2016 CHEVROLET IMPALA QUICK TAKES

TestDriveNow QUICK TAKES: 2016 CHEVROLET IMPALA 2LZ SEDAN OVERVIEW

A thoughtfully designed full-size sedan, Impala offers advanced safety and entertainment technologies, modern design cues and excellent efficiency – a combination that continues to draw accolades.

For 2016, Impala is offered in LS, LT and LTZ models, with a standard 2.5L engine paired with fuel-saving stop/start technology and an available 3.6L V-6 engine rated at 305 horsepower (227 kW). A special Midnight Edition is also offered on LT and LTZ V-6 models.

Impala also has 10 standard air bags, full-speed-range Adaptive Cruise Control, Crash Imminent Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, ear camera and rear-park assist. The spacious interior blends with almost endless infotainment options via MyLink and BOSE® active noise cancelation technology on 2.5L models.

Building on its connectivity capabilities, the 2016 Chevrolet Impala introduces available Apple CarPlay capability and wireless charging technology to help customers stay connected anytime, anywhere.

Through Apple CarPlay capability, Impala’s all-new Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system provides simple and intuitive use of smartphones in the vehicle. It integrates certain phone functions onto eight-inch-diagonal color touchscreen, allowing them to call up music, navigation apps and more.

With wireless charging, smartphone users simply place their phone on a charging pad in front of the shifter that draws electricity to the device, with no need for cords or wires. The time needed to charge is comparable to using a wired method without the hassle of finding charging accessories. It is available in Technology Packages for LS and LTZ models, complementing last year’s introduction of OnStar with 4G LTE connectivity and Wi-Fi hotspot.

Five new exterior colors are also offered in 2016, including premium hues Siren Red Tintcoat and Green Envy Metallic. The other new colors are Citron Green Metallic, Heather Gray Metallic and Mosaic Black Metallic.

Impala Midnight Edition
Based on a concept shown at the 2014 SEMA Show, the Impala Midnight Edition is available on LT and LTZ with the V-6 engine, featuring a blacked-out package that strengthens the Impala’s dramatic, head-turning styling. Content includes:

Jet Black exterior, including body color mirrors

19-inch machine-faced aluminum wheels with black accents

Black grille and surround

Front and rear black Chevrolet bowtie

Jet Black interior

Sport pedals

Black rear spoiler

Standard chrome mirror caps and door accent molding is deleted on LTZ models.

Stop/start technology
Impala offers two powerful and efficient powertrain offerings: the standard 2.5L iVLC (intake valve lift control) with stop/start technology and a 3.6L V-6 that’s the most powerful naturally aspirated six-cylinder engine in the segment.

The stop/start feature on the 2.5L shuts down the engine in certain driving conditions to reduce fuel consumption. Along with other technologies, including direct injection, variable valve lift control and a six-speed automatic transmission, the 2.5L powertrain contributes to EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 22 mpg in city driving and 31 mpg on the highway.

There are no buttons to push or procedures to learn with Impala’s stop/start system. It automatically shuts down the engine when the car comes to a stop under certain driving conditions, such as a stoplight. The engine automatically restarts when the driver takes his or her foot off the brake. The system monitors vehicle speed, climate control system operation and other factors to determine whether it is efficient to shut off the engine.

Unique components used with stop/start include:

• A tandem-solenoid starter that enables the engine to restart quicker and more smoothly – even if the engine hasn’t come to a complete stop
• An electrically driven transmission auxiliary hydraulic pressure pump that keeps the fluid in the six-speed automatic circulating and primed for immediate take-off when the driver removes his or her foot from the brake pedal
• Larger, 12-volt absorbed glass mat (AGM) primary battery – which delivers up to four times the typical life cycle of a conventional battery – and a small, auxiliary 12-volt AGM battery
• Dual-battery isolation module that ensures both batteries are properly charged and the primary battery always has a sufficient charge to start the vehicle
• Torque-reaction engine mounts that dampen the vibrations associated with a restart, helping deliver smooth, nearly imperceptible performance.

The 2.5L is SAE-certified at 196 horsepower (146 kW) and 186 lb-ft of torque (252 Nm). Revised transmission shift points and quicker shifts also enhance the feeling of performance – while delivering greater refinement.

Output for the 3.6L V-6 is rated at 305 horsepower (227 kW) and 264 lb-ft of torque (358 Nm). That is the highest horsepower output in the segment from a naturally-aspirated V-6 engine. Lightweight features support a more balanced driving experience and include an integrated cylinder head/exhaust manifold design that saves approximately 13 pounds (6 kg) per engine.

