The Chevrolet Impala () is a full-size car that was built by Chevrolet for model years 1958 to 1985, 1994 to 1996, and 2000 to 2020. The Impala was Chevrolet's popular flagship passenger car and was among the better-selling American-made automobiles in the United States.
For its debut in 1958, the Impala was distinguished from other models by its symmetrical triple taillights. The Chevrolet Caprice was introduced as a top-line Impala Sport Sedan for model year 1965, later becoming a separate series positioned above the Impala in 1966, which, in turn, remained above the Chevrolet Bel Air and the Chevrolet Biscayne. The Impala continued as Chevrolet's most popular full-sized model through the mid-1980s. Between 1994 and 1996, the Impala was revised as a 5.7-liter V8–powered version of the Chevrolet Caprice Classic sedan.
In 2000, the Impala was reintroduced again as a mainstream front-wheel drive car. In February 2014, the 2014 Impala ranked No. 1 among Affordable Large Cars in U.S. News & World Reports rankings. When the 10th generation of the Impala was introduced for the 2014 model year, the 9th generation was rebadged as the Impala Limited and sold only to fleet customers through 2016. During that time, both versions were sold in the United States and Canada. The 10th-generation Impala was also sold in the Middle East and South Korea.
Origin
The Impala name was first used for the full-sized 1956 General Motors Motorama show car that bore Corvette-like design cues, especially the grille. It was named Impala after the graceful African antelope, which was used as the car's logo. Painted emerald green metallic, with a white interior, the Impala concept car featured hardtop styling. Clare MacKichan's design team, along with designers from Pontiac, started to establish basic packaging and dimensions for their shared 1958 General Motors "A" body in June. The first styling sketch that directly influenced the finished Chevrolet automobile was seen by General Motors Styling Vice President Harley Earl in October. Seven months later, the basic design was developed.
First generation (1958)
As part of a GM economy move, the 1959 Chevrolet Impala was redesigned to share bodyshells with lower-end Buicks, Oldsmobiles, and Pontiacs. Using a new X-frame chassis, the roof line was 3 inches lower, bodies were 2 inches wider, the wheelbase was 1-1/2 inches longer, and curb weight increased. Flattened tailfins protruded outward, rather than upward. The taillights were a large "teardrop" design at each side, and two slim-wide, non-functional front air intake scoops were added just above the grille.
The Impala became a separate series, adding a four-door hardtop and four-door sedan to the two-door Sport Coupe and convertible and a five-door station wagon. Sport Coupes featured a shortened roof line and wrap-over back window. The standard engine was an I6, while the base V8 was the carryover , at . Optional were a 283 cu in with and V8 up to . Standard were front and rear armrests, an electric clock, dual sliding sun visors, and crank-operated front vent windows. A contoured hooded instrument panel held deep-set gauges. A six-way power seat was a new option, as was "Speedminder," which allowed the driver to set a needle at a specific speed, which triggered a buzzer when exceeded.
The 1960 Impala models reinstated three round taillights on each side, and a white band running along the rear fenders.
Seven versions of the 283-cu in and 348-cu in V8s were offered: the carbureted 283 Turbo-Fire could have either . The 348 was available in with a Special Super Turbo-Thrust with triple two-barrel carburetors, 11.25:1 compression ratio, and dual exhausts. Fuel injection was no longer an option on full-size Chevrolets.
Third generation (1961–1964)
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1961
left|thumb|1961 Impala interior
left|thumb|1961 Impala Sport Coupe
The Impala was restyled on the GM B platform for the first time for 1961. The new body styling was more trim and boxy than the 1958–1960 models. Sport Coupe models featured a "bubbleback" roof line style for 1961, and a unique model, the 2-door pillared sedan, was available for 1961 only. It was rarely ordered. A "Super Sport" (SS) option debuted for 1961. This was also the last year the top station wagon model would have the Nomad name. Power brakes were $43.
