Chevrolet Impala
The Chevrolet Impala is a full-size car, which will be built by Chevrolet intermittently since 1957 in the USA. First, the Impala was the luxury version of the model Bel Air, and thus the top model. With the introduction of the Chevrolet Caprice in 1966, he presented the middle trim level dar. From 1976, after the abolition of the Bel Air, he was until 1985 Chevrolets advantageous tender in its model class. Since 1994, the Impala is the top again.
Model history
Impala / Impala SS ( 1300/1400/1700/1800 Series, 1959-1964 )
Chevrolet Impala Hardtop Sedan Series 1700/1800 (1959 )
In model year 1958, there were at the Bel Air two models, a two-door hardtop sport coupe and two-door convertible that carried the additional title Impala.
In 1959 it became its own series, which replaced the Bel Air as a top model. The bodies had significantly flatter with a longer wheelbase a grille over the entire width of the vehicle with integrated dual headlights and rear characteristic, designed as a wing tail fins, in which lens-shaped tail lamps were arranged. The Biscayne became the entry-level model and the Bel Air occupied the middle place. The Impala with six-cylinder engine called 1700 series, the V8 models were called Series 1800th In addition to a four-door sedan, there was a two-door convertible, a two-door hardtop coupe, a four-door hardtop sedan and a five-door estate. The latter had to offer seating for six and his name Nomad was taken from the corresponding Bel Air model.
The 1700 had a six-cylinder in-line engine with 3859 cm3 displacement, which at 4000 min - 1, an output of 135 hp ( 99 kW ) gave. Base engine in the 1800 was a V8 with 4,637 cm3 displacement and an output of 185 hp ( 136 kW) at 4600 min -1. Optionally, there were also more powerful engines:
In 1960 there was little stylistic and technical changes. As an option, an SS (Super Sport) package was offered with visual enhancements. It was initially only available with the powerful 5.7 -liter V8. Right away the Impala became the best-selling Chevrolet model. In 1960, the Impala the best selling car in the United States and held that position for a decade. Between 1957 and 1996, sold over 13 million Impala - a record for American full-size cars.
1961 was followed by a facelift, the only hints left by the rear wings left. The engine range was expanded by a V8 engine with 6702 cm3 displacement and 360 hp ( 265 kW) (for the Impala SS). The other aggregates rose to power. As new models a two-door sedan and a Nomad station wagon came with nine seats to
1962, the Chevy II was introduced in the lower middle class, so that the three models Biscayne, Bel Air and Impala were the top half of the Chevrolet range. The bodies were tightened and the lens-shaped taillights gave way to round three copies of each page. The 6.7 liter V8 reached a new peak with 409 hp (301 kW). The Impala SS was now available with all the engines of the "normal " Impala. The two-door sedan was no longer offered and the two suits were now called Impala Station Wagon.
In 1963 there were almost no stylistic changes, but the engine power of the 6.7 liter V8 puts 425 hp ( 313 kW) and in addition to a V8 with 6997 cm3 displacement and 430 hp was (316 kW) available.
1964 only the front fascia has been slightly revised and showed a slightly lower grille. The Impala SS was introduced as a separate series and got the numbers 1300 ( six-cylinder ) and 1400 ( V8). It gave him more than two-door hardtop coupe and two-door convertible.
The Impala (especially the 1963 and 1964 models) has achieved cult status in certain circles, as it is often used as the basis for the construction of Lowriders.
Impala / Impala SS ( 163/164/165/166/167/168 Series, 1965-1970 )
Chevrolet Impala Custom Series 164 (1968)
Complete the Impala has been revised (as well as the Biscayne and Bel Air) in model year 1965 presents.
The wagons were flatter, wider and longer. The nose with low grille, which also extended below the bumper, formed a shallow V, the tip pointed forward and upward. About the rear wheel arches showed a slight hip bend. In addition to the well-known six-cylinder in-line engine, there was a new unit with 4,097 cm3 displacement, the power of 155 hp developed (114 kW) at 4,200 min -1. The six-cylinder models were called Series now 163, while the V8 models were called Series 164. Also the Impala SS was taken further, the six-cylinder models were called Series 165, while the V8 - powered cars were summarized as series 166. For them it was a new engine with 6489 cm3, the ( 239-313 kW) made 325-425 hp. 1965 put the Impala with over one million copies sold an industry record, which still exists today.
