Overviews

For release: Aug. 1, 2007

2008 CHEVROLET IMPALA & IMPALA SS

New for 2008

Model Lineup

Engines

Transmission

3.5L V-6

(LZE, LZ4)

3.9L V-6 (LZG) with Active Fuel Management

5.3L V-8 (LS4)

4-spd auto

(Hydra-Matic 4T65)

LS

s

–

–

s

LT

s

o

–

s

LTZ

–

s

–

s

SS

–

–

s

s*

*heavy-duty version

Key

Standard

s

Optional

o

Not available

–

2008 CHEVROLET IMPALA: STABILITRAK STABILITY CONTROL AND ADDITIONAL E85 FLEXFUEL POWERTRAIN HIGHLIGHT'08 MODEL YEAR

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:

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:

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:

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:

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.

# # #

Contact:
Wendy Clark
Chevrolet Communications
Phone: 313-665-5127
E-mail: wendy.clark@gm.com

Product Development Communications
Anne Santori
Phone: 586-575-8943
E-mail: anne.santori@gm.com

GM of Canada Communications
Tony LaRocca
Phone: 905-644-1804
Fax: 905-644-3873
E-mail: tony.larocca@gm.com

Antonio Sanchez Jimenez
Gerente de Relaciones Públicas y Comunicación
General Motors de Mexico
Office: 011-5255-5901-3042
E-mail: angelantonio.sanchezjimenez@gm.com

SPECIFICATIONS

(See GM of Canada section for Canadian product differences)

Models:

Chevrolet Impala LS, LT, LTZ and SS

Body style / driveline:

front-engine, front-drive, 5- / 6-passenger sedan

Construction:

2-sided galvanized steel (except roof); Quiet Steel (F.O.D.)

EPA vehicle class:

large car

Manufacturing location:

Oshawa, Ontario, Canada

Key competitors:

Ford Taurus, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Chrysler 300C

 

Engines

3500 3.5L V-6 w/VVT (LZE, LZ4)

3.9L V-6 (LZG)

5.3L V-8 (LS4)

 

LZE (E85): std. in FE9 states; optional in YF5 and NE1 States
LZ4:std. in Canada and NE1 and YF5 states

 

 

Application:

LS, LT

LT, LTZ

SS

Type:

3.5L V-6

3.9L V-6

5.3L V-8

Displacement (cu in / cc):

214 / 3510

237 / 3880

325 / 5327

Bore & stroke (in / mm):

3.90 x 2.99 / 99 x 76

3.90 x 3.31 / 99 x 84

3.78 x 3.62 / 96 x 92

Block material:

cast iron

cast iron

cast aluminum

Cylinder head material:

cast aluminum

cast aluminum

cast aluminum

Valvetrain:

overhead valve, 2 valves per cylinder, continuously variable valve timing

overhead valve, 2 valves per cylinder, continuously variable valve timing

overhead valve, 2 valves per cylinder

Ignition system:

Quick Sync 58X; direct

iridium electrode tip / iridium core spark plugs, low resistance spark plug wires

Quick Sync 58X; direct

iridium electrode tip / iridium core spark plugs, low resistance spark plug wires

coil-near-plug, iridium electrode tip / iridium core spark plugs, low resistance spark plug wires

Fuel:

sequential fuel injection

Active Fuel Management; sequential fuel injection

Active Fuel Management; sequential fuel injection

Compression ratio:

9.8:1

9.8:1

10:1

Horsepower (hp/ kW @ rpm):

211 / 157 @ 5800*

233 / 174 @ 5600

303 / 226 @ 5600

Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm):

214 / 290 @ 4000*

240 / 325 @ 4000

323 / 438 @ 40 00

Fuel:

(LZ4) regular unleaded;
(LZE) regular unleaded, E85-capable

regular unleaded; E85 capable

premium recommended but not required

Maximum engine speed (rpm):

6400

6400

6100

Emissions controls:

close-coupled catalytic converter, Quick Sync 58X ignition, returnless fuel rail, fast-response O² sensor

close-coupled catalytic converter, Quick Sync 58X ignition, returnless fuel rail, fast-response O² sensor

underfloor catalytic converter, Quick Sync 24X ignition, returnless fuel rail, fast-response O² sensor

Estimated fuel economy:

LZ4: 18 / 29
LZE: 18 / 29 gas; 14/21
E85 TBD

18/28 gas; 13 / 20
E85 TBD

16 / 24

 