1962
left|thumb|1962 Impala Sport Coupe
The 1962 model featured new "C" pillar styling for all models except the 4-door hardtop. Sport Coupe models now featured the "convertible roof" styling, shared with other GM "B" full-size hardtop coupe, which proved popular. The "overhang" roof style of the sedans was replaced with a wider "C" pillar with wraparound rear window.
Engine choices for 1962 began as previously with 1962 being the final year for the 235 I6. along with the small-block 283 fitted with a two barrel carburetor. The 283 was also enlarged to , offered in two versions, one with and one with . available only with a manual transmission. Due to reliability problems, the optional Turboglide automatic transmission was discontinued, leaving Powerglide the only automatic transmission available until 1965. A new radio was optional. SS models continued to feature the engine-turned aluminum trim. Rooflines were carried over from 1963 unchanged. Back-up lights were standard.
All full-size 1964 Chevrolet station wagons received small rectangular taillight lenses mounted vertically, one for each side of the car.
The Impala Super Sport became its own series this year instead of an option package.
The 1964 model year is a staple of lowrider culture, and it is commonly mentioned in West Coast hip hop lyrics.
Exports
Right-hand drive cars were made at GM's Oshawa plant in Canada and often shipped overseas in kit form for assembly in South Africa, New Zealand and Australia. The RHD cars—Chevrolet or equivalent Pontiac (built on Chevrolet frames and using Chevrolet engines in Canada)—all used a right hand drive version of the left-hand drive 1961 Pontiac dashboard.
Impala SS
In a December 17, 1960, press release, Chevrolet introduced the Impala SS (Super Sport) option to the market. The SS badge was to become Chevrolet's signature of performance on many models, though it often has been an appearance package only. The Impala's factory SS package in 1961 was truly a performance package when so equipped from the factory with both the trim and "mandatory" suspension and engine upgrades, beginning with the V8 engines available with , , and or the new V8, which in 1961 was rated at . Unlike all other years, the 1961 Super Sport package was available on any Impala, including sedans and station wagons (the sales brochure shows a 4-door hardtop Sport Sedan with the SS package). The package also included upgraded tires on station wagon wheels, springs, shocks and special sintered metallic brake linings. Only 142 1961 Impala Super Sports came from the factory with the 409. In addition to the factory-installed SS package, Chevrolet dealers could add SS trim to any standard Impala without the "mandatory" performance upgrades, and a number of 1961s were so equipped.
Starting for the 1962 model year, the Impala SS was an appearance package limited to hardtop coupe and convertible coupe models, available with all engines in the Impala series starting with the base , inline-6 through 1967, though the big-block engines and heavy-duty parts could still be ordered. From 1967 to 1969, an additional model, the SS427, was available.
The Super Sport was known as Regular Production Option (RPO) Z03, from 1962 to 1963, and again in 1968. From 1964 through 1967, the Super Sport was a separate model, with its own VIN prefix (for example in 1965–67 cars, 164 was the prefix for a regular Impala with a V8 engine, 166 or 168 were used in 1966–68 for a V8-equipped Impala SS). Super Sports from 1962 to 1964 came with engine-turned aluminum trim, which was replaced by a "blackout" trim strip in 1965 which ran under the taillights.
While the Super Sport was for the most part an appearance package for the Impala, Chevrolet did see fit to offer a performance version in a special equipment and trim package that today is rare and valuable. This was Regular Production Option Z24, marketed as the SS 427. This package was available on any 1967–69 2-door Impala and it included Chevrolet's 427 cubic inch V8, F41 Sport Suspension, redline tires, and unique SS 427 badges on the body. "SS427" badges were also installed in the interior of the 1968 model only. Approximately 2,000 Z24 cars were built for each model year 1967 and 1968 (slightly more in 1967, less in 1968), and slightly more than 2,400 were built in 1969. The 1969 models were unique in several ways: Disc brakes were standard that year (optional on other years) along with 15 inch wheels, and this was the only year that the cars had the name "Impala" anywhere on the body.
Because "big block muscle" was now focusing on intermediate and even compact size cars, Chevrolet discontinued the Impala Super Sport series after 1969, although the 1970 model was still available with a big block V8 (now displacing 454 cubic inches), bucket seats, a center console with floor shifter.
