Revamp of Canadian-made Chevy Impala more than just a facelift

OSHAWA, Ont.—With the newly-designed 2014 Chevrolet Impala set to hit dealerships this month, parent company General Motors says the sedan’s overhaul wasn’t all just show.

According to the automaker, the all-new incarnation of its flagship sedan is also getting a makeover under the hood, with a revamped 2.5-litre Ecotec four-cylinder engine available.

The new engine—one of three available in the new Impala—features Intake Valve Lift Control technology, which allows the intake and exhaust valves to open and close by varied amounts at different times to provide greater fuel efficiency or power.

The addition of the 2.5-litre engine to the Oshawa,Ont.-built Impala is a calculated risk for the automaker, as it expects the new powerplant to be the model of choice for Impala buyers.

According to GM, more than two-thirds of Chevrolet cars sold in North America in the first quarter of 2013 featured four-cylinder engines.

“Impala customers have a wide array of needs and we’ll soon have three engines for them to choose from,” Chevrolet Canada’s vice-president of sales, service and marketing Marc Comeau said in a statement.

“With a starting price of $28,445, just $145 more than the previous model, the 2.5L-equipped Impala offers both improved efficiency and exceptional value.”

The new engine engine delivers 196 horsepower and 186 lb.-ft. of torque, according to the automaker.

Fuel consumption for the 2.5-litre is rated at 9.9 litres/100km city, and 6.3 litres/100km highway.

Other powertrains offered in the Impala include the 3.6-litre V-6 and the Ecotec 2.4-litre four-cylinder with eAssist.