Chevrolet Impala

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Chevrolet Impala

Manufacturer:	General Motors
Production:	1958–1985 1994–1996 2000–present
Assembly:	Arlington, Texas (1994-1996) Oshawa, Ontario, Canada (2000-present)
Predecessor:	Chevrolet Lumina (For post-2000 models)
Class:	Full-size
Body style:	2-door convertible 2-door coupe 2-door hardtop 4-door hardtop 4-door sedan 4-door station wagon
Platform:	FF W-body (2000–present)
Related:	Buick LaCrosse Chevrolet Monte Carlo Pontiac Grand Prix

The Chevrolet Impala is an automobile built for the Chevrolet division by General Motors. 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". For many years, the Impala was the best-selling automobile in the United States, and its 1965 sales of over one million units still stands as a record.

Beginning in 2007, the Impala will begin to replace the successful 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.

1 Impala showcar
2 1958–1970
- 2.1 Impala SS
3 1971–1985
4 1994-1996
5 2000-2005
- 5.1 Police Package
6 2006-present
- 6.1 Awards
7 2007
8 2009
9 Trivia
10 References
11 External links

[edit] Impala showcar

The Impala name was first used for the Corvette-based show car for the 1956 General Motors Motorama. Painted emerald green metalic, with a white interior, the Impala featured hardtop styling.

[edit] 1958–1970

First generation

Production:	1958-1970
Layout:	FR layout

The Impala was introduced in 1958 as a new up-level, 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. It was named for a southern African antelope. 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. In 1965, the Impala set an all-time industry annual sales record of more than 1 million units, which has never been bettered.

1959 Impala convertible

1959 Chevrolet Impala (modified street rod)

1965 Chevrolet Impala

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. A one-year model, the Impala Caprice was reintroduced as the Chevrolet Caprice in 1966, taking the top position in the Chevrolet lineup. The Impala however, remained Chevrolet's top-selling model until late 1970s. During the 1969 model year, for example, Impala production topped Caprice production by 611,000 units.

The 1971 redesign introduced the largest Impala. The Impala's chassis would not be this extensively changed again until the introduction of the 2000 Impala. The Impala would remain Chevrolet's best-selling model until 1977.

[edit] Impala SS

1968 Chevrolet Impala custom at the weekly Garden Grove, California, car show on April 16, 2004.

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. 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, right down to the 235 in³ 135 hp 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 or L72 variations. Special SS427 badging inside and out were the rule, but few were sold, since muscle car enthusiasts were looking toward big-block intermediates like the Chevelle SS396 and Plymouth Road Runners, which were lighter and subsequently faster off the line. Interestingly, Z24 cars 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 trunklid. The Impala SS became its own series (separate model rather than an option package) for 1964. In 1968, the Impala SS once more became an option package rather than having its own model. 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 only available as the Z24 (SS427), coming only with a 427 in³ V8 of 390 or 425 hp. This was the final year for the Impala SS until 1994. Another plus is that the 1969 Impala SS was the last year it came with the Z24 SS427, but the only year where front disc brakes became standard equipment, along with 15 inch wheels, which made the 1969 SS427 better then its 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 today.

[edit] 1971–1985

Second generation

Production:	1971-1985
Layout:	FR layout
Platform:	GM B platform
Engine:	262 in³ V6 350 in³ V8
Transmission:	3-speed automatic (1971-1985); 4-speed automatic (optional, 1981-1985)
Similar:	Dodge Diplomat Ford LTD Ford LTD Crown Victoria

The 1970s showed a change in the American view of the automobile. The impact of the 1973 energy crisis on the industry was dramatic. Gasoline prices doubled between 1973 and 1979. Industry car sales plummeted 20% between 1973 and 1974, and for the first time in recent history, annual passenger car travel in the U.S. actually went down. The Impala's sales dropped to 176,376 units in 1975, the weakest sales year since its introduction in 1959. The car had some notorious reliability issues, such as a large crack which would appear in the dashboard. Impala owners jokingly referred to it as the "Mark of Excellence" since like the GM logo, it was on virtually every car.

