No doubt the GM Performance Division, the team responsible for developing the new Impala SS (as well as the
supercharged Monte Carlo SS) is filled with muscle car dreaming baby boomers.
 |
| With 280 lb-ft of torque, the Impala SS' supercharged 3.8-litre V6 delivers drag-strip ready off-the-line acceleration. (Photo: General Motors of Canada) |
True to its heritage, the Impala SS has a muscular engine under the hood, though at 240 horses the supercharged 3.8-litre V6 is much more refined than the legendary '409' ever was. It is in the torque department, however, that the 3.8-litre begins to bark. With a 280 lb-ft rating, the torque going through the Hydra-Matic four-speed automatic transmission produces drag-strip ready off-the-line acceleration. The whine of the supercharger doesn't hurt either, with a nice retro touch being the boost gauge in the six-dial cluster.
 |
| Electronic traction control, power-assisted braking with ABS, and beefy suspension components give the 2004 SS a much more civilized ride than the original '60s muscle car. (Photo: General Motors of Canada) |
The car's ride and handling is solid, though I did find the front end a little too stiff over some bumps. Unlike the seat-of-your-pants driving characteristics of '60s muscle cars, this 21st century version has all the high-tech wizardry designed to make driving a much more civilized experience. Electronic traction control, power-assisted braking with ABS, and beefy suspension components add to SS handling package, as do the 17-inch Goodyear W-rated tires mounted on diamond-cut cast aluminum rims.
Inside, the SS theme is carried over with door-panel and floor mat badging, a racing-inspired gauge cluster and big bucket seats. And the great thing about this sportster, unlike say a Porsche Boxster, is there is plenty of room for your golfing buddies and their clubs. The back seat bench offers more than enough legroom, and three adults can fit comfortably side-by-side.
