2007 Chevrolet Impala

2007 CHEVROLET IMPALA: FLAGSHIP SEDAN IS STYLISH, VERSATILE AND FUEL-EFFICIENT

The Chevy Impala is a stylish, sporty sedan that is many things to many people – from a strong, reliable, fuel-efficient family sedan to a sleek and powerful performance car. That may be why Impala was the best-selling domestic car in 2005.

The 2007 Impala, which underwent a major redesign for 2006, is poised for another successful year with the addition of Active Fuel Management to the 3.9L V-6, a fuel-saving technology that shuts off half the engine's cylinders when full power is not needed. Active Fuel Management improves fuel economy by up to 8 percent in certain driving situations.

This is GM's first application of Active Fuel Management on a six-cylinder engine. Previously on Impala, Active Fuel Management was available only on the Impala SS equipped with the 5.3L small-block V-8.

'Fuel economy is important to our Impala customers. They can choose gasoline-saving features such as the 3.5L V-6 FlexFuel that can run on E85 ethanol, gasoline or a combination of both; and now, Active Fuel Management is available on both the 3.9L V-6 and the 5.3L V-8,' said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. 'Combined with the stylish amenities, comfort, strength and performance Impala is known for, I expect the 2007 Impala to continue to help Chevy assert its leadership in the market.'

With more than 1.4 million sales since its 1999 introduction, including more than 246,000 in 2005 – the Impala has cultivated a family of new and returning customers.

Standard and available safety features include ABS, traction control and side-curtain roof rail air bags on Impala. A family of premium-feature V-6 engines, which include variable valve timing to optimize performance and economy, is standard in the LS, LT and LTZ models, with LS and LT models receiving a 3.5L V-6 that produces 211 (157 kW) horsepower and 214 lb.-ft. (290 Nm) of torque. Standard in LTZ and available in LT models is a 233-horsepower (174 kW)* 3.9L V-6 that features Active Fuel Management as well as variable intake technology.

The unique Impala SS is powered by the 5.3L small-block V-8 with Active Fuel Management. The 5.3L small-block V-8 is rated at 303 horsepower (226 kW) and 323 lb.-ft. (438 Nm) of torque.

Additional highlights of the 2007 Impala include:
New exterior colors, including Precision Red, Imperial Blue Metallic, Bordeaux Red and Red Jewel Tintcoat
Retuned suspensions with wider track, providing sporty, more comfortable ride
Family of 16-, 17- and 18-inch wheels and tires
Enhanced ABS and traction control (now standard on some LT models)
Comfortable interiors with high-quality attention to detail, including improved seat upholstery stitching, low-gloss IP components and jewel-like IP details
High-quality Nuance leather -appointed seating (available)
Standard side-curtain air bags for front and rear passengers
Factory-installed remote vehicle starter available
Standard OnStar service
XM Satellite Radio now standard on selected models
Refined design

The '07 Impala conveys sophistication and exudes big-car roominess. On the exterior, large headlamps have a premium, jeweled appearance with three independent lighting units. These details complement other high-quality attributes, such as tight tolerances of 3.5 mm or less between body components and substantial 'grab'-style door handles, to provide an overall feeling of solidity. Also, new, flat-blade windshield wipers are used to provide consistent pressure on the glass, which helps eliminate streaking and wind noise.

The Impala LS, LT and LTZ models have varied exterior trim cues that identify each model, while the Impala SS receives a distinct front-end appearance that is separate from other models. It includes a dual-split grille with a SS-signature black-diamond crosshatch pattern. At the rear, a rear spoiler is standard on LTZ and SS models and is available on LT. The Impala SS also receives Corvette-inspired bright exhaust tips.

Inside, Impala is packed with thoughtful features, including clever flip-and-fold rear seats (standard on LTZ and SS, available on LT). The forward-flip rear seat cushions reveal a storage tub under the seat that can contain spillage while transporting a variety of items. The tub also serves as a covered storage area beneath the seat with cushions down and offer convenient grocery bag hooks when the cushions are flipped forward. A generous pass-through from the trunk can be created by flipping the seat bottoms forward and the seat backs flat – an exclusive feature in the midsize segment.

All of Impala's available seating features cleaner, simpler and more tailored appearances. Úplevel Nuance leather- appointed seating features premium deck seams around their perimeter and French seams on the center cushions. The seats also have firmer cushions and increased lumbar support that provide more comfort, especially during long drives. The driver's seat also includes adjustable lumbar.

The Impala's instrument panel wraps around into the door panels and has a double-hump design that is reminiscent of early Corvettes. Impala LS, LT and LTZ models have a wood-trimmed appearance, while a sportier, brushed sterling-appearance trim is available. The Impala SS comes standard with a 'technical'-pattern trim panel, with the wood-trimmed appearance as an option.

