Spied: Chevrolet Impala SS?

FenwickHockey65 · 04-16-2012, 05:29 PM

Is Chevrolet testing an Impala SS?
Link to Article

April 16, 2012

Well... look who lives! Our spy photographers have managed to snag a few photos of what may very well be the next interpretation of the Chevrolet Impala SS. Long thought to be a casualty of the General Motors bailout, the biggest member Club SS was reportedly shelved a few years back. The Impala line hasn't offered an SS performance variant since 2009, and the more aggressive grille, front fascia and tweaked head- and taillight arrays on this prototype hint at something more sinister than any topped-out LTZ model could offer. Our spy shooter's supplier sources indicate GM is, in fact, still working on an Impala SS, and they suggest the sedan may bow with a new LF3 twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 under the hood.

If true, that means the brawny Impala could scoot down the road with a heady 380 horsepower. As far as we know, no vehicle since the limited production 350-hp Ford Focus RS500 has tried to push anywhere near that many ponies to the front wheels, which begs the question: will the Impala offer all-wheel drive despite recent reports to the contrary?

Doing so would seem to position the Impala SS quite well against the freshly updated Taurus SHO. Either way, we're excited to give this big boy a go.

Scrappy Doo · 04-16-2012, 05:39 PM

Interesting.

How many SHO's does Ford sell a year?

FenwickHockey65 · 04-16-2012, 05:42 PM

Just to be clear, there's no telling what this thing is. Might be the eAssist model. Or just a funky grille insert.

SleepWarz · 04-16-2012, 06:06 PM

Looks more like an eco based grill.

AZCamaroFan · 04-16-2012, 06:15 PM

why the jump to think it's an SS? just looks like a new Impala with the front end masked.

djsnoflake · 04-16-2012, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SleepWarz

Looks more like an eco based grill.

I would agree. Seems to block air more than anything. Probably for better aero.

Although I love the idea of a TT. Is that going to be the mill for the ATS-V? (I know I know, not confirmed, but what does the rumor say?)

upflying · 04-16-2012, 07:08 PM

Looks a lot like the Caprice (Holden/Commodore) police have been buying for the last year or two. If that Impala SS is FWD, enthusiasts won't buy it.

FenwickHockey65 · 04-16-2012, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djsnoflake

I would agree. Seems to block air more than anything. Probably for better aero.

Although I love the idea of a TT. Is that going to be the mill for the ATS-V? (I know I know, not confirmed, but what does the rumor say?)

It's been swinging between a Gen V V8 and a TTV6 for ages now. Supposedly the decision has been finalized, just have no idea which one.

Quote:

Originally Posted by upflying

Looks a lot like the Caprice police have been buying for the last year or two.

Not really.

djsnoflake · 04-16-2012, 07:14 PM

Hmmmm, the TT V6 just seems more high tech luxury for the Caddy brand to me. That's where I would put my money.

Any timeline on ATS-V? About a year after regular ATS release? Sorry to derail the thread.

upflying · 04-16-2012, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

It's been swinging between a Gen V V8 and a TTV6 for ages now. Supposedly the decision has been finalized, just have no idea which one.

Not really.

You are correct, the Impala SS looks identical to the Buick Lacrosse.

FenwickHockey65 · 04-16-2012, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djsnoflake

Hmmmm, the TT V6 just seems more high tech luxury for the Caddy brand to me. That's where I would put my money.

Any timeline on ATS-V? About a year after regular ATS release? Sorry to derail the thread.

A year maybe? Not too sure.

Quote:

Originally Posted by upflying

You are correct, the Impala SS looks identical to the Buick Lacrosse.

