I've seen reference here to the Impala going back to RWD in the next 3-5 years but have not been able to reference that back to anything from GM.

I have seen media quotes from GM confirming that the Impala will be getting a V8 in future models.

Where does the RWD info come from and does that mean GM will be producing a full range of car sizes in both FWD and RWD configerations?!?

 

Read GuionM's post about RWD tidbits and facts that has the info you should be looking for. If you read it already then maybe you should reread it.........

 

It's in the other post, but here's the distilled version:

1. Impala is currently a "W" car. All "W" cars are converting to "mid-lux" (ie: Grand Prix).
2. The RWD cars will be "VEs".
3. The "mid-lux" will be continue to be made past 2007 when the VEs are supposed to begin production. This means that all or some models of both will run simultaneously.
4. The VEs will be full sized cars, likely replacing cars like the Bonneville & Park Avenue. Cars like the "W" based Impala will likely continue. To add fuel to the fire, Chevy's Impala is actually selling very well, so some form of it is likely to continue.

Best guess:
Either Impala will continue to be FWD, and redesigned on the "mid-lux" chassis with an optional V8 and the full sized RWD VE will be named something else, or the VE will wear the the Impala name and the new mid-lux will be named something else.

 

Thanks guionM.

Would still love to see a link to a GM news release but as you now describe it makes sense. I couldn't wrap my mind around GM abandoning such a high volume part of the "cars as appliances" market which seems to now prefer FWD.

To me RWD is a performance/luxury feature (that is essential to any vehicle I own).

 

I just hope the VE platform can be scaled down to make a 3200lbs. midzized coupe

 

Add the LeSabre replacement as another "W" based "Mid-Lux" FWD car.

http://www.autoweek.com/cat_content...._code=01779491

Park Avenue/Roadmaster as far as I know will likely be VE or Sigma.

 

So does that mean that the LeSabre, Regal, and Century will be Buicks "W" based "mid-Lux"? or did Century finally get the axe. Seems like a lot of "mid-Lux" 4 doors for one brand.