[Exploder]

Simple question. If a RWD Impala comes around, would you rather it be something completely original on the Zeta/Alpha platform, or let it be a rebadged Commodore like the G8? What are the pros and cons to both?

And as a related question: If it's a rebadged Commodore, would it bother you that the Chevy flagship vehicle is not even an American car? (I hope that doesn't provoke nationalistic flame wars.)

 

[MrCritical]

I see zero need for a RWD Impala.

The current model sells like hotcakes.

 

[Reatta Master]

I'm split on the issue because even though a RWD Impala would be great I also think why change something when it is working for you at the moment.

Another thing that popped into my thoughts was this...Isn't the Impala the only FWD full-size sedan from an American company at the moment? (other than the Buick models...correct me if I am wrong) That fact alone might just keep people interested in the Impala.

 

[TJ95GAGT]

Yeah that would a real tough call as the current Impala sells well. Why not make a RWD Caprice and keep the Impala as the large FWD option?

 

[mgescuro]

The current model sells like hotcakes.

The current model sells like hotcakes because it's cheap.
Just wait till the Superman Taurus launches.

Impala will even more inferior than it is today.

 

[Quickening]

Drop the G8. Kill Pontiac. Let Impala become a Commodore.

 

[mikmak]

To be honest, I think the Impala needs more americana than the Commodore can provide. Now if the Commodore was rebadged as a Caprice and de-contented for law enforcement contract to generate cash, I'd go for that.

 

[61BelAir]

I would love for the Impala to be RWD. Some people think rebadging is a bad idea, but the Commodore is so nice I could care less if it were rebadged. But GM won't do it so I don't have high hopes.

 

[SullyND]

Another thing that popped into my thoughts was this...Isn't the Impala the only FWD full-size sedan from an American company at the moment?

In addition to a handful of other GM Models, Ford has the Taurus/Sable and the MkS which are available in FWD.

 

[BigAls87Z28]

The only way I would accept it is if it was a home grown design in line with the rest of Chevy, and built in a local plant. If Impala sells in the same numbers it does now, its going to have to be home grown.

 

[nota]

The only way I would accept it is if it was a home grown design in line with the rest of Chevy, and built in a local plant. If Impala sells in the same numbers it does now, its going to have to be home grown.

You mean a superficial redesign of a foreign engineered architecture, like the 'home grown' Camaro?

 

[johnstarnes]

I am less concerned about rear vs. front drive than it looking awesome, with the 1965 model being an icon for me. Having lived in Denver and knowing all too well "black ice" with rear drive vs. front drive I don't understand the clamor for RWD for a daily transport car. I hope the next gen Impala turns heads.

 

[MonaroSS]

To be honest, I think the Impala needs more americana than the Commodore can provide. Now if the Commodore was rebadged as a Caprice and de-contented for law enforcement contract to generate cash, I'd go for that.

I agree. But it doesn't have to be all new. Here's an example I did some time ago of a re-skinned Statesman that would share most glass and even inner doors etc.

 

[BigAls87Z28]

You mean a superficial redesign of a foreign engineered architecture, like the 'home grown' Camaro?

No, I mean a total redesign of a chassis that is one of the best int he world to suit more of a long nose, short deck Camaro, on top of a "home grown" desing.

What you are talking about is more like the Challenger.

 

[DirtyMoney]

I see zero need for a RWD Impala.

The current model sells like hotcakes.

I agree. It just needs to ride AWD and sexy sheetmetal.

 

[DirtyMoney]

I agree. But it doesn't have to be all new. Here's an example I did some time ago of a re-skinned Statesman that would share most glass and even inner doors etc.

No sir. I don't like it.

 

[wescoent]

I agree. But it doesn't have to be all new. Here's an example I did some time ago of a re-skinned Statesman that would share most glass and even inner doors etc.

Fantastic work as usual. That would be a great Impala, and miles ahead of the current one. I'm just trying to imagine it as the ghetto-sled icon it would quickly become. 22" chrome rims, tints, chrome-festoons everywhere.

The back reminds of this classy ride.

 

[MonaroSS]

Fantastic work as usual. That would be a great Impala, and miles ahead of the current one. I'm just trying to imagine it as the ghetto-sled icon it would quickly become. 22" chrome rims, tints, chrome-festoons everywhere.

The back reminds of this classy ride.

Thanks.

I lowered it and enlarged the wheels, added some chrome highlights and dark tints.....

 

[wescoent]

Thanks.

I lowered it and enlarged the wheels, added some chrome highlights and dark tints.....

Still far too tasteful. The rims need to be gaudier, there needs to be chrome on the b-pillar, an ill-fitting mesh grill, and a much brighter paint job. Maybe in lime green or candy red.

However, you're on the right track. GM could sell every one they made if Chevrolet Accessories stocked the right ghetto-fabulous parts, with every wanna-be suburban gangster snapping one up for himself and his spoiled teenage son.

 

[Wolfman01]

I see zero need for a RWD Impala.

The current model sells like hotcakes.

The current Impala sells so well, because it does a better job of being a Toyota Avalon, than the Toyota Avalon does.

I like my Impala alot. It's roomy, comforable, quiet, flex fuel capable, gets damn good fuel economy (see sig), and is smooth riding on the highway.

The car doesn't have a flashy bone in it's body, and very quickly begins to feel like that favorite pair of shoes that you simply refuse to throw away.