This change in the automobile market resulted in Chevrolet redesigning the Impala once again in 1977 to meet changing demands. The new Impalas were shorter in length, taller in stature and narrower. The Impala embodied the new image of the full-size American car — smaller, lighter, and more efficient. Even with its trimmer 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. Unfortunately there were no hardtops or convertible in the new Impala, as all cars were pillared sedans.

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 eventually discontinued in 1985.

[edit] 1994-1996

Third generation

Production:	1994-1996
Body style:	4-door sedan
Layout:	FR layout
Platform:	GM B platform
Engine:	5.7 L LT1 V8
Transmission:	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
Similar:	Ford Crown Victoria

1994-present Chevrolet Impala logo

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 John Moss, and received lavish praise of media and auto enthusiasts alike. In fact, the show car had been so well received that it was put into production almost exactly as the designer of the car had intended, the only noticeable cosmetic change being the "bowtie" logo on the grille was chrome in the production cars vs. red in the concept. However, a major mechanical difference was the concept car had a GM Performance Parts 8.2 L engine, which was impractical for production. It was replaced with the 5.7 L LT1 engine used in the Chevrolet Corvette, Camaro, and Pontiac Firebird. The 1994 Impala SS went into production 14 months later at GM's plant in Arlington, Texas.

The car was a high-performance version of the Caprice, and is often regarded as one of the best all-around cars that General Motors ever produced. 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 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 and 330 ft·lbf (447 N·m) of torque. The main 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. The transmission used in the car was the 4L60-E, which was an enhanced version of the TH700R4 four-speed overdrive automatic transmission. The 4L60-E was enhanced with a lockup torque converter and electronic shift control.

Several other cars in the B-body line also shared a similar powertrain: the Caprice wagon, the Buick Roadmaster wagon, and the Cadillac Fleetwood all shared the LT1 engine and 4L60-E transmission.

One surprising aspect of the performance of the 1990s Impala SS was its handling. Being a rather heavy (4200 lb) and large car, handling would not appear to be the car's forte. However, its improved suspension tuning, lowered stance and wide high-performance tires made the car handle surprisingly well.

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, a rear deck spoiler, and for 1994, a rear quarter panel window insert that bore the Impala logo. It was fitted with 17 inch brushed aluminum wheels, which wore some surprisingly wide 255 mm Z-rated 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.

The Impala SS proved to be one of GM's most successful limited-edition vehicles ever. 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, only 6,303 cars were sold. However, the wheel shortage was rememdied 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 formally achieved by a window insert. 1996 was the last year of production with 41,941 units sold. The 1996 Imapala SS production went late into the model year; some being produced as late as Dec 17,1996. It saw some 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 mechanically, the car now used the OBD-II computer system.

The entire B/D-body line, consisting of not only the Caprice and Impala, but the Caprice wagon, Buick Roadmaster and Cadillac Fleetwood, was discontinued by General Motors, as they wanted more of their assembly lines to be able to produce SUVs, which were more profitable for GM. Another fact was that the Caprice was the only B-body with a market share since fleet sales to law enforcement outnumbered sales of other B-bodies.

Today, 1990s Impala SSs retain a great deal of popularity and devotion among owners and enthusiasts, more so than many comparable vehicle models with such a limited production run. Several clubs across the United States and in other countries are centered around the Impala and related B-body vehicles. The Impala and its cousins are often modified by many of their owners, who take advantage of the powerful Corvette-derived engine and large size of the vehicle. Some modifications may include turbocharged or supercharged engines, bigger wheels and tires, louder sound systems, and unusual paintjobs.

[edit] 2000-2005

Fourth generation

Production:	2000-2005
Layout:	FF layout
Platform:	GM W platform
Engine:	3.4 L LA1 V6 3.8 L L36 V6 3.8 L supercharged L67 V6
Transmission:	4-speed 4T65E automatic 4-speed 4T65E-HD automatic
Wheelbase:	110.5 in
Length:	200.0 in
Width:	73.0 in
Height:	57.3 in
Curb weight:	3465 lb
Related:	Buick Century Buick Regal Chevrolet Monte Carlo Oldsmobile Intrigue Pontiac Grand Prix
Similar:	Dodge Intrepid Ford Taurus Toyota Camry

The Impala name was resurrected for the 2000 model year to replace the 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.

