NEW 2014 IMPALA looks like a PASSAT 2012 CLONE

[TDI2000Zim]

OK, reliability issues aside, the styling of the Passat 2012 has been so good, that CHEVROLET has imitated it:



Now, if GM could produce this puppy with the new diesel engine at the price of a Passat, VW would finally get a good competitor in the USA.

 

[phlfly]

yes I agree. GM put again some 3.5 or 3.8 L engine that is making only 250 Hp. It's amazing to me how GM can't get and make more efficient engine that will produce more power with liters there. Or use turbo engines.
Just look at Cadillac CTS V-type, well it has a lot HP but rear differential has not have heat exchanger(radiator) so people are making their own to keep rear diff last longer then it could be. All Germans high performance cars are coming with one already built in, like M-series or AMG series.

 

[rustycat]

OK, reliability issues aside, the styling of the Passat 2012 has been so good, that CHEVROLET has imitated it:



Now, if GM could produce this puppy with the new diesel engine at the price of a Passat, VW would finally get a good competitor in the USA.

I initially thought the same, but after spending 20 minutes watching youtube videos on the 2014 Impala, I'm less inclined to agree. They couldn't get away from the cartoonesque accent lines in the hood and side panels. Looks like they were using a Camaro as a design blueprint for the body. DRLs down in the foggy area seem a bit funny and the creases over the rear wheels are pretty gay. Interior dash looks like it was designed in a Tokyo Pachinko Palace. Seat cushions look oddly dated with their flat pancake panels. Front and rear windows are excessively sloped with bad dash reflection in the side and front windows. 3.6 ltr is the only motor for the first cars to come to market. 20" wheels look ghetto. No one mentioned the sound system, so I assume that sucks, or, for that matter there was no mention of the navigation screen and ease of use, so guess that sucked too.....

 

[truman]

IMO, peak HP is rather irrelevant to how a car performs as a daily driver. I would suspect this car to be set up for more low end torque, which works better with a slushbox.
I saw a new Impala a few days ago and I thought it was a very handsome machine. I hope they sell a lot of them, so that I can get some of my money back.

 

[rustycat]

IMO, peak HP is rather irrelevant to how a car performs as a daily driver. I would suspect this car to be set up for more low end torque, which works better with a slushbox.
I saw a new Impala a few days ago and I thought it was a very handsome machine. I hope they sell a lot of them, so that I can get some of my money back.

Yo' money has gone to money heaven. If they ever do give it back, it will been devalued to pennies on the dollar buying power in purchasing power.

 

[jck66]

Looks less like a bar of soap than I expected...

 

[JM Popaleetus]

How do you go from hating everything GM, and relentlessly bashing the new Cruze Diesel, to this? Furthermore the new Impala was designed before the new Passat was even unveiled. When the Impala was unveiled in NY, the Passat has JUST started trickling into showrooms...not nearly enough time to imitate it.

And in my opinion, other than the fog lights, it looks nothing like the Passat (especially if you see it in person).

 

[passatv6af]

How do you go from hating everything GM, and relentlessly bashing the new Cruze Diesel, to this? Furthermore the new Impala was designed before the new Passat was even unveiled. When the Impala was unveiled in NY, the Passat has JUST started trickling into showrooms...not nearly enough time to imitate it.

And in my opinion, other than the fog lights, it looks nothing like the Passat (especially if you see it in person).

X2 Never thought this for a second

 

[LeeM]

Consumer Reports fell in love with it: http://autos.aol.com/gallery/chevy-impala/#!slide=0

 

[icefreeze]

I like the new impala the exterior looks way better in person and the pop up nav and the overall interior is very cool. I haven't checked the specs but it looks pretty big outside but comparable to the Passat inside probably a bit bigger 2-4 inches. I see a turbo-4cyl is the base engine? interesting would like to try that out. But still not great fuel milage. The Passat was totally not my favorite for interior or exterior but the overall package kicks ass and saves a ton of money when you drive like most of us do.. I plan on keeping mine at least 300k

 

[VeeDubTDI]

I think the exterior of the Impala is very sharp in person.

 

[JM Popaleetus]

I think the exterior of the Impala is very sharp in person.

It looks absolutely fantastic in person!

I wish the new SS looked as good!

 

[tscottt]

When the NMS launched, plenty of people said it looked like the then current, now last generation, Impala that was the last of the front bench seat models in the US. You can't blame GM for continuing a lot of the model's design elements from the previous generation. It does seem to be earning some great reviews from the media.

 

[skramer]

yes I agree. GM put again some 3.5 or 3.8 L engine that is making only 250 Hp. It's amazing to me how GM can't get and make more efficient engine that will produce more power with liters there. Or use turbo engines.
Just look at Cadillac CTS V-type, well it has a lot HP but rear differential has not have heat exchanger(radiator) so people are making their own to keep rear diff last longer then it could be. All Germans high performance cars are coming with one already built in, like M-series or AMG series.

It has a mere 305hp rating, and will get mid 20's on the highway (my 2012 w/ same motor/tranny gets 27mpg average)....This is very close to that 250 you mentioned. I expect Chevy to get the twin-turbo version this motor for "sport" versions, its going into Caddy setups in 2014

 

[MyAvocation]

I hope they sell a lot of them, so that I can get some of my money back.

Hope you're not referring to pre-bailout shares, 'cause those went to $0 so new Gummit Motor shares could be issued to the Treasury and UAW.

 

[TomB]

... the rear wheels are pretty gay. .....

