Chevrolet Impala, 2003 Impala Pictures, News, Reviews, and Info | Conceptcarz.com - Pictures, Wallpaper, Pricing, Information, History

Overview

2003 Chevrolet Impala pictures and wallpaper

2003 IMPALA OFFERS AMERICAN DRIVING EXCELLENCE

The Impala nameplate is rich with history and nostalgia. Throughout the years customers have embraced the performance, comfort, safety and style of the Impala. In 2003, Chevrolet will continue its great heritage with new standard features, including XM Satellite Radio, new colors and new wheels.

'The 2003 Impala builds on the legacy of a terrific car,' said Jim Campbell, Impala marketing director. 'Americans have shown they continue to love Impala by making it one of the top-10 best-selling passenger cars in the country.'

XM Satellite Radio
The Impala also offers XM Satellite Radio as an option on all models. XM radio features 100 coast-to-coast digital channels, including 71 music channels (more than 30 of them commercial free) from hip-hop to opera, classical to country, bluegrass to blues and 29 channels of sports, talk, children's and entertainment programming. XM also brings to the car, for the first time on radio, a diverse selection of 24-hour news sources previously available only in the home. XM's next-generation sound quality technology provides superior sound remarkably close to compact disc.

Other new equipment
Four new exterior colors debut for 2003: Superior Blue, Berry Red Metallic, Victory Red and Cappuccino Frost Metallic. Remote keyless entry is now standard on the Impala sedan and both Impala models receive new, differentiated,16-inch five-spoke aluminum wheels.

Smooth V6 performance
Impala has the highest fuel economy of any V6 in the industry, coupled with solid performance to make it the most efficient standard V6 in the midsize sedan segment.

Impala owes its rigidity and stiffness, quiet ride and terrific suspension to a carefully engineered chassis and body architecture. An extruded aluminum engine cradle - a first for mass production - helps isolate engine noise and vibration.

Two dependable engines - the 3400 3.4L V6 and the award-winning 3800 3.8L V6 - power the impressive ride. The 3400 V6 provides 180 horsepower and 205 lb-ft of torque, while the 3800 V6 puts out 200 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque.

Roominess and comfort
The 2003 Impala offers unparalleled large car room with midsize exterior proportions. The base model has room for six passengers and 18.6 cubic feet of trunk space.

The Impala sedan comes well equipped with auxiliary lighting in the glove box and trunk, electric rear window defogger, delayed exit/entry lighting, and intermittent variable-speed windshield wipers. Impala LS has a long list of standard features, including passenger assist grips, a trunk cargo net, split-folding rear seat and cruise control.

Safety and security
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration rates Impala as five-star/five-star - the highest rating possible - for both front- and side-impact testing for front and rear passengers. Impala has met 2003 federal head impact criteria since its introduction.

More than 100 standard safety and security features make Impala a worry-free car to drive. Impala LS features a driver's side-impact air bag, remote keyless entry, traction control, tire inflation monitoring system and antilock brakes, all optional on Impala sedan. Standard features on all models include passive theft-deterrent system, battery rundown protection and daytime running lamps. In addition, a 'limp home' mode allows the car to be driven to a nearby service station even after a complete loss of coolant.

Source - GM Corporation

Considered to be ‘the best selling full-size car in the U.S.,' in 1960 the Chevy Impala was designed and built by the Chevrolet division of General Motors.

Originating as a sports coupe, the Impala began as a dreamcar for the 1956 General Motors Motorama.
The name Impala originated from a southern African antelope known for its speed and prowess. Introduced in 1958, the Impala was developed by chief engineer automotive executive for General Motors, Edward Cole.
Michigan born, Cole was the son of a dairy farmer whose lifelong aspiration was to become an automotive engineer. Beginning as a lab assistant for the General Motors Institute, Cole worked in engineering before gaining recognition and becoming promoted to chief engineer in 1952. Cole eventually became president of Chevrolet in 1967.

Introduced with a trim package, the new sporty model was unique with its six taillights. Eventually becoming the ‘best selling car in the Chevrolet product line', in 1959 it became a separate model in both two and four-door versions. Within the second year of production, production reached 473,000 units.

Continuing for a decade as the best-selling automobile in the U.S. Impala broke the record for sales with over 13 million units sold. The Impala held this record until 1977 setting an ‘all-time industry annual sales record of more than 1 million units.'

Introducing the largest impala, the 1971 redesign set the standard that has yet to be topped remaining Chevrolet's top-selling model until the late 1970's.

The design of the Impala SS (Super Sport) became the model often credited for the beginning of the muscle car era.

During the 1973 energy crisis that rocketed the nation, the impact of high rising gas prices put a damper on the industry. Impala sales plummeted and the redesign of the Impala to meet changing demands. Minimized in length, becoming more narrow and taller in stature, the new Impala showcased ‘the new image of the full-size American car – smaller, lighter, more efficient.'

Over the decades, the Impala has continued to remain an American trademark, enhanced by its ability to evolve with the times.

Introduced during the Los Angeles Auto Show in 2005, the 2006 Impala came complete with a base engine, a 3.5 L V6 that produced 211 hp. A completely revised interior, the 06 Impala was selected by Fleet car of the Year by both Automotive Fleet and Business magazines.

Elizabeth Johnson

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