Exactly what architecture will underpin it?

I'm at a loss, since the planned front wheel drive program was canceled years ago, and the current architecture is extremly dated. Not that the "average Jane" everyday consumer knows it is dated, but to enthusiasts it should have long been replaced long ago.

So, what does Impala move to? Or does it continue on the same architecture it's on now?

 

Haven't we been hearing that the 'W' platform was going to die for 10 years now?

It seems that unless Epsilon can somehow be stretched to differentiate Impala from Malibu, I guess it'll be a W-body again.

 

Would it be a problem if it stays on the same one?

 

The problem now would be why buy an impala when you can buy a new Malibu? I can only guess that the malibu is a much better car in almost every aspect (ride, handling, interior comfort, power, etc.)

The Impala now NEEDS to be updated (and unfortunately slightly enlarged) to differentiate it from the new 'bu. Otherwise GM has a major overlap within the Chevrolet name brand.

It's a damn shame this isn't sold here... but it's probably the same size as the malibu?????

 

The Lumina SS is G8 sized - about 4 inches longer and 5 wider than the 2008 Malibu.

The Holden Statesman/Caprice is on a longer wheelbase version, but I can't find the dimensions anywhere in inches right now, so I'm not sure how much longer.

 

You could do your own conversion on the dimensions. Just remember it's 25 mm = 1 inch.

 

Sounds like that would be perfect for a "new" Impala!

 

I'll take on ANY Malibu in the power department

 

Well, your SS represents a small sales %

..and yeah, I've heard they're pretty bad *** (for a 4 door).

 

Actually the current Impala is still a lot roomier than the Malibu. I actually like the Impala but my wife isn't big on the looks. She is however warming up to the Malibu and has now said she wouldn't mind a sedan as a daily driver. When it boils down to it, my next buying purchase would come down to would I save enough money in gas versus my Tahoe to offset the monthly payments of a new car purchase. (At this point the answer is "no" for either car.)

 

25.4 mm = 1 inch.



I thought that Epsilon II was capable of being stretched/widened?

 

Um, yeah. I guess that I could do the math. Shows how bad I am at math that it didn't cross my mind. Thanks to those who aren't numerically or metrically challenged

The Statesman is about 7 inches longer in overall length than a Lumina SS/G8.

 

Espilon 2.

Wider & AWD capable version of the current Espilon.

The WM Statesman's dimensions in inches are:

Length: 203.1
Height: 58.3
Width: 74.8
Wheelbase: 118.5
Weight: 4169

To Compare to the Cadillac DTS (the car it will likely replace in the not to distant future:

Length: 207.6
Height: 57.6
Width: 74.8
Wheelbase: 115.6
Weight: 4009


For conversation starter purposes:

2008 FWD Impala LTZ V6 curb weight: 3729 lbs
2008 RWD Comodore V6: 3728 lbs. (1690kg)

That little factoid combined with Bob Lutz blaming CAFE for shelving the RWD Impala should get conversation juices going here, methinks.

 

Depending on where Chi was, I was thinking they'd "blow the dust" off the program per say and pick up where they left off.

 

Are you suggesting that they could import those as apposed to going ahead with the US Zeta program?

I guess that would keep the new products coming, and free up R&D and some cash to get working on the next generation.