2014 Chevy Impala Offers Full-Size Features with Downsized Thirst

OXFORD, MAINE (04/19/2012)(readMedia)-- When it comes to American automotive icons, the Chevy Impala is right near the top, having been a staple of Chevrolet's lineup for nine generations. With a storied history behind it, Chevrolet has made sure that the 2014 Impala arriving at Chevy dealerships early next year advances design like its forefathers while also addressing a major concern of today's buyers: fuel efficiency.

Chevy pulled back the curtain on the all-new Impala at the New York International Auto Show earlier this month, revealing a sleeker and more sculpted sedan with a sporty front end resembling the latest-generation Camaro. Under the hood, the 2014 Chevrolet Impala sports a trio of direct-injected engines geared toward providing ample acceleration and enhanced fuel economy. Inside, the Impala will be available for the first time with Chevrolet MyLink, which allows hands-free communications, streaming audio and available navigation through an eight-inch touchscreen.

"The Impala has always been associated with pushing new designs and technology forward, and the 2014 model will continue to uphold that tradition," said Rick Smith, general manager of Oxford, Maine Chevy dealership Goodwin Chevrolet Oxford. "The current Impala was the best-selling full-size sedan last year, but the next generation's striking new look and impressive fuel efficiency should broaden the car's customer base even more."

Much of that added efficiency comes from the advanced drivetrain lineup, which includes Chevy's eAssist light-hybrid system. Chevrolet estimates that the eAssisted Impala with an Ecotec 2.4-liter engine will return 35 mpg on the highway, which is no mean feat for a full-size sedan. Other powerplant options include a new Ecotec 2.5-liter engine with an estimated 195 horsepower and a 3.6-liter V6 carried over from the current-generation Impala that generates 303 horsepower. All three engines will be paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Though recent rising gas prices have put an even higher premium on vehicles' fuel efficiency, safety has always been a primary concern for modern car buyers, and the new Impala has passengers covered with high-tech features throughout the vehicle. Options include a full-speed-range adaptive cruise control, which uses radar to maintain a safe distance from vehicles ahead, as well as collision mitigation braking and forward collision alert, which can proactively prevent crashes. There will also be an available lane departure warning system, a side blind zone alert and even a rear cross traffic alert to make backing out of parking spaces safer.

While the Impala is gearing up for its 10th generation, the Chevy Avalanche is entering its final year of production after first going on sale in 2001. Chevrolet is celebrating the niche pickup truck's career with a special model called the 2013 Black Diamond Avalanche, which will come with body-colored bed surrounds, a unique badge and lower prices across all trims.

"Before the Avalanche came out, crew-cab pickup trucks were a relative rarity, but now they're commonplace," Smith noted. "The Avalanche has a special place in Chevy's history and played a vital role in the evolution of the pickup, so the Black Diamond editions are a fitting way to close the book on its production."

About Goodwin Chevrolet Oxford:

A part of the Goodwin Motor Group that has served customers in New England since 1932, Goodwin Chevrolet Oxford is committed to delivering only the best automotive experience at its Maine Chevy dealership. They provide a relaxed atmosphere where car shoppers can browse an extensive inventory of new and used Chevy vehicles and have their questions answered by an expert sales staff. Call them at 877- 897-9716, visit them online at www.goodwinoxford.com or stop by their dealership, located at 1606 Main Street in Oxford. They can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoodwinChevroletBuick.