Difference between revisions of "Chevrolet Impala"

Jump to navigation Jump to search

Chevrolet Impala (view source)

Revision as of 23:01, 9 February 2009

833 bytes removed ,  23:01, 9 February 2009
m
Robot: Automated text replacement (-{{(fact|sia|update|citations\smissing|linkfarm|wiktionarypar|wikiquote|wiktionary|sisterlinks|rewrite|timefact|pov\||primarysources|orphan|contradict|future\sautomobile|otheruse|commons|portal|unreferenced|refimpr
m (1 revision)
 
m (Robot: Automated text replacement (-{{(fact|sia|update|citations\smissing|linkfarm|wiktionarypar|wikiquote|wiktionary|sisterlinks|rewrite|timefact|pov\||primarysources|orphan|contradict|future\sautomobile|otheruse|commons|portal|unreferenced|refimpr)
 
(8 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 145: Line 145:


In 1971, the redesigned full-size B-body would be the largest full-size car ever offered by GM. However, the 1970s marked the impact of the 1973 [[energy crisis]]. Gasoline prices doubled between 1973 and 1979. Industry car sales plummeted 20 percent between 1973 and 1974, and for the first time in recent history, annual passenger car travel in the U.S. actually declined. The Impala's sales dropped to 176,376 units in 1975, the weakest since its introduction in 1958. In spite of the large size of these cars, an Econominder gauge package was offered on 1975 and 1976 models to keep track of gas mileage.  Station wagons replaced the swinging tailgate with an unusual design where the back window retracted into the roof, which was abandoned on the subsequent redesign.
In 1971, the redesigned full-size B-body would be the largest full-size car ever offered by GM. However, the 1970s marked the impact of the 1973 [[energy crisis]]. Gasoline prices doubled between 1973 and 1979. Industry car sales plummeted 20 percent between 1973 and 1974, and for the first time in recent history, annual passenger car travel in the U.S. actually declined. The Impala's sales dropped to 176,376 units in 1975, the weakest since its introduction in 1958. In spite of the large size of these cars, an Econominder gauge package was offered on 1975 and 1976 models to keep track of gas mileage.  Station wagons replaced the swinging tailgate with an unusual design where the back window retracted into the roof, which was abandoned on the subsequent redesign.
While still very good cars, these Impalas had some notorious reliability issues.  The appearance of a large crack in the dashboard when exposed to the sun's rays was jokingly referred to as the "[[Mark of Excellence]]" by some owners. The windows would sometimes leak, including the back window leaking into the trunk.  Many different car makes of the era were plagued by these same maladies, however.{{fact|date=December 2008}}


Starting in 1968, two coupe models were offered on Impalas, the "Sport Coupe" was the lower-priced hardtop coupe design, shared with other GM "B" body hardtop coupes, and the formal-roof "Custom Coupe" which was the Caprice Coupe body in Impala trim.  Sport Coupe models were discontinued after 1975, leaving the Custom Coupe, with its wide "B" pillar and fixed rear window, the only 2-door Impala available in 1976.  This body style was actually introduced for the 1974 model year, a precursor to Detroit's complete abandonment of pillarless body styles before the end of the Seventies.
Starting in 1968, two coupe models were offered on Impalas, the "Sport Coupe" was the lower-priced hardtop coupe design, shared with other GM "B" body hardtop coupes, and the formal-roof "Custom Coupe" which was the Caprice Coupe body in Impala trim.  Sport Coupe models were discontinued after 1975, leaving the Custom Coupe, with its wide "B" pillar and fixed rear window, the only 2-door Impala available in 1976.  This body style was actually introduced for the 1974 model year, a precursor to Detroit's complete abandonment of pillarless body styles before the end of the Seventies.
Line 189: Line 187:
Engine availability was reduced in 1977 when the V6 was introduced with {{Convert|110|HP}}. Other options included {{convert|267|cuin|L|adj=on|sigfig=2}} and {{convert|305|cuin|L|adj=on|sigfig=2}} V8 engines. The {{convert|350|cuin|L|adj=on|sigfig=2}} V8 engine was optional in some years. [[Oldsmobile]]'s {{convert|350|cuin|L|adj=on|sigfig=2}} V8 [[diesel]] engine also was available.
Engine availability was reduced in 1977 when the V6 was introduced with {{Convert|110|HP}}. Other options included {{convert|267|cuin|L|adj=on|sigfig=2}} and {{convert|305|cuin|L|adj=on|sigfig=2}} V8 engines. The {{convert|350|cuin|L|adj=on|sigfig=2}} V8 engine was optional in some years. [[Oldsmobile]]'s {{convert|350|cuin|L|adj=on|sigfig=2}} V8 [[diesel]] engine also was available.


