2008 CHEVROLET IMPALA: STABILITRAK STABILITY CONTROL AND ADDITIONAL E85 FLE
08/01/2007
Chevrolet
Chevy's popular Impala was one of America's top 10 vehicles in sales during the 2006 model year and continued to attract more customers through'07 - including a nearly 44-percent jump in February'07 alone. Indeed, the Impala's combination of chiseled style, generous room, sporty driving characteristics and value answers the needs of a broad range of drivers.
The 2008 Impala reinforces the brand's value story with new features and revisions that add to its safety and efficiency, including the addition of standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control on 2LT, LTZ and SS models; and the addition of E85 FlexFuel capability to the 3.9L V-6 engine - an engine that also is equipped with the fuel-saving Active Fuel Management feature.
This marks the second engine in the Impala lineup to offer E85 capability; the 3.5L V-6 also is offered in a FlexFuel configuration. In fact, fuel-saving and FlexFuel powertrains are found in all Impala models:
The 3.5L V-6 of LS and LT models comes standard with E85 FlexFuel capability in some markets and is available with it in some others
The 3.9L V-6 that is standard on LTZ (and available on LT) is equipped with standard E85 FlexFuel capability and Active Fuel Management
The 5.3L V-8 of the Impala SS comes with standard Active Fuel Management.
Active Fuel Management is a fuel-saving technology that shuts off half the engine's cylinders when full power is not needed. It can improve fuel economy by up to 12 percent in certain driving situations.
"Alternative fuels and fuel economy are important considerations for many customers," said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. "The Impala lineup offers a great range of models that answer the needs of those who are looking for efficient, flexible engines - and with the 3.9L engine, they can now choose a FlexFuel vehicle that also provides the gas-saving benefits of Active Fuel Management."
New and revised features for'08
Impala's standard and available safety features include ABS, traction control and side-curtain roof rail air bags. StabiliTrak electronic stability control is new for'08 and is standard on 2LT, LTZ and SS models.
Additional new features and revisions for'08 Impala include:
XM Satellite Radio is standard on all models
18-inch chrome aluminum wheels on Impala SS
18-inch machined aluminum flangeless wheels on LTZ
17-inch alloy wheels on 2LT models
Performance-oriented FE3 suspension is standard on LTZ
Three exterior colors: Gold Mist Metallic, Mocha Bronze Metallic and Slate Metallic
There is also a new 1LT Luxury Edition package, which features a leather-trimmed interior - including a leather-wrapped steering wheel with radio controls - flip-and-fold rear seat, four-wheel ABS with electronic traction control, rear spoiler, OnStar with Turn-By-Turn Navigation and one-year Directions & Connections service. This package offers popular features and the industry's easiest-to-use navigation system at a discounted price.
Impala design
Chevy 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. It includes a dual-split grille with a SS-signature black-diamond crosshatch pattern. At the rear, a 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. Uplevel 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 (Impala LS features available dealer-installed remote start)
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 simple-to-operate radios that include standard XM Satellite Radio and are compatible with the enhanced OnStar system. The base MP3/CD radio includes a six-speaker system, 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.
Chassis and suspension
Quiet, smoothness and refinement are the ride and handling traits conveyed through the Impala's chassis and suspension systems. A robust front-end structure provides a firmer foundation to help reduce noise, vibration and harshness (NVH), while also enhancing steering and handling performance.
Impala's fully boxed upper frame rail assemblies have a wider, deeper and structurally stronger upper front tie bar. 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 to help 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 a responsive 13.3:1 steering ratio on LT, LTZ and SS models. All models feature a quiet, efficient power steering system that optimizes internal flow of the hydraulic steering fluid within the pump and reservoirs.
The front suspension features a MacPherson strut coil-over-spring independent setup with gas-charged struts and a stabilizer bar. Tall 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 two levels of suspension tuning - FE1 and FE3 - each matched to the power and expected performance level of its respective model
FE1 (LS and LT): The FE1 suspension provides great control 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; on LT models equipped with the 3.9L V-6, it includes 17-inch wheels and P225/55R17 AL2 (touring) Goodyear Eagle LS2 radials.
FE3 ( LTZ and SS): Impala LTZ and 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.
Powertrain details
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 as a base engine than some key competitors' top (or only) offering.
Vehicles with federal emissions systems in the United 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 the 3.9L V-6 that features E85 FlexFuel capability and Active Fuel Management. The 3.9L uses variable valve timing and a variable-length intake manifold to help produce 233 horsepower (174 kW)* and 240 lb.-ft. (325 Nm) of torque.* This engine offers more power and usable torque within its operating range, with 90 percent of peak torque available from 1800 to 5800 rpm.
The 5.3L all-aluminum small-block V-8 powers the performance-oriented Impala SS. It features Active Fuel Management, which can provide up to 8 percent better fuel economy. Developed exclusively for front-drive applications, the SS's 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:
StabiliTrak electronic stability control system is new for 2008; it is standard on 2LT, LTZ and SS models
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, and 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 and Tethers for CHildren) child seat attachment system is included in all second-row seating positions
Tire pressure monitoring system is standard on all models
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. Its digital hardware 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 United States and Canada . Using 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 2008 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 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).
*SAE certified.