2014 Chevy Impala Begins Migrating to Dealerships

The first assembly line for the all-new 2014 Chevrolet Impala is now up and running, and the first models are already headed toward U.S. dealerships. The brand’s range-topping sedan is then expected to go on sale before the end of the month, providing a benchmark ownership experience enhanced by features like a spacious cabin that was developed using GM-exclusive technologies.

Among them: A unique “spaciousness calculator” that measures customer perceptions of the vehicle interior. Used in conjunction with cutting-edge computer-modeling tools, digital human-ergonomics models and the automaker's 3D Cave Automated Virtual Environment, that spaciousness tool led to a number of specific changes to the interior of the 2014 Chevy Impala. As compared to the current Impala, the fully redesigned model:

• Delivers enough additional front-seat travel to provide almost two additional inches of driver legroom
• Serves up a standard telescoping steering-wheel column
• Boasts a center console engineered for increased driver knee room
• Relies on a longer wheelbase, with a new front-seat design that allows an extra two inches of legroom for rear-seat occupants
• Increases trunk space to almost 19 cubic feet—enough room for four golf bags

And notably, the same virtual design work also helps to lower development costs, as pointed out by George Majderic, an engineering group manager in GM’s Vehicle Architecture department: “These new tools, the latest in automotive design, allowed us to make improvements more quickly and efficiently than on previous Impala models—improvements we’re sure Impala customers will appreciate.”

2014 Chevy Impala: A Rapid Recap

The 2014 Chevy Impala is scheduled to go on sale with a price tag of $27,535 (including destination charges) and wear striking new sheet metal that provides a sophisticated, modern appearance—as explained by John Cafaro, director of exterior design for GM’s North American passenger-car portfolio: “Our design team was challenged to create a new classic, but that didn’t mean relying on nostalgia. This is very much a contemporary car, with design elements, craftsmanship and attention to detail that complement its advanced technology and performance.”

The new look is then complemented by features like:

• Three available powertrains, including four-cylinder and six-cylinder choices, along with a high-efficiency eAssist setup that is expected to allow drivers to achieve 35 mpg on the highway
• A premium interior that coddles occupants with soft-touch materials and active noise cancellation
• The next-generation Chevy MyLink infotainment/connectivity system, now boasting an eight-inch touchscreen and natural voice recognition
• Bose surround-sound audio—a first in a Chevrolet passenger car
• 10 airbags and a full complement of electronic driver-assistance measures, including full-speed-range adaptive cruise control, collision-mitigation braking, a rear-vision camera with guidelines, and alert systems for forward collision, lane departure, side blind zones and rear cross traffic
• Lux amenities such as heated and ventilated seating, a heated steering wheel, keyless entry, remote and push-button start, ambient lighting
• Finely tuned road manners that are enhanced by a sophisticated suspension with front strut-tower reinforcements, as well as a variable electric-assist steering with Pull Drift Compensation to automatically adjust steering effort in certain driving situations (e.g., on crowned roads or in high winds)