<gallery widths="200" heights="130">
File:1961 Chevrolet Impala SS Sport Coupe, front left, 10-12-2025.jpg|1961 Impala SS
File:1962 Chevrolet Impala SS (7435062034).jpg|1962 Impala SS hardtop
File:64 Chevrolet Impala SS (9189146338) (cropped).jpg|1964 Impala SS
File:62impala.jpg|1962 Impala SS Convertible in Honduras Maroon
</gallery>
Fourth generation (1965–1970)
left|thumb|1965 Impala Sport Coupe
Redesigned in 1965, the Impala set an all-time industry annual sales record of more than 1 million units in the United States. All new full-size Chevrolets eschewed the "X" frame for a full-width perimeter frame, a new body that featured curved, frameless side glass (for pillarless models), sharper angled windshield with newly reshaped vent windows, and redesigned full-coil suspension.
thumb|left|1966 Impala 4-door Sedan
In 1965, Chevrolet introduced a new luxury package for the Impala four-door hardtop, called "Caprice" and coded as RPO Z18. Caprices received tufted upholstery, wood grained accents on the dashboard and specialty pulls on the insides of the doors. This "halo" model also featured the "spinner" wheel covers from the Impala SS, with the "SS" logo centers replaced by a Chevrolet "bowtie" emblem. The Super Sport's blackout rear trim strip below the triple taillights was also used, with the "Impala SS" emblem replaced by a large "Caprice by Chevrolet" badge. The Impala block lettering on each front fender was replaced with "Caprice" script. The Caprice package was reintroduced as the Chevrolet Caprice Custom in 1966, taking the top position in the full-size Chevrolet lineup.
Engine choices included the inline six-cylinder as well as the small-block and big-block V8s. A new three-range Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic transmission was optional for V8. The old "W" engine was discontinued early in the 1965 model year, so early-production 1965s got the 409, as well as 1/10 of 1% had the 396 CID big-block. Other later-built cars had the as the big-block option. Two-speed Powerglide, as well as 3- and 4-speed manual transmissions were available. As with previous years, Impalas featured more chrome trim inside and out, with pleated tufted upholstery and door panels. The Impala would be the #2-selling convertible in the US in 1966, with 38,000 sold; it was beaten by the Mustang by almost 2:1. 1966 saw a pair of enlarged big-block V8s featuring . The RPO L36 was rated at , the L72 at . The L72 was only available with a manual transmission.
The 1966 Impala was a mild restyle of the 1965, featuring a new instrument panel, grille, wheel covers (except for SS models), and rectangular taillights that wrapped around to the side of the quarter panels. Standard features now included lap belts front and rear, reverse lamps, day/night rearview mirror, and a padded dashboard.
thumb|1967 Impala four-door sedan|left
The 1967 model was redesigned with enhanced Coke bottle styling that featured Corvette-inspired front and rear fender bulges. The curves were the most pronounced with the 1967–1968 models. In keeping with federal regulations, safety features were built into Impalas during the 1967 and 1968 model years, including a fully collapsible energy-absorbing steering column, side marker lights, and shoulder belts for closed models. The L72 engine was not available in 1967, but the L36 Turbo-Jet V8 was optional. GM adopted a new lock system for all models, replacing the previous system that had been in use since 1936 with letter-coded keys that changed each year.
left|thumb|1968 Impala Sport Coupe
alt=1969 Chevrolet Impala Convertible|thumb|1969 Impala Convertible
thumb|1970 Impala four-door sedan
The 1968 model was facelifted with a new front end. The new rear bumper housed triple "horseshoe" shaped taillights. 1968 also saw a new Impala model, the Custom Coupe. This two-door hardtop featured the same formal roofline as the Caprice Coupe. It was successful and would be continued through 1976. The L72 "427 Turbo-Jet" engine was once again returned to the option list, a solid-lifter V8 rated at . It would continue to be available for both 1968 and 1969, replaced by the Turbo-Jet 454 for 1970.
