Why was Dave at a Chevy Dealer?

[MI2QWK4U]

Picking out the latest addition to the Fleet...This Impala SS is far from its famous ancestor, but I will tell you, this car hauls azz in spite of the front wheel drive and all. 5.7 L V8! I was shocked that somehow they managed to correct the Torque steer from the front wheel drive our old Impala had. I can tell you this car feels faster than the stock Marauder, we will see when I see what it does in the 1/4 mile. Welcome my new winter/rainy day driver! The wife just inherited the Dodge Ram (she doesnt know that yet!), but this Impala is SWEET. Not in the same league as the Marauder, but not a bad runner up. Just like the Marauder, the Impala looks best in Black. Before you flame, the price was too much to pass up on, besides, Ford doesnt have anything even close to it to compare to. They used to, but Elaina cancelled production of it!


The 5.3L V8 Engine small block V8 in SS models features:

Active Fuel Management for an EPA estimated 28 MPG highway.

The most standard horsepower and torque in its class. A 303-hp small block V8 is standard in SS and features Active Fuel Management that uses eight cylinders when you want more power, four cylinders when you need better mileage — delivering an EPA estimated, petrol-pinching 28 MPG highway.

Aluminum Construction – all major castings in the V8 engine, including the deep–skirt engine block, are made of weight–saving aluminum. Casting from aluminum contributes to a stiff engine structure that helps ensure smooth operation.
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) – ETC replaces the mechanical link between the accelerator pedal and engine with drive–by–wire electronic control. This allows for remarkably smooth and precise acceleration.

Polymer–Coated Pistons – pistons are coated with a polymer material that reduces engine wear and contributes to quieter operation.

Cylinder–Head Technology – the small block V8 cylinder heads were originally developed for the Corvette Z06. Their pent–roof combustion chambers and flat–top pistons deliver high horsepower.

Composite Intake Manifold – the composite intake manifold design allows the small block V8 to deliver high levels of torque at low– and mid–range engine speeds, while still delivering plenty of airflow for peak engine horsepower.

Stainless steel duel exhaust with Unique tips.
http://www.chevrolet.com/i/06/pic/impala/photogallery/popup_ext_gallery14.jpg

18 in Chrome rims.
http://www.chevrolet.com/i/06/pic/impala/photogallery/popup_ext_gallery20.jpg

Tire Pressure Monitor
A Tire Pressure Monitor in 3LT, LTZ, and SS measures the air pressure in each of the four tires. If any tire drops below a specified number, the system will display a warning in the standard Driver Information Center.
http://www.chevrolet.com/i/06/pic/impala/features/tire_press_monitor.jpg


http://www.chevrolet.com/i/06/pic/impala/photogallery/popup_ext_gallery01.jpg
http://www.chevrolet.com/i/06/pic/impala/photogallery/popup_ext_gallery04.jpg
http://www.chevrolet.com/i/06/pic/impala/photogallery/popup_ext_gallery23.jpg
http://www.chevrolet.com/i/06/pic/impala/photogallery/popup_int_gallery01.jpg

[Marauder2005]

No flames here, Its a nice car, not much of a Chevy man, but I like it.

Much better then there old model, I wish you the best with the new

Chevy.

PS: The interior is MUCH nicer, the old Impala dash looked like somthing from the 80s

[MarauderMarc]

Hmmmmmmm.....well it IS a decent looking car, but the front wheel drive thing kinda sucks. If I got a super sweet deal on any car, I would buy it, you could sell it for more. Hope you enjoy your bowtie, BTW what does it do in the 1/4???

[MI2QWK4U]

Hmmmmmmm.....well it IS a decent looking car, but the front wheel drive thing kinda sucks. If I got a super sweet deal on any car, I would buy it, you could sell it for more. Hope you enjoy your bowtie, BTW what does it do in the 1/4???


I fully plan on finding out. I need to find a bone stock Marauder here in the Motor City for a good old fashioned street race!

[MI2QWK4U]

No flames here, Its a nice car, not much of a Chevy man, but I like it.

Much better then there old model, I wish you the best with the new

Chevy.