Completing the Impala's comprehensive interior is a host of useful comfort and convenience features, including:

Available dual-zone climate control system with up to 12 degrees F temperature setting difference between the two front zones
Available factory-installed remote vehicle start system with a 200-foot (61-meter) range and automatic climate pre-conditioning to warm or cool the vehicle prior to entry
Informative gauge clusters and an expanded driver information center – with more than 50 alerts, depending on the vehicle's equipment
Standard easy-access, steering wheel-mounted cruise control buttons
Steering wheel radio controls on uplevel models
Eight-way, heated power driver seat standard on LTZ and SS leather-appointed seats; six-way power driver seat standard on LS, LT with cloth seats
New 7.0 Generation OnStar system offers Turn-by-Turn navigation
Three audio systems feature new, simple-to-operate radios that are compatible with the enhanced OnStar system. The base CD-radio includes a six-speaker system. An uplevel MP3/CD-radio is configured for XM Satellite Radio, with a two-line, 32-character reconfigurable display and the capability to select between AM, FM and XM stations without having to reset the frequency. An uplevel ICDX radio adds an in-dash six-CD changer. Impala also offers a premium Bose audio system. All radios include a standard auxiliary input jack for external devices such as an iPod or remote cassette player. Located in the lower right-hand corner of each radio, the input allows for plug-and-play through Impala's sound system.

All radios include a standard auxiliary input for external devices, such as an iPod or MP3 player, to be played through the vehicle's audio system. The input is located in the lower right corner of each radio.

XM Satellite Radio is standard on SS, and available on LS, LT and LTZ.

Chassis and suspension

Impala's fully boxed upper frame rail assemblies have a wider, deeper and structurally stronger upper front tie bar, with slight machining differences between V-6 and V-8 models to provide room for the 5.3L small-block V-8 engine. Stronger ties between the upper and lower rails stiffen the front structure for improved ride and handling and a large, lower front-of-dash panel has been strengthened. It is constructed of Quiet Steel laminated steel, which consists of sound deadening material bonded between sheets of steel and reduces resonant sound.

An extruded aluminum engine cradle is used on both vehicles, too, and contributes to a smoother, vibration-free ride. The cradle's lateral stiffness (at the steering joint) is increased with a new, one-piece machined rear cross member and new aluminum rear body mounts, which helps improve handling control. Models equipped with a V-6 engine have a two-point engine-mounting system, while V-8 models have a three-point mounting system.

A power rack-and-pinion steering system is standard on all models, with entry-level LS model now sharing the same, responsive 13.3:1 steering ratio of LT, LTZ and SS models. All models also receive a quieter, improved-performance power steering pump and fluid reservoirs. The new system optimizes internal flow of the hydraulic steering fluid within both the pump and the reservoirs.

The front suspension features a MacPherson strut coil-over-spring independent setup with gas-charged struts and a stabilizer bar. Taller jounce bumpers in the front suspension help enhance stability and control. The rear suspension uses a trailing arm, tri-link setup with gas-charged struts and coil springs. A rear stabilizer bar is standard on all models. Based on the basic front and rear suspension designs, the Impala offers three levels of suspension tuning, each matched to the power and expected performance level of its respective model:

FE1 (16-inch wheels): Standard on models with the 3.5L V-6, the FE1 suspension provides improved control over previous base models without compromising ride quality. It uses stiff, constant-rate front springs and variable-rate rear springs to provide higher roll rates and, at the front, a stiffer torque strut design reduces NVH and helps provide a smoother, quieter ride. The packages include 16-inch wheels and P225/60R16 ALS (all-season) Goodyear Integrity radials, specifically developed to provide a quieter ride compared to previous base models. A 10-mm (0.4-inch) wider track also is achieved, as the 16-inch wheels each are moved 5 mm outboard.

FE1 (17-inch wheels): The FE1 suspension also is available with 17-inch wheels and tires for better high-speed control, including the 10-mm-wider track. This combination is standard with vehicles equipped with the 3.9L V-6. The 3.9L engine also receives more powertrain damping to help optimize ride quietness, smoothness and handling. P225/55R17 AL2 (touring) Goodyear Eagle LS2 radials are matched with the 17-inch aluminum wheels to provide enhanced handling capability and more stability in tighter turns.

