Tennessee Chevrolet Dealer Shares Details of Upcoming 2014 Impala Safety Features

Online, August 2, 2012 (Newswire.com) - With fuel economy at the forefront of many car buying decisions, full-sized sedans could easily be squeezed out between the higher mileage of compact cars and the larger capacity of crossovers and SUVs. However, sedans have a long reputation for safety, and the new 2014 Chevrolet Impala promises to be no exception.

In addition to ten standard airbags, a number matched by only one other model, the recently introduced 2013 Toyota Avalon, the 2014 Impala offers a host of other safety features designed to keep drivers from ever needed the airbags.

The Impala will utilize Chevy-first full-speed-range adaptive cruise control. Using radar technology, the car will sense vehicles ahead and adjust its own speed accordingly. The system can apply full acceleration to full braking to a complete stop.

Another first-time feature for Chevrolet is the Impala's collision mitigation braking system, which works in conjunction with the forward collision alert system. The forward collision alert system notifies the driver through visual and audio alters if the car senses an impending crash. The collision mitigation braking system intervenes if the driver fails to respond. The brakes are automatically applied in an attempt to avoid the crash.

The brake pre-fill feature also assists the two previous features by increasing the hydraulic pressure in the brake lines when it senses a crash might be imminent. In the event of sudden hard braking, the extra pressure decreases response time and stopping distance. This feature is expected to be included only on higher models with 20-inch wheels.

While not exclusive to Chevrolet, other safety features expected to be found on the 2014 Impala include camera- or radar-powered side blind zone alert, rear cross traffic alert, rear park assist, and lane departure warning systems. In addition, hill hold and hill start assist are also present.

Safety is important, but buyers also expect high performance from such an established name. The 2014 Impala will be powered by one of three direct-injected engines. The first option is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with eAssist, producing 182 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque and achieving an estimated 35 mpg highway. Also available are a 2.5-L four-cylinder, producing 195 hp/187 lb-ft and a 3.6-L V6 producing 303 hp/264 lb-ft. All will be front-wheel drive with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The 2014 Chevrolet Impala is not expected to arrive in dealerships until early next year. Until then, Don Ledford Automotive Center in Cleveland, Tennessee can answer any questions about the anticipated new model, as well as any other quality new and used Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac, and GMC vehicles they offer in inventory.