Autoblog

REPORT: Lutz says next Chevy Impala to stay front-drive, gain hybrid variant

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:58:00 EST

2009 Chevrolet Caprice (Middle East) - Click above for high-res image gallery

Remember those AWESOME rumors about the rear-wheel drive Pontiac G8 living on as a Chevy Caprice? Not going to happen, though used Chevy cop cars will still be the hot Christmas item come 2017 or so. Inside Line's Ed Hellwig reports that after a sit down meeting with General Motors' Maximum Bob Lutz, not only won't there be a true successor to the 1994-1996 Impala SS, but the next Impala will remain front-wheel drive.

The new Impala will get bigger says IL, and add features - probably in an attempt to keep up with the hefty and tech-laden Ford Taurus. Lutz mentions that the new Impala will not only sport decent fuel economy, but also feature GM's hybrid technology. Whether or not this means a Chevy Volt style gas-electric powertrain or the General's next-generation belt-alternator mild hybrid system isn't clear. All we know is, once the few, still-lingering-on dealer-lots G8s are gone, they are gone baby, gone.

Gallery: 2009 Chevrolet Caprice (Middle East)

[Source: Straight Line Blog]

REPORT: Lutz says next Chevy Impala to stay front-drive, gain hybrid variant originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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All four new Nationwide Series cars tested at Talladega

John Neff — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, Toyota

Nationwide Series cars testing at Talladega - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've already shown you the new Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger cars that will soon be running in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, but Chevy also introduced a new Impala car and Toyota a new Camry. All four new cars were out at Talladega Superspeedway today for some test runs, which gives us our first chance to view the new, more production-like bodies in the revealing light of day.

What we've learned is that all four manufacturers - Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge and Toyota - worked with NASCAR to develop the new body types that look markedly more like their production counterparts than cars raced in the upper level Sprint Cup. Those cars, based on the NASCAR Car of Tomorrow chassis, look identical from the bleachers, making the task of identifying your favorite brand practically impossible. Not so with the new Nationwide Series cars. They actually have distinct shapes that clearly communicate which pony car and/or family sedan you're watching race.

We wondered how much these new bodies would affect aerodynamics and give some brands with sleeker designs an edge, and we're told that all four cars are within "three horsepower of drag and just a few pounds of downforce." Those teams that might have an advantage are likely Chevrolet and Toyota, both of which opted to base their cars on family sedans - the Impala and Camry - with sleeker front ends. The Mustang and Challenger cars may suffer a disadvantage when it comes to wind with their more upright and recessed grilles, but Ford and Dodge will surely win the PR war with their iconic pony cars on the track.

Gallery: Nationwide Series tests four new cars at Talladega

[Source: NASCAR]

All four new Nationwide Series cars tested at Talladega originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM recalling 1.4 million passenger cars over potential engine fires

Chris Paukert — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 12:56:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Buick, Chevrolet, GM, Pontiac

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has just announced a major recall covering nearly 1.5 million General Motors passenger cars from the late 90's and early 2000s. The recall affects various Buick, Chevrolet, Oldsmobile, and Pontiac models equipped with normally aspirated versions of GM's much-utilized 3800 3.8-liter V6.

Apparently, some of these engines can drop oil onto the exhaust manifold during hard braking. If that manifold has gotten hot enough and the oil dribbles below the heat shield, it can start a small fire. The flames can then engulf the plastic spark plug wire channel, potentially resulting in a full-on engine compartment fire.

The fix? Dealer service departments will be asked to remove said spark plug wire retention channel from the front of the engine bay, and then retrofit two new retainers.

Models Affected:

1997-2003 Buick Regal
2000-2003 Chevrolet Impala
1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina
1998-2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
1998-1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue
1997-2003 Pontiac Grand Prix

The recall is slated to begin in May. Official NHTSA Release after the jump.

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading GM recalling 1.4 million passenger cars over potential engine fires

GM recalling 1.4 million passenger cars over potential engine fires originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Apr 2009 12:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 Impala recalled over faulty airbags

Chris Tutor — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 17:33:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Chevrolet

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says passenger airbags in some 2009 Chevrolet Impalas may have a potentially deadly flaw. Not only could the devices fail to inflate in a crash, but the inflator tube could rupture and hurl pieces of it at passengers. Sounds pretty bad, but there is good news for most Impala owners. According to NHTSA, the recall will only affect 79 Impalas, and not all of them will need replacement. Airbags found to be faulty will be completely replaced under the recall campaign at GM service centers.