FE3 (SS): Impala SS models receive a FE3 suspension, which includes 18-inch W-rated P235/50R18 AL3 (performance) tires and five-spoke alloy wheels, to provide a sporty ride that complements the 5.3L small-block V-8's performance. A 34-mm hollow front stabilizer bar and 18-mm solid rear stabilizer bar combine to provide more roll control than the FE1 or FE2 suspensions. Also, increased stiffness helps reduce body lean and contributes to greater high-speed stability.

Powertrains

Impala's V-6 engines are as fuel-efficient as they are sophisticated. A 3.5L V-6 is standard in the Impala LS and LT, delivering 211 horsepower (157 kW) and 214 lb.-ft. (290 Nm) of torque – more standard power than previous models and, in fact, more power as a base engine than some key competitors' top (or only) offering.

Vehicles with federal emissions systems in the Únited States are equipped with the 3.5L engine, which is compatible with E85 ethanol fuel, allowing the vehicle to run on any combination of gasoline and/or E85. Vehicles sold in YF5 ( California ) or NE1 (Northeast) emissions are equipped with PZEV versions of the 3.5L engine. This engine is not E85-compatible. Customers in these areas have the option of ordering E85-compatible engines .

Standard in LTZ and available in LT models is a new 3.9L V-6 that uses variable valve timing and a variable-length intake manifold to help produce 233 horsepower (178 kW) and 240 lb.-ft. (328 Nm) of torque.* The 3.9L engine offers more power and usable torque within its operating range, with 90 percent of peak torque available from 1800 to 5800 rpm. New for 2007, the 3.9L V-6 also features fuel-saving Active Fuel Management technology.

The '06 Impala SS reinstates small-block V-8 power, with the all-new 5.3L all-aluminum V-8 that features Active Fuel Management. Developed exclusively for front-drive applications, the 5.3L engine produces 303 horsepower (226 kW) and 323 lb.-ft. (438 Nm) of torque.

All of Impala's engines are matched with the Hydra-Matic 4T65 electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission, which is renowned for its smoothness and durability. A strengthened version is equipped with the 5.3L engine to handle the V-8's torque.

Safety and crash avoidance

Impala offers standard side-curtain air bags, which provide optimum head protection for outboard passengers. The side curtain air bags are mounted in the side roof rails and deploy down to the lower edge of the windows from the A-pillar to the C-pillar. Impala's other safety features include:

Four-wheel-disc brake system featuring smooth, quiet operation, longer pad life, and more resistance to brake pulsation
ABS system is standard on LTZ and SS, and available on LS and LT, which helps provide improved steering control while braking. It also includes Electronic Brake Force Distribution, which helps provide optimum braking regardless of load, traction or braking speed
Available engine- and brake-managed full-function traction control system works with the ABS system to help ensure stable acceleration on a variety of road conditions
Pretensioners are standard on the front safety belts, helping to minimize forward movement during a frontal collision and new, more effective load-limiting retractors. The retractors have more 'take-up' force, cinching the belt more tightly. Three-point safety belts are equipped in all standard seating positions
LATCH (Lower Anchors & Tethers for CHildren) child seat attachment system is included in all second row seating positions
Tire Pressure Monitoring System is standard on models equipped with 17- and 18-inch wheels
Standard remote keyless entry (RKE) system provides a second function for the red panic button. Drivers can use the button to locate their cars, without sounding the panic alarm
The Impala includes features designed to enhance the vehicle structure, including lighter, more rigid front and rear bumper systems. Also, the Impala features a strengthened 'safety cage' passenger compartment with the front and rear doors designed for improved energy dissipation in the event of a crash.

The OnStar system is standard on Impala. OnStar-equipped Impala models feature digital and analog coverage. OnStar's digital hardware also includes upgraded hands-free voice recognition capabilities, including more intuitive continuous digit dialing and improved voice recognition accuracy. OnStar is the leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information services in the Únited States and Canada . Úsing the GPS satellite network and wireless technology, OnStar features core safety services and OnStar Personal Calling that allows drivers to make and receive hands-free, voice-activated phone calls using a powerful 3-watt digital/analog system and external antenna for greater reception. The OnStar service available on the 2007 Impala includes the General Motors Advanced Automatic Crash Notification (AACN) system, making crash data available to 911 centers to potentially dispatch the appropriate life-saving personnel and equipment to crash scenes faster.

The new 7.0 Generation OnStar system offers Turn-by-Turn navigation with the optional Directions and Connections service. Turn-by-Turn navigation directs the driver through the route by using the digital readout lines in the radio head. Directions are downloaded by the OnStar advisor to the vehicle and can be played back or paused through the drive up to the destination. Besides being an easy to use system (all directions are downloaded to the car by an advisor) Turn-by-Turn offers an affordable system that is always up to date (no need to purchase map updates).

Source - GM