General Motors might move the next-generation 2009 Chevrolet Impala upmarket in order to prevent overlap with the 2008 Malibu, according to insiders cited by Automotive News.
There’s speculation the front-wheel-drive Malibu could steal sales from the new Impala, which is widely believed to be based on GM’s new Zeta rear-wheel-drive architecture. The source told the trade publication it’s too early to know how GM will position the new Impala, but a market analysis following the launch of the Malibu should give the automaker a good idea of what steps to take.
The 2008 Malibu will be unveiled at the Detroit auto show in January. The most recent spy photos show a vehicle with a significantly bolder exterior design than the existing Malibu. The next Impala will seen an even more significant styling change, possibly introducing retro elements similar to the 2009 Camaro.