Notices will be mailed out sometime this month to Impala owners who need to have their vehicles inspected. You can read the entire NHTSA description here.

[Source: Inside Line]

2009 Impala recalled over faulty airbags originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Oct 2008 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM and CAW reach deal over truck plant closure

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Plants/Manufacturing, GM, UAW/Unions, Canada

In a deal designed to assuage the tensions between General Motors and the Canadian Auto Workers union, GM's new car plant in Oshawa, Ontario will gain two additional models to build. The old truck plant in the same city, though, will still close sometime in 2009. Until then, the truck plant will continue to assemble hybrid versions of GM's full-size pickup trucks. The new Oshawa plant will begin building GM's long-anticipated Camaro revival and will also get some Chevrolet Impala production and an unnamed Buick model at some point in the future.

In addition to the extra work at the brand new Oshawa plant, displaced workers with at least 26 years of GM employment will get a percentage of their yearly salary, even after the plant has closed, until they have reached the necessary 30-year mark for retirement. Other qualifying ex-employees will get buyout packages of some sort. Thanks for the tip, Ryan!

[Source: CBC News]

GM and CAW reach deal over truck plant closure originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jul 2008 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Confirmed: FWD Impala around through 2012

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 23 May 2008 17:27:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Chevrolet, GM, UAW/Unions, Rumormill

It has been rumored for the last few months that Chevrolet would be soldiering on with a front-wheel-drive Impala for at least the next few years. The recent contract agreement between the Canadian Auto Workers union and General Motors appears to cement this rumor as fact. According to the signed pact, GM promised to keep the Oshawa Assembly plant, where the current-generation Impala is made, open until 2012 -- two years longer than first planned. The Impala is a pretty good seller for the General, so we're not too surprised that upper-level management would want to leave it alone, but that doesn't stop us from wanting to see Chevy's bread-and-butter full-size sedan return to its roots by going rear-wheel-drive.

One thing is for certain: by the year 2012, the W-Body platform of the current Impala will be absolutely ancient. On the other hand, we've had nothing but good things to say about the new Zeta platform which underpins such enthusiast-friendly vehicles as the new Pontiac G8. Therefore, we can at least hold out some hope that GM will find a way to offer as many vehicles as possible using the new chassis architecture, whether they are named Impala or not. Anybody want to see a new Nova?

[Source: The GM Source]

Confirmed: FWD Impala around through 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 May 2008 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dealer ad shows 2008/09 Chevy Impala

Dan Roth — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 07:28:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Spy Photos, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Chevrolet

It seems that the Impala's replacement has found its way onto the auto pages of a newspaper in much the same way that the Cadillac CTS Coupe did a while back. You could argue that there's no way this is anything but a calculated effort on GMs part. There's really no way to be sure, but with our local dealers still still using images of the DN101 Taurus when advertising the '08, the suspicion might be warranted. Think about it for a second and you realize that dealers don't just get this stuff by mistake. That's our conspiracy theory, and we're sticking with it.

Why would the General toss images of cars yet to be announced out there so publicly? We don't know, but perhaps it's a way to test styling or generate buzz. Or, maybe GM had nothing to do with it and the dealer found this rendering in a year-old issue of Motor Trend, which is probably the most likely scenario. Either way, we like the swoopy Volt-ish lines of the whateveritis. Our current Impala is rather anonymous, though it is the best Lumina ever made. If this car really is what it's masquerading as, we're excited to see it in four color instead of grayscale half-toning.

Thanks for the tip, Jacob!

Dealer ad shows 2008/09 Chevy Impala originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Jan 2008 07:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2008 Chevy Impala 50th Anniversary Edition coming to Detroit

Alex Nunez — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 17:55:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Sedan, Chevrolet, GM

Click the image above for over 30 high-res pics.

The Chevy Impala is celebrating its 50th Anniversary, and to commemorate the occasion the Bowtie division is offering up a badge-and-trim special edition. What you have here is the garden-variety Impala LT, upgraded for anniversary-edition duty with an FE3 sport suspension, 18-inch alloys, commemorative "50th" Impala badges and a rear spoiler. Inside, the seats are leather and two-toned, with eight-way adjustability for the driver and anniversary embroidery on the headrests. Other edition-specific features include a multifunction steering wheel wrapped in contrast-stitched leather, slightly fancier floormats, and doorsill plates sporting the anniversary logo. It comes in red or black and is, without question, the single most unexciting car GM will be introducing at next month's Detroit Auto Show.

