For 2003, Chevrolet is offering Impala customers a choice of two powertrain options, both V-6s. The standard option is a 3.4-liter 183-horsepower engine, and for the LS versions, a 3.8-liter engine is provided, which produces a good 203 hp. Neither one nor the other is notable for anything or technical sophistication, but they fit perfectly with the car. The test car has a 3.8-liter engine, and I confess that I did not have to suffer from a lack of power. Power builds up very smoothly and the torque curve flows just as it should.
Thrust is transmitted through a confident 4-speed automatic with very smooth shifting. To my surprise, the lever does not have a range indicator. Instead, information is displayed on a digital display at the bottom of the speedometer scale. And why not both?
Acceleration is powerful - especially with the 3.8-liter engine. Chevrolet claims the Impala can sprint from standstill to 96.5 km/h (60 miles) in under 8 seconds;