1994-1996 Impala SS (Seventh Generation) Design History
In January 1990, the GM B platform’s body was redesigned for the 1991 model year though it retained the same shortened frame design of the 1977 model year redesign.
The Impala SS badge was resurrected at the 1992 Detroit Auto Show as a concept car designed by GM designer Jon Moss. The concept car was two inches lower to the ground than the regular Caprice of the B-body family.
The 1994 Impala SS went into production on February 14, 1994 at GM’s plant in Arlington, Texas, and was almost identical cosmetically to the concept car with the only noticeable change being the chromed bowtie logo on the grill (vs. a red logo on the concept). The car was, in essence, a high-performance version of the Caprice.
The Impala SS received body-colored trim, a unique single-bar grille with no hood ornament, and a rear deck spoiler. It was fitted with 17-inch (430 mm) brushed aluminum wheels with 255/50ZR17 all-season tires. Inside, the car came with a central console with cup holders (1994 and 1995 models) and a storage compartment, leather seats embroidered with the Impala SS logo, and a standard leather-wrapped steering wheel.
In 1995, Dark Cherry Metallic and Dark Grey Green were added as exterior color options, and the body paneling on the rear quarter panel was altered to reflect the cosmetic effect formerly achieved by a window insert. The black units continued to receive semi-gloss door moldings and wheel-well trim whereas the other color offerings received those items in full gloss. Another change from 1994 was the placement of the side mirrors from pods attached to the door to a larger format attached to the ‘A’ pillar.
1996 was the last year of production with 41,941 units sold. The 1996 Impala SS was also exported to the Middle East, as the Caprice SS, with the car being identical to its American counterpart except for the side fonts on the rear quarter panel and the badge on the dashboard saying Caprice SS. The 1996 Impala SS production went late into the model year; the last one being produced on December 13, 1996.
Redesigning the 1996 Chevrolet Impala SS
TheSketchMonkey applies his design skills to the 1996 Chevy Impala SS…
