Automotive
General Motors aimed to maintain its position as the top-selling full-size sedan in the American market with the introduction of the 2014 Chevrolet Impala.
Despite 70% of sales being fleet-oriented, the Impala remained a cornerstone model for Chevrolet. The tenth generation, unveiled at the 2012 New York Auto Show, marked a significant design evolution while retaining nostalgic cues from the late 1960s and early 1970s models, despite being based on the extended GM Epsilon II front-wheel-drive platform shared with the Cadillac XTS and Buick LaCrosse.
The 2014 Impala showcased contemporary “new-edge” design elements, featuring angular headlights with optional HID lamps for the LTZ trim. The pentagonal grille echoed the Camaro’s design, complemented by power domes on the hood and a lower bumper with a central air intake and LED daytime running light scoops.
The vehicle’s profile, characterized by a sloping rear window, paid homage to the 1961 Impala Sport Coupe. Longitudinal creases on the fenders and doors referenced Bill Mitchell’s design from the third generation, while sculpted lines on the rear quarters directly recalled the 1965 Impala SS.
The rear design introduced a fresh aesthetic with angular corner-mounted LED taillights, a short deck lid with an integrated spoiler, and a single or dual exhaust system with chrome tips, depending on the trim level.
Inside, the spacious full-size sedan interior offered more than just fleet vehicle capabilities. The driver was greeted by a binocular-style instrument cluster with large round dials for the speedometer and tachometer, flanking a color display for the onboard computer. Additional gauges for fuel level and coolant temperature were positioned at the top of the dashboard, while a touchscreen infotainment system with a hidden storage compartment was mounted on the center stack.
Front passengers benefited from bolstered bucket seats with optional leather upholstery, separated by a center console containing the gear selector, cupholders, and storage. A folding armrest with a cubby completed the front cabin. Rear passengers enjoyed ample legroom due to the long wheelbase, though the transmission tunnel slightly restricted space for the middle passenger in the 60/40 split-folding bench seat.
Under the hood, buyers could choose between inline-four, V6 gasoline, or hybrid powertrains, all paired with a six-speed automatic transmission featuring manual shift capability. While the platform supported all-wheel drive, the Impala was exclusively offered as a front-wheel-drive vehicle, with the hybrid option providing improved fuel efficiency.