In 1980, a slight facelift took place, although the body style remained the same, and all the sheet metal was changed. From 1980-1990, all GM B-bodies shared similar doors that can be replaced by removing model-specific trim pieces.{{Fact|date=February 2007}}
In 1980, a slight facelift took place, although the body style remained the same, and all the sheet metal was changed. From 1980-1990, all GM B-bodies shared similar doors that can be replaced by removing model-specific trim pieces.


Although the Impala (and the upscale Caprice) sold well into the early 1980s, the Impala was more of an entry-level vehicle along with fleet usage - especially with law enforcement. The Impala was discontinued in 1985, while the Caprice continued unchanged until 1990. The Caprice received a major redesign in 1991 and continued until 1996.
Although the Impala (and the upscale Caprice) sold well into the early 1980s, the Impala was more of an entry-level vehicle along with fleet usage - especially with law enforcement. The Impala was discontinued in 1985, while the Caprice continued unchanged until 1990. The Caprice received a major redesign in 1991 and continued until 1996.
Line 219: Line 217:
The 1994 Impala SS went into production 14 months later at GM's plant in [[Arlington, Texas]], and was almost identical cosmetically to the concept car, the only noticeable change being the chromed bowtie logo on the grill (vs a red logo on the concept). The car was, in essence, a high-performance version of the Caprice. From a mechanical standpoint, it used the Caprice [[9C1]] police package as its base and as such got most of the equipment formerly available only to law enforcement and government agencies. This included a sport-tuned suspension with reinforced shocks and struts, a high-capacity upgraded reverse flow cooling system, larger and more powerful four-wheel disc brakes, transmission cooler, dual exhaust, a higher-output electrical system, and other minor mechanical alterations. Not all of the police equipment was carried over however, as the Impala SS did not get the external oil-to-air engine oil cooler, nor were all the body mounts secured (the standard Caprice and Impala SS were assembled at the factory with the front 3 body mounts missing one of the rubber cushions, while the 9C1 was assembled with all rubber cushions in place), although both are popular aftermarket additions to the Impala SS by their owners.  
The 1994 Impala SS went into production 14 months later at GM's plant in [[Arlington, Texas]], and was almost identical cosmetically to the concept car, the only noticeable change being the chromed bowtie logo on the grill (vs a red logo on the concept). The car was, in essence, a high-performance version of the Caprice. From a mechanical standpoint, it used the Caprice [[9C1]] police package as its base and as such got most of the equipment formerly available only to law enforcement and government agencies. This included a sport-tuned suspension with reinforced shocks and struts, a high-capacity upgraded reverse flow cooling system, larger and more powerful four-wheel disc brakes, transmission cooler, dual exhaust, a higher-output electrical system, and other minor mechanical alterations. Not all of the police equipment was carried over however, as the Impala SS did not get the external oil-to-air engine oil cooler, nor were all the body mounts secured (the standard Caprice and Impala SS were assembled at the factory with the front 3 body mounts missing one of the rubber cushions, while the 9C1 was assembled with all rubber cushions in place), although both are popular aftermarket additions to the Impala SS by their owners.  


