Published April 4, 2012
By Philippe Crowe
An updated version of Chevrolet’s full-size sedan is being revealed today during the New York auto show.
The 10th generation of the Impala will go on sale early 2013 as a 2014 model, and this will be the first to offer a mild hybrid powertrain system in the shape of what GM calls eAssist.
The Impala was America’s best-selling full-size sedan in 2011, with sales of more than 171,000, which also made it one of the 10 best-selling cars overall in the United States.
As for the eAssist version, the direct-injection Ecotec 2.4L engine works with the system to provide electrical assist in certain conditions to help save fuel. It is estimated at 182 horsepower and is expected to achieve at least 35 mpg on the highway on regular fuel.
A range of two other direct-injected engines will also be offered, including the current 3.6-liter V6 and a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder. All engines will be matched to six-speed automatic transmissions.
The new Impala will be loaded on the passive safety front with 10 standard air bags and OnStar, along with other available features. These will include full-speed-range adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation braking, forward collision alert, lane departure warning, side blind zone alert, rear cross traffic alert, rear camera and rear-park assist.
A MacPherson-strut front suspension and four-link rear suspension underpin the Impala, which soldiers on in front-wheel-drive form. An isolated front cradle and hydraulic ride bushing help deliver a smoother, quieter ride. All models feature an electric variable-assist steering system that helps save fuel by drawing energy only when the steering wheel is turned.
The revised Impala will be built both at GM’s Detroit-Hamtramck, Mich., and Oshawa, Ontario facilities. Prices have yet to be announced.