[Source: GM]

Gallery: Chevrolet Impala 50th Anniversary Edition

Continue reading 2008 Chevy Impala 50th Anniversary Edition coming to Detroit

2008 Chevy Impala 50th Anniversary Edition coming to Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Dec 2007 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2007: Lutz and Peper show off Chevy's high efficiency fleet

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, LA Auto Show, Trends, Budget, Hybrid, Sedan, SUV, Truck, Green, Technology, Crossover, Chevrolet, GM

Promising the best possible fuel economy for whichever type of vehicle its customers choose, GM's Bob Lutz and Ed Peper trotted a full lineup of green vehicles from their arsenal. The Aveo5, Impala E85, Malibu Hybrid, Tahoe Hybrid, Silverado Hybrid, Volt, Equinox Fuel Cell, Beat and Groove were used to show off that Chevy will be the brand carrying the greenish flame most prominently into the future for GM. Lutz talked about having a whole range of options available to meet future trends, from hybrids, to flex-fuel burners, to fuel cells, to electrics like start/stop technology and good old-fashioned economy cars that get great fuel economy.

Gallery: 2008 Chevy Hybrids at the LA Auto Show

Gallery: 2008 Chevy Aveo5

Continue reading LA 2007: Lutz and Peper show off Chevy's high efficiency fleet

LA 2007: Lutz and Peper show off Chevy's high efficiency fleet originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Nov 2007 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FWD Chevy Impala still being considered

John Neff — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 13:25:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Chevrolet

Say it ain't so, Bob! Automotive News is reporting that since General Motors' plans for a rear-wheel-drive Impala replacement that's based on the Australian-sourced Zeta platform are up in the air (you can thank the U.S. government and its never ending debate on a CAFE increase for that), a backup plan for a front-wheel-drive is in place. The candidate platform would be the Epsilon II chassis set to underpin the next generation Opel Vectra and Saturn Aura, as well as the next Malibu (OMG, we're already talking about the next Malibu?). Though a higher CAFE standard could torpedo plans for a rear-wheel-drive Impala replacement, the case for another front-wheel-drive Imp isn't necessarily on solid ground either. With the Malibu having grown in size considerably, the current Impala and Malibu cast similarly sized shadows now, and to develop another FWD replacement would only further some confusion between the two models.

The Impala is currently GM's best-selling car across all brands with 270,504 units sold so far this year and 20,791 sold last month alone. The Malibu, meanwhile, only sold 5,975 units in October, but we expect its monthly sales to rise quickly once the new model hits dealer showrooms. There's little to celebrate, however, if the Malibu's new sales come from the Impala's column. Thus, it's imperative that GM find a way to differentiate the two models while maintaining the Impala's appeal. Switching the Impala to RWD and drawing on the car's heritage would be a perfect way to do that, but if the CAFE debate doesn't go the Impala's way, this new plan B appears the way to go.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]

FWD Chevy Impala still being considered originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Nov 2007 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Michigan cops switching to cheaper, more efficient V6 Impalas

Chris Shunk — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 14:32:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Government/Legal, Chevrolet, Ford, GM

click image above for high-res gallery

In a sign of the impending apocalypse, Michigan police departments are steadily switching from the stalwart Ford Crown Victoria to less expensive FWD Chevy Impalas with more efficient V6 engines. Oakland county plans on saving $220,000 per year in lower fuel and vehicle costs by making the switch. Wayne County, which includes Detroit, began switching to the Impalas in 2005. While the Crown Vic looks almost cool in interceptor guise, the body-on-frame tank on wheels isn't exactly fast with its 239hp V8 engine, so the Impala should at least equal its velocity in high-speed chases. The county fleets will be transformed over a number of years, but the strategy may be short-lived due to the pending arrival of the RWD Impala in 2009 or 2010.

Time will tell if the Impalas will hold up as well as the RWD Crown Vics, especially when the FWD cars jump a curb at speed, but for counties struggling to keep funding, hundreds of thousands of dollars per year is hard to pass up.

[Source: Freep via Jalopnik]

Gallery: Chevy Impala Police Cruiser

Michigan cops switching to cheaper, more efficient V6 Impalas originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Aug 2007 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Enter the Rumormill: Zeta-platform Impala delayed 12 months?

