mobile-menu-icon
GM Authority

Chevy Delays Next Gen Impala Until 2014, 2012 Model To See New LFX-Powered Drivetrain

 

It’s safe to call the Chevrolet Impala the old wise man of the General Motors lineup. With its W-Body underpinnings — a platform that traces its roots back to 1988 — and its forgettable 3.5L and 3.9L V6 engines mated to four-speed transmissions, the current model has seen minimal updates or styling changes since it was first introduced in 2006. To make matters more frustrating for those looking for a more modern full-sized sedan from Chevy, the Impala’s replacement (reported to ride on a stretched Epsilon II platform) has been pushed back until 20014. Whoops, we meant to say 2014, but it’s going to feel like it’s taken another eighteen thousand years by the time 2014 rolls around, anyway.

Luckily, the most recent reports have also shed light on what else is in store for The General’s fleet queen, and from the looks of it we can expect the pair of “high value” V6 engines to be tossed out the window for something much more modern when the 2012 Impala rolls out later this year with the very promising 3.6L LFX V6 engine.

The LFX — an updated variant of GM’s already impressive LLT V6 engine that can be found in the Chevy Camaro, Cadillac CTS and the entire stable of Lambda crossovers — has been rumored to have the ability to produce as much as 330 horsepower while still returning 30 miles-per-gallon on the highway. Additionally, the 2012 Impala will be ditching its primitive four-speed automatic transmission in favor of a more tolerable (and modern) six-speed auto. Along with the 2012 Impala, the 2012 Camaro and Cadillac SRX are expected to get the LFX treatment as well.

Source: Autoblog

Former staff.

Subscribe to GM Authority

For around-the-clock GM news coverage

We'll send you one email per day with the latest GM news. It's totally free.

Comments

  1. Wow I can’t believe it. I thought that Impala replacement should be in 2010. It will be 9 years with out any exterior changes? So GM wants to replace the whole lineup in 2013/14?

    Reply
    1. Yeah, they moved it back 1.5 years. But like Jeff said, it’s not the worst seller for Chevy right now — nor will it be going forward.

      Personally, I really like the current Impala and believe it’s everything a Buick lineup should be (minus the old school four-speed tranny, outdated engines and interior/exterior design). In fact, the driving dynamics of the current car are very similar to those of a Lexus ES350; I would take the Impala and make small, medium, and large versions of it for Buick; add a couple of CUVs to the mix and maybe an Impala-based coupe and call it a day. Oh well, that ain’t gonna happen…

      Reply
  2. I bet they would fast track it if people stopped buying the thing, but the reality is the Impala is still a pretty good seller for GM, even if it’s not necessarily a good representation of the Chevrolet brand. It’s everything the old GM was, not a bottom feeder by any measure, but not close to being a class leader either. Next one will be better.

    Reply
  3. To bring back the Chevy image, they need to have up to date product. Epsilon II is engineered and on the market for some years now, it shouldn’t take 4 years to stretch the platform and wrap it with new skin. But it’d make a huge difference when consumer notice that Chevy is so over chapter 11 and have new great products on time.

    Reply
  4. I am an owner of a 2002 impala and have been a fan of the model ever since first driving it. I don’t know how they plan on competing with this model for so long. Even when this generation’s model first came out, it wasn’t all that innovative of the time. This car looks a full decade behind in design compared to the Ford Taurus, from both the interior and the exterior.

    Reply
  5. Some people buy the Cereal not the box, It’s a nice roomy car with decent handling, modern DOHC V6 should provide Impala SS performance without the price. Keep the automatic on the columb please, this things a Maxima stompin sleeper.

    Reply
  6. I am with Jason on this one, I like the large trunk, spacious front three passenger seating (therefore I like the column shifter) and decent fuel economy when I don’t always need to use the cargo capacity.

    Reply
  7. Owner of a 2002 and 2009 Impala, they are functional, spacious cars that offer decent amenities and (the 2009) return surprising gas mileage. When other people ride in the car they are surprised by the space and comfort it offers. Although it is far from exciting in styling or handling, it is competent and carries everything I need without the stigma of a minivan, or the gas penalty of a SUV.

