Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

2013 Chevrolet Impala caught testing

Gallery:
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2013-...photo-4680870/

After languishing in mediocrity for far too long, the 2013 Chevrolet Impala can't come soon enough, and our shooters managed to snag a camouflaged prototype – both inside and out – for the first time.

Based on the long-wheelbase version of the Epsilon 2 platform, the reimagined Impala is set to be powered by a choice of either GM's 3.6-liter V6 or its recently revealed 270-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. An eAssist version is also likely to be offered soon after its debut.

Inside, we get a glimpse of a reworked interior that's more plush than the current model, complete with leather dash and trim, tasteful aluminum accents and a sizable nav screen front-and-center.

The exterior is harder to gauge, but the ride height is noticeably lower, the roof and windshield more raked and the front fascia has taken on a pointed, Camaro-esque shape. We should know more in the coming months before Chevy takes the wraps off in the first half of the year.

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/14/2...aught-testing/

mmarshall

As far as I'm concerned, a turbo four is out of place in this car. Impalas are supposed to be smooth, tranquil cruisers, and a turbo four would probably not have the refinement needed for a car of this class. Nor would it probably have the ultimate power needed for an upcoming Impala SS model.

So, Chevy.......stick with the V6, and consider a boosted/turbo V6 or small V8 for the SS model (like on the last SS).

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

I'm with you. Leave it a base model V6 to compete against Taurus (is slated to get an Ecoboost 4), Avalon, Azera, and leave the turbo 4 in the 2013 Malibu

jwong77

I do like the stance of the car, the minimal wheel gaps give the car a sporty look (relative to the current generation of Impala).

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

no doubt about it, this trend is being seen on other large sedans such as the new Hyundai Azera, Ford Taurus, and soon to be redone Toyota Avalon

adamls2

One of my favorite cars is the LT1 96 SS...I wish they would go back to their roots!!!!

Fizzboy7

The current Taurus has a huge wheel gap. One of it's biggest flaws IMO.
But I agree, small gap is one of the simplest ways to make a car look good.

In the pic above, the test car is either purposely weighted down or carrying test gear. This is common on mules. Sadly, I doubt Chevy will release a production familly cruiser that low.

durtysc300

Hopefully this won't be such a yawn as the mid 2000's and the latest version..I wish GM would head back to their roots a little bit more. Make stylish cars with decent interiors and good reliability.

J.P.

they should sell with a TT 502 option

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Sorry I meant the general styling has gotten more sporty. Yes the Taurus has a sizable gap

jaseman

Totally agree. V6 should be the minimum on it. A turboed 4-banger is gonna just feel out of place on a (primarily) highway cruiser like this. You might be fine once you're up to cruising speed, but go to pass traffic, and it'll feel like the car is working harder than it needs.



For all the "wheel-gap" people, who really cares?
Sure, we here might, but enthusiasts are not really the target audience for this market. The Impala/Taurus/etc.. is aimed at a much more pedestrian car buyer, where the vehicle is more an appliance than a status symbol, design statement, canyon carver, or what have you. Mom's gonna buy it to haul groceries. Grandpa is gonna buy it to get to his doctors appointments. It's primarily a car for the average Joe, for utilitarian duty.

FrankReynoldsCPA

Wheel gap hasn't been too important too me. Yes, small wheel-gap looks good. But i've seen cars look just fine without it. What does look ridiculous though is the newer 07+ GM pickups. HUGE wheel gap.

THe Impala needs a v8. My dad still tells me stories about his 67 Impala SS.