John Neff — Fri, 04 May 2007 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Chevrolet, Earnings/Financials

Brian from Cheers & Gears, the GM aficionado site, sent us a link to a forum thread that is definitely of interest. Keep in mind that there's no official confirmation of any of this yet, so we're taking it with a grain of salt until we hear it from someone at GM. With that established, let's dig in.

The word from one of C&G's posters who is apparently in the know is that the next-generation, Zeta-based Impala has been delayed and will now launch in June 2010 instead of 2009 as originally planned. According to the insider, no reason has been given for the delay (if it's true), but speculation is rampant. Some think the delay is posturing in the face of new fuel economy proposals moving through Congress, while others believe that funds are possibly being diverted to the Chevy Volt program. One theory we thought sounded viable is that Chevy wants the two-mode hybrid version of the Impala to debut at the launch of the new car and not one year later, so moving the launch date back a year would line them up nicely.

[Source: Cheers & Gears]

Continue reading Enter the Rumormill: Zeta-platform Impala delayed 12 months?

Enter the Rumormill: Zeta-platform Impala delayed 12 months? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 May 2007 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lutz sounds the alarm: GM puts RWD drive vehicles on hold

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 13:45:00 EST

Filed under: Chevrolet, GM

Bob Lutz is determined to rattle all the cages he can in order to be heard above roar of the CAFE and CO2 standards debate. First, he said that forcing automakers to raise CAFE standards 4-percent per year would raise the price of a new car by $5,000. That was in response to Bush administration proposals. Now he's putting car enthusiasts on notice, going on the record saying that GM's RWD models would be put on hold.

[Source: Chicago Tribune via Winding Road]

Continue reading Lutz sounds the alarm: GM puts RWD drive vehicles on hold

Lutz sounds the alarm: GM puts RWD drive vehicles on hold originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Apr 2007 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sharing is saving: GM to save up to $750 million on Zeta RWD platform

Chris Shunk — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 08:24:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe, GM

Click image for a gallery of the Camaro Convertible concept

The new buzzword in Detroit is "common" -- as in common components or common architectures. That's the foundation for everything GM is doing right now, and the Zeta RWD platform is the newest poster child.Engineered in Australia for global use, the Holden VE Commodore was the first Zeta vehicle, and the '08 Pontiac G8 (a rebadged Commodore) is next in line. Beginning in 2009 and beyond, we'll see Zeta appear under the new Camaro and the next Impala. The architecture is special because it can be used for anything from a ponycar to a station wagon and everything in between. GM is estimating global units of Zeta at between 500,000 and 750,000 annually. When compared with a different-chassis-for-different-regions approach, the savings generated will be between $500 and $1000 per vehicle. These savings, which can range between $250 million and $750 million annually, result from engineering efficiencies, materials cost savings, plant tooling, and vendor tooling.

Japanese automakers have leveraged common resources for a long time now, which in turn has helped contribute to their cost advantages over the domestics. With a RWD platform that works anywhere on the globe, GM is finally starting to show that they're as serious about 'common' as the competition.

[Source: AutoWeek]

Sharing is saving: GM to save up to $750 million on Zeta RWD platform originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Feb 2007 08:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pontiac G8 may be built in the U.S.

Chris Shunk — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 07:32:00 EST

Filed under: GM, Pontiac

The Pontiac G8 seems to be exactly what the American public is yearning for - a rear-drive sedan with great looks, a V8 option, and an affordable price tag. One Autoblog staff member, who shall not be named, may even border on obsessed with the total package that is the G8. The potential demand of the G8 could very easily approach that of the Charger, which sold over 114,000 vehicles in 2006. There is one problem, however. At this this time, GM is only planning on delivering between 30,000 and 50,000 G8s from Australia. Supply could potentially fall well short of demand, creating price premiums at dealerships. Between GM, the dealers, and customers, only the dealers win there.

If the G8 were the only Zeta-based RWD vehicle slated to be built, Holden would have to pick up production somehow. With the Camaro and Impala coming online in the next couple years, however, a shift to North American production seems to make a lot of sense. Luckily for customers here in the US, GM decided to start sending G8s over from the outback in 2008 instead of waiting for a North American plant to be ready at a later date. Only one year until we can finally stop saying that we wish GM would give us great products like the Commodore here in the US.

Follow the jump to check out the Autoblog video of the G8 unveiling in Chicago

[Source: AutoWeek]

Continue reading Pontiac G8 may be built in the U.S.