The 1969 Impala and other full-sized Chevrolets got new slab-sided bodies with a small "upsweep" at the rear quarter window, giving them a more formal appearance. It retained the 119-inch wheelbase from previous models. New front bumpers that wrapped around the grille and horizontal taillights were in the rear bumper. The hardtop Sport Coupe got a new notchback roofline, replacing the "fastback" C-pillar from 1967 to 1968. Ventless front windows were used on all models. Chevrolet had a rudimentary "power vent" system featuring vents in the instrument panel. The ignition switch was moved from the instrument panel to the steering column, and when the key was removed, the steering wheel and shift lever were locked.
The 1969 model year Impala production topped Caprice production by 611,000 units. Impala station wagons were renamed Kingswood, a name which would continue through 1972. The similar 1970 Impala got a minor facelift featuring a more conventional under the grille bumper replacing the wrap-around unit used in 1969 along with new triple vertical taillights in the rear bumper. Canadian buyers got the choice of a lower priced companion to the Impala Sport Coupe, the Bel Air Sport Coupe, which used the same body but featured Bel Air trim.
Exports
thumb|left|New Zealand assembled 1966 Impala four-door sedan in right-hand-drive
Right-hand drive cars were manufactured in Canada for export to countries such as Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United Kingdom, until 1969. They used a version of the 1965 Impala dash panel—without provision for a radio and installed in a dashboard moulding made of fibreglass, not metal—until 1969. Radios (centrally mounted) and heaters were locally sourced and wipers parked in the center of the windscreen.
Australian models were assembled in Australia by General Motors-Holden from kits, as this lessened tax on the cars. The Australian cars had locally sourced amber flashing rear indicators replacing the clear reversing lenses, as red indicators were illegal.
New Zealand models were assembled by General Motors New Zealand with bodies supplied from Canada already welded, painted and trimmed.
Fifth generation (1971–1976)
left|thumb|1971 Impala Sport Coupe
The Impala remained Chevrolet's top-selling model with the fifth generation. A high-performance big block V8 was still available in the form of the Turbo-Jet 454, which produced in 1971, but power decreased as the years went along. The 1971 redesigned B-body would be the largest car ever offered by Chevrolet. The hardtop Sport Coupe continued to be offered; it was a smoothly sloped semi-fastback reminiscent of the 1961 "bubbletop" styling. A three-speed manual transmission remained standard at the beginning of the year, but in the spring of 1971, all V8-equipped full-size GM cars received the Turbo Hydra-Matic as standard equipment. Powerglide remained optionally available for six-cylinder cars until the 1973 models. In keeping with their huge size, these new "B" body Chevrolets were close to Cadillac in luxury features, styling, and ride. Like all GM "B" bodied cars, Impala got a new power ventilation system that remained on while the ignition was on, and included both large vents in the instrument panel and louvers in the trunk. However, the system proved to be problematic and was disliked by many buyers. Power assisted front disc brakes were standard for all models for 1971; variable-ratio power steering became standard in 1972.
thumb|left|1972 Impala Sport Sedan
The 1972 model has a grille which extended below the bumper. Powertrains consisted of mostly V8 engines. The 250 inline six was still standard for Sport Coupe and 4-door sedan models; the 350 2bbl V8 became the standard engine from 1973 to 1976, with , , (through 72) or optional. The best-selling body style was the formal-roof Custom Coupe. Beginning in 1972, all engines were designed to run on unleaded gasoline. 1972 saw the last Impala convertible; it sold 6,456 units, placing fourth with just under 9 percent of the market, right behind the Corvette's 6,508 units sold, ahead of the Mustang's 6,401 units sold. The power ventilation system was improved, and exit vents were moved from the trunk lid to the door pillars.
left|thumb|1973 Impala Custom Coupe
All 1973 Chevrolet vehicles featured a larger, shock-absorbing front bumper due to new federal mandates which required impact protection. New taillights were mounted in the (still) conventional rear bumper. The convertible was moved upmarket to the Caprice Classic series. Tweaks to the suspension and frame gave better roadability, according to Chevrolet general manager John Z. DeLorean. Steering wheels and instrument panels were color-keyed to interior colors, as opposed to the matte black used in 1971–1972. The steering wheel rim got a soft-feel grip, and replaced the "Impala" badge with generic "Chevrolet". The inline six-cylinder engine was now offered on the Bel Air 4-door sedan only, and only with the 3-speed manual transmission. Interiors had repositioned front seats for more legroom. The Impala name returned for the Kingswood station wagon. Suspension and chassis design was modified for better roadability. The bench front seat position was modified to fit tall drivers more comfortably; shorter drivers found it less so.
