General Motors announced that the 2009 Impala will be featuring rear-wheel drive. Expect to see other changes, too. For example, there will be a longer wheelbase and short front and rear overhangs. The car will be similar in length and width to the front drive 2007 Impala, but the passenger compartment will be larger. The rear wheel drive platform is being engineered by Holden in Australia, a General Motors subsidiary.
GM is also in the process of deciding where the Impala nameplate should be in its line of vehicles. The car could be maintained as a mass market sedan or moved upmarket. An upscale Impala will avoid an overlap with the 2008 front wheel drive Chevrolet Malibu.
The 2008 Malibu will be larger than the current Malibu and will sport a more lavish interior.
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Via Auto Week
I like the fact that it is going to rear wheel drive.
I really think that GM was on the right track with the 2006-2008 body style. It really looks sleeker than previous models. Looks like they are going a few steps backwards on the next generation with the looks of this design.
Reverting to the ’80′s blandness. Body looks a little boxy. A big let down. Looks like they are too reliant on computers for design. I am an artist and this one rubs me wrong. Although I do not claim to be a car designer (I do sketch a lot of designs)- check out http://www.beachcitywagonmasters.com/ my illustrations…
GM – Please make the car more interesting!
DV