Please don't be disrespectful using this word this way meaning bad or ugly.

 

[WutGas?]

Please don't be disrespectful using this word this way meaning bad or ugly.

Lol. I don't think gay people care when you call something gay, at least none of the ones I hang out with do. The only people who take offense are the non gay people who want to look all high and mighty.

 

[ruking]

OK, reliability issues aside, the styling of the Passat 2012 has been so good, that CHEVROLET has imitated it:



Now, if GM could produce this puppy with the new diesel engine at the price of a Passat, VW would finally get a good competitor in the USA.

For me, the real proof of reliability and durability will be feedback from Chevrolet Impala owners with 100,000 miles + on them. I would NOT be inclined to be an early adopter, even as I knew Chevrolet did a great job with the first year 2001 Corvette Z06. 12 years later, they have proven themselves AND seemed to have implemented a good program of constant improvement.

As most folks know, the (Impala) platform is from the Cadillac STS (2005 to 2011). Among other engines, a V8 option could be mated to this platform. Needless to say the platform has been proven multi-year. So I think in that sense, it is really Chevrolet's to lose ! Styling? I don't think there can be any doubt they are aiming at VW (whom was aiming @ Camry) with shades of a rear end BMW look. Probably the most killer thing they could do is offer both a 2.0L (4 cylinder) AND 3.0 L (6 cylinder) TDI's 8 speed A/T and 6 speed M/T.

 

[CT_Gman]

Having ridden in my friend's 2013 Impalla I would say that it would take a whole lot more than sheet metal redesign to get me to say anything nice about it.

 

[JM Popaleetus]

Having ridden in my friend's 2013 Impalla I would say that it would take a whole lot more than sheet metal redesign to get me to say anything nice about it.

The 2014 is a whole lot more than a sheet metal redesign.

So, what exactly is your point?

 

[skramer]

The 2014 is a whole lot more than a sheet metal redesign.
So, what exactly is your point?

You cannot get unbiased opinions/comments here...Just look at the Cruze Diesel thread which is laughable at best. I'm shocked he admitted to having a friend that gasp..."owned" an Impala

Frankly it kicks the crap out of the Passat TDI. I test drove both this weekend. My company is looking at the Passat TDI to replace one of our options for a company car, I HOPE they go with the Impala again (I've had 5, they simple get the job done, and I like my 2012 w/ the 3.6 motor, amazing 100k w/ nothing but basic oil changes, and the cheap ones at that from our Corporate Firestone service centers), time will tell...its going to be a test car, I've already told them the Impala would be cheaper long term even w/ lower mpg's because of the absurd maintenance cost on VW's

 

[VeeDubTDI]

Lol. I don't think gay people care when you call something gay, at least none of the ones I hang out with do. The only people who take offense are the non gay people who want to look all high and mighty.

I'm with Tom on this one.

 

[WutGas?]

I'm with Tom on this one.

fine then.

 

[rustycat]

Sorry to offend by using the "G" word. But, honestly.....er...I learned it from Eric Cartman, and he says it all the time.

 

[WutGas?]

Sorry to offend by using the "G" word. But, honestly.....er...I learned it from Eric Cartman, and he says it all the time.

Lol - Cartman is most definitely the measure we should all use when it comes to measuring political correctness!!

 

[eatpasta]

There are a few styling cues that are inherently 2012+ Passat that appear to be on that car;
- the hood "dimple" that travels from the mirror onto the hood
- the lower foglight/grill area is nearly identical
- the small triangular window behind the rear windows

having said that you have to understand in how small of a window these passenger cars have to fit.
They HAVE to have;
- legroom
- visibility
- trunkspace
- versatility
- comfort
- exactly the same safety features and compliance's from the govt such as hood height in the front (which is why BMW had to squeeze all the grills on the front of their cars)
etc etc and everything else I cant think of off the top of my head which is why many of these family cars start to look very similar.
Having said that, it's a good looking car. They did a really nice job. I hate to say it but it's a better looking car than the Passat.... and based on the reviews it's also supposed to be astonishingly good.
time will tell

 

[CT_Gman]

The 2014 is a whole lot more than a sheet metal redesign.
So, what exactly is your point?

My point is that the 2013 Impalla sucks in my opinion, so for the 2014 to be a true Passat competitor, it would have to be a thorough rebuild. My friend's car is a company car, purchased primarily for low cost rather than driving enjoyment.

 

[charley654]

Quote:
Originally Posted by rustycat
... the rear wheels are pretty gay. .....

Please don't be disrespectful using this word this way meaning bad or ugly.

I am sure he meant to use it as an adjective:

• lighthearted and carefree:Nan had a gay disposition and a very pretty face
• brightly colored; showy; brilliant:a gay profusion of purple and pink sweet peas

• informal, often offensive foolish, stupid, or unimpressive:making students wait for the light is kind of a gay rule

and not as a noun:

a homosexual, especially a man.

 

[Oberkanone]

Nope

OK, reliability issues aside, the styling of the Passat 2012 has been so good, that CHEVROLET has imitated it:

http://news.yahoo.com/impala-tops-sedans-consumer-reports-102156094.html

Now, if GM could produce this puppy with the new diesel engine at the price of a Passat, VW would finally get a good competitor in the USA.

Have you actually seen the Impala in person. A Passat clone it is not.

 

[truman]

Have you actually seen the Impala in person. A Passat clone it is not.

I think the Impala is a head turner. The Passat does not have much of a visual impact. I get confused when I see a Jetta/Passat- which is it?