In the following year there were only minor alterations, such as additional chrome trim on the headlamps. For model year 1966, Chevrolet Caprice one as the new top model; from this point ranked the Impala as a middle model between Bel Air and Caprice. Since the Caprice, the serial number was 166, the Impala SS mutant series to series 167 ( six-cylinder ), and 168 (V8).
1967 hiked the front direction indicators at the corners of the vehicle and formed with the V-shaped nose, a significant contouring of the vehicle front. The Hüftknicke over the rear wheel arches became clearer. In 1968, the front turn signals were smaller again and made a clear upswept front bumper area. The dual headlights were square chromed frame. As a new model, a two-door coupe came ( B -pillar ) to do so.
The Impala SS was from 1968 no longer own series, but fell back to the status of an equipment package that could be ordered for every Impala. With six-cylinder engines, the sedan and the two hard-top models were only available. Technically changed in these two years little.
There was a Z24 - equipment package (code Z03 ) was delivered in conjunction with the regular Super Sport package. From 1967 to 1969, the Impala contributed with the Z24 package " SS427 " emblems. The SS427 was a sports suspension and other performance goodies to the Turbo-Jet 427 engine with 7 liter capacity in various variants ( L36 or L72 ). However, this full-size high -performance automobile did not sell particularly well since the power-hungry fans tended to opt for the middle class models with powerful engines, such as the Chevrolet Chevelle SS396 and the Plymouth Road Runner with Hemi engine, which were lighter and faster. Interestingly, there was the Z24 package without SS package, ie with front three-seat bench.
The SS427 of 1967/68 had special bonnet with hump, the 1968 model also " gills" on the front fenders reminiscent of the Chevrolet Corvette.
Again, completely revised presented itself to the series in 1969. Given the same wheelbase the cars were grown in length and width again. The more strongly contoured front sides showed a massive chrome frame and the rear wheel arches had been so far reduced that the upper halves of the wheels were almost covered. The lower half of the tail statements were taken from the chrome rear bumper, which also absorbed the three narrow taillights per side. The station wagon - only with V8 engines available - were now called Kingswood. This year there was a supercar only the SS427 with 390 or 425 hp and standard front disc brakes and larger 15 -inch wheels. It should be the last Impala SS until 1994.
In 1970, there was little change. The range of engines were streamlined addition to the familiar 4.1 -liter six-cylinder engine, a new V8 engine with 5735 cm3 displacement and 250 hp came (184 kW). With six-cylinder engines, only two models were available: the sedan and hardtop coupe; the four-door hardtop sedan was it only with a V8 engine.
Impala (series 163/164/1B/1L/1M, 1971-1976 )
Chevrolet Impala Hardtop Sedan Series 1M (1972 )
1971 came out a completely new full-size series. The combination models were called the Impala continues to Kingwood. The wheelbase was " grown in the station wagon as much as 6" in the sedans, coupes and the convertible to 2 ½. The massive, heavily contoured front showed a low front grille and turn signals back to the corners of the vehicle. All the big Chevrolets got disc brakes on all four wheels. The engine power decreased by 5 per hp.
A slight revision of the vehicle front left 1972 shrink the grille in height. The wheelbase of sedans, coupes and convertibles of the put again to ½ ". Starting this year, the engine performance in net hp ( nhp ) were specified. The most powerful V8 engine had 7440 cm3 and made 270 hp ( 199 kW). The new model name was uniform this year for six-and eight-cylinder Series 1M.
After the Biscayne was no longer offered in 1973, slipped all the full-size model series for a place to bottom: initial model was the Bel Air, the Impala took the central square and the Caprice was the top offer. Accordingly, the Impala, the term series 1L from Bel Air inherited The combination models were called back Impala Station Wagon, the hardtop coupe and the convertible had been withdrawn from the program. There were two Coupe models, a "Custom" and a "sport". The car got a slight revision of the front and rear view and were a little longer. The performance of all engines was under the impression the oil crisis by 10-20 reduced nhp. The six-cylinder were completely abolished. In 1974 there were no changes, except for a slightly revised front fascia. 1975 catalysts were introduced. The third model variant came a " Landau " to do so. Otherwise, there were few changes.
