Impala: Past, Present, Future?

[FenwickHockey65]

My vision for the Impala:
On an extended Epsilon II platform, competing with the Avalon. Have the Malibu handle what it was designed to compete with, the camry and accord. There's a whole thread about our ideas for the Impala, whether it be FWD or RWD.

[eurohazard]

I love Impalas. My favorites are 1960, 1958, 1963, 1964, and 1996 in that order. Going FWD was a weird move.....but hopefully GM will continue to make it work.

[Pinnacle]

Originally Posted by mgescuro

If/when Pontiac dies... the G8 can become the Impala.
Then there's no issue.

Impala, no matter how maligned it is today, sells decently.

But yes... a nice RWD car would be perfect; however, it would be too close to G8.

Pontiac is not going to die, ever never ever ever.

[SAngelo]

This does seem like a dilemma for the Impala. Right now, i think they should spend some money on modifying the current W-body platform so it can accept the 6 speed, 3.6 etc. Also make the necessary changes to the platform so it has a tighter turning circle. Just make the necessary improvements to make the car more competitive.

I would also make changes to the interior (dash) to make it more upscale (navigation screen option) and for the exterior, I would change the grille to the new chevy grille and also make changes to the rear. They can ride this car for a few more years and by then GM will have a clearer picture on where to go with the Impala. This will give them the time to bring out the new Cobalt which will be world class, modify the Malibu a little bit to maybe accept Nav, and any other changes.

Come on GM !!!!!

[benroethig]

Originally Posted by mgescuro

If/when Pontiac dies... the G8 can become the Impala.
Then there's no issue.

Impala, no matter how maligned it is today, sells decently.

But yes... a nice RWD car would be perfect; however, it would be too close to G8.

I have to agree with you partially here. The Impala as was being designed was on the long wheelbase WM version of statesman. Why not take a step down the ladder to the short wheelbase VE? Just give the VE a refreshed look to match the traverse and Malibu, have the new Impala also replace the Lumina in the middle east, and build all the Left hand drive SWB zetas in Oshawa.

[knightfan26917]

Originally Posted by GMusa

I still see a RWD Impala coming.. just watch!

*nods*

That certainly would be nice...and a welcome departure from the Celebrity/Lumina/impala from 2000 to the present.


Another cool article, BigAl!



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[2005 Equinox LS]

Why would GM want to risk the Impalas selling status by making it RWD? Most people I talk to dont want RWD for the winters here. Including me.

[WishIhadatruck]

The G8 might get worse mpg than the Impala but if you compare sizes it is pretty close to a Lucerne as well, expecially in width. It is one of the few cars you could easily fit 3 car seats across the back which is why I've looked at them. It gets just as good of mpg as a Lucerne with the 3.8L and is much quicker. If you compare the G8 V6 to the Malibu which has the same basic motor it is pretty much the same. If the G8 V6 had the DI motor and a 6-speed and was geared for better fuel economy rather than maximum accleration it would be better yet.

I really wouldn't be suprised to see Pontiac disappear although I'd hate to see it. I think the G8 would make a nice Impala. Either way, 2012 is too long to let the current car go on. I hope it gets some serious improvements between now and then.

[SRX7697]

yeah that's true, I guess if you could strech the EP2 it would make more sense then developming "Chi" again.

[V6powerr]

I'll be happy with a four cylinder Impala They going to do it for the Camaro so why not the Impala? GM was thinking of offering the 2.0 Ecotec turbo on the Camaro and G8! I could hear that flying around in the boardroom!

[Butz]

Originally Posted by mgescuro

If/when Pontiac dies... the G8 can become the Impala.
Then there's no issue.

Impala, no matter how maligned it is today, sells decently.

But yes... a nice RWD car would be perfect; however, it would be too close to G8.

Stop killing Pontiac

Chevrolet doesn't need a RWD Impala, especially if it will risk the sales of the G8.

[BigAls87Z28]

I guess some of you missed my discussion about the problems with Epsilon 2.
I went over that, and it makes zero sense to do that as far as GM is concerned.
Zeta would most likely be lighter and cheaper to make then to spend the few millions do engineer a longer Epsilon 2 platform, with EP2 most likely being a much heavier car.

And if Impala doesnt go to Zeta, and Epsilon 2 is too big or too expensive to make larger, then like I asked, where does Impala go? When W body dies in a year or so, will Impala just die again?

[oachalon]

No need to kill the w-body at all. It is a very good reliable platform. Just make some tweaks to it. Tweak it to fit the 3.6 and the 6 speed and see if you can get some more rear leg room. Why kill something that is a good platform. The w-body is tight, reliable, safe, cheap, and easy to build. It would be the stupidest thing to get rid of it. If you look at the japanese they arent coming out with platforms constantly they are just tweaking the existing one. It is stupid to keep releasing new platforms. Use what you have which is a very good platform and do minor tweaks and you have a great vehicle. It is much more cost effective, the plants are there, you have a less likely chance of killing sales of the vehicle. Pop the new chevrolet front end, give the car some better lines, update the interior, get the 3.6 and 6 speed to fit, and tweak interior spaces a little. Boom.

[Butz]

What purpose does the Impala serve anyway?
Kill it, the Malibu and whatever large sedan Buick will get will fill its role perfectly.

GM needs to start killing cars not brands

[prototype66]

what about making the hood and trunk lids and roof a lighter weight material?
That could shave a little weight. And make more parts out of Magnesium.