Filed under: Ethanol, Flex-Fuel, MPG, Chevrolet, LA Auto Show
Click to enlarge the Impala
The base 3.5L V-6 in the Chevrolet Impala has been capable of running on gasoline or E85 for a couple of years now. For the 2008 model year, GM is adding flex-fuel capability to the larger 3.9L V-6 as well. In California and the northeast states, the standard 3.5L is not flex-fuel but is rated as a partial zero emissions engine. The flex-fuel engine is optional in those states. The 3.9L is standard flex-fuel everywhere. In the top SS model, the 5.3L V-8 is now equipped with the Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation system. The ability to run on either four or eight cylinders can yield efficiency improvements of up to eight percent. Press release after the jump.
Gallery: 2008 Chevrolet Impala E85
[Source: Chevrolet]
2008 CHEVROLET IMPALA FAMILY FEATURES FUEL EFFICIENCY, TWO E85 FLEXFUEL ENGINES, ACTIVE FUEL MANAGEMENT
LOS ANGELES - The 2008 Chevrolet Impala lives up to the brand's Fuel Solutions commitment with new features that enhance its fuel efficiency, including the addition of E85 FlexFuel capability to the 3.9L V-6 engine - an engine also equipped with fuel-saving Active Fuel Management technology.
This is the second engine in the Impala lineup to offer E85 capability; the 3.5L V-6 also is offered in a FlexFuel configuration. In fact, fuel-saving and FlexFuel powertrains are found in all Impala models:
- The 3.5L V-6 in LS and LT models features standard E85 FlexFuel capability in some markets and is available with it in some others
- The 3.9L V-6 that is standard on LTZ (and available on LT) is equipped with standard E85 FlexFuel capability and Active Fuel Management
- The 5.3L V-8 of the Impala SS is equipped with standard Active Fuel Management
"Alternative fuels and fuel economy are important considerations for many customers, and the Impala is a great example of Chevy's commitment to real fuel solutions," said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. "The Impala lineup offers a great range of models that answer the needs of those who are looking for efficient, flexible engines - and with the 3.9L engine, they can now choose a FlexFuel vehicle that also provides the gas-saving benefits of Active Fuel Management."
Biofuels such as E85 ethanol have tremendous potential to help offset the world's growing energy demands. E85 ethanol vehicles can run on either gasoline or E85 - a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline - or a combination of both. Chevy is a leading producer of E85-capable vehicles, with more than 1.5 million on the road.
Active Fuel Management is a fuel-saving technology that shuts off half the engine's cylinders when full engine power is not needed, such as when stopped at a light or cruising on the highway. It can improve fuel economy by up to 12 percent in certain driving situations.
The Impala features remarkable fuel efficiency for a V-6-equipped full-size sedan: 2008 Impalas with the 3.5L engine achieve EPA fuel economy of 18 mpg city and 29 mpg highway using gasoline, while the 3.9L-equiped Impala is rated at 18 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.
New and revised features for '08
The Impala is as well-equipped as it is fuel-efficient. Standard and available safety features include ABS, traction control and side-curtain roof rail air bags. StabiliTrak electronic stability control is new for '08 and is standard on 2LT, LTZ and SS models.
Additional new features and revisions for '08 Impala include:
- XM Satellite Radio is standard on all models
- 18-inch chrome aluminum wheels on Impala SS
- 18-inch machined aluminum flangeless wheels on LTZ
- 17-inch alloy wheels on 2LT models
- Performance-oriented FE3 suspension is standard on LTZ
- Three exterior colors: Gold Mist Metallic, Mocha Bronze Metallic and Slate Metallic
- New 1LT Luxury Edition package
Powertrain details
Impala's V-6 engines are sophisticated and powerful. A 3.5L V-6 is standard in the Impala LS and LT, delivering 211 horsepower (157 kW)* and 214 lb.-ft. (290 Nm)* of torque - more standard power as a base engine than some key competitors' top (or only) offering.
Vehicles with federal emissions systems in the United States are equipped with the 3.5L engine, which is compatible with E85 ethanol fuel, allowing the vehicle to run on any combination of gasoline and/or E85. Vehicles sold in California or the Northeast are equipped with Partial Zero-Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) versions of the 3.5L engine. This engine is not E85-compatible. Customers in these areas have the option of ordering E85-compatible engines.
Standard in LTZ and available in LT models is the 3.9L V-6 that features E85 FlexFuel capability and Active Fuel Management. The 3.9L uses variable valve timing and a variable-length intake manifold to help produce 233 horsepower (174 kW)* and 240 lb.-ft. (325 Nm) of torque.* This engine offers more power and usable torque within its operating range, with 90 percent of peak torque available from 1800 to 5800 rpm.
The 5.3L all-aluminum small-block V-8 powers the performance-oriented Impala SS. It features Active Fuel Management, which can provide up to 8 percent better fuel economy. Developed exclusively for front-drive applications, the SS's 5.3L engine produces 303 horsepower (226 kW)* and 323 lb.-ft. (438 Nm)* of torque.
*SAE certified.
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