1976 was also the Bel Air from the model range of the upper middle class. Thus, the Impala became the entry-level model of large Chevrolets. The sports coupe had disappeared, but there was in addition to the normal four-door sedan, an S version and a sport version. The cars were - along with the more luxurious Caprice Classic - run as a series 1B. The front view was again slightly reworked and now showed a prominent forward set, narrower grille, flanked by dual headlights in rectangular chrome frame. The drive served V8 engine with 5735 cm3 and 165 hp ( 121 kW ), 6554 cm3, 175 hp ( 129 kW ) or 7440 cm3 and 225 hp ( 165 kW).
Impala (Series 1B, 1977-1985 )
Chevrolet Impala Coupe (1977-1981)
When introduced in 1977 reduced generation of large Chevrolet Impala in turn played the role of the base model (except in Canada, where under him a derelict in the U.S. Bel Air model was still sold until 1980).
1985 eliminated the designation Impala.
For details, see article: Chevrolet Caprice
Impala SS (Series 1B, 1994-1996)
Chevrolet Impala SS (1994-1996)
On the basis of 1990 introduced new Caprice, which was based on the B platform of General Motors, it was after 20 years again an Impala SS
At the motor show in Detroit in early 1992, was a study of a Impala SS from the pen of the GM designer John Moss, which was well received by the press and public. The show car was adopted virtually unchanged in the series, only the Chevrolet emblem on the grille was not red with the standard version, but executed in chrome. 14 months after the Salon of the Impala SS was at the factory in Arlington, Texas in series.
When Impala SS, it was a sports version of the Caprice. Looked at closely built the Impala on the Caprice with the 9C1 police package and so had many of the components that private customers remained withheld otherwise. These included around a reinforced chassis, a stronger cooling system, larger and more powerful disc brakes, transmission cooler, dual exhaust, enhanced electrical and other changes minor nature.
Another feature of the Impala SS was the rear axle ratio of 3.08:1, including self-locking differential and a low of 2.5 cm laid chassis. The drive took a modified 5.7 -liter V8 from the Chevrolet Corvette LT1 type, the (264 hp) and 447 Nm made 194 kW. Unlike the version of the LT1 engine used in the Corvette and Camaro had this in the Impala no aluminum, but cast iron cylinder heads and designed for more torque at low engine speeds camshaft.
When Impala SS exterior trim parts were executed in body color, making it less " bathtub way " served as the Caprice. Furthermore, typically were the special, simpler front grille, the elimination of ornament on the hood, the rear spoiler and an insert in front of the C-pillar with the Impala logo; Furthermore, 17 -inch wheels of polished aluminum and surprisingly wide tires 255/ 50 ZR 17 The interior consisted of center console with cup holders and storage compartment, leather seats with embossed Impala SS logos and leather steering wheel.
The Impala SS proved to be one of the most successful GM -based vehicles of all time:
In 1994 there was the Impala SS in black with gray interior. Chevrolet sold 6303 pieces.
In 1995, optionally Dark Metallic and Dark Grey Green available and the C-pillar has been widened. 21 434 copies were sold.
In model year 1996, there were some changes; thus, the digital speedometer has been replaced by an analog of the selector lever and moved from the steering column to the center console. 41 941 copies of the 96- model were sold.
With the setting of the entire B- and D derived from their platform in the summer of 1996 were also related to the Impala SS
Impala / Impala SS (Series 1W, 1999-2005)
Chevrolet Impala LS (1999-2005)
A new edition of the Chevrolet Impala was introduced in the fall of 1999 as a replacement for the Chevrolet Lumina. In contrast to previous models, this model was not a classic big American cars anymore, but belonged to the middle class. Instead of eight cylinders, the new Impala was only by six-cylinder engines ( 3.1 L and 3.8 L ) driven by the front wheels. The 3.8 - liter engine compressor was charged in 2004 and performed in the SS version 176 kW (240 hp). A self-directed coupe version of the Impala was also offered, which also has a traditional name was Monte Carlo.
