Chevrolet Corvette Stingray C7 Forum - View Single Post

JaysonAych · 01-21-2008, 04:28 AM

This begs the question...if the Impala is going to be FWD, does Chevy really need it anymore? The new Malibu was increased in size to the point where it's pretty much the same size as the current Impala. Maybe a touch smaller on the inside, but looking at the stats on Edmunds.com, the Malibu's now pretty close.

If they continue with the Impala, it's going to have to be even bigger, and why make a bigger FWD car? The only import car larger than the Malibu I can think of that it'd compete with is the Toyota Avalon, and that's more in Buick territory. Its domestic competition would be the Chrysler 300/Dodge Charger and Mercury Grand Marquis, all of them RWD and with potential size and drivetrain liabilities to their respective manufacturers due to the new CAFE regulations.

Since the Malibu's grown, I think there's now an opportunity for a car that slots into the widened gap between the Cobalt and the Malibu. Offer some more engine choices for the Malibu and if they're going to bring out a new FWD car, make it something more economical, but bigger than the Cobalt.

01-21-2008, 04:28 AM	#3
JaysonAych Drives: 2002 Dodge Stratus Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Louisville Posts: 429 View My Garage	This begs the question...if the Impala is going to be FWD, does Chevy really need it anymore? The new Malibu was increased in size to the point where it's pretty much the same size as the current Impala. Maybe a touch smaller on the inside, but looking at the stats on Edmunds.com, the Malibu's now pretty close. If they continue with the Impala, it's going to have to be even bigger, and why make a bigger FWD car? The only import car larger than the Malibu I can think of that it'd compete with is the Toyota Avalon, and that's more in Buick territory. Its domestic competition would be the Chrysler 300/Dodge Charger and Mercury Grand Marquis, all of them RWD and with potential size and drivetrain liabilities to their respective manufacturers due to the new CAFE regulations. Since the Malibu's grown, I think there's now an opportunity for a car that slots into the widened gap between the Cobalt and the Malibu. Offer some more engine choices for the Malibu and if they're going to bring out a new FWD car, make it something more economical, but bigger than the Cobalt.