PS: The interior is MUCH nicer, the old Impala dash looked like somthing from the 80s


Im not much of a Chevy guy either. It looks ok and it is the winter and rainy day car after all.

[bigslim]

The Impalla SS runs low 14's in the 1/4 mile. I read in one magazine where it beat the 5.7 liter Charger in the 1/4. You will smoke a stock MM. Decent choice of a car Dave. You're right, Ford has nothing to compete in this range as usual.

[MI2QWK4U]

The Impalla SS runs low 14's in the 1/4 mile. I read in one magazine where it beat the 5.7 liter Charger in the 1/4. You will smoke a stock MM. Decent choice of a car Dave. You're right, Ford has nothing to compete in this range as usual.


I looked at the 500, but it just isnt in the same league at the Impala or if I went Dodge, the 500 cant compete with the Charger. Chevy really improved on just about the whole car. It feels better, way more solid, they corrected the torque steer inherant to front wheel drive cars, it launches straight and hard. Like I said, it felt faster than the stock Marauder. Lots of low end torque. I wonder if someone does a reflash program for it?!

[red]

BTW what does it do in the 1/4??? Motor Trend estimates 14.3 sec @ 98.1 mph.
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedan/112_0507_ss_impala/index2.html

[dwasson]

V8 Front wheel drive? How bad is the torque steer?

[marauder307]

DWasson,

TS isn't too bad. I've driven the Pontiac version---Grand Prix GXP---same engine and setup, and torque steer's a lot less than you would think for that arrangement of V-8 and FWD.

[RCSignals]

I looked at the 500, but it just isnt in the same league at the Impala or if I went Dodge, the 500 cant compete with the Charger. ............

The 500 is a very good car. Well built and high quality interior and exterior. It is based on the Volvo platform. As a Volvo it would be priced very much higher.
Although I like the Mercury version better.

It doesn't have a V8, and isn't RWD.
Those are about the only two areas that it isn't in the same league as the Impala or Charger.

[jimlam56]

No flames here, Its a nice car, not much of a Chevy man, but I like it.

Much better then there old model, I wish you the best with the new

Chevy.

PS: The interior is MUCH nicer, the old Impala dash looked like somthing from the 80s

What He^^^^said.

[Marauderman]

From a quick glance, to me , it appears to be , with the exception of the front whee drive--a copy of our MM in it's '02 introduction just in a smaller version ---Very interesting--and we are all waiting on your results of your stock to stock compairsons with another MM--- and of course your pick of color is fabulous!!!!

[RoyLPita]

DWasson,

TS isn't too bad. I've driven the Pontiac version---Grand Prix GXP---same engine and setup, and torque steer's a lot less than you would think for that arrangement of V-8 and FWD.

One additional note: this Pontiac runs on uneven sized tires that are larger in the front than on the back.

[TripleTransAm]

One additional note: this Pontiac runs on uneven sized tires that are larger in the front than on the back.

Wider but I think the aspect ratio is what keeps them from being taller. So from all angles it shouldn't be obvious that the front tires are slightly wider, otherwise it would look oh so silly with taller front tires (although that look might have been popular in the early 60s).

[martyo]

Dave:

I just burned all of my money.

Please let your wife know that the movers will be there in the next few days and I am moving in. By the way, I want the room near the garage.

Thanks. See you in a couple of days.

[TripleTransAm]

The 500 is a very good car. Well built and high quality interior and exterior. It is based on the Volvo platform. As a Volvo it would be priced very much higher.
Although I like the Mercury version better.


Documents exist outlining how Volvo is fighting to maintain control over build standards on the platforms that they are sharing. So the higher price comes with much more structure. Won't be long before the bottom line at "home base" forces them to adopt the same corner (and metal) cutting, and at that point it will solely be an issue of price based on name and nothing more.

[prchrman]

Even the real 'SS guys' will not buy a new wrong wheel drive one...good gosh man the Kraut/Chrysler guys got the ticket...charger and 300...willie

[Mad4Macs]

Any chance you'd dyno it? I've always been curious as to whether a transaxle is comparable to a transmission concerning power loss to the wheels.
It's stuck in my brain that you lose more power to the wheels using a transaxle setup, but I don't know that for a fact.

