If you think there’s nothing much you can do with a bog-standard vehicle, then you should take a look at this 2002 Chevy Impala and how decently it performs in the corners.

Historically, Chevrolet’s full-size model initially started life as a two-door hardtop/convertible, but it eventually morphed into a dreary four-door, front-wheel-drive sedan.

Compared to the old-gen Impalas, which were (at one point) the American car maker’s most expensive passenger models, and the best-selling passenger vehicles, the 8th generation was based on the Chevrolet Lumina’s W-body platform and, subsequently, came with a transverse-mounted engine and front wheel drive.

Initially, it was available with a choice of two engines, including a 3.4-litre and a 3.8-litre V6; but a 3.8-litre supercharged L67 V6, developing 240 hp, was later introduced in the line-up for the SS variant – a far cry from the old SS, capable of boasting up to 390 hp.

But that doesn’t mean the 8th-gen can’t be a driver’s choice, as long as the owner spends some time tuning the machine and understand its limits. Just like Jeff did.

The Impala LS 3.8-litre was a gift from his grandma, and soon after he got his hands on it, he started modifying it to suit his “racing” needs. Now the car develops approximately the same amount of grunt as the SS variant did back in the day, but it also corners well and stops on a dime thanks to the lowered suspension, Bridgestone Potenza tires, and improved brakes.

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