Uhm... Just saw this commercial on CNN...

GM's putting a 300+ HP small-block V8 into the (w)Impala for 2006. That's all the commercial voice-over said.

Is anyone else worried about this?

8<<-----From GM's website http://www.chevrolet.com/impala/ --------

303-hp 5.3L small block V8 engine with Displacement on Demand (DOD) technology for an estimated MPG 28 highway

-----
5.3L Small Block V8 Engine

The small block V8 in SS models features:

* Displacement on Demand (DOD) technology for an estimated MPG 28 highway.1
* The most standard horsepower and torque in its class.2
* Aluminum Construction – all major castings in the V8 engine, including the deep–skirt engine block, are made of weight–saving aluminum. Casting from aluminum contributes to a stiff engine structure that helps ensure smooth operation.
* Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) – ETC replaces the mechanical link between the accelerator pedal and engine with drive–by–wire electronic control. This allows for remarkably smooth and precise acceleration.
* Polymer–Coated Pistons – pistons are coated with a polymer material that reduces engine wear and contributes to quieter operation.
* Cylinder–Head Technology – the small block V8 cylinder heads were originally developed for the Corvette Z06. Their pent–roof combustion chambers and flat–top pistons deliver high horsepower.
* Composite Intake Manifold – the composite intake manifold design allows the small block V8 to deliver high levels of torque at low– and mid–range engine speeds, while still delivering plenty of airflow for peak engine horsepower.

No if the police wanted a more powerful Impala they would have used the supercharged 3.8 instead of the standard 3.8 in the current Impala. With a v8 I don't think it will change things.

I guess we'll have to wait for the '06-MY tests that the Michigan State Patrol does to the available police-package vehicles.

Good for them, but there's just something to be said about pairing a big body RWD design with a powerful V8, in my opinion at least. Do we think it will still be FWD?

Aww the front looks like a stinkin ugly malibu!

The V8 isn't going into the 9C1, so I wouldn't worry about it too much. I'm sure GM will price it into oblivion as well. The only ones dumb enough enough to buy it will be the yuppeis and ricer wannabes anyway. If the torque steer is near as bad as this V8 model as it is in the '02 WImpala at my work, then good luck keeping one out of the ditch. I do wish the Marauder was around to maek it look like the FWD junk it is. Just another half-assed attempt by GM to capture past glory. :freak7:

The V8 isn't going into the 9C1, so I wouldn't worry about it too much. I'm sure GM will price it into oblivion as well. The only ones dumb enough enough to buy it will be the yuppeis and ricer wannabes anyway. If the torque steer is near as bad in this V8 model as it is in the '02 WImpala at my work, then good luck keeping one out of the ditch. I do wish the Marauder was around to maek it look like the FWD junk it is. Just another half-assed attempt by GM to capture past glory. :freak7:

The V8 isn't going into the 9C1, so I wouldn't worry about it too much. I'm sure GM will price it into oblivion as well. The only ones dumb enough enough to buy it will be the yuppeis and ricer wannabes anyway. If the torque steer is near as bad in this V8 model as it is in the '02 WImpala at my work, then good luck keeping one out of the ditch. I do wish the Marauder was around to maek it look like the FWD junk it is. Just another half-assed attempt by GM to capture past glory. :freak7:

Armada, we heard you the first time.

I know on my 02 Olds Intrigue,the torque steer is terrible.
From what I read in MT,the new Impala/Monte Carlo is FWD.

yea, GM had their head up their wahoo, when they dreamed up that one, at least give it AWD if not RWD!
....numbskulls...
and that Displacement on Demand?...phoey! I demand 5.0L OR 4.6l, NOW!
LOL

Look similar, no? Thanks for the pic MrLandYacht

and the new grand marquis looks ugly as usual.

This is news from months ago, shown at the Chicago Auto Show.