One thousand 1973 Impalas were built with an "Air Cushion Restraint System" (ACRS) that used an Oldsmobile instrument panel and unique steering wheel that contained both a driver and front passenger air bag. They were all four-door sedans painted in a special green-gold color. The system was not advertised in a big way and many of the cars were used for crash testing by both GM and the U.S. government. Over the decades, the system proved durable and successfully protected front passengers in front-end collisions. Chevrolet did not offer ACRS in 1974; however, it was offered in Oldsmobile, Buick, and Cadillac models that year as an option and did save lives. One ACRS-equipped Impala was preserved and remains a witness to the ability of an American automaker to design life saving safety systems into cars without a government mandate. Notably, an ACRS-equipped Impala was used on the television series Seinfeld as Kramer's personal vehicle. No other examples are known as of this time.
left|thumb|1974 Impala Sport Coupe Spirit of America edition interior
In 1974, the rear bumper was redesigned with shock absorbers to meet the upgraded standards and new tail lights were added. The front end was also freshened as in previous years, with a new grille and headlight bezels, a new header panel, and a bumper with a drop down center section. The marker lights moved back up beside the headlamps once again. This was the only year of the 1971–1976 models the Impala had a different front end design than the Caprice Classic, as other years used either a grille insert or previous-year Caprice front to distinguish the two. The rooflines of the Impala coupes were also revised. For 1974, the Custom Coupe was no longer a hardtop, with large fixed rear quarter glass and a thick B-pillar. The Sport Coupe, still a pillar-less hardtop, now used larger roll-down quarter glass like that of the 1971–1973 Custom Coupe, and had a narrower, fastback style, flat back window. Sedans used carryover body shells from previous years. In an unusual styling move, the optional Impala wheel covers for 1974 were the same as the 1970 Impalas.
thumb|left|1975 Impala wagon
thumb|left|1976 Impala Custom Coupe
A limited-edition Spirit of America package was offered in 1974 on Sport Coupe models; primarily an appearance package, it featured white or blue body paint, a white full vinyl top, white upholstery with red or blue trim, color-keyed seat belts and floormats, special wheel covers, optional white rally wheels, sports-styled dual remote outside rear view mirrors, a vinyl body side molding insert, and red pin-striping. Special fender and dashboard badges announced the package to passers-by and passengers. Chevrolet also offered Nova and Vega Spirit of America versions as well.
The 1975 Impala used a 1974 carried-over Caprice front end, with a grille insert and emblem change. The Caprice model was revised with a new front end with a swept back style header panel with recessed headlight buckets, a new hood, and new fenders. Also in 1975 upholstery, door panels and the dashboard were revised as were the radio and climate control graphics. Speedometers read up to , and added kilometers per hour. A High Energy Ignition (HEI) system was officially introduced in 1975, although it was installed on some 1974 cars as a clandestine option. Catalytic converters were also introduced, as were several new options, including an Econominder gauge package (which also included a coolant temperature gauge), intermittent wipers, and a divided 50/50 bench seat with passenger-side recliner (with a choice of sport cloth or vinyl trim). This was the final year of the full-size Chevrolet convertible. Four-door models got new rooflines; the hardtop Sport Sedan got a small triangular "opera window" carved out of the wide roof panel.
