Chevy Celebrating 50 Years Of The Impala
Well, it has been 50 years since the Impala was first introduced as special edition Bel Air way back in 1958 - but what about those missing 10 years? Can Ford bring back the Tempo next year and call it a 25th anniversary edition? Eh, who’s counting anyways?
“Chevrolet is thrilled to mark 50 years of the Impala,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. “Few brands can claim such a heritage and throughout the decades, Impala has always stood for the value, performance and style that has made Chevrolet America’s car.”
Going on sale in the spring of 2008, the 50th Anniversary Chevrolet Impala will get unique trim and amenities to commemorate the special occassion. Based on a well-equipped Impala LT, next year’s version will get the following features:
- FE3 Sport Suspension (replaces the FE1 Touring Suspension)
- Four-wheel ABS
- Eighteen-inch alloy wheels (replaces 16-inch wheels)
- Rear spoiler
- “50 th Anniversary” Impala badge on the C-pillar
- Two-tone, leather-trimmed seats and “50 th” logo embroidered on the front headrests
- Eight-way power-adjustable driver seat (replaces six-way adjustability)
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel with accent-color thread (includes audio controls)
- Ebony carpet and floor mats with accent threading
- “50 th” Anniversary emblem on the sill plates
- Two premium exterior colors: Black Granite Metallic or Red Jewel Tintcoat
In true, next generation fashion the 50th Anniversary Impala will be powered by a fuel efficient 3.5L V-6 sure to make the Greenies happy. While it’s rated at a modest 211 horsepower, it’s compatible with E85 ethanol fuel so it can run on any combination of gasoline and/or E85. Running only gas, the new Impala gets an EPA rating of 29 mpg.
While we dig the heritage and all, why couldn’t Chevy throw us a bone and maybe stick an LT1 in there? Or maybe (gasp) an LS7? Wishful thinking I suppose with the 35mpg CAFE law around the corner. Enjoy the badges!