Vehicle Overview
The Impala is Chevrolet's flagship full-size sedan. Four trim levels are available: LS, LT, LTZ and SS. The LT trim level has 1LT and 2LT packages that offer different levels of standard equipment.
New for 2009
All Impala models get antilock brakes, traction control and side-impact airbags.
Exterior
Built on a 110.5-inch wheelbase, the Impala is 200.4 inches long overall, 72.9 inches wide and 58.7 inches tall. The Impala is the longest of its competitors. It's nearly the same width as the Avalon, but narrower than the Taurus and 300. As for height, it is taller than the 300 and Avalon but almost 3 inches lower than the Taurus. SS sedans have a distinct look up front, led by a dual-split grille that contains a black-diamond crosshatch pattern. Corvette-inspired bright exhaust outlets are installed on SS models.
- Base models have 16-inch wheels
- Midlevel models have 17-inch wheels
- SS models have 18-inch polished aluminum wheels with a new design for 2009
Interior
Inside the Impala, flip-and-fold rear-seat cushions reveal a covered storage area and include grocery bag hooks. The flip-fold seat is available on LT models and standard on LTZ and SS. The rear seatback folds down to create a pass-thru into the trunk. General Motors' OnStar communication system is standard, and an available Directions and Connections service gives audio turn-by-turn directions from an OnStar operator.
Impalas can be equipped with one of three audio systems. Base models have a standard six-speaker MP3/CD stereo. A midlevel system adds an in-dash six-CD changer, while a Bose system with eight speakers is also available.
- Seating for five or six, depending on choice of front seats
- Standard dual-zone manual climate control on all models
- Standard illuminated vanity mirrors for driver and front passenger
- Standard XM Satellite Radio
- Available remote start
- 18.6 cubic feet of trunk space
- Bluetooth phone connectivity now available
Under the Hood
Engines include a 3.5-liter V-6, a 3.9-liter V-6 and a 5.3-liter V-8. Both V-6s can be had in flex-fuel versions that can run on ethanol-based E85. The V-8 has Active Fuel Management, GM's cylinder-deactivation system that improves fuel economy.
- 211-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 with 214 pounds-feet of torque
- 224-hp, 3.9-liter V-6 with 235 pounds-feet of torque
- 303-hp, 5.3-liter V-8 with 323 pounds-feet of torque
- LTZ and SS models have sportier suspension
- Four-speed automatic transmission on all models
Safety
Side curtain airbags and seat belt pretensioners for the front seats are standard. Latch child-seat anchors are found in all second-row seating positions. Integrated into the braking system is Electronic Brake Force Distribution, which helps provide optimum braking regardless of load, traction or braking speed. OnStar includes the Advanced Crash Response System, making crash data available to 911 centers.
- StabiliTrak system is standard on higher-level LT, LTZ and SS models
- Standard thorax side-impact airbags on all models
- Standard ABS and traction control on all models
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