A Landau model available for 1975–1976 models featured a landau vinyl roof (with a chrome band across the roof), a choice of special paint colors, sports-styled dual remote outside rearview mirrors, color-keyed wheel covers, a vinyl bodyside molding insert, and pin-striping. Inside were color-keyed seat belts and floormats. Fender and dashboard emblems rounded out the package. The 2-door hardtop model (dubbed the "Sport Coupe") was discontinued after 1975, leaving the redesigned Custom Coupe, with its wide "B" pillar and fixed rear window, the only 2-door Impala available in 1976. This body style had been introduced for the 1974 model year, a precursor to Detroit's complete abandonment of pillarless body styles before the end of the 1970s. 1976 Impalas used a previous year Caprice nose, with a new "egg crate" grille insert. The Impala had round headlamps while the Caprice used the new quad rectangular ones. For fleet buyers, Chevrolet offered a lower priced Impala "S" model that deleted some of the standard model's luxury features, such as radial tires, sound insulation, and trunk light. The "S" was available in both a 4-door sedan and station wagon, and effectively replaced the Bel Air for the U.S. market (the Bel Air continued in production in Canada until 1981).
Sixth generation (1977–1985)
left|thumb|1977 Impala Sedan
left|thumb|1979 Impala Sport Coupe
left|thumb|1980 Impala Sedan
The changes in the automobile marketplace resulted in Chevrolet redesigning the Impala for the 1977 model year to meet changing demands. It, as well as the other downsized B-body sedans, went on sale in late September 1976. The new downsized Impalas were shorter in length, taller and narrower than before. The new Impala's frame was a shortened version of the one introduced in 1970 and would be used until 1996 when the B-body production line was shut down. Even with its smaller exterior dimensions, the new Impala featured increased headroom, rear-seat legroom, and trunk space. Production of the downsized model increased substantially over 1976, and the Impala regained the number one U.S. sales position. The redesigned 1977 Impala/Caprice was named Motor Trend car of the year.
Pillarless hardtops were discontinued, the result of rumors of federal rollover standards looming in the near future. The 1977–1979 coupes sported a double-bent, tempered rear window similar to what was later used for the 1987 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Aerocoupe. For the 1980 model year, a mid-cycle refresh replaced this complex backlight in the coupe with a more upright nearer flat glass, although the overall design remained similar.
Engine availability was reduced for 1977; the inline-6 was reintroduced with . Options included V8 engines. The V8 engine was available in some years. Oldsmobile's V8 diesel engine also was available. Starting in 1980, the inline-six was replaced by a 229 cubic-inch (3.8 liter) V6 from Chevrolet which was different from the 3.8 liter (231 cubic inch) V6 from Buick that was installed in numerous GM models of different divisions.
The Impala and the upscale Caprice sold well into the early 1980s. The Impala was reduced to the base model full-size Chevrolet and was popular with fleet usage, including taxi and police-pursuit vehicles. The Impala coupe and wagon body styles were dropped after 1982 and the nameplate was discontinued after 1985, while the Caprice continued unchanged until 1990. Upon the demise of the Impala name, the base model full-size Chevrolet was rebranded Caprice starting in 1986, with the upper models being called the Caprice Classic and Caprice Classic Brougham.
In some model years, these vehicles were also assembled in Southgate, CA, and St. Louis, MO.
Production Figures
{| class="wikitable"
|+Chevrolet Impala Production Figures
!
!Coupe
!Sedan
!Wagon
!Yearly Total
|-
|1977
|58,092
|196,824
|56,569
|311,485
|-
|1978
|60,072
|183,161
|68,941
|312,174
|-
|1979
|29,836
|172,717
|67,814
|270,367
|-
|1980
|10,756
|70,801
|17,970
|99,527
|-
|1981
|6,067
|60,090
|19,807
|85,964
|-
|1982
| –
|47,780
|16,899
|64,679
|-
|1983
| –
|45,154
| –
|45,154
|-
|1984
| –
|55,296
| –
|55,296
|-
|1985
| –
|53,438
| –
|53,438
|-
!Total
!164,823
!885,261
!248,000
!<u>1,298,084</u>
|}
Seventh generation (Impala SS, 1994–1996)
left|thumb|1995–1996 Impala SS rear view
In January 1990, the GM B platform's body was redesigned for the 1991 model year, though it retained the same shortened frame design of the 1977 model year redesign. The Impala SS badge was resurrected at the 1992 Detroit Auto Show as a concept car designed by GM designer Jon Moss. The concept car was two inches lower to the ground than the regular Caprice, and was powered by an engine. Eventually, the concept car's engine was replaced with a detuned LT1 V8 engine derived from the fourth generation Corvette.
