Police Fleets Gain 3 MPG with 2012 Chevrolet Impala

New powertrain improves fuel economy and adds horsepower

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Jun 07, 2011, 11:18 ET

DETROIT, June 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

3.6L V-6 engine produces 302 hp – 70 more than in 2011
Impala Police gets GM-estimated 27 mpg highway

Law enforcement officers are just as affected by higher gas prices as the citizens they are sworn to protect and serve. The 2012 Chevrolet Impala Police helps address this by adding more MPG and a more powerful engine.

A new 3.6L V-6 engine and a six-speed automatic transmission achieves 302 hp and an estimated fuel economy of 17 mpg city and 27 mpg highway – a 3 mpg advantage over previous Impala models and 28 percent better than the Ford Crown Victoria. The 2012 Impala can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds, based on GM engineering tests.

"Because our police customers need to conserve their budgets, we designed the 2012 Chevrolet Impala Police to help reduce fuel costs while standing up to the toughest environments and most demanding situations," said Dana Hammer, police vehicle manager for GM Fleet and Commercial Operations.

The 2012 model will be the first Chevrolet Impala Police to feature StabiliTrak, GM's proven electronic stability control technology. Significant brake upgrades shortened the vehicle's 60-0 mph stopping distance to 132 feet in GM tests. Impala's steering and suspension systems are also new for 2012, reducing body roll and improving handling.

In response to strong demand from police customers, Goodyear Eagle RS-A all-season tires, which have a W speed rating, enable speed of up to 140 mph if required. They are standard on the 2012 Impala Police.

Retail customers who purchase the 2012 Impala, which goes on sale this month, also will get the additional horsepower and fuel economy.

"The enhancements to the 2012 Impala's powertrain, steering and suspension produce a new vehicle that has improved performance, handling and safety features for police and general consumers," said Darren Post, vehicle line director for Impala. "And they'll see a savings at the fuel pump."

For more information on Chevrolet police vehicles, visit www.gmfleet.com/police. For timely responses to fleet-related questions, join the GM Fleet and Commercial Customer Service LinkedIn group. Additional information for consumers can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

About Chevrolet -- Founded in Detroit in 1911, Chevrolet celebrates its centennial as a global automotive brand with annual sales of about 4.25 million vehicles in more than 120 countries. Chevrolet provides consumers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. The Chevrolet portfolio includes iconic performance cars such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long-lasting pickups and SUVs such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers such as Spark, Cruze, Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers "gas-friendly to gas-free" solutions including Cruze Eco and Volt. Cruze Eco offers 42 mpg highway while Volt offers 35 miles of electric, gasoline-free driving and an additional 344 miles of extended range. Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. More information regarding Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

SOURCE General Motors