Chevy's Secret Impala: GM starts work on RWD sedan for 2010

Richard · 09-06-2007, 12:40 AM

The car you see here is a rendering based on one of two design proposals under consideration for the 2010 Chevy Impala, a rear-drive sedan to be built on the same Zeta rear-drive architecture as the 2009 Camaro and-as we revealed exclusively last month-also likely to underpin an all-new Pontiac Grand Prix.

Unlike the Grand Prix, which is being pitched as a mildly tweaked version of the all-new Australian-designed and engineered Holden Commodore slated to make its debut at the Chicago Auto Show in February, the new Impala will feature unique sheetmetal from bumper to bumper.

A rear-drive Impala is a logical move for Chevy. It allows GM to increase the Impala's size, making it a clear step up from the all-new Malibu due next year. It also allows Chevy to offer a mainstream car with powertrains of more than 300 horses, including a range of V-8s. Finally, it provides a foundation for a two-tier Chevy range, composed of front-drive small and medium-size cars and rear-drive larger cars.

Building a new Impala off the Zeta architecture also will enable GM to spread some of the investment required for the Camaro across two model lines, as the cars will share mechanicals and numerous sheetmetal components under the skin. That eases the pressure on the Camaro to return the same profit margins Ford needs to justify building the Mustang, which shares few parts with any other FoMoCo vehicle.

Final decision on the new Impala's styling isn't likely until next year. But the car will feature Chevy's bold new corporate grille and an interior that builds on the substantial improvements in quality and presentation shown by the new Tahoe and Suburban.

NEED TO KNOW

6.2-liter V-8 is likely to be the top engine. Expect at least 400 horsepower, with cylinder deactivation for improved fuel economy. Also likely to be available will be GM's high-feature 3.6-liter V-6 and a 5.3-liter V-8.

Standard transmission is likely to be GM's new six-speed automatic. Performance versions, badged SS, probably will be offered with a six-speed manual.

Bold new grille is similar in execution to the 2008 Malibu's. Front overhang is short, and the wide front track means the wheels are pushed right to the corners of the car, giving it a sporty stance.

Fast backlight gives a rakish, almost coupelike profile that pays homage to the beautifully proportioned Impalas of the late 1960s. Rear deck is short and trunk opening narrow to accentuate strong shoulders.

Zeta rear suspension also will be on new Camaro and Pontiac Grand Prix. Features beefy L-shaped single upper link, two lower links, and adjustable toe-control link. Coil-over shocks keep entire assembly compact.

HSV's Hot Holdens
412 horsepower and rear drive. How to do a proper Impala SS or Grand Prix GXP.

Holden Special Vehicles, the Holden hot shop jointly owned by GM's Australian subsidiary and former F1 team owner Tom Walkinshaw, has launched its versions of the all-new, Zeta-based Holden Commodore. More powerful and more aggressively styled, the new HSV cars show how GM could put together performance versions of a rear-drive Impala or a Pontiac Grand Prix off the same architecture.

Base engine across the HSV range is a 412-horse version of the 6.0-liter LS2 V-8 used in the Holden-based Pontiac GTO. Transmission choice is a Tremec T56 six-speed manual or GM's slick new 6L80E six-speed auto. Holden sources claim test mules have consistently run 0 to 60 in under 5.0 seconds. Standing quarter-mile times should be in the 12-second bracket.

Brakes are monster 14.3-inch discs up front and 13.7-inch units at the rear, with AP Racing calipers. The top of the range GTS shown here also gets 20-inch alloy wheels and adjustable Magnetic Ride Control shocks by Delphi, as used in the C6 Corvette and the Cadillac STS-v.

Apart from the usual wheels and wings, the visual changes over the standard Holden Commodores include unique front fenders with a prominent side vent and new taillamps. Inside are sports seats and extra gauges-voltage, oil temperature, and oil pressure.

Now, here's the best bit: HSV sources haven't ruled out building a limited-run model powered by the 7.0-liter, 502-horse LS7 from the Corvette Z06. Yeah, it fits, and a car could appear at the Sydney motor show in October of next year. A 502-horsepower four-door sedan? Now that's what we call a musclecar.

