Full-size sedan sales are tumbling, and the market continues to shrink month-over-month in the United States for a once prominent segment filled with some of automakers’ greatest engineering efforts. That includes the 2016 Chevrolet Impala.
We happen to quite like the Chevrolet Impala, especially in its most recent guise, wrapped up in a handsome looking package with plenty of interior space.
But, Chevrolet has a problem, and it knows it.
During a recent media event, General Motors CEO, Mary Barra, commented the company will begin analysis of certain product segments to understand if its in shareholders’ interests to continue supporting a certain product category. Namely, the 2016 Chevrolet Impala came up.
The 2016 Impala sits less than an inch longer than the incoming 2016 Chevrolet Malibu, with the Malibu encroaching on its roominess, meaning, the Impala is starting to look a tad redundant within the portfolio.
We feel there are really only two directions the Chevrolet Impala could go following this generation of the storied nameplate.
Option one: the Impala name goes away, leaving the Malibu to the segment and freeing up GM resources to focus on other more profitable segments. America’s crossover craze doesn’t seem to be dying down any time soon.
Option two: Chevrolet transforms the Impala into an affordable halo model, something the 2016 Chevrolet SS never accomplished, and most likely won’t before it’s sent to the automotive graveyard. We envision a larger wheelbase, potent V6 power and we think exclusive all-wheel drive for a reimagined Impala could fare well with consumers. Pricing could stay shy of the 2017 Buick LaCrosse, which is also poised to grow and take on Avenir design cues. This allows for two separate value propositions, with distinct branding for both vehicles among the hierarchy that is the E2xx platform.
Now, we want to hear from you. Where do you think the Chevrolet Impala should head next? Let us know in our poll and, if neither option appeals to you, be sure to tell us how you envision a new Chevrolet Impala.
Plus, a nationwide lease on all-electric off-road Pickup and SUV.
Extra comfort for rear-seated passengers.
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The sweepstakes closes on December 22nd and the drawing will take place on December 28th.
At a time of year when luxury car ATP usually rises.
Sales decreased 5.6 percent to 16,670 units during the first ten months of 2024.
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Take a cue from the successful Audi or BMW line-up - a basic set of desirable attributes (e.g. RWD/AWD) with additional standard engineered-in (not add-on) features as you move up the size ladder. Chevy does not need yet another ubiquitous FWD only sedan differentiated from the other GM offerings only by nameplate, wheelbase, and a few bolt-on/add-on features. (Although I am not a big ford fan, I think they hit one out of the park with the new Taurus, many of which sold are AWD, which is a big differentiator in a ford vs Chevy sedan analysis.) Also, look at the power plant - nothing unique in the current Impala. Differentiate it by offering an advanced engine that is available in a select few GM offerings.
Impala is a great name plate - GM should be celebrating these like they are with the Camaro for it's lineage and long company history.
My first car in the mid 90's (inherited the family car from my parents when I turned 16 and they bought a Lumina APV (FTW)) was a '78 Impala.
That all said, I'd drop it for a generation (2-4 years), and then bring it back as a halo. RWD/AWD only, yes, as a legit performance full size sedan.
By that time the SS will be out to pasture, hopefully the tin can crossover funding will be diminished. GM will need a nameplate to replace the SS in NASCAR.
Even do like they did in the mid 90's when they brought them back - Caprice (or Bel-Air) as the "standard" with V6 or V6(T) options, and maybe hybrid or EV possibilities, unique in a full size sedan (and revive the wagon!), and make Impala SS as the performance version, V8-only.
Keep the best selling large mid sized sedan on the market. Malibu is too small. Offer a front bench seat and it will sell like hot cakes. Bring back the vintage American sedan.