Advisory note: don’t let the title above distract you - the drag race we are here to show you does not involve a sleeper incarnation of the Impala SS, one that could show the Mopar machine who's boss (no Ford pun intended).
Instead, we are dealing with a standard 1995 Impala SS, which goes up against a Dodge Charger Hellcat using the eight-speed automatic gearbox. This might sound like a boxing match between Clint Eastwood and The Rock, but we have to keep in mind it’s more of a demo fight than an actual match.
While the 707-pony Charger needs no introduction, the younger part of our audience might have one or two questions about the SS-badged Impala.
The 1990s were the root of all evil that led to the fall of the old GM, fuelling the bailout fire. Nevertheless, there are always exceptions and the Impala SS was one of them. Having only been produced between 1994 and 1996, this was the last proper machine of its kind, with the Impalas that followed resorting to the front axle for traction.
The Corvette V8 under the hood offers more bragging rights than sheer muscle, since it develops 260 hp and 330 lb-ft (450 Nm) of torque. Still, the laid-back attitude of the contraption is part of what makes this Chevy so special. And yes, the Impala SS has plenty of modding potential.
Both numbers fall perfectly in line with what we should expect for these two slabs of America and we have to warn you - noticing the US car industry’s one-decade evolution is nothing short of a delight.
While the 707-pony Charger needs no introduction, the younger part of our audience might have one or two questions about the SS-badged Impala.
The 1990s were the root of all evil that led to the fall of the old GM, fuelling the bailout fire. Nevertheless, there are always exceptions and the Impala SS was one of them. Having only been produced between 1994 and 1996, this was the last proper machine of its kind, with the Impalas that followed resorting to the front axle for traction.
The Corvette V8 under the hood offers more bragging rights than sheer muscle, since it develops 260 hp and 330 lb-ft (450 Nm) of torque. Still, the laid-back attitude of the contraption is part of what makes this Chevy so special. And yes, the Impala SS has plenty of modding potential.
Let’s talk quarter mile numbers, shall we?
The Charger Hellcat, which came in automatic trim, managed to complete the quarter mile task in 11.07 seconds at 127 mph (205 km/h). As for the Impala, this required 15.13 seconds for the task, with a speed of 90 mph (145 km/h).Both numbers fall perfectly in line with what we should expect for these two slabs of America and we have to warn you - noticing the US car industry’s one-decade evolution is nothing short of a delight.