The Impala has long been the car of choice for rental fleets and police cruisers, but Chevrolet now wants better for the iconic nameplate. So for 2014, they set out redefine the Impala. Chevy would need to reinvent the sedan both outside and inside in order to break the not-so-glamorous stereotype.
They began by designing from the inside out with interior space and ergonomics a top priority. Engineers used a “spaciousness calculator” to analyze how passengers perceive the roominess inside the cabin. They also used 3D mapping tools to evaluate design concepts for blind spots, reflections, and outward visibility.
After the dust settled, the Impala’s revamped interior had two extra inches of driver leg room, over two inches of additional rear seat legroom, and nearly 19 cubic feet of trunk space. The lowered center console allows for more knee spread and contributes to making the cabin feel more spacious. A telescoping steering wheel helps allow for a greater range of driving positions.
And while completely revamping the car was obviously important, that will only be half the battle. The Impala name will need redefining as well. Chevy seems to be on the right track with the “Tuxedo Man” advertisement depicting a debonair gentleman doing all the classy things a debonair gentleman should do.
