After what seems like eons, an all-new Chevrolet Impala has finally surfaced. To say that the 2014 Impala is long overdue would be a gross understatement — the model it replaces is a dinosaur by most standards. And as if to cover some lost ground, GM seems to have gone the extra mile in preparing Chevrolet‘s largest sedan for the new generation.
Even in pictures, the new Chevrolet Impala looks substantial. While we have mixed feelings about the car’s overall exterior styling, it looks a lot better than the blandness that was the old design. Upfront, you have Chevrolet’s new corporate grille, first seen on the 2013 Chevrolet Traverse. Compared to the outgoing design — still adorned by the Sonic, Cruze and Malibu — this new designs exudes a more professional vibe. Out back, the sculpted groove along the rear fenders pay homage to classic Impala designs.
“Our design team was challenged to create a new classic, but that didn’t mean relying on nostalgia,” said John Cafaro, director of North America passenger car exterior design. “This is very much a contemporary car, with design elements, craftsmanship and attention to detail that complement its advanced technology and performance.”
While the bold exterior of the new Impala is likely not for everyone, the interior is sure to have fewer critics. It features Chevrolet’s trademark dual-cockpit design, as well as a 4.2-inch information screen between the gauges and an 8-inch screen in the center stack. Higher-grade materials, premium touches and an attractive layout come together to deliver a package that makes us want to forget that the old interior even existed. Chevrolet’s MyLink infotainment system and a plethora of other high-tech features compliment the car’s no-nonsense exterior and interior designs.
The 2014 Impala will be offered with three engines, all featuring direct injection. There is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder unit with eAssist producing 182 horsepower (136 KW / 184 PS) and 172 pound-feet (232 Nm) of torque. The engine delivers an EPA estimated 35 mpg highway. Above that is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 195-HP (145 KW / 198 PS) and 187 lb-ft (253 Nm). Finally, there is the range-topping 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 303-HP (226 KW / 307 PS) and 264 lb-ft (357 Nm) of torque. All three engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that drives the front wheels.
Safety is always a priority, both for car buyers and the new Impala. The large sedan comes equipped with 10 standard air bags and OnStar, along with available features such as 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.
Making its official debut at the 2012 New York Auto Show, the arrival of an all-new Chevrolet Impala is long overdue. But as the saying goes, it’s better late than never.
