Chevrolet is “developing a new car with a new name for its 2013 NASCAR entry, replacing the Impala used by Team Chevy, and plans to eventually market and sell the new model to consumers,” according to Chrissie Thompson of the DETROIT FREE PRESS. Chevy spokesperson Monte Doran said that the dealership and racing versions of the car “will be unveiled this year, after the New York auto show in April.” The new car “will use a nameplate not currently in Chevy's lineup.” Chevrolet VP/Performance Vehicles & Motorsports Jim Campbell said, "We are keeping the wraps on the new car for now and will continue to prepare for next season by testing camouflaged vehicles." Thompson notes the new car “may resemble the Chevy Caprice currently imported from Australia for U.S. police forces.” In addition, a “closely related, shorter vehicle called the Commodore, which doubled as the now-discontinued Pontiac G8, could also inspire the new car” (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 3/14). SCENE DAILY’s Bob Pockrass noted Chevy teams “have campaigned Impalas since 2007.” Campbell: “The Impala has been a critical part of Chevrolet’s success in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and we are confident the new race car will allow us to remain the most successful name in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series history” (SCENEDAILY.com, 3/13).
