The Impala has long been one of Chevrolet's most enduring and revered models. In recent years, however, Chevy has seemingly forgotten its past, and slowly ignored the once-proud vehicle.
The Impala is not what it once was.
Chevrolet hopes to change all that. Again.
Available in the spring but billed as a '14 model, the all-new Impala looks to have made some significant strides in reviving its big-car market. Fans of the breed may be surprised at how a decidedly upscale, stylish design with a refined interior can be offered from Chevrolet.
This brings to mind a theme that is apparently swirling around in Chevy circles: international designs. In other words, if Chevy hopes to reclaim its former big-car glory, it needs to be done on a larger scale. The Impala must evolve into a world-class car of sophistication and refinement if it wishes to lead the pack again.
Outwardly, the design offers a sleek and aerodynamic-looking body shape. Up front, a strong grill greets your eye. The styling is streamlined, but still offers a hint of muscle with dual exhaust cutouts, larger wheels, and a slight power dome hood.
Inside, Chevy is finally making some headway in interior design, a department that desperately needed a makeover. No more cheap plastic-looking panels that seem to be borrowed from the shared parts bin. The dual cockpit seating extends into the doors like the Camaro and Corvette, with a natural flow. In not so subtle irony, you could say the Bow Tie brand finally started incorporating a little, uh, bow tie class in their dress.
Electric power steering combined with standard 20” wheels offer a refined ride. It is stylish and sporty, right in line with Chevrolet’s tried and true formula of great, big-car styling yet injected with a new-found international refinement.
Of the three optional powertrains, two are 4-cylinder variants. A 3.6 liter V6 making 303 horsepower is at the top, with the 2.5 liter and 2.4 rounding out the others.
Those searching for a V8 option will have to skip the Impala. A performance 4-door sedan called Chevrolet SS is being released as a limited edition 2014 model. The RWD (rear wheel drive) SS is a true muscle car, not your typical emblem add-on package seen all too often in recent years. Though Impala SS will be missed, the two models are distinctly different with the performance model better suited to a low production run.
The 2014 Impala is indeed a great start in a new era of Chevrolet’s big-car market.
For more information on the 2014 Chevrolet Impala, click here: http://www.chevrolet.com/culture/article/2014-impala-sports-sedan.html
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