[SCarFan]

Yeah, I'd take the Impala as it is. I know it's not a sports car, but I have a performance-oriented car right now, and I rarely get to exploit its potential. There aren't any decent driving roads or tracks around here, so that potential just goes to waste. My commute times get longer with each passing year, and the Impala would certainly be a nicer commuter car than my Subaru.

GM's timetable annoys me. Does it mean there will be a new Impala or Impala replacement in 2009 as a 2010 model? Or in 2010 as a 2011 model? Or in 2011 as a 2012? It's almost impossible to know if the years they give are meant to be calendar years, or model years.

I believe there is room in GM's lineup for a more sporty, slightly more radical Zeta-based sedan, the new Malibu, as well as an Impala-like vehicle. Again, the drivetrain and styling distinctions will be key here.

I do not see the current Impala suddenly becoming uncompetitive with the arrival of the new Malibu. Like I said, I wouldn't be all that surprised if the Malibu struggled against the current Impala. The Impala was significantly refreshed for 2006, and I believe it can live up to caldendar year 2010/model year 2011 while putting up decent sales numbers.

Isn't the Oshawa plant down to one car line right now? Maybe GM is planning to continue production of W-body cars alongside a Zeta sedan line. The idea being that the Zeta model would be different enough from the W-bodies/current Impala that they could peacefully coexist.