It’s probably safe to say that the biggest difference between a full-size sedan such as the 2014 Chevy Impala and smaller vehicles such as the Malibu and Cruze is the increased amount of space in the cabin. And to really deliver on the single biggest differentiating factor, GM engineers responsible for the 2014 Impala utilized the latest high-tech tools to create more leg and head room, along with larger storage areas for Chevy’s new full-size flagship sedan. Some of the tools they used is a spaciousness calculator, and a tool kit that includes advanced computer modeling tools, digital human ergonomics models and 3D Cave Automated Virtual Environment (CAVE).
The spaciousness calculator, a GM-exclusive instrument, was used to analyze how customers perceive the vehicles’s spaciousness, while using virtual human models to make the most of vehicle interiors based on an extensive database of driver sizes and postures. The 3D CAVE assisted in evaluating design concepts for blind spots, reflections and visibility of objects inside and outside the car.
“Using various advanced technologies, we were able to make dimensional and design modifications in a virtual environment before locking down on a final architecture,” said Crystal Windham, director, Chevrolet passenger car interior design. “These steps are necessary to develop a solid foundation to build on to achieve the best spaciousness, comfort and overall design that will impress our customers.”
Some of the updates to the sedan through the use of GM’s new tools include:
- Adding nearly two inches of driver legroom by increasing the range of fore/aft adjustment for the front seats
- A telescoping steering wheel that allows drivers of varying sizes to reach it comfortably
- Redesigning the center console with a low instrument panel to increase knee spread, which adds comfort on long drives and enhances the sense of roominess while keeping controls within easy reach
- Expanding rear-seat legroom more than two inches, enabled by the 1.2-inch increased wheelbase and thinner profile front seats
- Nearly 19 cubic feet of trunk space – ample room for four golf bags and more space than many full-size sedans
Outward visibility from the cabin is improved thanks to the use of high-strength steel in the A-pillars, which allows them to be twisted slightly in such a way so as to increase the driver’s field of view. Rear headrests that can be folded down, along with a thin profile rear center-mounted LED brake lamp in the headliner and an available rear backup camera further improve the visibility.
“These new tools, the latest in automotive design, allowed us to make improvements more quickly and efficiently than on previous Impala models – improvements we’re sure Impala customers will appreciate,” said George Madjeric, General Motors engineering group manager for Vehicle Architecture.
The GM Authority Take
This is GM engineering and ingenuity at its finest — adding great features and attributes to what is otherwise a gorgeous design.
Outside of the compliments that are due in the general direction of GM for the 2014 Impala, we’re sure some will ask something along the lines of, “Couldn’t they have used these tools when engineering the 2013 Malibu?” We’re not sure of that answer, but have been told that most of the tools described here — especially the spaciousness calculator — are new to The General.
Lastly, notice GM’s reference to the thinner seat-backs of the front seats in the Impala; something tells us that we will see these units used in the refreshed 2014 Malibu to increase the rear seat legroom for those who think that second-row space is cramped.
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Comments
Well why couldn’t they do that with the Malibu (the first time)?
Most likely many of these tools were developed DUE to the complaints on the Malibu. Sometimes a good kick in the butt makes for some ingeniousness.
I can see this trickling down not only to the Malibu, but a host of Chevy or GM vehicles to improve their roominess. I can see the Cruze, Sonic and maybe Spark getting this treatment which will be an added value to those vehicles.
Very innovative, modern and stylish indeed.
I am certain other car manufacturers will be copying this innovation.
Alex this is class leading and very cool, and I hope it will kick the Azera and Avalon butts in sales . However when will the new Vette final specifications, engine performance and etc, is going to be reveal.
@Valiance we should see the final specs for the C7 sometime in the next month or so. However, I’ve been expecting them this week or next.
From fleet car to best car in the segment by far, good job GM
Picture #11 (12 if you’re looking at the URL) has a Contigo travel mug, best mug in the league! I have the Autoseal Aria mug, which is similar to the one in the picture only has a slide lock feature. If anyone is looking for a good travel mug that will fit any cup holder, doesnt spill, and keeps drinks hot/cold for hours, this is the $20 investment you want to make.
@Andrew — good to know, thanks!
Alex, I can’t afford an Impala by any means, but this car look so good inside an out that there is no way that it can be shut out of the top ten best sellers list in America.