Not really.

drummer5679 · 04-16-2012, 08:32 PM

2 many doors

dimster · 04-16-2012, 08:37 PM

Isn't the new Impala based on the same platform as the Buick Lacrosse, Buick Regal, Saab 9-5, Vauxhall/Opel Insignia?
If so, it's highly likely that it will be offered with 4wd on the top trim, like the Insignia OPC

FenwickHockey65 · 04-16-2012, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dimster

Isn't the new Impala based on the same platform as the Buick Lacrosse, Buick Regal, Saab 9-5, Vauxhall/Opel Insignia?
If so, it's highly likely that it will be offered with 4wd on the top trim, like the Insignia OPC

In some respects. Technically it's on the Cadillac XTS's variant of the EpII platform.

And GM basically said no AWD.

04-16-2012, 05:29 PM	#1
FenwickHockey65 General Motors Aficionado Drives: 2023 GMC Canyon, 2023 Expedition Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Florida Posts: 37,375 View My Garage	Spied: Chevrolet Impala SS? Is Chevrolet testing an Impala SS? Link to Article April 16, 2012 Well... look who lives! Our spy photographers have managed to snag a few photos of what may very well be the next interpretation of the Chevrolet Impala SS. Long thought to be a casualty of the General Motors bailout, the biggest member Club SS was reportedly shelved a few years back. The Impala line hasn't offered an SS performance variant since 2009, and the more aggressive grille, front fascia and tweaked head- and taillight arrays on this prototype hint at something more sinister than any topped-out LTZ model could offer. Our spy shooter's supplier sources indicate GM is, in fact, still working on an Impala SS, and they suggest the sedan may bow with a new LF3 twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 under the hood. If true, that means the brawny Impala could scoot down the road with a heady 380 horsepower. As far as we know, no vehicle since the limited production 350-hp Ford Focus RS500 has tried to push anywhere near that many ponies to the front wheels, which begs the question: will the Impala offer all-wheel drive despite recent reports to the contrary? Doing so would seem to position the Impala SS quite well against the freshly updated Taurus SHO. Either way, we're excited to give this big boy a go. __________________ 2023 GMC Canyon Elevation 2023 Ford Expedition SSV (State-Issued)

04-16-2012, 05:42 PM	#3
FenwickHockey65 General Motors Aficionado Drives: 2023 GMC Canyon, 2023 Expedition Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Florida Posts: 37,375 View My Garage	Just to be clear, there's no telling what this thing is. Might be the eAssist model. Or just a funky grille insert. __________________ 2023 GMC Canyon Elevation 2023 Ford Expedition SSV (State-Issued)

04-16-2012, 08:37 PM	#13
dimster Drives: Volvo V60 -12, 2SS/RS 45th EU edt. Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: world Posts: 166	Isn't the new Impala based on the same platform as the Buick Lacrosse, Buick Regal, Saab 9-5, Vauxhall/Opel Insignia? If so, it's highly likely that it will be offered with 4wd on the top trim, like the Insignia OPC __________________ 2SS/RS 45th Anniversary european model Current mods: none Planned mods: Maybe BBK CAI and slightly tinted front turn signals

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04-16-2012, 05:39 PM	#2
Scrappy Doo Drives: Callaway Rogue Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: W8n 4 Snow, Minnesota Posts: 4,731	Interesting. How many SHO's does Ford sell a year?

04-16-2012, 06:06 PM	#4
SleepWarz Banned Drives: 1991 New Yorker, 69 Tbird, ABM2SSRS Join Date: May 2009 Location: BC Canada Posts: 2,248 View My Garage	Looks more like an eco based grill.

04-16-2012, 06:15 PM	#5
AZCamaroFan Camaro6 2016-2018 Drives: sometimes Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Phoenix Posts: 18,468	why the jump to think it's an SS? just looks like a new Impala with the front end masked.

04-16-2012, 07:08 PM	#7
upflying Drives: '86 Monte Carlo SS Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 3,119	Looks a lot like the Caprice (Holden/Commodore) police have been buying for the last year or two. If that Impala SS is FWD, enthusiasts won't buy it.

04-16-2012, 08:32 PM	#12
drummer5679 Drives: 2005 Infiniti G35 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Carrollton, TX Posts: 390	2 many doors