holden Commodore slated to make its debut at the Chicago Auto Show in February, the new Impala will feature unique sheetmetal from bumper to bumper.

A rear-drive Impala is a logical move for Chevy. It allows GM to increase the Impala's size, making it a clear step up from the all-new Malibu due next year. It also allows Chevy to offer a mainstream car with powertrains of more than 300 horses, including a range of V-8s. Finally, it provides a foundation for a two-tier Chevy range, composed of front-drive small and medium-size cars and rear-drive larger cars.

Building a new Impala off the Zeta architecture also will enable GM to spread some of the investment required for the Camaro across two model lines, as the cars will share mechanicals and numerous sheetmetal components under the skin. That eases the pressure on the Camaro to return the same profit margins Ford needs to justify building the Mustang, which shares few parts with any other FoMoCo vehicle.

Final decision on the new Impala's styling isn't likely until next year. But the car will feature Chevy's bold new corporate grille and an interior that builds on the substantial improvements in quality and presentation shown by the new Tahoe and Suburban."

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smshnick - 10/26/2006 10:07:39 PM

+1 Boost

ummmm.....does anyone care about this article?

EL34i - 10/26/2006 10:57:40 PM

-13 Boost

A smart person would buy a used Chevy Impala instead of a new Lexus LS 460 and use the excess change to finance several purchases of ImClone and HP stock.

With its understatedly robust interior and appointments, the Impala has always been more upscale than any Lexus sedans and is a testiment to superior American luxury automotive design.

rom64 - 10/26/2006 11:01:31 PM

+7 Boost

Somebody please down boost EL34i's comment. As ridiculous as it is, i dont think i need to explain why.

Thank You

rocker - 10/26/2006 11:04:12 PM

+4 Boost

People have the right to their opinion. Also the more attention you pay to them, the worse they get.

S4cabriofox - 10/26/2006 11:09:40 PM

-5 Boost

Nope, that's too smart a move for GM. They wouldn't do something that obvious.

EL34i - 10/26/2006 11:29:52 PM

-7 Boost

I find that the 300C approaches an almost Lexus-like level of gaudiness in its design. I can't imagine myself driving around my superficial, self-important real estate clients in anything that isn't of German origin.

carfan3 - 10/27/2006 8:43:55 AM

+1 Boost

I think the sides and back look good; however, the front doesn't say Impala to me.

BavarianMotorrad - 10/27/2006 10:41:21 AM

-2 Boost

I browse this site periodically and see that Will comments on every post (Lexus seems to be the reoccuring theme). How/why do you have some much time on your hands? Get a life!

Neverfollow - 10/27/2006 12:15:58 PM

0 Boost

Good looking car. The grill might be a little overstated as it makes the car look too much like the trucks (this from an Audi guy). The rest of the design is very tastful. The big V8's and rear wheel drive would give it the right weaponry to go up against the likes of the 300C but the car could use a little more bling somewhere to appeal to the same croud as a 300C buyer. The 300C sells well because is LOOKS like it should cost way more than it does. From that starting point, DC adds high performance variants and a look that seems to take to customization very well. Even in rental car livery, a 300C still looks cool! The Impala would need to offer giant wheels and a lowered suspension to have the "right" look. I definitely feel that this is a good direction for Chevy to take. Note to Bob Lutz: Drop the truck grill and give it something more sinister. Play with different grill materials such as glossy black paint, Chrome, and brushed aluminum to see what different kinds of looks the car can have. Don't limit yourself to just horizontal lines, try wire mesh (CTS-V), egg crate and other patterns. The rear 3/4 view looks spot on but could maybe use a diffuser between the tail pipes to break up such a large rear bumper. The shoulder lines are very nice! I'm not sure I like the openings behind the front fenders however. Maybe it's just the execution but larger flared fenders might be a better choice than the 80's era IMSA look. Besides, it would give the whole car more of a sensuous coke bottle shape which is part of your design DNA anyway. Just watch the shut lines in that area, they can be a bear in mass production.

neutral - 10/27/2006 12:24:55 PM

0 Boost

A RWD impala would be cool, but the question is how would it compete against its main competitors (Accord, Camry, Sonata, Fusion) GM is, after all, out to make money and in this segment, high-end performance usually gives way to reliability, comfort, and especially utility. Just about all RWD vehicles are awful to drive in the snow (GM knows this, they are based in Michigan). If GM makes the impala RWD, they need something in the same market segment that is FWD and is a bit sleeker looking like the comepetition listed above. Quality and value wise, (current model), the impala is a great deal. GM has no room to loose any sales in the market.

Also, Wilco, what are your reasons for never buying a GM vehicle? (I'm not asking this to be sny, I'm just curious. I always ask people about their brand reservations)

carfan3 - 10/27/2006 12:47:39 PM

+1 Boost

it would not compete with Accord, Camry, Sonata, Fusion anymore. that is what the new malibu is will be for.

MtlMotors - 10/27/2006 1:35:53 PM

+1 Boost

As a cop, would you rather be riding in this or a Charger?

CBR2200 - 10/27/2006 3:37:13 PM

+1 Boost

Save for the Z06, this is the only bowtie to peak my interests in a decade.

Neverfollow - 10/27/2006 4:03:56 PM

+2 Boost

I think this would make a much cooler cop car than a Charger