2005 IMPALA – A CAR BUYERS WANT FOR ALL THE RIGHT REASONS

It's long been a mainstay in the North American automotive market, and the contemporary 2005 Impala enters the new model year giving drivers just what they want – as well as what they need. Impala is General Motors' best-selling car in the U.S., and ranks fifth among national sales leaders. For the 2005 model year, Chevrolet carries forth the model line unchanged. All Impala models feature front-wheel drive, a Hydra-Matic four-speed automatic transmission, fully independent suspension, rack-and-pinion steering, and four-wheel disc brakes.

New for 2005

OnStar's unique combination of in-car hardware, cellular interlinks, integrated global positioning, and 24/7/365 service from live people has set the standard for the industry. OnStar-equipped Impalas feature new sixth-generation hardware with digital and analog coverage. OnStar’s Gen 6 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 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 three-watt digital/analog system and external antenna for greater reception. The whip-style OnStar antenna has been superseded by a new roof-top design. When XM Satellite Radio is ordered, its antenna is integrated into the OnStar unit, helping keep Impala's design clean and clutter-free.

Beyond this, Impala benefits from some year-to-year detail changes such as new exterior paint colors – Laser Blue Metallic, Sport Red Metallic and Silverstone Metallic – and the availability of chrome-finish 17-inch diamond-cut cast aluminum wheels on the Impala SS. The body-color side moldings that are standard or available on all Impala models are now made from a specially developed nanocomposite. This material creates a part that weighs 7 percent less than the part it replaced, plus it has a higher quality finish and is 100-percent recyclable.

Impala power and performance

Impala uses three torque-happy V-6 engines. Each model has its own powertrain in keeping with the power demands of that model's expected customer base.

The base Impala sedan’s 3400 V-6 produces 180 horsepower (134 kw). It has a cast iron block, aluminum heads and two valves per cylinder. This combination is ideal for torque production (205 lb.-ft./ 278 Nm), durability and economical operation. The LS's Hydra-Matic 4T65-E four-speed automatic transmission features a tall 2.86:1 final drive ratio – a significant contributor to the powertrain's efficiency.

Stepping up to the Impala LS brings along a significant power boost, to 200 horsepower (149 kw). The power comes from the refined 3800 Series II V-6 engine, an award-winning design that delivers power, smoothness and quietness. A full 90 percent of the engine's peak 225 lb.-ft. of torque (305 Nm)is available at only 1000 rpm, just off idle. Years of detail work have earned this OHV engine many national and international awards, as well as a solid reputation within the engineering community.

The Impala SS gets its motivation from the 3800 Series II Supercharged V-6.This award-winning engine delivers great acceleration thanks to a broad torque curve that is consistently high over the engine's operating range. The 3.8L supercharged (SC) engine generates 240 horsepower (179 kw) at 5200 rpm, and an impressive 280 lb.-ft. (380 Nm) of torque at 3600 rpm. Boost levels of up to 8 pounds per square inch are indicated on the instrument panel boost gauge.

The 3800 SC features a compact, Roots-type supercharger that displaces 90 cubic inches. On demand, it supplies the engine with a compressed intake charge. Performance of this proven engine has been increased over the years by refining multiple individual components and the controlling software in the powertrain control module. As a result, the engine delivers power in a smooth, linear fashion by adding boost at predetermined points along the power curve. The 3800 SC has a strong durability record. To handle the extra torque, the vehicle uses a heavy-duty version of the Hydra-Matic 4T65-E four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with final drive ratio of 2.93:1.

Chassis, suspension

The Impala has a solid foundation for superb ride and handling. A unique extruded aluminum engine cradle saves weight and helps isolate engine noise and vibration, and the overall tautness of the Impala’s body structure allows chassis components to be finely tuned to enhance performance. Impala also features four-wheel independent suspension with MacPherson struts at all four corners, power rack-and-pinion steering, and large-diameter four-wheel disc power-assisted braking. ABS and traction control are standard on LS and SS models.

The Impala SS delivers chassis and suspension enhancements for sportier ride and handling. Spring rates for its FE4 suspension are stiffened in both front and rear. It also gets 34-mm front and 19.5-mm rear stabilizer bars (compared to 30 mm/14 mm in Impala and Impala LS), along with refinements to the rear trailing link and rear strut mounts. The total package reduces body roll in cornering and improves the driver’s feel of road conditions. The whole package rides on Goodyear P235/55R17 W-rated tires  mounted on 17-inch diamond-cut cast aluminum wheels.

Roominess, comfort and style

The 2005 Impala offers large-car capability with midsize exterior proportions and agility. The base model has room for six passengers and 18.6 cubic feet (527L) of trunk space. The Impala sedan comes well equipped with an air filtration system, lighting in the trunk, electric rear window defogger, delayed exit/entry lighting, and intermittent variable-speed windshield wipers. Impala LS expands the list to include passenger assist grips, a trunk cargo net, split-folding rear seat and cruise control. Impala SS tops the line by adding a 200-peak-watt AM/FM/CD sound system, front bucket seats with leather seating surfaces, power driver's seat, and carpeted floor mats embroidered with the "SS" logo.

Impala SS builds on the contemporary style of the Impala and Impala LS with a number of styling cues that match the performance of its supercharged powertrain. These help set the SS apart from its siblings and establish a link with other Chevy SS models. Available in two new colors plus black, Impala SS wears a monochromatic theme, including color-keyed bodyside moldings and grille, “SS” badging, unique decklid spoiler, dual bright stainless-steel exhaust tips, and lowered front fascia with integrated fog lamps.

Safety and security

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration rates Impala as five-star/five-star – the highest rating possible – for front-impact testing. Both front seating positions received five stars, and both front and rear passengers benefit from four-star protection during side-impacts. Impala's resistance to rollovers also received five stars.

More than 100 standard safety and security features make Impala a worry-free car to drive. Standard features on Impala LS include remote keyless entry, traction control, tire inflation monitoring system, anti-lock brakes and available driver’s side-impact air bag; all are optional on the base Impala sedan.

Standard features on all models include a 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.