[DRKS1D3]

Originally Posted by lbls1

I agree with you on the last Malibu SS, SS Maxx, etc. as this should not have happened. I will defend the Impala, however.

The Impala, although a fwd car, had a very potent engine in '06 with the LS4, and even in stock form it would demand respect from a lot of cars. Unfortunately because of its compact powertrain cradle (transmission, driveline), you'd be hard pressed to draw out the engine's true power potential. You were essentially locked into the stock 304 hp. That Impala was capable of dusting the last credible Impala SS, and at least hanging onto the bumper of a stock TrailBlazer SS, also a very credible SS vehicle.

I am hoping that Chevy will develop the midsized sedan platform (ATS) and re-emerge with a new v8 sedan. Other than the Camaro, as it stands the only good platform Chevy has to implement a potent v8 would be the pick-up chassis.

I forgot about the FWD Impala SS with the 5.3L V8. Yea, it was a stout runner! I suppose I simply feel more inclined to crown a larger sedan as a performance variant if it is RWD. Maybe it's just me.

The TB SS was a freak and they're still very desirable today if you can find one with low mileage. The LS2 and AWD could put a hurtin' on a lot of other vehicles.