Source: MotorTrend.com

DV06LTZ · 12-04-2007, 09:07 AM

Anxious to see anything on this new design...although not really pleased with
the 3d model in this post. Hopefully GM will enhance it to be more Camaro-like styling. Keep the Corporate boobs out of the design studios!

DSSTRBD · 12-11-2007, 04:43 AM

Wow that looks pretty f*ckin sweet!!!! Let me start saving my money now.

1BLUEMOFO · 12-24-2007, 08:06 PM

It looks badass.. I would love to see a 2 door model, SS that looks as good as the Holdens.

DV06LTZ · 01-10-2008, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1BLUEMOFO

It looks badass.. I would love to see a 2 door model, SS that looks as good as the Holdens.

How about this one?

Check out February's Motor Trend. Subject is: GM's BMW fighter.
On thier website it will only show the Holden version, but in the magazine shows this pic.

Trugb25 · 01-30-2008, 10:31 AM

I think bigger is better. I will never buy a impala 2000 or newer because they are to small. Im Want a Malibu, I would buy one

tahoe341 · 02-04-2008, 09:41 PM

Sorry to say it's been put on hold so don't look for it any time soon.You'll have lots of time to save your money

bigal · 03-13-2008, 10:03 AM

cool...rear-wheel drive finally..

RoadMonster · 03-29-2008, 04:10 PM

Too bad these cars will probably not be made

95SSWagon · 04-10-2008, 07:04 AM

apparently bob luts has already announced the new rear wheel drive cars are being put on hold due to changes in the standards for fuel economy meaning the new impala and the new camaro are gonna get held off even longer

09-06-2007, 12:40 AM	#1 (permalink)
Richard Administrator Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 499 View My Garage	Chevy's Secret Impala: GM starts work on RWD sedan for 2010 The car you see here is a rendering based on one of two design proposals under consideration for the 2010 Chevy Impala, a rear-drive sedan to be built on the same Zeta rear-drive architecture as the 2009 Camaro and-as we revealed exclusively last month-also likely to underpin an all-new Pontiac Grand Prix. Unlike the Grand Prix, which is being pitched as a mildly tweaked version of the all-new Australian-designed and engineered Holden Commodore slated to make its debut at the Chicago Auto Show in February, the new Impala will feature unique sheetmetal from bumper to bumper. A rear-drive Impala is a logical move for Chevy. It allows GM to increase the Impala's size, making it a clear step up from the all-new Malibu due next year. It also allows Chevy to offer a mainstream car with powertrains of more than 300 horses, including a range of V-8s. Finally, it provides a foundation for a two-tier Chevy range, composed of front-drive small and medium-size cars and rear-drive larger cars. Building a new Impala off the Zeta architecture also will enable GM to spread some of the investment required for the Camaro across two model lines, as the cars will share mechanicals and numerous sheetmetal components under the skin. That eases the pressure on the Camaro to return the same profit margins Ford needs to justify building the Mustang, which shares few parts with any other FoMoCo vehicle. Final decision on the new Impala's styling isn't likely until next year. But the car will feature Chevy's bold new corporate grille and an interior that builds on the substantial improvements in quality and presentation shown by the new Tahoe and Suburban. NEED TO KNOW 6.2-liter V-8 is likely to be the top engine. Expect at least 400 horsepower, with cylinder deactivation for improved fuel economy. Also likely to be available will be GM's high-feature 3.6-liter V-6 and a 5.3-liter V-8. Standard transmission is likely to be GM's new six-speed automatic. Performance versions, badged SS, probably will be offered with a six-speed manual. Bold new grille is similar in execution to the 2008 Malibu's. Front overhang is short, and the wide front track means the wheels are pushed right to the corners of the car, giving it a sporty stance. Fast backlight gives a rakish, almost coupelike profile that pays homage to the beautifully proportioned Impalas of the late 1960s. Rear deck is short and trunk opening narrow to accentuate strong shoulders. Zeta rear suspension also will be on new Camaro and Pontiac Grand Prix. Features beefy L-shaped single upper link, two lower links, and adjustable toe-control link. Coil-over shocks keep entire assembly compact. HSV's Hot Holdens 412 horsepower and rear drive. How to do a proper Impala SS or Grand Prix GXP. Holden Special Vehicles, the Holden hot shop jointly owned by GM's Australian subsidiary and former F1 team owner Tom Walkinshaw, has launched its versions of the all-new, Zeta-based Holden Commodore. More powerful and more aggressively styled, the new HSV cars show how GM could put together performance versions of a rear-drive Impala or a Pontiac Grand Prix off the same architecture. Base engine across the HSV range is a 412-horse version of the 6.0-liter LS2 V-8 used in the Holden-based Pontiac GTO. Transmission choice is a Tremec T56 six-speed manual or GM's slick new 6L80E six-speed auto. Holden sources claim test mules have consistently run 0 to 60 in under 5.0 seconds. Standing quarter-mile times should be in the 12-second bracket. Brakes are monster 14.3-inch discs up front and 13.7-inch units at the rear, with AP Racing calipers. The top of the range GTS shown here also gets 20-inch alloy wheels and adjustable Magnetic Ride Control shocks by Delphi, as used in the C6 Corvette and the Cadillac STS-v. Apart from the usual wheels and wings, the visual changes over the standard Holden Commodores include unique front fenders with a prominent side vent and new taillamps. Inside are sports seats and extra gauges-voltage, oil temperature, and oil pressure. Now, here's the best bit: HSV sources haven't ruled out building a limited-run model powered by the 7.0-liter, 502-horse LS7 from the Corvette Z06. Yeah, it fits, and a car could appear at the Sydney motor show in October of next year. A 502-horsepower four-door sedan? Now that's what we call a musclecar. Source: MotorTrend.com

