Impala SS Is One of Your Forgotten American V8 Sleeper Sedan Options
The Chevrolet Impala SS is among the best sleeper sedans that America has ever produced. While the Impala SS and other comparable V8-powered sleepers might not hold up against a Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat, these cars are used V8 sleeper sedan bargains. Check out the Impala SS, Mercury Marauder, and other low-profile lunatics other than the Dodge Charger.
- Chevrolet Impala SS
- Mercury Marauder
- Chevy SS
- Dodge Magnum
Is an Impala SS a V8?
The Chevrolet Impala SS is a V8-toting sleeper sedan in any of its modern interpretations. The 1994, 1995, and 1996 models pack a 5.7L LT1 V8 with 260 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque. As a result, the Caprice successor is a top-notch sleeper sedan.
However, the mid-1990s Chevrolet Impala isn’t the only V8-powered Impala SS from the last few decades. Chevrolet also made a 2006-2009 version with a 303-horsepower 5.3L V8 and front-wheel drive (FWD). That car epitomized sleeper. In fact, a V8-powered Chevrolet Impala from the model’s ninth generation was a getaway car in the 2011 Ryan Gosling film Drive. Better yet, potential owners should be able to find one for around $12,000 with average mileage.
Does the Impala SS come supercharged?
Unfortunately for fans who wanted a supercharged V8 Chevrolet Impala SS, the mid-1990s and late-2000s versions were naturally aspirated. However, Autotrader says the 2004 and 2005 Chevy Impala SS packed a supercharged V6.
Of course, either of the V8-packing modern interpretations would respond well to forced induction. It boils down to whether you want a newer FWD application or an older Caprice-esque RWD version.
What is so special about a Mercury Marauder?
The Mercury Marauder exploded out of retirement in 2003 for two model years after a 33-year hiatus. However, even with the Marauder’s sober sleeper appearance, the Mercury model made 302 horsepower from a 4.6L V8.
Moreover, the Marauder, like the Impala SS, would wake up well with the application of boost. According to Car and Driver, a Mercury Marauder would produce around 345 to 355 horsepower with four or five pounds of boost. Also, fans should be able to find one for about $10,000, but that price will rise as mileage decreases and condition improves.
Is a Chevy SS a V8?
The Chevy SS is the latest V8-powered sleeper from the bow tie, and it produced a tire-shredding 415 horsepower courtesy of a 6.2L V8. The SS is a subtle spiritual success for the Chevrolet Impala SS and its thunderous V8.
Unfortunately, the SS didn’t last long; it ran from 2014 to 2017. However, determined sleeper shoppers can still snag one on the used car market. For instance, KBB says the 2014 Chevy SS has a fair value of around $25,942 with average mileage.
Is a Magnum engine a Hemi?
The short-lived Dodge Magnum SRT8 packs a 6.1L Hemi V8 engine that produces 425 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. Unfortunately, the Magnum SRT8 only ran for about three model years until Dodge discontinued it in 2008.
The Dodge Magnum had two V8 trims: the R/T with a 5.7L V8 and a blacktop-scorching SRT8. Moreover, even though the Magnum isn’t a sedan like the Charger, the Mopar wagon is definitely a sleeper.