This Impala generation has been very successful in the U.S. because in 2004 alone, about 290 259 units were sold. Thus, the Impala was the best selling big American sedan. The buyers were two versions to choose from, even the base model with fabric-covered front seat, the 130 kW ( 177 hp ) payable 3.4 - liter V6 and a dashboard with three round instruments. The Impala LS had standard front individual seats with fabric upholstery, leather upholstery, center console and agent selector lever, Impala lettering in body color, ABS, traction control, keyless entry, fog lights, four round instruments and the 3.8 L V6 with 149 kW ( 203 hp ). For an additional charge there for all models sunroof, rear spoiler, heated and electrically adjustable seats and 16- inch alloy wheels, whose design was reminiscent of the Impala SS 1994-96. Series for all versions were electric windows, central locking and electrically adjustable rear view mirror.
As of 2003, Chevrolet offered a LS Sport Package, which included 6 round instruments, front spoiler, tinted tail lights and a chrome exhaust pipe glasses.
The Impala SS between 2004 and 2005 was driven by the supercharged L67 version of the 3.8 -liter V6 (243 hp) 179 kW and made previously in the Pontiac Grand Prix GTP, Buick Regal GS and the Pontiac Bonneville SSEI was used. Although it was said by hardcore fans, it was not a "real SS ", the relatively light sedan was still faster than the Impala SS of the years 1993 to 1996 and reached 100 km / h in about 6.5 seconds.
The police package
Like all great Chevrolets in recent decades, there were also those with special Impala police package and additionally with undercover police package 9C1 or 9C3 code numbers. These versions were only available for police authorities and were more successful than the direct predecessor, the Lumina 9C1. The Impala 9C1 largely corresponded to the civilian base model, but had the 3.8 -liter V6 and a reinforced chassis and was only available in selected colors. In addition, the driver had the option to turn off the lights to get noticed less; in the civilian Impala versions this was not possible as they were equipped with daytime running lights. When 9C3 could order extras from the regular price list and had a greater choice of paint and interior colors.
Impala / Impala SS (Series 1W, 2005-2013 )
Chevrolet Impala (2005-2013)
From the summer of 2005, a revised version of the Chevrolet Impala midsize sedan was available. This came up with a dynamically designed front fascia and front and rear lights on altered. As part of the facelift of the Impala received a new, optional 3.9 -liter V6 with 171 kW ( 233 hp ) and variable camshaft timing and Active Fuel Management, which shuts off three of the six cylinders under partial load. The old 3.5 -liter V6 engine with 155 kW ( 211 hp) was retained. The same goes for the front-wheel drive and the four- speed automatic transmission ( 4T65 -E). The two six - cylinder E85 -compatible.
The sporty SS model receives first time since 1996 a V8 engine. This traditionally has indeed only two valves per cylinder, but it can offer variable cam timing and cylinder deactivation, which shuts down four of the eight cylinders under part load to conserve fuel. Under full load, this 5.3 -liter engine delivers 223 kW (303 hp) and 438 Nm.
For model year 2007, several new colors came into the Impala program, also as a new model of the Impala RSS with aggressive styled alloy wheels, front, rear and sill aprons, spoilers and a number of changes to the interior.
The list price starts at $ 22,400 ( € 14,000 ) for the LS or $ 29,780 ( € 18,600 ) for the SS (2008 ).
Impala (since 2013)
Chevrolet Impala (since 2013)
The tenth generation of the Chevrolet Impala in 2012 celebrated its premiere at the New York International Auto Show and has since the beginning of 2013 on the market.
The Impala is based on the GM Epsilon platform, which is also used for the models Opel Insignia and Chevrolet Malibu. In the case of the Impala, however XTS is accessed the extended platform as its sister model, Cadillac.
The vehicle is available in trim levels LS, LT and LTZ, the additional features include 18 ", 19 " and 20 " aluminum wheels, ten airbags with networking to GM's OnStar, a radar-based distance cruise control, an 8 " touchscreen and an active noise control of the four-cylinder engines by anti-sound.