I still hope that GM can enhance the mpg of that 2.5 so it can be a major factor against the Avalon especially, because its V-6 gives 21mpg city and 31mpg highway, making it difficult to beat. What do you think about the 2014 Impala and 2014 Malibu mpg prospects Alex?
Wish you were right but the price point is going to keep this one from being in the top 10.
The closest Sedan in the top 10 is the Camry and it starts at $23k while the Impala is at $28k. $5k is a lot of money.
Sorry, but I sat in the new Impala at NAIAS and was dissapointed by “knee spread” room. At a comfortable position, my right leg is pressed against the console. I still prefer my console-less bench seat Impala to this new one.
What non bench seat vehicle meets your “knee spread” test? I believe the Impala is the last car to have a bench seat? Its like cassettes, sooner or later someone has to be the last (I think it was a Lexus?).
The SC430 I belive.
Not sure what are you referring to?
In looking at the SC it has a monstrous wide console.
http://www.planetlexus.com/lexus-sc430/lexus-sc430-interior.jpg
The 2010 Lexus SC430 was the last car available with a cassette player. You can even see it in the photo you posted, albeit not clearly.
http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2011/02/06/automobiles/AUDIO/AUDIO-articleInline.jpg
@Grawdaddy and @62vettefps I think Graw is referring to the SC as being the last car to offer a cassette player, while 62Vette is talking about knee spread… right?
Actually, you’re more in tune with the direction of the thread then I am.
None, which is why I’ve never owned one. The Dodge Charger/Chrysler 300 are some of the better options. The Cadillac XTS and Ford Taurus among the worst.
hmmm
Also, the best feature of the Impala interior was not carried over, that being the flip and fold rear seat which gives a hidden storage area below the seat cushion or place to haul dirty plants and mulch bags home from the garden store without soiling the trunk carpet. Also, the hooks on the flip up portion are great for keeping grocery bags upright. It has really become a feature I couldn’t imagine living without as I will use that backseat space before the trunk on most occasions.
I think they could greatly increase knee spread by building a column shift transmission. In fact, this should be done with all vehicles that do not have a manual option.
Seriously? shifter on the column?
really? back to column shifter? we are moving to knobs, buttons, and capacitive touch surfaces for automatic transmission gear selection
I definitely prefer the column shifter myself as well, for the same reason Chris likes them and also it opens up the space in the front interior. Otherwise if you have the choice between the column shifter or the floor shifter who cares.
Yes, the Impala is the last car to have a bench/column shifter OPTION. For now, I will hold onto my 2008 Impala.
This car was not changed by the Malibu Complaints. The Malibu was done on old GM money or the lack of.
The new Impala was done with the new funding and they fixed many of the things they knew were not right in the Bu.
I suspect the Bu fixes were already on the way before the car even hit the market but GM could not wait 1.5-2 years longer to replace the old BU.
It was a case of damn if they do and damned if they don’t.
The Impala is an example of the new GM cars as we go forward. In this case we may still have a old platform but it show Chevy used all the refinement that Buick and Cadillac provided. In other words they spent more money on development as they for once could afford it.
Things like the flip down head rest are already in some GM cars like the Spark and Encore I believe. While they make sight better for some they are a pain in the neck if you forget to pop them up.
The Impala has so much more open feel vs. The Taurus on the inside and looks so much less like a SUV.
The new Malibu isn’t even a bad car… it does have a few shortcomings, but so do all of the cars in its class. The question is which are more important to the customer’s personal preference.
One more thing to consider: the new Malibu doesn’t have to sell in huge volumes to be financially successful for GM since its architecture is so widespread among the product line. In fact, I’ve been told that it is more profitable than the last-gen thanks to the proliferation of the new Epsilon. However, more sales volume would definitely make the ‘Bu an even bigger financial success.
Scott — you’re spot on about the Taurus. It’s not very spacious at all, which is why it will move to a stretched D4 (Fusion platform) for the 2015/2016 model. The car to watch in this segment, outside of the Impala, is the Azera. The new model is a huge improvement over the last-gen, and is wowing people left and right.
Wonder if they will remember this for the next car they are designing.
@Rocky there is now a very (compared with before) buttoned-down process for developing vehicles that includes using these tools (or tools like these) early on. Things should change for the much, much better when we see brand new platforms that were developed by employing tools like these.
The new Impala is a beautiful car… Inside, and outside.