The Chevrolet Impala is a full-size car from Chevrolet (a division of General Motors). At the end of 1950, leading engineer Ed Cole, presented this model as "a prestigious car that will be available to every inhabitant of America." For the first time the car went on sale in 1958. Initially, Bel Air cars were produced under this name, which had a special package of options. Independent model became Impala in 1959. It was the most expensive full-size car until 1965, when Chevrolet launched the more expensive Chevrolet Caprice. In the 1960s, the Chevrolet Impala competed with cars such as the Ford Galaxie 500 and Plymouth Fury. Model Chevrolet Impala in the 60s became a bestseller.
In 1965, the number of cars sold exceeded one million. At that time, the car was produced in two versions of the body: 4-door sedan and 2-door coupe. Since 1962, the car began to use the B-platform from the company General Motors, which was the reason for external redesign. In 1965, a model called the Impala Caprice was released. It was a 4-door sedan, which had a unique interior trim. In 1966, this car became known simply as the Chevrolet Caprice, becoming the most expensive model from Chevrolet at that time. However, the Chevrolet Impala remained the top seller until the late 1970s.
In 1967, the Impala exterior was based on the 1963 Buick Riviera model line. As for the engines for the Chevrolet Impala, in the period from 1957 until 1980, quite a few modifications were used. Three modifications of 6-cylinder engines: Blue Flame 6 with a volume of 3.9 liters (1958-1962), Turbo Thrift 6 with a volume of 3.8 liters (1963-1965) and Turbo Thrift 6 with a volume of 4.1 liters (1966-1969).
Five variants of small block Turbo Fire V8 power units: a volume of 4.7 liters with a capacity of 195-220 hp (1957-1967); volume of 5 liters and 200 hp (1968); 5.4 liter capacity and 235-375 hp (1961-1969); volume of 5.8 liters capacity of 250-350 hp (1969-1980); volume of 6.6 liters capacity of 255-265 hp (1970-1976).
Six models big block V8: W-series Turbo Thrust V8 with a volume of 5.7 liters and a capacity of 250-350 hp (1958-1961); W-series Turbo Thrust V8 with a volume of 6.7 liters and 340-425 hp (mid 1961 - early 1965); 427 W-series big block with a volume of 7 liters (1963); Turbo Jet V8 of 6.5 liters capacity of 265-425 hp (mid 1965 - 1969); Turbo Jet V8 with a volume of 7 liters and a power of 335-425 hp (1966-1969); power unit volume of 7. 5 liters capacity 345-390 hp (1970-1976). It is worth noting that in 1961, the Chevrolet Impala SS (Super Sport) version was released.
This package of options included: V8 engines with a volume of 5.7 liters and a capacity of 305, 340, and 350 hp, as well as a new engine with a volume of 6.7 and a capacity of 425 hp; special tires; advanced suspension; special powder metal brake linings. In 1962, for the Impala SS model, all engines were already available, which at that time were offered for the Impala. On the back of the sports version there were “SS” nameplates. In 1964, the SS version became an independent model, rather than an upgrade package as it was before, having received its own emblem. In 1969, the Impala SS model was discontinued until 1994.
This year introduced the version of the Impala SS Z24 (SS427), which was equipped with a 7-liter V8 engine (rated at 335, 390 and 425 hp) and 15 inch rims. In 1971, the Chevrolet Impala undergoes external changes. It is also based on the B-platform and becomes the longest full-size car ever presented by General Motors. In the period from 1971 to 1976. The Chevrolet Impala was offered in the following bodies: 2-door convertible, 2-door coupe, 2-door sports coupe, 4-door sedan and station wagon. In 1977, changes in trends in the automotive market led to further changes in the appearance of the Chevrolet Impala. The car has become shorter, narrower and higher.
The new Impala model is essentially a shortened version of the old Impala on the B-platform. The car has lost the version in the back of a convertible. Of the previously proposed options for the body remained: 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan and station wagon. In 1980, the car receives another minor external changes. In 1991, the next generation of Chevrolet Impala appears. This year, the car gets a completely new modern dynamic appearance. The Impala SS logo was revived and was used to demonstrate the concept at the Detroit Auto Show in 1992.
On the design of the concept worked by John Moss (designer of General Motors). The serial version was released in 1994. The engine was located on the hood LT1 V8 volume of 5.7 liters and a capacity of 300 hp. In 1996, production of the Impala SS was discontinued. In 2000, the updated Chevrolet Impala. Unlike the previously produced Impala models, it was already a front wheel drive car.
For it was proposed two engine options: V6 LA1 with a volume of 3.4 liters, 180 hp. (offered as standard) and a V6 L36 with a volume of 3.8 liters and a power of 200 hp. Also offered is the LS version, which was equipped with bucket seats, ABS, traction control, integrated fog lamps and a 3.6 liter V6 L36 engine and power 200 hp In 2004, the SS version reappears, which was equipped with a 3.67-liter turbocharged L67 V6 engine with 240 hp, which was previously used on the Pontiac Grand Prix GTP, Buick Regal GS and Pontiac Bonneville SSEI. Acceleration of the new SS version to 100 km / h was 6.5 seconds (for models of past years, 7.1 seconds).
It also released versions that were used by law enforcement. There were two improvement packages: Police Package (9C1) and Undercover Police Package (9C3). They were equipped with a reinforced suspension and engine 3.8 L V6. Version 9C3 was equipped with a special button, which was located on the place of the fog lamp switch, which turned off all the lighting on the car, which allowed the police car to become invisible at night. The 2006 model year Impala was presented at the Los Angeles Auto Show in 2005. The car received a new W-platform.
As standard, the car is equipped with a 3.5-liter LZE V6 engine, whose power is 211 hp. Also 2 more variants of power units are offered: LZ9 V6 with a volume of 3.9 liters and LS4 V8 with a volume of 5.3 liters. In 2007, the Impala RSS version was introduced, which received a new bumper, rear spoiler and overall more aggressive appearance. Under the hood of the RSS version is the power unit LZ9 V6 with a volume of 3.9 liters.
It is assumed that the next significant changes to the exterior of the Chevrolet Impala are expected by 2010 model year.
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