Rear view of the 2002 Chevrolet Impala

This generation of the Impala (as well as the next generation) became a sales success, with 290,259 units being sold in 2004, and became the best-selling large sedan. It was available in two trim levels from 2000 to 2002. The base model came equipped with cloth bench seats, the 175 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 tip.

The 2004 to 2005 Impala SS came equipped with the 3.8 L supercharged L67 V6 engine. It was rated at 240 hp, and had been previously used in the Pontiac Grand Prix GTP, Buick Regal GS and Pontiac Bonneville SSEI. Even though 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 1990s model's 7.1.

[edit] Police Package

2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala 9C1 of the Prince George's County, Maryland Police Department.

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 much beefier 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 foglight 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.

[edit] 2006-present

Fifth generation

Production:	2006-present
Layout:	FF layout
Platform:	GM W platform
Engine:	3.5 L LZE V6 3.9 L LZ9 V6 5.3 L LS4 V8
Transmission:	4-speed automatic
Wheelbase:	110.5 in.
Length:	200.4 in (509 cm)
Width:	72.9 in (185.2 cm)
Height:	58.7 in (149.1 cm)
Similar:	Dodge Charger Ford Five Hundred Toyota Camry

The 2006 Impala was introduced at the 2005 Los Angeles Auto Show. Like the Buick LaCrosse, this model uses the updated GM W platform. The base engine is a 3.5 L V6 producing 211 hp. 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 car for the first time: the new 5.3 L V8 (with Displacement on Demand) produces 303 hp, making it one of the most powerful production front-wheel drive vehicles in the world. 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' 303 hp V8 engine available, much to the disappointment of law enforcement, but instead will use the 3.9 L V6, as that engine does not have Displacement on Demand, and is more suited for the power-to-weight ratio and handling advantages. This car was panned by the critics and Impala fans who expected the second generation front-wheel drive Impala to have a more aggressive look.

The interior was also completely revised. The 2006 Impala featured a new wood trim center console with chrome accents on all major control buttons. The dashboard features a chrome Impala logo embedded in the wood grain trim which 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 whom feature a similar center console. Another interior revision are the cupholders, which are now concealed underneath the mid-section of the vehicle's center console.

[edit] Awards

The 2006 Impala was selected as Fleet car of the Year by Automotive Fleet and Business Fleet magazines [1] [2] and the 2006 CAA Pyramid Award for Environmental Initiatives for the launch of its new Ethanol Powered E-85 [3][4].

[edit] 2007

The Impala receives several new colors, and an AFM-equipped 3.9 L 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.

[edit] 2009

The Impala will be heavily redesigned for either the 2009 or 2010 model year, with sales beginning sometime later this decade. It will be transferred to the GM Zeta platform alongside the new Camaro.

[edit] Trivia

In the Disney and Pixar film Cars, Ramone is based on a 1959 Impala lowrider. The voice of Ramone is provided by Cheech Marin who drove a 1964 Chevrolet Impala in the 1978 movie Up in Smoke.
Actor and comedian Tim Allen once owned a 1996 Impala SS with a custom-mounted LT5 engine.
Detroit-based rap group Slum Village was featured in ads for the 2006 Impala.
1964 Impalas were popular with West Coast rappers in the early 1990s, as they were featured in several music videos.
The murderer of Notorious B.I.G. was in an Impala when he fired the shots that killed his victim. [5].
The red convertible used in the movie Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is a highly optioned 1971 Impala, although it is often mistaken for a Caprice. Full-size Chevrolet convertibles changed to the Caprice Classic in 1973, but aside from the name, they were still the same car essentially.
The 1971-76 Impalas were the largest produced to date.
There was a 1967 Chevrolet Impala (black) used in the television series 'Supernatural'.
The cover of the Weird Al Yankovic album Straight Outta Lynwood features Yankovic standing in front of the rear end of a 1967 Chevrolet Impala, even though the album describes it as a 1977 Impala.

[edit] References

Gunnell, John, Editor (1987). The Standard Catalog of American Cars 1946-1975. Kraus Publications. ISBN 0-87341-096-3.
Biel, John (2005), "A Glass Half Full: The Story of the 1958 Chevrolet", Collectible Automobile, vol. 21, no. 6, pp. 8-23.