Transmission

 

Type:

Hydra- Ma tic 4T65, 4-speed automatic, front-wheel drive

Gear ratios (:1):

First:

2.92

Second:

1.56

Third:

1.00

Fourth:

0.70

Reverse:

2.38

Final drive ratio:

3.5L – 2.86:1; 3.9L – 3.29:1; 5.3L – 3.29:1

Overall drive ratio:

3.5L – 2.86:1; 3.9L – 3.29:1; 5.3L – 2.93:1

Chassis/Suspension

Suspension type:

std. with LS, LT: FE1; std with LTZ, SS: FE3

Front:

independent MacPherson strut coil-over-spring, twin-tube dampers with gas-charged valving; coil springs; hollow 30-mm stabilizer bar; FE3 has hollow 34-mm stabilizer bar

Rear:

independent tri-link coil over strut, twin-tube dampers, variable-rate coil springs, 16-mm solid stabilizer bar (FE1); LTZ/SS FE3 has dual rate coil springs, hollow 19.4-mm stabilizer bar

Steering type:

power rack-and-pinion (all models)

Steering ratio:

13.3:1 (all models)

Steering wheel turns, lock-to-lock:

3.5L and 3.9L: 2.4; 5.3L: 2.3

Turning circle, curb-to-curb (ft / m):

38 / 11.6: models with 16-inch or 17-inch wheels
40 / 12.2: models with 18-inch wheels

Brakes

Type:

4-wheel disc with power assist, vented front, solid rear

Rotor diameter x thickness (mm):

front: 303 x 30;
rear: 278 x 11

ABS

opt. LS, std: LT, LTZ, SS

Wheels/Tires

w/ 3.5L engine

w/ 3.9L engine

w/ 5.3L engine

Wheel size and type:

std: 16 x 6.5- inch, steel wheels, available cast aluminum w/ five-spoke composite wheel cover; opt: same size painted aluminum wheels

2LT:17 x 6.5-inch high-vent steel w/ chromed wheel covers

LTZ: five-spoke 18x 7-inch machined aluminum wheel

std: 18 x 7-inch chrome aluminum

Tires:

P225/60R16

P225/50R17 (2LT)
P235/55R18 (LTZ)

P235/50R18

Dimensions

Exterior

Wheelbase (in / mm):

110.5 / 2807

Overall length (in / mm):

200.4 / 5091

Overall width (in / mm):

72.9 / 1851

Overall height (in / mm):

58.7 / 1487

Track (in / mm):

(all) front: 62.4 / 1585.5; rear : 61.5 / 1562

Curb weight (lb / kg):

LS: 3555/ 1613
LT w/3.5L: 3555/ 1613
LT w/3.9L: 3649 / 1655
LTZ: 3649 / 1655
SS: 3711 / 1683

Weight distribution (% front / rear):

LS: 62 / 38
LT: 61 / 39
LTZ: 61 / 39
SS: 62 / 38

Drag coefficient:

0.33

Interior

front

rear

Seating capacity:

LS, LT, LTZ: 2/3; SS: 2

All models: 3

Headroom (in / mm):

39.4 / 1001

37.8 / 961

Legroom (in / mm):

42.3 / 1076

37.6 / 954

Shoulder room (in / mm):

58.7 / 1490

58.6 / 1488

Hip room (in / mm):

56.4 / 1432

57.2 / 1452

Rear pass-through (in / mm):

15.4 / 390 x 37.1 / 943

Capacities

EPA passenger volume (cu ft / L):

104.5 / 2959

EPA interior volume (cu ft / L):

123.1 / 3486

Cargo volume (cu ft / L):

18.6 / 526.7

Trailer towing maximum (lb / kg):

1000 / 454

Fuel tank (gal / L):

17.5 / 66.2

Engine oil (qt / L):

3.5L: 4.5 / 4.3; 3.9L: 4.5 / 4.3; 5.3L: 6.0/ 5.7

Cooling system (qt / L):

3.5L: 11.7 / 11.1; 3.9L: 12.2 / 11.5; 5.3L: TBD

* SAE certified. A new voluntary power and torque certification procedure developed by the SAE Engine Test Code committee was approved March 31, 2005. This procedure (J2723) ensures fair, accurate ratings for horsepower and torque by allowing manufacturers to certify their engines through third-party witness testing. GM was the first auto manufacturer to begin using the procedure and expects to use it for all newly rated engines in the future.

Note: Information shown is current at time of publication.

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