12-04-2007, 09:07 AM	#2 (permalink)
DV06LTZ Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Buena Park, CA - The "O.C." Posts: 36	Anxious to see anything on this new design...although not really pleased with the 3d model in this post. Hopefully GM will enhance it to be more Camaro-like styling. Keep the Corporate boobs out of the design studios! __________________ D.Vierstra- Illustrator./Graphic Designer/Photo-Chopper Portfolio "Imagination is more than knowledge" - A. Einstein

12-11-2007, 04:43 AM	#3 (permalink)
DSSTRBD Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Omaha currently in Iraq Posts: 22	Wow that looks pretty f*ckin sweet!!!! Let me start saving my money now. __________________ 2002 Impala LS w/ 20s Daily driver soon to be modded. 1995 Impala SS Forged 383 stroker with 200 shot NOS, 18x9-18x12 Bonspeed Malibus.

01-30-2008, 10:31 AM	#6 (permalink)
Trugb25 Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 2	I hate to 2000 on up Impala's to small I think bigger is better. I will never buy a impala 2000 or newer because they are to small. Im Want a Malibu, I would buy one

03-29-2008, 04:10 PM	#9 (permalink)
RoadMonster Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Salem, Oregon Posts: 588 View My Garage	Too bad these cars will probably not be made __________________ Buick Club of America Member #43314 Buick Modified Division (BCOA) #109 1994 Buick Roadmaster Gran Sport http://www.cardomain.com/ride/732699 1926 Buick Hot Rod http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3185370

12-24-2007, 08:06 PM	#4 (permalink)
1BLUEMOFO Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 8	It looks badass.. I would love to see a 2 door model, SS that looks as good as the Holdens.

02-04-2008, 09:41 PM	#7 (permalink)
tahoe341 Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 3	Sorry to say it's been put on hold so don't look for it any time soon.You'll have lots of time to save your money

03-13-2008, 10:03 AM	#8 (permalink)
bigal Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: south east Posts: 3 View My Garage	cool...rear-wheel drive finally..

04-10-2008, 07:04 AM	#10 (permalink)
95SSWagon Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Manchester Mass Posts: 4 View My Garage	apparently bob luts has already announced the new rear wheel drive cars are being put on hold due to changes in the standards for fuel economy meaning the new impala and the new camaro are gonna get held off even longer

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