Each engine is matched with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Safety technology
The 2016 Impala offers one of the most comprehensive collections of standard and available safety features in the full-size car segment. It employs advanced technologies, including radar, for crash avoidance. Visual and audible alerts help drivers identify potential crash situations and even intervene when a crash threat appears more imminent. The alerts help identify potential threats with sufficient warning to give the driver time to react and make changes.

Several safety features are standard on LTZ models, including Side Blind Zone Alert with Lane Change Alert, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Alert, Rear Park Assist and Rear Vision Camera.

An available Driver Confidence Package on LT models offers Forward Collision Alert, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning and Side Blind Zone with Lane Change Alert. An available Convenience Package on LT models offers available Rear Park Assist and Rear Vision Camera. On the LS, an available Protection Package includes Rear Park Assist.

The advanced, crash-avoidance technologies complement the Impala’s occupant protection features, including 10 standard air bags. Other features include:

• Dual-depth frontal passenger air bags with passenger sensing system
• Driver and front passenger side-impact air bags
• Driver and front passenger knee air bags
• Rear outboard side-impact air bags
• Head curtain air bags with rollover sensing for front and rear outboard positions
• Safety belt pretensioners
• Child seat restraint system.

Impala also enables greater vehicle control with systems such as standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control system, all-speed traction control, four-wheel disc brakes with four-channel ABS and electronic brake force distribution, which ensures optimal braking force at both axles for maximum stability under heavy braking.

Exterior design
The Impala’s exterior styling honors the design elements that have distinguished the classic nameplate for decades. It has that timeless Chevy sedan presence packaged in a modern, aggressive style that does not rely on nostalgia.

A long, low proportion has a wind-swept profile that suggests motion, while a range of 18-, 19- and 20-inch wheels is tailored to the body to provide that “just right” stance. At the front, low-profile projector-beam headlamps – or HID headlamps and LED daytime running lamps on LTZ – sweep around the corners and frame a wide grille, while a power dome hood conveys performance. The LTZ’s LED daytime running lamps provide a contemporary visual statement, along with great visibility.

Sculpted coves in the body sides add to the Impala’s design drama, with a sweeping signature cue in the rear fenders that acknowledges classic Impala designs. The “greenhouse” area is long, enhancing the sleek look of the car while maintaining excellent visibility. The deck lid appears short to complement the overall proportion, but opens to reveal a trunk with 18.8 cubic-feet (532 liters) of cargo space. Diagonal dual-signature taillamps and – on LTZ – chrome-outlined exhaust outlets complete the rear-end appearance.

In addition to the five new 2016 exterior colors, Impala is offered in Black, White, Blue Velvet Metallic, Silver Ice Metallic and Iridescent White Pearl Coat.

Interior highlights
The Impala builds on Chevrolet’s signature dual-cockpit interior with greater attention to detail and upscale features – evident in everything from the wraparound flow of the striking instrument panel, available ambient lighting, soft feel of the materials and the premium appearance of the seat stitching.

Exceptional interior materials and details such as high-quality fabric and perforated leather appointments complement the quiet environment and give the Impala a substantive look and feel. The instrument cluster has a rich look, with multidimensional gauges and a configurable color driver information center with a 4.2-inch screen. The cluster’s ice-blue lighting enhances the upscale aura of the cabin, while available chrome trim with “bleed-through” ambient lighting further enhances the cabin’s sophisticated flair. It completely transforms the trim’s appearance by illuminating it during nighttime driving.

A prominent “center stack” is integrated in the instrument panel and houses the climate controls and Chevrolet MyLink, which includes navigation and Bluetooth audio streaming among many other features – and is controlled via a touch screen on an available eight-inch display. A standard audio amplifier is a feature not typical for the segment and a Bose surround-sound audio system is available.

LS models feature cloth seats, while LT comes standard with cloth/vinyl seats. Leather seating surfaces are available on LT and LTZ models.

Other available features include remote start, passive entry/exit, keyless starting, heated steering wheel, power tilting/telescoping steering column with memory, dual-zone climate control and heated and ventilated front seats. The Impala also packs great storage options, including a generous center console and a hidden storage area behind the optional motorized eight-inch color touch screen.

Interior colors include Jet Black, Jet Black/Dark Titanium and Jet Black/Mojave.