    Reply
  8. I just bought a 2010 Impala LT w/ Luxury package six weeks ago. It is GM Certified and has 36 months or 33K warranty left on it. I really like it a lot. I could have got a pretty nice Fusion or a base Taurus (been driving Fords for 22 years) but this Impala has everything I wanted and was a great deal. Full size, leather, etc. I like the styling and it moves out pretty good with a Jet Module on it. I should be ready for a new one when the 2014’s come out!

    Reply
    1. Congrats Dave! Looks like you’re really enjoying your ‘Pala.

      I drove one for about a month — a 2010 2LT (no lux package) — and loved it. Even though people rag on the current Impala for being old-school/long-in-the-tooth, etc., I still feel that there’s a sizeable market segment that prefers these kinds of vehicles. Personally, I think that Buick should be what the Impala (and Lucerne) are — available in three different sizes of sedans and two crossovers. Soft-riding luxury — more along the lines of a Lexus than a BMW (or a Cadillac). Nevertheless, enjoy the ride — and we’ll see what happens in 2013 (or 14).

      Alex
      Founder, GM Authority

      Reply
  9. What’s really tempting in this is to get the new engine and transmission and see if they’ll fit a certain ’98 Grand Prix….
    They might, but who knows. Just because it’s the same platform doesn’t mean the layout hasn’t changed enough to make this impossible.

    Reply
    1. Haven’t thought of that — but it sure would be interesting. That 6th gen Grand Prix was one of my favorite sedans on the market at the time…

      Reply
  10. Although I ‘m a very long time FORD man(2004 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS current car), the current IMPALA is a quiet, smooth, and comfortable riding car. Some of us don’t care for little sports cars or medium or large size cars with sporty flare about them. Many of us prefer a unassumming car without the noise. That’s why I love my GRAND MARQUIS just as much as I did back when it was new. Sadly FORD has made the choice to stop building these so while the TAURUS would be default be my first choice, the IMPALA would be the one GM car that may make me break my 20 year FORD only status if I need to buy a new car since the BUICK LUCERNE is all but gone. WE can only hope for a civilian version of the CAPRICE at some point

    Reply
    1. Yeah, the new 2014 Impala will follow suit with a sporty Taurus-like flair… you should look at the Lexus ES350 (or even theGS/LS/HS) as well. They’re all quiet as heck, smooth like butter, and comfortable as a couch. I drove the current as well as the last-gen ES and it was the most comfortable car I’ve ever driven… even more so than the Lucerne, DTS, and Impala.

      That’s why I’m such a huge proponent of making Buick the soft luxury brand. The new LaCrosse is a very good ES competitor, but has too much un-needed sport flair.

      Reply
  11. I just traded an 2006 impala for a 2011 ford fusion. I liked the impala but it didn’t change in five years come on GM

    Reply
  12. the only thing I can think of in terms of the change since the Impala was redesigned for 2006, would be more availability of used parts. Otherwise, I don’t see why something like a navigation system could not be available of a radio with USB port, heck a similar design Silverado/Sierra/Tahoe/Suburban/Yukon and Enclave/Traverse/Acadia has similar if not basically the same radio, but you can get a USB and/or navigation. Of course the current Malibu, 2009 – 2010 Cobalt/G5 had an available if not standard USB port, though on a 11 bit LAN system. How hard would that have been to make available for the Impala.

    Someone on North America Impala Owners Association (NAIOA) got an OEM navigation to work in the Impala, although a company CPS Audio/Video out of Rohnert, CA can make it work without requiring the dealership to program the radio, as long as you supply the radio and picture of the Service Info Label that states the VIN and RPO for you vehicle and programs or configure the radio.

    Here is the link in case you want to check it out
    http://www.naioa.com/v2/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=38058&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=steering+wheel+radio&start=45

    Reply
  13. RWD???

    Reply
    1. Reply
  14. I think Chevy should take it back to the old school 1995 1996 body style but make it more modern. I drive a 95 ss and its a big but still sporty fast car. Bring back an equal 5.7 engine or better to match the latest fanatic or challenger. Just an opinion.

    Reply
  15. Surprised to see all the complaints about the Impalas. I just got a (used) 2011 Impala LT from a local dealer about 6 weeks ago with 18k on it. It was a fleet (Enterprise rental) vehicle for a while. My LT may not have all the upgrades, but it does fine for me. I had a rental Fusion during a recent trip to visit family and HATED IT. It handled like a brick, had a stupid dashboard storage box, and was not comfortable to drive. My Impala LT may not be a Lexus, Mercedes, or Hyundai Sonata, but I didn’t pay that price for it either.