[duhtroll]

I like the new Imp SS. It still is a bit bland in the styling, but then again so is the MM and I drive one of those. :)

I was looking at one of those for when I am ready for my next car. Unless I can fit into the Challenger. It's based on the LX but a bit shorter so maybe I can swing it.

Of course Ford has nothing I want . . . (ahem)

[the_pack_rat]

I remember when GM knew how to mount engines in FWD cars the proper way.

;)



http://mercurymarauder.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=84 27&d=1137686874



Good luck with it Dave.

[marauder307]

Wider but I think the aspect ratio is what keeps them from being taller. So from all angles it shouldn't be obvious that the front tires are slightly wider, otherwise it would look oh so silly with taller front tires (although that look might have been popular in the early 60s).


Forgot to mention: the road test/review that I read mentioned that the different size tires were to make the handling better....something about FWD causing the tires to "tuck under" under hard cornering, or something like that. I wish I could remember where I saw the review---I think it was Road & Track...

The other things I liked about the GP GXP were the HUD (my pilot side showing itself again) and the nifty lil' steering wheel mounted paddle shifters. Sucks that they only come with a 4-speed auto. I tend to personally prefer Pontiac interiors too---that cockpit feel is cool.

The downside is that they have to use 5.3 liters to get the same horsepower that we get with only 4.6. I wish they hadn't detuned the Northstar that they put in the now-cancelled Bonneville GXPs; in those cars that engine only made 275, but man! It sure felt stout on the test drive...

[dwasson]

One additional note: this Pontiac runs on uneven sized tires that are larger in the front than on the back.

That makes sense. The rear tires are just there to stop the bumper from making sparks.

[ctrcbob]

Don't let anyone make you feel bad about having a V8 FWD SS and Torque Steer. My (wifes) 02 Continental has the Intec 32V DOHC engine, with 275HP (27 less than the MM) FWD, and this car not only has No Torque Steer, but in addition, it scoots almost as good as the MM. Even goes around curves as good as the MM (when I have the suspension set to FIRM).

Now if they made the Zephyr with a V8, I think I'd get one in a NY minute. (How about the 3.8 or 4 liter British V8 engine used in the Lincoln LS or Jaguar S Type).

Drive it and enjoy.

[Joe Walsh]

You are right about Ford's lack of a comparable sedan...

I like the 5.3L V8 that Chevy has in the new Impala SS, but I can't get over how it looks exactly like a BIG Honda Accord.

[jgc61sr2002]

V8 Front wheel drive? How bad is the torque steer?


General Motors had FWD V8's since 1966 in the Olds Toronado.

[jgc61sr2002]

Dave - Good luck with your new ride.
I have the 5.3 in my Pick Up, nice engine.

[Joe Walsh]

Hey Dave your new SS has a cool feature: It has a "poor man's Line lock"...

Set the parking brake hard...then punch it to heat up the front tires!!!

You can have a blast at the drag strip with that feature.

[dwasson]

General Motors had FWD V8's since 1966 in the Olds Toronado.

Yeah but nobody ever mentioned handling and Toronados in the same sentence. Eldos either.

[Logan]

Dave... Seriously... What is wrong with you man.... :)

[Agent M79]

I've never had a problem with the car itself.

It's those weasels in marketing I'd like to provide modified knee caps too. As usual, they've used the essence of a famous moniker to leverage the nostalgia and reminiscent value of a car that obviously is not the one they used the name from.

If they had called it something else that didn't carry the kind of heritage that 'Imapla Super Sport' did, what would happen? Would sales be higher because true gear heads wouldn't be put off by the name? Or would a group larger than the gear heads buy it because of the weight of the name?

Certainly there is a parallel universe we could does this comparison with? Yes?

[MI2QWK4U]

Dave... Seriously... What is wrong with you man.... :)

What did i do wrong now?

[1stMerc]

I looked at the 500, but it just isnt in the same league at the Impala or if I went Dodge, the 500 cant compete with the Charger. Chevy really improved on just about the whole car. It feels better, way more solid, they corrected the torque steer inherant to front wheel drive cars, it launches straight and hard. Like I said, it felt faster than the stock Marauder. Lots of low end torque. I wonder if someone does a reflash program for it?!

