Why Did Chevy Destroy The Impala Brand?

[FenwickHockey65]

Originally Posted by Q'smuscle

True but they did offer a rwd v8 version . I really wonder how many of those current versions of the impala with the v8 they sold

Probably not much compared to how many 3.5/3.9/3.6L models they sold. And they were notorious for grenading transmissions.

[DGthe3]

They destroyed it with the 2000+ model year cars because enthusiasts tend to have selective memories. We often ignore the 70's and 80's when cars like this


and this



and this



were sold. Those are the cars that came before the Impala SS. They are generic, mundane family sedans. Even the cars from the 60s don't see too special. They're nice sure, but the 3rd and 4th generations seem like pretty much any other large sedan from the time. The Impala SS is largely an exception -as SS models ought, to the Impala legacy. GM is building the Impala for the role that it always had: be a large Chevrolet sedan. So what if its FWD? Its not a sports sedan, never has been.

[DGthe3]

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

Probably not much compared to how many 3.5/3.9/3.6L models they sold. And they were notorious for grenading transmissions.

And torque steer. Who'd-a-thunk it with 320+ ft-lbs going to the front wheels

[blahzay]

Originally Posted by oklapike

There actually were plans to put the Impala back on the Zeta platform starting with the 2010 model year. It was supposedly retro inspired and a downright stunning car, unfortunately with global financial crisis in 2008 (as well as GM's bankruptcy in 2009), those plans got scrapped.

Damn. I wish they would make another retro style one but make it full size like the 94-96. And design it completely different from any other model that chevy has in its line up so it stands out and cant be mistaken for anything else, kind of like how the camaro has a distinctive look. Thats just my opinion tho. I loved my 96 and im currently looking to buy another one but I want one that was well kept so the search is on going.

[FenwickHockey65]

Exactly what other Chevrolet vehicle do you think the Impala looks like?

[Q'smuscle]

FenwickHockey65 Already, yea I know it's basically a impala I think looks better personally just me. And people care that its rear wheel drive because Americans like muscle cars and nomatter what some might say people do consider the 94-96 a muscle car. DGthe3

[FenwickHockey65]

Ah haha. You're living in an enthusiast dream world. Trust me, you're not the only one though.

The vast majority of people out there no longer know much or care much about cars. Muscle cars and sports cars are cool novelty items to them but there's a reason a soulless, bland automobile like the Toyota Camry became successful.

[Q'smuscle]

Hahaha good one that wasn't for you. You clearedup everything it was for DGthe3 on who cares if it's front wheel drive. FenwickHockey65 I know I know bring on the prius yea yea j/p, but hey muscle cars have outsold those cars. I read that last your somewhere because I was wondering what sold more.I always get people on that question now people think the Prius sold more

[oklapike]

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

Ah haha. You're living in an enthusiast dream world. Trust me, you're not the only one though.

In my enthusiast dream world, we would've had that uniquely styled 2010 Zeta Impala, the upcoming SS sedan would be a next gen follow-up (also named Impala, and looking nothing like it does). Additionally, I'd have a Zeta Impala SS as well as my Camaro SS in the driveway (both in metallic black).

All things considered though, one out of two ain't bad.

[FenwickHockey65]

Originally Posted by Q'smuscle

Hahaha good one that wasn't for you. You clearedup everything it was for DGthe3 on who cares if it's front wheel drive. FenwickHockey65 I know I know bring on the prius yea yea j/p, but hey muscle cars have outsold those cars. I read that last your somewhere because I was wondering what sold more.I always get people on that question now people think the Prius sold more

Um...you do realize Toyota has sold over 75k Prius models this year through April?

In no way am I fan of the Prius but no muscle car is outselling it right now.

[Q'smuscle]

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

Ah haha. You're living in an enthusiast dream world. Trust me, you're not the only one though.

The vast majority of people out there no longer know much or care much about cars. Muscle cars and sports cars are cool novelty items to them but there's a reason a soulless, bland automobile like the Toyota Camry became successful.

Fenwickhockey65 Well stop making Retro looking muscle cars and maybe we can get out of the our enthusias Dream world j/p

[ec1990]

Originally Posted by DGthe3

And torque steer. Who'd-a-thunk it with 320+ ft-lbs going to the front wheels

Sounds like LS5 was it in the Grand prix gxp?

And I'm glad they shifted the Impala and are moving to smaller platforms. The Zeus platform is huge. I can't wait to see 4000 lbs cars go away. Better driving experience and gas mileage. There's a reason Lotus' are great cars to drive, granted its an extreme example. But I don't think anyone will complain if the Camaro dropped 500-700lbs with the same safety due to increased composites and materials that are being used in high end cars and whats being developed now.

[LuSe4]

Originally Posted by ec1990

Sounds like LS5 was it in the Grand prize gxp?

And I'm glad they shifted the Impala and are moving to smaller platforms. The Zeus platform is huge. I can't wait to see 4000 lbs cars go away. Better driving experience and gas mileage. There's a reason Lotus' are great cars to drive, granted its an extreme example. But I don't think anyone will complain if the Camaro dropped 500-700lbs with the same safety due to increased composites and materials that are being used in high end cars and whats being developed now.

LS4, not LS5.

[DGthe3]

Originally Posted by Q'smuscle

FenwickHockey65 Already, yea I know it's basically a impala I think looks better personally just me. And people care that its rear wheel drive because Americans like muscle cars and nomatter what some might say people do consider the 94-96 a muscle car. DGthe3

People can think what they like. But that doesn't change the fact that the Impala was never a sports sedan. Muscle car? Arguable, but for the vast majority of its life the Impala was not even a muscle car. It was just a big car that needed a big engine to move itself along with reasonable speed. I'd even hesitate to call the 94-96 cars 'muscle'. They weighed over 2 tons and made well under 300 hp. Those are not the makings of a muscle car.