Chevrolet and NASCAR to Bring New 2013 Model to Track, Freedom Chevrolet Showroom

Online, March 16, 2012 (Newswire.com) - The potentially sad news of the retirement of the Chevrolet Impala from the NASCAR circuit has been somewhat lightened by the announcement of an all-new, closely guarded secret replacement model to be unveiled later this year.

Following modifications to NASCAR regulations, the four major race car manufacturers decided on a move that would bolster brand identity. With relaxed rules about body style details and material placement, manufacturers are free to make their track models more closely resemble their street models.

Chevy has raced the Impala in NASCAR's Sprint Cup series since 2007, when it replaced the Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Since then, the Impala has ruled the series, taking the checkered flag 79 times. Jimmie Johnson and Tony Stewart have also collected five NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver's championships in the Impala. However, the Impala has experienced waning commercial success. Phasing out the 2010 SS V8 model gave the line the image of a larger, slower vehicle meant for an older audience. While the Impala will be redesigned in a way similar to the Cadillac XTS for street use, it will no longer be the sweetheart of the NASCAR track.

The phasing out of the Impala and changes in racing rules set the stage for a new Chevrolet product, available in both racing and general driving versions. Speculations about the mystery model are rampant. Chevrolet has said it will be adding a new name to the brand's lineup, which excludes the rumored prospect Malibu or the Cruze. Some suspect a revival of the Caprice, currently in use only as a law enforcement vehicle. Formerly sold to consumers as the Pontiac G8, the brand could be restyled and renamed to become the next NASCAR stock car.

Chevrolet has remained secretive about the identity, and says all testing on the new model will be done using camouflaged cars. "We know that Chevrolet fans are eager to see the new race car and we hope that the prospect of being able to own one just like it will make the wait a little more bearable," said Jim Campbell, vice president of performance vehicles and motorsports for Chevrolet. Freedom Chevrolet is eager for the new model to grace showrooms as well, but until the big reveal, many other new Chevrolet models are available for test drive at Freedom Chevrolet in Dallas, Texas.