    Reply
  16. Just bought my 3rd Impala since 1999 model year, a 2011 LT. I travel alot for work and put over 200,000 miles each on the previous 2. Great car for the money. Good on fuel and has all the features im looking for in a workhorse. Maynot be as catchy to the eye but starts everytime and runs like a champ. I considered a few other brands this time but just couldnt make the switch. Just to much car fo the money and have had great luck with them. Tires, brakes, and a tune up is really all I put into them. I plan on driving this one into the ground too. Hopefully in 5 more years they will have the new ones out. Heck, I may buy another one then even if they dont have the new ones out. Great car!!!!!!!

    Reply
    1. Congrats, man! It’s very true that these things are true workhorses. I have a buddy who has 120k on his 2005 Impala… and takes good care of it. It still looks, rides, and drives like new. Even smells like new thanks to the way he maintains the leather.

      In five years’ time, the new Super Epsilon-based ‘Pala should be out. If it’s not… some may go nuts!

      Reply
  17. I can understand why it is so vogue to knock the Impala. It has a big old pushrod engine, with a 4 speed auto, a chassis that is older than pretty much anything out there, and (subjectively) bland styling. For those of us who love the car though, it offers a near perfect balance of space, economy, comfort and value. In short, it works. Plenty of room both passenger and tons in cargo +flip seats with a large pass-through, a quite ride that is smooth but can be pushed when needed, more than adequate power when needed and still returning 24 mpg mixed and 30 on the highway. Nicer features like dual zone climate, steering wheel controls (in an easy place to use with the thumbs), comfortable power seats, auto headlights and dimming mirror. Packaged in a simple, basic and easy to use layout. Its a car that has done its job well and dutifully day in and day out just as it has done for the past 11 years and over 180,000 miles and still going strong. No muss and no fuss. -2000 impala LS

    Reply
    1. Yupp, I know exactly what you mean. But the fact remains that there still is a buyer who prefers the soft-driving experience of the old-school body-on-frame vehicle such as the Impala. It works, as you say. And it does so reliably.

      Reply
  18. I just drove the new impala with the 300 horse v6 and 6 speed trans. It has power and it also has the paddal shift on the wheel. The motor is a daul over head cam (you can get to the spark plugs now, since they are on the top of the engine), the most thing I notice was that in didnt hane a exhaust manifold!! It went from the engine block right into the down pipe! Man thats the first I seen that!
    I own a 207 impala ss 5.3 v8 and i just has 4 more horse but has 74 more foot pounds of torque. The body looks the same and the interior. I just wish it was RWD!!!! The transmission is very smooth, (wish my car had that), and dual rear exhaust is standard on all models. Go drive one. I drove mine at Jake Sweeny Chevy in cincinnati ohio. Good job Chevy, just make it RWD next time!!

    Reply
    1. Sorry for the miss spelled words,was typing too fast!!!

      Reply
  19. I love the impala, I currently have a 2000 impala LS, which is nothing special, and
    I must say for having over 300 000 kms, it still runs great. What i want to say though is Chevy needs to bring back the SS. it is a great car, and I would love to get one(after College) but the thing that bugs me is that the 2006-2009 impalaSS was a bit of a slap to the face with its front wheel drive. not only was that bad, the SS didnt really look any different from the base modle, other than the 18″ chrome rims.I would love to see the new Impala SS come out, and be able to take on a 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 with its 6.4-liter HEMI® V-8. The SS has 5.3-liter, 303-horsepower engine If Chevy can take on the Charger, maybe be inspired by it, with its newely designed, slighty retro look, the Impala SS would be an icon in automotive history again

    Reply
  20. I love all of the GM V6’s. I had a ’96 Lumina, ’00 Silhouette, ’01 Aztek and ’06 Trailblazer. All ran/run great and lasted/last a long time. GM could change the sheetmetal on the Impala but if you want a bullet-proof engine and transmission, you’ll be driving this one longer than your neighbor’s rusted-out Civic. Plus the new 300 horse engine really rocks!

    Reply

Leave a comment

Cancel