NY 2012: Chevrolet Unveils 2014 Impala

The current Impala - Chevy's large sedan - has been around since 2006, although really that's just a prettier version of the Impala that came out in 2000 - putting the big car at a dozen years of age.  By now it should have a paper route and hints of a beard, practically.  With Chevy's recent resurgence, we've been left wondering when the Impala would get a replacement.  Remarkably, GM managed to keep wraps on the images of the Impala up until it's full public reveal at NYIAS  - which hardly ever happens any more.

It's still a conservative design for the class (the new Hyundai Azera is a lot more dynamic looking, as is the Nissan Maxima) but it's an attractive one.  These days you see hints of other designs in every new car, and a few stick out on the Impala: the tail lights from a Sonata, the headlights from a new Passat, and a smoother version of the rear fender flares from a Continental GT.  The quasi-fastback proportions are probably the biggest factor in eliminating the Impala's former stodgy (if clean) look.  Not crazy, but successful.

The current Impala is the last car still riding on GM's W-Body chassis which dates to the 80's - think Grand Prix, Bonneville, etc.  The new one will ride on GM's Epsilon II chassis, shared with the upcoming Cadillac XTS as well as the Buick LaCrosse and the now-dead Saab 9-5.  Despite the whole new backbone, the Impala's size doesn't really change: wheelbase grows 1.2" to 111.7", overall length is up 0.9" to 201.3", and 0.2" taller at 58.9"  Like before, it's suspended by McPherson struts up front, with a multi-link independent rear suspension.

Engine choices are more varied, too: for the first time in the Impala name plate, there are four-cylinders available.  The base engine is GM's new 2.5L I4, with 195bhp and 184lb-ft.  Another first: an "eAssist" mild hybrid setup, same as in the new Malibu, with a 2.4L 182bhp engine and an integrated electric motor.  Finally, the current V6 carries over as the top engine option: the revised "LFX" 3.6L 24v V6, with 303 torque-steering horsepower going to the front wheels.  All three engine choices will come with a 6-speed automatic standard, and Chevy says the eAssist will manage 35mpg highway - only 3 less than the smaller Malibu with the same powertrain.

The interior has seen big improvements as well.  The dual-cowl layout has spread to Chevy's large sedan, as has their love for odd two-t0ne color combinations.  How many col0rs can you count in that interior photo?  Whacky press photo color choices aside (I'm sure it'll be available - and look great - in all black), the Impala has a lot of new tech on the inside.  There's a 4.2" color display between the speedometer and tach for turn-by-turn navigation, trip info, etc.  There's also an 8" color touch screen in the center stack for satnav, audio, rear-view camera and other things - which slides up vertically to reveal a storage space behind it.  Another neat trick?  Active noise cancellation for four-cylinder models through the car's stereo.

Of course, the Impala is loaded to the gills with modern safety tech.  To wit: adaptive cruise control, collision mitigating aut0-braking, forward collision alert, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and a rear cross-traffic alert means it will practically drive itself.  Of course, if you believe it will actually drive itself and crash it into something, there's 10 standard air bags and OnStar crash detection as usual.

Other tidbits: like all Chevrolets, the Impala will be available in (base) LS, (middle) LT, and (loaded) LTZ trim - the latter of which will include HID's with LED running lights, interior color accents, leather, and that sort of accoutrement.  Standard wheels for the Impala are an 18" - which tells you about the direction automotive proportions are heading, I suppose - and go up to 20" from the factory.  The new Impala will be available next year.  Video below if you're interested:

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnFO9oSYFb8