The Impala SS was uniquely fitted with a standard 3.08 gear. The limited-slip rear differential was standard (as opposed to the option GU8 on caprices) and suspension that was an inch lower. A retuned [[GM LT engine#LT1|LT1]] {{convert|5.7|L|cuin|sp=us|adj=on}} [[Chevrolet Small-Block engine|small-block]] V8 was standard on the Impala SS, making {{convert|260|hp}} and {{convert|330|lbft}} of [[torque]] (retuned from the prototype's {{convert|300|hp}} rating). The primary difference between the LT1 in the Impala and the LT1 that was in the Corvette and Camaro was that the Impala engine was fitted with cast-[[iron]] cylinder heads instead of [[aluminum]] ones, and a camshaft that was designed more for low-end torque than high-end horsepower. Another difference was that the Impala LT1 had 2 bolt main bearing caps while the Corvette LT1 had 4 bolt main bearing caps. The transmission used in the car was the [[GM 4L60-E transmission|4L60E]], which was itself an upgraded and revised version of the previous 700R4.  However, the transmission was not beefed up for the power of the LT1, and transmission failures after {{convert|100000|mi}} were commonplace. {{Fact|date=September 2007}}
The Impala SS was uniquely fitted with a standard 3.08 gear. The limited-slip rear differential was standard (as opposed to the option GU8 on caprices) and suspension that was an inch lower. A retuned [[GM LT engine#LT1|LT1]] {{convert|5.7|L|cuin|sp=us|adj=on}} [[Chevrolet Small-Block engine|small-block]] V8 was standard on the Impala SS, making {{convert|260|hp}} and {{convert|330|lbft}} of [[torque]] (retuned from the prototype's {{convert|300|hp}} rating). The primary difference between the LT1 in the Impala and the LT1 that was in the Corvette and Camaro was that the Impala engine was fitted with cast-[[iron]] cylinder heads instead of [[aluminum]] ones, and a camshaft that was designed more for low-end torque than high-end horsepower. Another difference was that the Impala LT1 had 2 bolt main bearing caps while the Corvette LT1 had 4 bolt main bearing caps. The transmission used in the car was the [[GM 4L60-E transmission|4L60E]], which was itself an upgraded and revised version of the previous 700R4.  However, the transmission was not beefed up for the power of the LT1, and transmission failures after {{convert|100000|mi}} were commonplace.  


