In spite of the impala in nature being an African antelope, the Chevrolet four-door sedan namesake is currently the workhorse for the born-in-America Bowtie brand. Starting off on the basis of a value-leading family and business sedan, the 2009 Chevrolet Impala has taken on an increasing amount of duties through the past three years. Reapplying Chevrolet's honored SS badge for the Impala with a V8 engine, the Impala also serves as General Motor's first sedan to be flex fuel capable of using E85 fuel. The lofty work of the Chevrolet Impala certainly ascends from historical accomplishments. Back in 1965, that year alone netted over a million Impalas sold, setting an American automotive record which is unlikely to be broken. The return of the Chevrolet Impala to all-time importance can now be commemorated with NASCAR Sprint Cup teams bringing Impala's name back into competition collecting Chevrolet's 32nd manufacturer's championship.
Back to the streets, The 2009 Chevrolet Impala ably caters to family, business and performance genres in the automotive world with incredible equipment packages. Starting with the value-leading LS model, the Impala range extends to a performance-geared SS trim.
2009 Chevrolet Impala Exterior
Classified as a large car, the current wheelbase (110.5 inches) is noticeably shorter than past Impalas built. The body presentation of the 2009 Chevrolet Impala uses strongly conservative three-box exterior styling which is the norm for many under $30,000 sedans. Three new exterior colors are added to the 2009 model including victory red. On the rear, all 2009 Impalas are dressed up by a rear spoiler once reserved only to the Impala SS edition. Also included across the Impala line is the keyless entry remote control capable of locking and unlocking doors or even starting the vehicle (optional on the LS version).
2009 Chevrolet Impala Interior
Roomy and well laid out are enormous pluses to the 2009 Chevrolet Impala. The front and rear seat space makes this sedan one comfortable ride for visiting relatives on the weekend. Thanks to a steering column-mounted gear shift lever for the automatic transmission, a front row bench seat can be ordered for six passenger seating with LS and LT trims. Without this option, the Impala cabin is a five-passenger with a floor shifter. The driver seat features power adjustment for six ways on the lower trim levels or eight ways in the LTZ and SS Impala models. Having been an option on some trim levels previously, dual-zone climate control are on every 2009 Impala. As a final technological touch, available Bluetooth connectivity has been integrated with GM's OnStar system.
For 2009, an increased attention to safe commuting has resulted with new thorax side-impact airbags added as standard safety features. Front and side curtain head airbags are already standard in all models.
2009 Chevrolet Impala Engines and Handling
Impala LS and LT trim levels use a 3.3 liter V6 engine while the LTZs add a slightly more powerful 3.9 liter six-cylinder engine. Energized with 211 and 224 horsepower respectively, these engines are now bettered by overhead cam-equipped competitors such as the Hyundai Azera and the Ford Taurus. Both V6 engines offer E85 compatibility as proper fuel system modifications have been made. A four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is the only gearbox available to provide subdued, but comfortable power delivery during driving.
Mechanically, the Impala demonstrates impressive qualities after paying the reasonable base price. Stopping every wheel and tire combination are four-wheel disc brakes supported by standard anti-lock capabilities as well as full-speed traction control. StabiliTrak electronic stability control is added to the LTZ and SS trim levels for extremely confident handling.
2009 Chevrolet Impala SS
With the fading of the Chevrolet Monte Carlo and a one year wait before the Camaro's release, the four-door Impala SS is placed in a surreal position as the Bowtie brand's affordable performance car for 2009. Powered by a 303 horsepower, 5.3 liter pushrod V8 engine, this platform became the first time front-wheel drive Chevrolets would feature such a cylinder count. The 2009 Chevrolet Impala SS is a truly rare occasion to hold the wheel of 300 plus horsepower sedan outside of luxury sedan territory. Maintaining a reasonable 20 miles per gallon in average fuel burning, Active Fuel Management technology in the V8 allows for cylinder deactivation to increase engine efficiency. Beefing up the four-speed automatic transmission to handle the extra torque, another upgrade has been made in the cabin including the high-range 8-speaker Bose stereo system with XM satellite radio at no charge.