Trim Levels
Base: LS
Mid-level: LT
Up-level: LTZ
Introduction
There has been talk of the Impala continuing in it's current FWD configuration, eschewing the RWD Zeta based alternative. There has been a number of different reasons this has been discussed, one being lost sales in the transition. The current Impala is the best seller of the GM fleet and the thinking is that the corporation shouldn't mess with that success. It has been painted as an either or decision, Plan A (RWD Impala, FWD Malibu) vs. Plan B (FWD Impala, FWD Malibu). Let us present to you Plan C, or what should be known as the real Plan A. Our plan adds another sedan to the Chevrolet lineup, the FWD Caprice. Our plan, instead of ceding sales, actually sets Chevrolet up in the position to grow sales and share. The FWD Caprice will be positioned to compete against the Taurus, Avalon and Azera.
This car would be a solid seller for Chevrolet; a more mainstream FWD large sedan to take the place of the current Impala. As such, excitement is not the intent here; there is no SS model and fuel economy takes precedence over 0-60 times. Not only for sales purposes, but GM wants it's high volume sellers to achieve good MPG numbers as the corporation braces for the possibility of CAFÉ and fuel economy legislation.
The Caprice is a good value, and begins at the base end with the LS model, starting at $28,950 and powered by a 3.0L 235HP HF V6. The importance of fuel economy brought about the Hybrid model, powered by the V6 found in the LS and adding the next generation BAS+ hybrid system and starting at $29,995. The most popular model in the lineup, LT, starts at $30,450 and moves you up to GM's 3.6L 250HP HF V6. The luxury model in the lineup, starts at $35,950 and bumps the HP level up 35HP, while also turning up the dial on luxury inside and out.
The best compromise has been reached in our opinion, with the inclusion of both the Caprice and Impala in our Dream Chevrolet lineup. Our FWD Caprice is a 2011 model arriving calendar year 2010 along with the Malibu, C7 Corvette and Volt.
Specifications Sheet
Vehicle Type: Full-Size FWD 5 Passenger 4 door Sedan
Size Comparison: Ford Taurus
Competitors: Ford Taurus, Toyota Avalon, Hyundai Azera, Kia Amanti
Base Platform: Extended Epsilon II
Drive Wheels: FWD
Engines:
LS: 3.0L 235HP HF V6 - Starting at 28,950
Hybrid: .0L 235HP HF V6 w/BAS+ Hybrid System - Starting at $29,995
LT: 3.6L 250HP HF V6 - Starting at $30,450
LTZ: 3.6L 285HP HF V6 - Starting at $35,950
Transmissions: 6 Speed Automatic