Pontiac G8 may be built in the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Feb 2007 07:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Autoblog Project Garage: Big-brake install, Part III

Eric Bryant — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 10:23:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Technology

After dedicating the last several years to the pursuit of power and handling, we're finally putting forth an effort to slow down our car. Consider this to be an indicaton of hard-earned maturity (as opposed to our receding hairlines, which are just signs of getting old).

Our new parts showed up in the second installment of this write-up, and after leaving them out in the barn for several months, we finally found some time to improve the stopping ability of our 1996 Chevrolet Impala SS. With improved stopping ability only a few simple steps away, we'll be able to hit future autocrosses and open-track days with more confidence.

Continue reading The Autoblog Project Garage: Big-brake install, Part III

The Autoblog Project Garage: Big-brake install, Part III originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 21 Jan 2007 10:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Maintenance/Project Garage: 2006 wrap-up

Eric Bryant — Tue, 02 Jan 2007 10:27:00 EST

Filed under: Maintenance, Technology

In 2006, we spent a lot of time spinning wrenches here in the Autoblog Garage in the process of taking on common maintenance tasks and a few performance upgrades. For your convenience, we've compiled links to each of the posts after the jump.

We already have some things in the works for 2007, but we'd also love to get suggestions for additional posts from our readership. Keep in mind that we need projects that have a relatively broad appeal, and we're a bit limited in our selection of "test subjects"; beyond that, we're all ears, so please share your ideas.

Continue reading Autoblog Maintenance/Project Garage: 2006 wrap-up

Autoblog Maintenance/Project Garage: 2006 wrap-up originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Jan 2007 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Maintenance 301: Transmission R&R, Part IV

Eric Bryant — Sat, 09 Dec 2006 10:27:00 EST

Filed under: Maintenance, Technology

A plan is finally in place for rebuilding the broken Tremec T56 transmission from our 1996 Impala SS; now it's time to carefully assemble some components in such a way that it'll survive the sort of abuse that we dish out every time the car hits the racetrack.

Follow along as we walk through the process of building a six-speed manual trans, and hopefully you'll realize that it's a fairly straightforward task when armed with the proper service documentation and a handful of tools.

Continue reading Autoblog Maintenance 301: Transmission R&R, Part IV

Autoblog Maintenance 301: Transmission R&R, Part IV originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 09 Dec 2006 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Maintenance 301: Transmission R&R, Part III

Eric Bryant — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 12:09:00 EST

Filed under: Maintenance, Technology

When we last visited this project*, we'd torn down a couple of Tremec T56 transmissions - the F-body/Viper hybrid that was making nasty rock-crushing noises from under the floorpan of our Impala SS, and one from a Chevy SSR that was presumably still in good working order, and perhaps could serve as a source of spare parts.

So, where do we go from here? First, it's important to understand what failed in the broken transmission, and why. Next, we'd like to figure out how to prevent another occurrence, because transmission replacement is not an enjoyable recreational activity. Finally, we'll hopefully build a stronger gearbox that can survive 600+ lb-ft of torque on the input shaft and a couple tons' worth of mass on the other end.

*Yes, that was several months ago. Welcome to the real world, where projects don't move in nice, neat one-month increments.

Continue reading Autoblog Maintenance 301: Transmission R&R, Part III

Autoblog Maintenance 301: Transmission R&R, Part III originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Dec 2006 12:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RWD Impala coming in 2009

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Chevrolet, GM

The General has been in desperate need of a rear-wheel drive sedan to compete with similarly equipped competitors. Thankfully, the great-granddaddy of them all, the Impala, will fill such a niche and finally return to its RWD roots in 2009.

The new model will be based off the upcoming Camaro's platform, currently under development by the hoons at Holden in the land down under. The 2009 model will differentiate itself from the 2007 model in both length and width, providing more interior room and allowing the wheels to be pressed to the outer limits of the new sedan's body.

The primary question that needs to be answered before production begins is whether the Impala will remain amongst the Camry's and Accord's of the world, or will move upmarket to limit competition with the newly redesigned Malibu. Considering the Malibu's growth and upgraded interior, there may be room for another price-point in Chevy's lineup.

We're downright ecstatic that GM has seen fit to not only send the Impala's power to the rear wheels, but share a platform that will instill some desperately needed driving characteristics to its four-door sibling.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

RWD Impala coming in 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Nov 2006 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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