2014 Chevrolet Impala: What We Know
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With the 2012 New York International Auto Show just around the corner, interest of the all-new 2014 Chevrolet Impala has begun to peak. With its unveiling immenent, there isn’t a better time than ever to shed some light on what is to be expected from the all-new Epsilon-II-based vehicle from General Motors.
Design
The wimpy looks of the current Impala will appear to have hit the gym with the 2014 model, with broader shoulders, a wider stance, and other Camaro-inspired design elements in the aggressive head and tail lighting. There will be utilization of LED lighting, as we’ve noticed in the spy photos, but will remain distinctively Chevy. The only thing we hope doesn’t happen is that the design team fell into an over-compensation fit and the style is perhaps too radical for the full-size car market — which isn’t exactly made up of millenials.
The interior is going to carry the traditional Epsilon II trait of a dual cockpit setting, but with an extremely modernized feel. As evident from spy shots, the 2014 Impala will feature both an all-new, non-parts-bin steering wheel placed in front of two large gauges a la Camaro/Malibu and a colored driver’s display, and a unique center console, complete with Chevy MyLink. Glossy and soft-touch materials will adorn the cabin, while its long wheelbase will give occupants enough room to stretch out.
Powertrain
Most certainly, the new Impala will feature a 3.6L LFX V6 engine producing north of 300 horsepower. Unconfirmed to us is the expectation of GM’s eAssist BAS, which should return impressive fuel economy numbers for its class. Fingers crossed for a twin-turboed V6 model akin to the Ford Taurus SHO.
Production
On the manufacturing end, GM has invested $69 million in tooling and equipment to produce the new Impala at the Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant alongside the Chevy Malibu, Volt and Opel Ampera. Though the launch isn’t scheduled until 2013.
The GM Authority Take
While today’s Impala may not be on the enthusiast’s wish list, the car still manages to be a top seller for GM month in and month out. Will this newer, sportier, less-floaty model be able to move just as well as today’s fleet queen? Only time will tell. And do you approve of what it’s going to become? Spill your thoughts in the comments below.
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Is the new Impala a bigger version of the older Malibu?
Nope. It’s similar to XTS.
but isn’t XTS similar dimensions to the LaCrosse?
I hope it still has a very 1960s classy look…I bet it will be similar to a very fine DeVille?
Alex, Sounds great….I always thought Impala had the DeVille feel to it….maybe this will be a winner….hope it keeps the roomy, soft seating….I bet there is a nice base cloth…nicer than the current ones 🙂
Im pretty sure XTS is just a tad larger than LaCrosse
XTS is quite a bit bigger. It shares the LaCrosse’s wheelbase but is almost 5 inches longer.
All of those except the 13 Malibu are smaller ,heavier and more expensive than the 2012 Impala. The Malibu is just smaller and more expensive. The next Impala will still sell a lot to those over 40 or 50.
Be nice to the current impala I have a 2010 that I love
Let’s just call a spade a spade. It’s a comfy, fairly practical cruiser, and it sells a lot. That’s about it.
I do like the current Impala in many ways but it does need some refreshing for sure….much nicer seating, etc
As the owner of an ’09 Impala (3.9 LT) that I love, most of what I know about the ’14 is bad:
-Epsilon platform means fuel full door will be moving to the wrong (passenger) side. No car sold in North America should ever have this set up.
-Spy pics show push button start (smart key), which is in my opinion the worst invention ever.
– my beloved column shift and bench seat most likely is not going to remain on the options list.
-rear window looks more squashed, which should decrease rear visability further (already bad compared to my previous ’03 Impala).
I just hope it looks good and distinctly American.
Chris — I’m curious ti find out what you mean by the styling being “distinctly American.” Can the current Impala’s styling be described as such?
And what value does a bench seat/column shifter being you?
Alex: By distinctly American, I am looking for something that can only be sold in NA… a license plate hole that doesn’t accommodate a Euro sized plate, red rear turn lenses (hopefully with three lights per side), a sleek low hood, not a compromised design to meet Euro pedestrian requirements. Yes, most of those comments are directed towards the new global Malibu, which I don’t find unattractive, but resent for being a little too “foreign” So, yes the current Impala is distinctly American. Way way back, this next gen Impala was rumored to have late 60s styling influence and I hope they are going that route.
I prefer the bench/column setup for the extra roominess it brings to the interior. I have tried the current Lacrosse, and the center dash bulge and wide console doesn’t comfortably fit my 6′-2″ frame. The new Taurus is even worse. I feel shoehorned into the space. I can also flip up the armrest to feel closer to my g/f, or use as a spot to put stuff. Also makes it easier to slide across and exit from the passenger side when I park on my street or in my parent’s driveway (tree prohibits driver door from opening wide enough to get out). The current setup seems pretty uncomfortable as an actual seat, but I have used my previous (’03) Impala to seat six a few times. Fit the whole family and saved the $$ of having to park a second vehicle at the airport for a week:)
you think the bulgy muscular malibu doesn’t look “american” ok you’re opinion but what you said about the new impalla not having all of those “necessary to sell in europe” touches makes no sense buisness wise cause they need those additions to sell in europe, which is what GM wants to do i believe is become a global brand right. thats just what i thought 😉
I’m the bestest GM there is! I do know that in order to sell,you have to be confident in the product your sell! I would to know where I can audition for a GM commercial! I really believe in letting everyone know,the best there is what I drive! Is longest lasting most dependable vehicles on the market!Can you help me sell !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You know were not GM or a GM dealer right?