Several other cars in the B-body line also shared a similar powertrain: these were the Chevrolet Caprice, [[Buick Roadmaster]], and the [[Cadillac Fleetwood]] which all shared the LT1 engine and 4L60E [[automatic transmission]].
Several other cars in the B-body line also shared a similar powertrain: these were the Chevrolet Caprice, [[Buick Roadmaster]], and the [[Cadillac Fleetwood]] which all shared the LT1 engine and 4L60E [[automatic transmission]].
Line 281: Line 279:
}}
}}
[[Image:06-08 Chevrolet Impala SS.jpg|175px|thumb|left|Chevrolet Impala SS]]
[[Image:06-08 Chevrolet Impala SS.jpg|175px|thumb|left|Chevrolet Impala SS]]
The 2006 Impala was introduced at the 2005 [[Los Angeles Auto Show]]. Like the [[Buick LaCrosse]], this model uses the updated [[GM W platform]]. The base engine is a 3.5 liter (214 cu in) [[V6]] producing {{convert|211|hp}}.<ref name="LZEspecs">http://media.gm.com/us/powertrain/en/product_services/2008/Spec%20Sheet/HVV6/08_LZ4.xls</ref> The new Impala features new taillights, different from the four-circle style of the previous generation. The most notable news about the model, though, is the ''SS'' model's use of the [[GM LS engine|Generation IV small-block]] [[V8]] in a front-wheel drive Chevrolet for the first time, and the first V8 in a Chevrolet sedan since the 1996 Caprice: the new 5.3 liter (325 cu in) V8 (with [[Displacement on Demand]], now called Active Fuel Management or AFM) produces {{convert|303|hp}}.<ref name="LS4specs">http://media.gm.com/us/powertrain/en/product_services/2008/Spec%20Sheet/Gen%20IV/2008%20Gen%20IV%20Car/08_LS4.xls</ref> With the  use of the 5.3 liter LS4 V8, the Impala SS is capable of a 5.6 second {{convert|0|-|60|mph|adj=on}} time and a quarter-mile time of 14.2 seconds traveling at {{convert|101|mph}}.<ref>[http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/car_shopping/family_four_doors/2006_chevrolet_impala_ss_road_test+page-4.html 2006 Chevrolet Impala SS - Road Test / Family Four Doors / Car Shopping / Hot Lists / Reviews / Car and Driver - Car And Driver<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> The car is 200.4 inches (5,091 mm) long, {{convert|58.7|in|0}} high, and 72.9 inches (1,851 mm) wide. Available trim levels are LS, LT, LTZ and the aforementioned SS. [[Image:Chevrolet Impala police.jpg|left|thumb|175px|Impala police model]] Also updated are the 9C1 & 9C3 trim levels for Police Package models, which do not have the civilian SS's {{convert|303|hp}} V8 engine available, but instead use the 3.9 liter (237 cu in) V6.<ref name="LZG/9specs">http://media.gm.com/us/powertrain/en/product_services/2008/Spec%20Sheet/HVV6/08_LZG.xls</ref> The reason for this is that the Police Sedans utilize the SS radiator and cooling system as an upgrade from the standard 3.9 liter engine (used in the Impala LTZ). GM did not wish to design a specific radiator and cooling system to equip a low-production V8 police vehicle. Also, the heavy-duty steel wheels were not redesigned, and as such, the Police Sedan uses the original center caps or the older style wheel covers. A factory spoiler is an available option, and cruise control and a CD player are standard.
The 2006 Impala was introduced at the 2005 [[Los Angeles Auto Show]]. Like the [[Buick LaCrosse]], this model uses the updated [[GM W platform]]. The base engine is a 3.5 liter (214 cu in) [[V6]] producing {{convert|211|hp}}.<ref name="LZEspecs">http://media.gm.com/us/powertrain/en/product_services/2008/Spec%20Sheet/HVV6/08_LZ4.xls</ref> The new Impala features new taillights, different from the four-circle style of the previous generation. The most notable news about the model, though, is the ''SS'' model's use of the [[GM LS engine|Generation IV small-block]] [[V8]] in a front-wheel drive Chevrolet for the first time, and the first V8 in a Chevrolet sedan since the 1996 Caprice: the new 5.3 liter (325 cu in) V8 (with [[Displacement on Demand]], now called Active Fuel Management or AFM) produces {{convert|303|hp}}.<ref name="LS4specs">http://media.gm.com/us/powertrain/en/product_services/2008/Spec%20Sheet/Gen%20IV/2008%20Gen%20IV%20Car/08_LS4.xls</ref> With the  use of the 5.3 liter LS4 V8, the Impala SS is capable of a 5.6 second {{convert|0|-|60|mph|adj=on}} time and a quarter-mile time of 14.2 seconds traveling at {{convert|101|mph}}.<ref>[http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/car_shopping/family_four_doors/2006_chevrolet_impala_ss_road_test+page-4.html 2006 Chevrolet Impala SS - Road Test / Family Four Doors / Car Shopping / Hot Lists / Reviews / Car and Driver - Car And Driver<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> The car is 200.4 inches (5,091 mm) long, {{convert|58.7|in|0}} high, and 72.9 inches (1,851 mm) wide. Available trim levels are LS, LT, LTZ and the aforementioned SS. [[Image:06-09 Chevrolet Impala police.jpg|left|thumb|175px|Chevrolet Impala police model]] Also updated are the 9C1 & 9C3 trim levels for Police Package models, which do not have the civilian SS's {{convert|303|hp}} V8 engine available, but instead use the 3.9 liter (237 cu in) V6.<ref name="LZG/9specs">http://media.gm.com/us/powertrain/en/product_services/2008/Spec%20Sheet/HVV6/08_LZG.xls</ref> The reason for this is that the Police Sedans utilize the SS radiator and cooling system as an upgrade from the standard 3.9 liter engine (used in the Impala LTZ). GM did not wish to design a specific radiator and cooling system to equip a low-production V8 police vehicle. Also, the heavy-duty steel wheels were not redesigned, and as such, the Police Sedan uses the original center caps or the older style wheel covers. A factory spoiler is an available option, and cruise control and a CD player are standard.


