Chevy's full-size front wheel drive sedan, the Impala, was given a major facelift for the 2006 model year. Now our spy photographer has captured an all-new Chevy full-size sedan undergoing high temperature testing in the desert southwest. Is this the next-generation Chevy Impala?



The front-end design of the prototype is unmistakably Chevy, with a strong resemblance to the latest Chevy Tahoe and Suburban SUVs. A close inspection of the tape across the grille emblem shows the Chevy bowtie shape clearly outlined.



A quick dive under the car confirms that the car is front-wheel drive. Seeing the prototype parked right next to a current Chevy Impala also shows that it is both wider and longer than the Impala.



Other aspects of the prototype, however, raise some questions. The shape of the roofline and rear of the car bear a strong resemblance to the Buick Lucerne. Perhaps this Chevy will share some of the Lucerne 's structure? One can also note the European-style turn signal lamps on the front fenders, behind and above the front wheels. But this can't be a European model, due to the U.S.-sized cutout for the rear license plate. And the car is equipped with Hankook Optima tires, commonly used by Korean cars, but not Chevys. Headlights and taillights give no help in identifying the car, since they are merely cobbled up parts screwed onto the prototype and not production items at all.