Unlike other auto shows in the world, the SEMA auto show is one of the few that celebrates the art of car customizations and fine tuning. This year’s event has so far lived up to the hype with a number of specially-customized vehicles taking center stage.
Then again, SEMA wouldn’t be complete with some rather amusing cars that catch everyone’s attention for reasons that have nothing to do with vehicle itself. This year, a late 80’s Chevy Impala/Caprice was on display and it had a very unlikely - yet extremely amusing– paintjob: SpongeBob Squarepants and friends. The whole depiction of SpongeBob and gang was really intricately done and what’s even better is the fact that pretty the much the whole cast of characters could be found in the Caprice. Too match the SpongeBob’s yellow skin, the Caprice’s hardtop roof, as well as the front grilles, the linings on the front and rear of the bumper, and the wheels were all given the yellow treatment.
You can just imagine taking your kid in school with this car. You’ll become all
of his friends’ hero.
Photos courtesy of Frank Filipponio
Chevrolet has been using the Impala name for over 50 years. It has put it faith in that customers will recognize the name to be associated with dependable, usable family sedans. Because of this, Chevy launched the 2009 Impala with new standard safety features, including thorax side-impact air bags and safety belt pretensioners for the front-seat lap belts. Anti-lock brakes and traction control are now standard on all models. Available is new Bluetooth phone connectivity through the OnStar system. Bluetooth technology enables hands-free phone calling, with personal cell phone calls connected via the Impala’s audio system.
Impala is available in four trims: LS, LT, LTZ and the sporty SS.
Impala’s V6 engines are as fuel-efficient as they are sophisticated. A 3.5 liter V6 is standard in the Impala LS and LT, delivering 211 hp and 214 lb.-ft. of torque – more standard power as a base engine than some key competitors’ top (or only) offering.
Standard in LTZ and available in LT models is the 3.9L V-6 that features E85 FlexFuel capability. This engine offers more power and usable torque within its operating range, with 90 percent of peak torque available from 1,800 to 5,800 rpm. It is rated at 224 hp and 235 lb.-ft. of torque.
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 12 percent better fuel economy. Developed exclusively for front-drive applications, the SS’s 5.3L engine produces 303 hp and 323 lb.-ft. of torque.
Press release after jump.
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An iconic brand of America’s automotive market for half a century, Chevrolet’s venerable Impala celebrates its golden anniversary in 2008. Chevy is recognizing the milestone with a commemorative model. Like the original 1958 edition, the 2008 Impala 50 th Anniversary Edition is distinguished with unique trim and amenities, giving customers a special product infused with the fun-to-drive spirit that has characterized the Impala for half a century.
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Maybe Lutz is bluffing.
Though it is theoretically scheduled to be a 2010 model, the future of the new Chevrolet Impala is still in doubt, according to industry newspaper Automotive News. According to the report, Bob Lutz, GM’s product boss, says the new model is still up in the air, with the ultimate outcome depending on the fuel economy standards adopted by the current session of Congress. GM and other automakers have vigorously opposed a plan pushed by liberal Democrats to (...)
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MTV’s Pimp My Ride will unveil a modified 1965 Chevrolet Impala, nicknamed the "Bio Rocket," that has been transformed into a biodiesel-powered alt-fuel wonder.
The Bio Rocke is powered by a new PPE supercharged GM Duramax diesel engine that runs on B-100 biodiesel. The original engine had an output of 350 hp, but with the new engine it goes up to 800 hp and 1400 lbs-ft. The Bio Rocket sprints from zero to 60 mph in about 3.5 seconds.
"By installing a monster 800-horsepower diesel engine (...)
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The winds of change are blowing at gale force in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series. The imminent debut of the Chevrolet Impala SS "Car of Tomorrow" and the impending introduction of GM Racing’s all-new R07 small-block V-8 racing engine are signposts that point the way to a new direction in technology in America’s most popular racing series.
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Have you believed that for a car that has a great top speed you have to pay millions of dollars? Well no, you are wrong! You can buy a car with a very good top speed and pay between $25000 and $30000.
Ties were settled first by quarter-mile time, then by which was quicker to the highest speed both cars achieved (usually 120 or 130 mph), in that order. Most cars at this price point offer basic luxury or at least decent amenities and looks in addition to speed, as buck-banger boy-racer (...)
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For the GM cars the SS badge comes from- super sport.It has traditionally signaled performance versions of the vehicles over the years since cars like the Camaro and Impala wear it , and the Cobalt sedan, most recently.
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Chevrolet has announced that next Impala will share a rwd platform with the upcoming Chevrolet Camaro, which will be built late in 2008. Impala production will start several months later, a GM source said.
Different from the 2007 model will also be its long wheelbase and short front and rear overhangs. The car will be similar in length and width to the front-drive 2007 Impala. The passenger compartment will be larger than that of the 2007 Impala, the source said.
Also, at the Detroit (...)
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The 2007 Impala, which underwent a major redesign for 2006, is poised for another successful year with the addition of Active Fuel Management to the 3.9L V-6, a fuel-saving technology that shuts off half the engine’s cylinders when full power is not needed. Active Fuel Management improves fuel economy by up to 8 percent in certain driving situations.
Standard and available safety features include ABS, traction control and side-curtain roof rail air bags on Impala. A family of (...)
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