The 1994 Impala SS went into production on February 14, 1994, at GM's plant in Arlington, Texas, and was almost identical cosmetically to the concept car, with the only noticeable change being the chromed bowtie logo on the grille (vs. a red logo on the concept). The car was, in essence, a high-performance version of the Caprice heavily based on the Caprice 9C1 police package. As such, it got much of the equipment formerly available only to law enforcement and government agencies. This included a sport-tuned suspension with reinforced shocks and springs, a high-capacity reverse-flow cooling system (derived from the Corvette's LT1), four-wheel disc brakes, transmission cooler, dual exhaust, a higher-output electrical system, and other minor mechanical and electrical alterations.
The Impala SS was fitted with a standard 3.08 gear. The limited-slip rear differential was standard (as opposed to the optional G80 on Caprices) and the suspension was an inch lower. A retuned LT1 small-block V8 was standard on the Impala SS, making and of torque (retuned from the prototype's rating). The primary difference between the LT1 in the Impala and the LT1 that was in the Corvette and Camaro was that the Impala engine was fitted with cast-iron cylinder heads instead of aluminum ones, and a camshaft that was designed more for low-end torque than high-end horsepower. Another difference was that the block casting for the Impala LT1 had two-bolt main bearing caps while the casting used for the Corvette LT1 had four-bolt main bearing caps. The transmission was the 4L60E, which was an electronically controlled version of the previously hydraulically controlled 4L60. However, the transmission was not upgraded up for the power of the LT1, nor the extra weight of the body and frame, and transmission failures after were commonplace.
The Impala SS received body-colored trim, a unique single-bar grille with no hood ornament, and a rear deck spoiler. It was fitted with brushed aluminum wheels with 255/50ZR17 all-season tires. Inside, the car came with a central console with cup holders (1994 and 1995 models) and a storage compartment, leather seats embroidered with the Impala SS logo, and a standard leather-wrapped steering wheel. For the 1994 model year, it was available only in black with a gray interior. Due to a shortage of the unique five-spoke aluminum wheels, only 6,303 cars were sold. However, the wheel shortage was remedied for the 1995 model year and 21,434 cars were sold.
In 1995, Dark Cherry Metallic and Dark Grey Green were added as exterior color options, and the body paneling on the rear quarter panel was altered to reflect the cosmetic effect formerly achieved by a window insert. The black units continued to receive semi-gloss door moldings and wheel-well trim, whereas the other color offerings received those items in full gloss. Another change from 1994 was the placement of the side mirrors from pods attached to the door to a larger format attached to the 'A' pillar. 1996 was the last year of production with 41,941 units sold. The 1996 Impala SS was also exported to the Middle East, as the Caprice SS, with the car being identical to its American counterpart except for the side fonts on the rear quarter panel and the badge on the dashboard saying Caprice SS. The 1996 Impala SS production went late into the model year; the last one being produced on December 13, 1996. Marblehead Gray Metallic had been planned for that final year; however, the option was cancelled at the last minute even though many trim part numbers for the color had already been designated. The last year saw minor interior alterations, with the digital speedometer being replaced by an analog one, along with a tachometer. The shifter was moved from the column to the center console, and the engine was given an OBD-II computer control system (the camshaft was reground to adjust for the new computer).
Discontinuation
The entire B-body line, consisting of the Chevrolet Caprice, Impala SS, and Buick Roadmaster, as well as the related D-Body Fleetwood, was discontinued, as GM wanted more assembly lines to be able to produce more profitable SUVs. A ceremony was held at the plant on December 13, 1996, as the last Impala SS was produced.