Well I just received the 2005 Law Enforcement Portfolio from GM in the mail today. It includes a video tape and 2 CD-ROMs and covers the law enforcement offerings for the 2005 model year. As for the '05 Impala nothing has changed and the only engine still available is the 3.8L V6 Series II rated at the same 200hp. I thought for sure if a V8 was going to be offered in '05 that it would be available in the police pkg. And since its not available in police pkg. form I don't see a civilian version coming available '05. I could be wrong because I am just speculating. Now I know they don't use the current Impala SS's supercharged 3.8 in the police pkg. because of reliablity issues of the supercharger under extreme conditions. So if they do offer a V8 in the '05 Impala SS, maybe they don't have everything ironed out for the police pkg. yet, but I doubt it. In the past usually the police pkg. model gets the high performance options equipment first, then later they filter down to the civilian market like with the past '94-'96 LT1 ImpalaSS.

On the up side the '05 Tahoe Police Pursuit Pkg. looked very impressive. This lowered Tahoe features low profile speed-rated tires, 5.3L V8 rated at 295hp. On the road course it handled like a police pkg. sedan. With the Tahoe SS coming out soon I wonder why the 6.0L 345hp V8 isn't being used here.

 

I would think this is the key. The tranny would be beat on constantly and it is suppose to have TMR like the new Hemi Rams do to save the tranny.

 

Yeah... that's the one we all talked about last year...
It busted a whopping 137mph in Michigan's annual LEA vehicle test.

I think it's astounding that GM can put out a sled that runs those kinds of speeds.
Like I said before, I'd hate to be in a Stang or Maro, sitting on the ground looking at the bumper of this SUV at nearly eye level, and it coming at me at 125mph or so...
A +4000-pound missile with a higher Cg than any Caprice or CVic just kinda scares me a little.

Helluva ride though!

 

If the '05 Impala SS is getting a V8 then shouldn't there be a press release or show cars by now?

 

These are the listed changed for MY2005 for Impala:

Deletions


1SC Equipment group
Exterior color (12U) Galaxy Silver Metallic
Exterior color (87U) Berry Red Metallic
Exterior color (97U) Cappuccino Frost Metallic
(Z4Z) Indy Impala SS Limited Edition

New Features


Exterior color (21U) Laser Blue Metallic
Exterior color (63U) Sport Red Metallic
Exterior color (67U) Silverstone Metallic
Exterior color (68U) Blue Ice Metallic
3 new SS colors [(21U) Laser Blue Metallic, (63U) Sport Red Metallic, (67U) Silverstone Metallic]
(PA9) 17" Chrome finish diamond-cut cast aluminum wheels
(PCH) Sport Appearance Package on Impala sedan

Changes


OnStar is now standard
Gold bowties
Impala SS body-color grille with gold bowtie

 

For reference, these are Monte Carlo changes for MY2005:

Deletions


1SC Equipment group
Exterior color (12U) Galaxy Silver Metallic
Exterior color (34U) Competition Yellow
Exterior color (87U) Berry Red Metallic
Exterior color (97U) Cappuccino Frost Metallic
(B2E) Competition Yellow Sport Appearance Package
(Z4M) Monte Carlo Supercharged SS Dale Earnhardt "Intimidator" Special Edition Package
(DEJ) Dale Earnhardt Jr. Package
Bodyside moldings
Decklid lock cylinder

New Features


Exterior color (21U) Laser Blue Metallic
Exterior color (63U) Sport Red Metallic
Exterior color (67U) Silverstone Metallic
(PA9) 17" Chrome finish diamond-cut cast aluminum wheels

Changes


OnStar is now standard
SS model (1WX27) is now badged LT

 

I have already seen Impala SS and Montes with chrome 17" diamond-cut rims.

Since I don't see a V8 on that list does that mean that it will not get one for 2005?

 

I think the difference are that these are the same 17" diamond cut wheels, but they are chrome-finished...

I am assuming from all the information I have seen that there is no V8 for Impala and Monte Carlo for MY 2005. Top motor appears to remain the 3800 S/C.

 

The 2006 Impala and Monte Carlo will be introduced next auto show season. They will have the 5.3 V8.

 

Those are the new mid-lux Impalas and Montes right? W-body Impala will never get a V8 since 2005 is the last year for it?

 

Only one thing to say ...

http://www.dippy.org/photo/fd/fd07.jpg

Ted

 

I am guessing the Grand Prix will get the 5.3 the middle of this year.....and then the restyled Impala and MC will get it 2006

 

With base V6s running at $23K, I suspect adding the "C's" engine & drivetrain would still make them cheaper than what police are paying for Crown Vics.

 

I guess that would make better since to hold off the V8 option until the restyling in '06. Maybe the SS will be a little more agressive styling wise this time around.