MyLink and OnStar with 4G LTE 
Impala’s next-generation MyLink gives customers the best of both worlds when it comes to infotainment. It provides easy, intuitive operation of basic functions, yet it is also highly customizable and capable of linking up to 10 devices such as smartphones, SD cards and MP3 players, giving users more ways of staying connected. It is standard on LT and LTZ models.

Enhanced connectivity and convenience includes a new Text-to-Voice feature for smartphone users with Bluetooth profile (M.A.P.), which reads incoming texts through the vehicle’s speakers, and Siri Eyes Free for iPhone iOS 6 and iOS 7 users to enhance connectivity and convenience. Each enables voice-controlled connectivity, to help keep phones safely stored and hands on the wheel.

Additional standard and available features include:

• Eight-inch-diagonal color touch screen and multiple USB ports
• MyLink enhancements including gesture recognition and natural language voice recognition
• Available navigation.

Also, OnStar with 4G LTE and a standard built-in Wi-Fi hotspot provide a mobile hub for drivers and passengers to stay connected. The hotspot is on whenever the vehicle is on and comes with a three-month/three gigabyte data trial. 4G LTE is the most current and fastest mobile data network – 10 times faster than 3G and 100 times faster than the previous generation of OnStar hardware.

At the time of purchase, six months OnStar Guidance includes all of OnStar’s advisor-based safety and security features, including Automatic Crash Response and Stolen Vehicle Assistance, as well as turn-by-turn navigation. (Trial excludes Hands-Free Calling minutes.)

Five years of OnStar Basic Plan includes RemoteLink Key Fob Services, allowing owners to remotely start and lock/unlock a car, and activate the horn and lights from anywhere with a data connection. It also includes OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics, which runs monthly checks of a vehicle’s engine, transmission, anti-lock brakes and more, and Dealer Maintenance Notification, which sends a diagnostic report directly to a preferred dealer to simplify service scheduling.

Apple CarPlay
Impala’s new MyLink system with an eight-inch-diagonal color touchscreen is compatible with Apple CarPlay, which puts iPhone features (iPhone 5 and later) on the display in a smart, simple manner, allowing drivers to make calls, send and receive messages and listen to music right from the touchscreen or by voice via Siri. It helps drivers spend more time with eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.

Using Apple CarPlay is simple. A “Projection” icon on the MyLink screen is visible when a phone is not connected, and changes to indicate CarPlay when a compatible phone is connected via a USB. Compatible apps need to be downloaded to a phone before using and Apple’s privacy statement and terms of use apply. Data plan rates may also apply.

Apple CarPlay-supported apps include Phone, Messages, Maps, Music and compatible third-party apps. A full list of those apps can be found at Apple.com/ios/carplay.

Ride and handling
Impala’s powertrains are the force behind a confident, responsive driving experience, which is tuned for comfortable performance and rooted in a robust body structure. A long wheelbase and wide front/rear tracks contribute to a feeling of comfort and control.

A MacPherson-strut front suspension delivers a greater measure of control with rebound springs that are internal to the struts. They enable more refined calibration of the struts that result in a smoother overall ride, while also enhancing body roll control and weight transfer during acceleration or turning. That helps keep the wheels planted for a more precise, controlled feel – especially while cornering at speed.

An isolated front cradle for the engine and transmission, as well as a hydraulic ride bushing, help deliver a smoother, quieter ride. At the rear is a proven four-link suspension design, with a slightly wider track that contributes to the Impala’s more planted feel on the road. Isolated mounting provisions for the rear suspension also contribute to the car’s quiet, smooth driving experience.

All models feature an electric variable-assist steering system (EPS) that helps save fuel by drawing energy only when the steering wheel is turned. Designed to complement Impala’s balance of responsiveness and comfort, the EPS’s feel is light and direct, with greater assistance at low speeds and higher effort at highway speeds. It also incorporates Pull Drift Compensation, which automatically adjusts the steering effort to account for factors such as crowned roads or high crosswinds – factors that typically cause the driver to turn the steering wheel slightly to maintain a straight path.

Sensors detect the steering correction and adjust the torque applied to the steering system to relieve the effort on the driver, helping to maintain smooth, straight driving with less input. Pull Drift Compensation is an integrated feature of the EPS system and engages seamlessly, without the driver’s knowledge.

2016 CHEVROLET IMPALA 2LZ SEDAN  MSRP $35,540

AS SHOWN WITH MIDNIGHT EDITION APPEARANCE PACKAGE $39,825

 

CLICK & WATCH AUTO CRITIC STEVE HAMMES REVIEW OF THE 2016 CHEVROLET IMPALA MIDNIGHT EDITION