The Chevrolet Impala has proudly worn the image of the leaping
African antelope for which it was named as an emblem in some form since
its debut in 1958. With the all-new 2014 Impala, the emblem evolves to
complement the more modern, athletic design of the 10th-generation full-size sedan.
The Impala emblem is an enduring symbol of the nameplate. It is one
of only two vehicles – the Corvette and its crossed-flags emblem is the
other – in the Chevrolet lineup to have a unique symbol in addition to
the brand’s signature bowtie.
Theleaping African Impala, for which Chevrolet named its full-size sedan
in 1958, has been used as an emblem in some fashion on every Impala
since the car was introduced 54 years ago. The emblem for the 2014
model to go on sale in 2013 evolves to complement the more modern,
athletic design of the 10th-generation full-size sedan.
The design and placement of the emblem has gradually transformed with
each version while maintaining a connection to the previous one.
“For the new Impala, we wanted to evolve the emblem to complement the
new vehicle design without making any radical changes to its
character,” said Joann Kallio, lead creative designer for Chevrolet
global badging. “We kept the stylized interpretation of the animal, and
made the impala more muscular. We also added defined edges, to give the
impala a sleek form and make it look like it was running fast.”
The new Impala emblem has a bright chrome finish to match the bright
chrome of the car’s bowties, located in the grille and on the decklid.
Special attention was paid to how the highlights flow across the leaping
Impala badge surface, following the contour of the form of the impala,
enhancing the overall appearance and illusion of movement.
There are two versions of the new emblem, one for each side of the
vehicle so the animal always appears to be running forward. There also
are impala logos stamped in the aluminum sill plates.
Chevrolet will complete the total transformation of its North
American passenger car lineup when the all-new 2014 Impala goes on sales
in early 2013. Chevrolet’s redesigned flagship sedan was designed to
offer dramatic styling, a more refined interior, easy-to-use technology
and engaging driving dynamics.
Impala Emblem Milestones
- From 1958 and 1961, the leaping impala was located on the rear quarter panel and had no circle or oval surrounding it.
- From 1962 and 1967, it was located on the front or rear quarter panel with a circle surrounding it.
- From 1968 and 1985, there were no exterior emblems. Only variations
of the Impala script were used. The emblem was reserved for the
interior, usually on the dashboard and horn button although it was not
used for every model year. - The 1994-1996 Impala SS had the emblem with an oval located on sail panel.
- Since 2002, Impalas have featured the emblem with an oval located on the sail panel.
No Comments » 