Driving Impressions

The new Chevrolet Impala comes with a new generation of V6 engines. We found them to be smooth and quiet if not bristling with power. Variable valve timing is a first for the Impala's cam-in-block V6 engines. The system changes the orientation of the camshaft, automatically adjusting the timing of the intake and exhaust valves for better performance, economy, and emissions. Thus, a system that started out on very expensive imported cars has now reached down to the lowly Chevy V6 engines and made them better. The 3.5-liter V6 that comes on LT and LS models generates 211 horsepower and 214 pound-feet of torque. The 3.9-liter V6 that comes on LS and LTZ models produces 242 horsepower and 242 pound-feet of torque. We're expecting both engines to earn fuel economy ratings of about 19/29 mpg city/highway. With 303 horsepower, the Impala SS has more power and torque than any other entry in the class, but the chassis that comes with the V8 needs taming. The traction control system simply gets behind in its orders whenever you slam the throttle open at a stop in first gear, and lets the left front tire spin wildly for a few seconds until it finally catches up. While we appreciated the extra power and torque available in a kickdown or passing situation, and we loved the brawny, muscular sound of this engine at full throttle, it's a challenge to launch cleanly and quickly at the same time. Besides wheelspin, there's a lot of torque steering. Slam down the throttle and you'll feel a tug on the steering wheel as the powerful 5.3-liter V8 tries to put over 323 pound-feet of torque through the front wheels. The V8 features GM's Displacement on Demand system, which shifts between eight-cylinder and four-cylinder operation, depending on speed and load. This system helps provide up to 8 percent better fuel economy in light-load driving conditions. The V8 is EPA-rated at 18 city and 28 highway with the four-speed automatic. The Impala offers three levels of suspension tuning, FE1 3.5, FE1 3.9, and FE3 for the V8, each designed to match the performance of the engines. However, there is a lot of pitch, dive, and body roll in this chassis, and a lot of uncertain driving moments with the added power of the SS. Steering is over-assisted, fairly numb and uncommunicative. The Impala's front suspension is a MacPherson strut coil-over-spring independent design, with gas-charged struts and a stabilizer bar with new, taller jounce bumpers. The rear suspension uses a trailing arm, tri-link setup with gas-charged struts and coil springs. A rear stabilizer bar is standard on all models. On the SS, it seems, they needed a little more time to get it right, time they apparently didn't have. We found the ventilated front disc/solid rear disc anti-lock brakes very much to our liking, powerful, direct, and linear, with a nice, progressive ratio of pedal travel to stopping progression. The Impala's four-wheel-disc brake system represents an improvement over previous versions, with new front brakes, improved rear brakes, and a new brake booster, designed for quieter operation, longer pad life, and more resistance to brake pulsation. The new ABS includes Electronic Brake-force Distribution.

Final Word

The new Chevrolet Impala represents an improvement over previous models. The 3.5 and 3.9 V6 LT and LTZ versions are pleasing to drive overall. While the SS cuts a conservative but dashing figure with its quiet badging and giant five-spoke, 18-inch wheels, it's got more power than it knows what to do with, though we enjoy its loud, authoritative exhaust rumble. Overall, the new Impalas are much better than last year's models, but the Impala has a ways to go in sophistication. NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent Jim McCraw is based in Dearborn, Michigan.