Now you get to take advantage of Chevy's oil management system. Hope they did better with the tire monitoring system.

[Glenn]

The new Impala SS is not a bad looking car, but not good enough to buy one. In terms of performance, I can honestly state a MM with $3,000 of handling and engine/drive train mods can run rings around any SS even if it is nearly 600# lighter then a MM. A SS 14.3 sec 1/4 mile (est. MT) is more then obtainable by any N/A MM with reasonable mods and costs (see sig below).

Bottom line, the MM still wins. Wish Ford didn't drop the ball by cancelling the S/C option at the very last minute. A truely sad move that put Ford way behind Chrysler and performance 4 doors.

In regards to the Challanger, it is a sweet looking car and if I was younger it would really appeal to me. (I saw these awsome cars when they were new.) But, the MM returns performance, handling and style along with some very practical utilities, i.e. room for 5, 4 doors, truck space and most important the ability to part the passing lane with ease and have the LEOs wave at you, etc.

Glenn

[MI2QWK4U]

Jeeez, Im not buying the impala to compete with the Marauder. It was a nice choice for a snowy winter/rainy summer day day daily driver. I was impressed that this Impala would beat a Marauder in showroom condition. I think they have made big improvments to the it in the last few years. Nothing much will compare to the Marauder, it was, still is, and will always be one nasty street preditor searching for its next victim!

[martyo]

Jeeez, Im not buying the impala to compete with the Marauder

I am still gonna burn my money and move in with you.

[Mad4Macs]

I am still gonna burn my money and move in with you.

Better yet, don't be so harsh on the environment.
Send me your money, then move in with him.
:lol:

[dwasson]

If I had Marty's money I'd burn mine.

[RCSignals]

Wider but I think the aspect ratio is what keeps them from being taller. So from all angles it shouldn't be obvious that the front tires are slightly wider, otherwise it would look oh so silly with taller front tires (although that look might have been popular in the early 60s).

I think you mean popular in the early 50's. Tail draggers, although they didn't use larger tires up front.

But then, Quebec car fashion was probably behind the times so you may just have a differnt perspective..... :)

[RCSignals]

Documents exist outlining how Volvo is fighting to maintain control over build standards on the platforms that they are sharing. So the higher price comes with much more structure. Won't be long before the bottom line at "home base" forces them to adopt the same corner (and metal) cutting, and at that point it will solely be an issue of price based on name and nothing more.

That's one man's spin on the situation. As I recall those 'documents' go back to the time of the Ford purchase of Volvo.
One of the best things Ford obtained in that purchase was the Volvo testing grounds.

[RCSignals]

....................t I can't get over how it looks exactly like a BIG Honda Accord.


I'm not so sure. I saw a Honda Accord today and thought it was an Impala

[MI2QWK4U]

Well....the New Impala SS is in the drive tonight. After a nice dinner and a long drive home, I can honestly say the new Impala blows the previos model out of the water. I is much roomier than it looks, very comfortable. The SS has everything as standard equipment, didnt want the leather, power moonroof, 10 cd changer, etc. GM did a great job, car handles well, torque steer is light, power of that 5.3L V8 is brutal, hate to say it but it feels a whole lot better down low for torque. I dont think a Marauder with a gear and chip would beat it in a race.

If they make this a rear wheel drive like they promise to, watch out, this would be an even better deal. The Displacement On Demand is seamless, the transition cant even be felt or heard, only way to tell is the display. it engauges anytime you are at any cruising speed over 20 mph, as soon as it feels you level off on the gas or hit the cruise, it slips into 4 cyl mode. The nice part of it is the gas milage numbers jump from 18 in 8 cyl mode to 29 in 4 cyl mode, amazing. the seats and headrests are embossed with large "SS" logos too!

Any chevy guys, DONNY, know about either chipping or flasing these new chevys? Cant wait to get it to the Strip!

[MI2QWK4U]

I'm not so sure. I saw a Honda Accord today and thought it was an Impala


Didnt realize the hondas came with polished 18 in rims with ZR rated 235/45/ZR18 tires on them like the SS. My 3 year old can tell, but she has class and taste.

