Topic: CD Article: 2006 Chevrolet Impala LTZ

[rovermark]

Saw one in Ottawa today - looks less recognizable then the previous version, but it looked good. A big American middle class sedan that's what it is.

[sterling]

Why does a new car have to invoke the characteristics of a 40 year old one? Because it has the same name? I can hardly wait for the 2012 "retro" Toyota Corolla to bring back those great memories of my old '74 SR5.  

Obviously, the success of cars like the Accord and Camry have proven that "character" or exterior styling are not a requirement in this segment

[a4_tom]

All the retro stuff doesn't mean it can successful. Look at how Jag always talked about their past when designed their cars, X and S-Types aren't successful cars without low lease rates.

[genetik_freak]

The reason that a car maker would want to invoke characteristics of an older model is to have it's buyers identify with the newer model.  I would think those who are intersted in the current Impala would identify better if it showed a hint of the older model.  It would even sell better IMO.  Look at the Charger and GTO...They weren't exactly welcomed with open arms as purists saw no relation to the classic models, hence the reason the GTO not selling that well.  Time will tell with the Charger. 

[ovr50]

Don't forget that the GTO is not available in Canada; but I think the new GTO (with 400hp this year) is selling better in the US now. It was the first year's 300hp model that was selling poorly.

It will never please GTO purists as the new Mustang has tho.

[Drivesideways]

I think we put too much stock in the model name these days.  Cars should be judged on their merits not on the choice and arrangement of alphanumeric characters tacked onto the sheet metal.  Hey...anybody wanna buy a.....