Souped-Up Caprice Inspired Reintroduction Of Impala Ss

DETROIT - General Motors' Chevrolet division this week produced the first Impala SS in 25 years, a sporty, all-black version of its Caprice sedan, which will start at $22,495.

The GM division plans to build about 5,000 Impala SS sedans, which have a 260-horsepower version of the Chevrolet Corvette 5.7-liter, V-8 engine. Black is the only available color.

"We think we have a real winner on our hands," said Jim Perkins, Chevrolet general manager, as the first Impala SS rolled off the line at GM's Arlington, Texas, plant. "We've already taken 5,000 orders for this car and we believe we can sell a lot more."

The 1994 Impala SS has as standard a four-speed automatic transmission, high-speed tires, anti-lock brakes, dual-front air bags, alarm system, leather seats and AM-FM stereo. The only extra-cost options are a compact disc player, rear window defogger and an engine block heater.

A well-equipped Caprice LS sedan with a 200 horsepower 4.3 liter V-8 engine costs $22,168.

The idea behind the Impala SS literally came from the street, the GM division said in introducing the car. Chevrolet's chief designer, John Cafaro, had noticed a certain souped-up Chevrolet Caprice driving through his neighborhood. The sedan was lower to the ground and its trim was painted black.

Cafaro brought the car into the studio and used it as a model for the division's own design.

The Impala SS was first shown as a concept vehicle in late 1992 at a convention for companies that supply add-on parts after a car or truck is purchased.

"All we were trying to do was tweak the interest of the automotive after-market," said Dave Hansen, director of engineering and product development for Chevrolet. "But what we had on our hands, show after show, was an overwhelming reaction by customers to put this car into production."

Ford recalls '93-94 trucks, '92-93 Crown Victoria cars

DETROIT - Ford is recalling about 400,000 1993- and 1994-model F-Series trucks and Bronco sport-utility vehicles because the front bumpers could fall off.

The No. 2 U.S. automaker also is recalling about 16,400 1992 and 1993 Crown Victoria sedans used as taxis or police cars because a wiring problem could cause a fire under the front seat.

Ford said it is making the first recall because nuts holding the front bumpers could fracture under normal operating conditions. Ford said if one or more of the nuts break, the front bumper may become loose, rattle or separate from the frame.

Ford dealers will replace the nuts and bolts. The automaker said it knows of no allegations of accidents or injuries related to the condition.

The second recall involves Crown Victoria police, fleet and taxi sedans equipped with manual front seats and rubber floor mats. These vehicles may have unused power seat wiring connectors under the front seats that could corrode, causing an electrical short and fire.

Ford is aware of no accidents or injuries in connection with this problem, and said it knows of two reports of fires in those vehicles related to the connectors.

Owners are being contacted by first-class mail and are being asked to bring their cars to a dealership to have the under-seat wiring modified.

Ford will make all repairs without charge.