[Donny Carlson]

Any chevy guys, DONNY, know about either chipping or flasing these new chevys? Cant wait to get it to the Strip!

I'll look around Dave. The SSR you have to use a tuner, there's no chip. There's a place I've read about that does custom tunes, downloads it into an EEC, then sends you the EEC. You plug it in and send back your original as a core. I've also heard SCT is about to release a tune for GM applications, so maybe Lidio can help out here (he is an SCT dealer, no?)

[MI2QWK4U]

Thanks Donny, I will check into a tuner for it. I flogged it today and it really moves. If Chevy makes it rear wheel drive, look out. A lot of the guys at work would prefer it to the Crown Vic for interior size.

[Donny Carlson]

Thanks Donny, I will check into a tuner for it. I flogged it today and it really moves. If Chevy makes it rear wheel drive, look out. A lot of the guys at work would prefer it to the Crown Vic for interior size.

try here Dave:

http://westersgarage.eidnet.org/scprice.htm

As you can see, they have an extensive list including previous year Impalas. Though they don't list the '06 5.3 V8, my guess is they will soon. Send them an email.

Also, try this site. It's a US Wester's dealer.

http://www.westerscustomtuning.com/17.php

[MI2QWK4U]

try here Dave:

http://westersgarage.eidnet.org/scprice.htm

As you can see, they have an extensive list including previous year Impalas. Though they don't list the '06 5.3 V8, my guess is they will soon. Send them an email.

Also, try this site. It's a US Wester's dealer.

http://www.westerscustomtuning.com/17.php


thanks, since it is a lease, that is really all i feel like doing to it. With all the incentives it actually is less per month than the old 2003 we just turned back in. While it is nice, the refinements, improvments, I cant wait to pull the cover off the Marauder!

[Larry Staunton]

The new Impala may be as fast or faster than a Marauder, but it still looks like an inflated Malibu.

[Donny Carlson]

PART I:

I love my Smokin Asphalt SSR, but this Pacific Blue / Ricochet Silver two tone '06 is verry, verry nice (note the exterior bright chrome package) ...

http://photos.ebizautos.com/5091/860481_4.jpg


PART II:

Chevrolet does the final production run right, also thanks owners.

The first 25 production SSR's were called the "signature series" because they were painted a special color and had a special badge on the "waterfall" in the interior that was signed by some executive in GM or on the SSR team. Also, the first Canadian SSR had a special badge.

Chevrolet has announced that the final 30 day production run of SSR's (final assembly day is March 17, 2006) will also get special waterfall badges. These will commemorate the final production run, and much like the Prowler final run, the last built SSR will be a special one-off color. The final two production SSR's are already sold (they both are reserved for the Chevy dealer that sold the most SSR's during it's production).

What I appreciate is that Chevrolet is making available a limited run of waterfall badges for existing owners. Proof of ownership is required, along with the VIN, but for a nominal fee, (under $50) we get one of these:
http://www.ssrfanatic.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=89 90&d=1138321956 And I'm on the list.

In OEM chrome, black and red paint. The SSR part is recessed.

It's a nice touch. You can piss all you want on Chevrolet and GM, but they certainly have taken care of the SSR owner.

[MI2QWK4U]

The new Impala may be as fast or faster than a Marauder, but it still looks like an inflated Malibu.

I will agree that they could have done more in the looks department, but they redid the entire car for 06, so im sure some things didnt get done, such as rear wheel drive and maybe some appearance items. The Polished 18 in rims and chrome duel exhaust tips are sweet, cant get over how much wide, fat rubber makes the car look so much better. It is 100% better than the 2003 Impala we had. Not to mention they arent selling a lot of SS level Impalas. It is a fun car to drive, and the V8 makes it a blast to mess with folks. It will be nice having the Impala SS as my winter driver, and even during the summer for when it rains, I can keep my Marauder and Stangs clean and dry in the garage.

[dwasson]

The Polished 18 in rims and chrome duel exhaust tips are sweet, cant get over how much wide, fat rubber makes the car look so much better.

Most cars look better with wider tires. Even that little POS Cobalt looks decent in SS trim. I'm with you Dave, I drive a POS Chrysler to keep my Marauder safe in the winter.