The interior has been completely redesigned. The 2006 Impala featured a wood trim center console with chrome accents on all major control buttons. The dashboard featured a chrome Impala logo embedded in the wood grain trim that runs across the front of the vehicle and onto the doors. The new control knobs found throughout the vehicle's cockpit are similar to those found in the new Buick models as well as the [[Cadillac DTS]], all of which feature a similar center console. Another interior revision is the location of the cupholders, which are now concealed beneath the mid-section of the vehicle's center console.
The interior has been completely redesigned. The 2006 Impala featured a wood trim center console with chrome accents on all major control buttons. The dashboard featured a chrome Impala logo embedded in the wood grain trim that runs across the front of the vehicle and onto the doors. The new control knobs found throughout the vehicle's cockpit are similar to those found in the new Buick models as well as the [[Cadillac DTS]], all of which feature a similar center console. Another interior revision is the location of the cupholders, which are now concealed beneath the mid-section of the vehicle's center console.
Line 292: Line 290:


===2008===
===2008===
[[File:Chevrolet Impala FlexFuel 34 MIA 12 2008 with logo.jpg|thumb|150px|right|[[E85]] [[Flexible-fuel vehicle|FlexFuel]] Chevrolet Impala LT 2009.]]
[[Image:Chevrolet Impala FlexFuel 34 MIA 12 2008 with logo.jpg|thumb|175px|right|[[E85]] [[Flexible-fuel vehicle|FlexFuel]] Chevrolet Impala LT 2009.]]
The Impala receives the [[Flexible-fuel vehicle|FlexFuel]] feature seen in other GM vehicles on the LS, LT, LTZ, 9C1 and 9C3 models. The SS retains the same drivetrain and does not receive the FlexFuel feature due to the high performance nature of the powertrain. The Police Sedans receive the FlexFuel feature to compete against the [[Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor]], which also received a similar feature allowing it to utilize [[E85]]. Also, the 9C1 and 9C3 begin coming equipped with an external trunk lock tumbler. Neither feature is available to the civilian version of the car.
The Impala receives the [[Flexible-fuel vehicle|FlexFuel]] feature seen in other GM vehicles on the LS, LT, LTZ, 9C1 and 9C3 models. The SS retains the same drivetrain and does not receive the FlexFuel feature due to the high performance nature of the powertrain. The Police Sedans receive the FlexFuel feature to compete against the [[Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor]], which also received a similar feature allowing it to utilize [[E85]]. Also, the 9C1 and 9C3 begin coming equipped with an external trunk lock tumbler. Neither feature is available to the civilian version of the car.


Line 329: Line 327:


==External links==
==External links==
{{commonscat}}
 
*[http://www.chevrolet.com/impala/ Official site]
*[http://www.chevrolet.com/impala/ Official site]
*[http://www.imcdb.org/vehicles.php?resultsStyle=asImages&sortBy=4&make=Chevrolet&model=Impala&modelMatch=1&modelInclModel=on Appearances of the Impala in TV and film]
*[http://www.imcdb.org/vehicles.php?resultsStyle=asImages&sortBy=4&make=Chevrolet&model=Impala&modelMatch=1&modelInclModel=on Appearances of the Impala in TV and film]
Line 359: Line 357:
[[Category:Goods manufactured in Canada]]
[[Category:Goods manufactured in Canada]]
[[Category:Partial zero-emissions vehicles]]
[[Category:Partial zero-emissions vehicles]]
[[ca:Chevrolet Impala]]
[[de:Chevrolet Impala]]
[[es:Chevrolet Impala]]
[[fr:Chevrolet Impala]]
[[ko:시보레 임팔라]]
[[lt:Chevrolet Impala]]
[[hu:Chevrolet Impala]]
[[ja:シボレー・インパラ]]
[[pl:Chevrolet Impala]]
[[pt:Chevrolet Impala]]
[[ro:Chevrolet Impala]]
[[ru:Chevrolet Impala]]
[[fi:Chevrolet Impala]]
[[sv:Chevrolet Impala]]
Budlight
Bots, Bureaucrats, Administrators
529

edits

Retrieved from "https://www.chevy-wiki.com/wiki/Special:MobileDiff/3149...10374"

Navigation menu