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New York 2012: 2014 Chevrolet Impala: Comments


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William Maley

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

April 4, 2012

The current Chevrolet Impala holds the title of Rental and Fleet Queen in the automotive world. Chevrolet would like to change that and has readied the new 2014 Impala to remove those titles.

Compared to the old Impala, the new one is dramatically different. The front end carries the brand's new corporate face, as first seen as the 2013 Traverse. The side loses the jellybean and gets a muscular look. The rear end has overtones of Infiniti M.

We have to give applause to GM with the Impala's interior. The interior will sport a dual-cockpit design, a 4.2-inch information screen between the gauges, Chevrolet's MyLink infotainment system, and an eight-inch screen atop the center stack.

Three engines will be available: a 2.4L four-cylinder with eAssist producing 182 HP/172 lb-ft of torque, a 2.5L four-cylinder producing 195 HP/187 lb-ft, and a 3.6L V6 producing 303 HP/264 lb-ft. All will mate to a six-speed automatic and drive the front wheels only.

The Impala is also fitted with a pile of safety equipment; Full-Speed-Range Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Mitigation Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

Press Release is on Page 2


All-New Impala – Chevrolet Reinvents an Iconic Sedan

Designed to deliver bold style, interior refinement and enhanced efficiency

NEW YORK – Chevrolet completes the transformation of its North American passenger car lineup with the introduction of the all-new 2014 Impala. The redesigned flagship sedan builds on the strong heritage of the Impala nameplate by offering expressive style, a more-refined interior, easy-to-use technology, and what is expected to be an exhilarating driving experience.

“The 2014 Impala re-establishes this iconic Chevrolet nameplate as a design leader, with bold styling that will turn heads for years to come,” said Mark Reuss, president, GM North America. “The team has also delivered the comfort, safety, fuel efficiency and technology that will strengthen Impala’s leadership in the highly competitive full-size sedan market.”

The all-new Impala goes on sale in early 2013 as the 10th generation of one of the industry’s most enduring – and popular – nameplates. Impala was America’s best-selling full-size sedan in 2011, with sales of more than 171,000, which also made it one of the 10 best-selling cars overall in the United States, along with Chevrolet Malibu and Cruze.

“This all-new Impala delivers on our promise that every new car that wears the Chevrolet bowtie will embody the pioneering spirit that has defined the brand for more than a century.” said Chris Perry, vice president, global Chevrolet marketing. “With the striking new design and the right mix of comfort, technology and efficiency, we have recaptured the magic that attracted millions of consumers to the Impala nameplate for decades.”

Designed on an award-winning global platform, the 2014 Impala introduces new levels of comfort, refinement and technology. Highlights include:

  • All-new exterior design that represents the next evolution of Chevrolet’s design vocabulary. It features a sleek proportion, sculpted body sides, standard 18-inch wheels and projector-beam headlamps, with HID headlamps and LED daytime running lamps standard on LTZ models
  • A range of three direct-injected engines, including a 3.6L V-6, new 2.5L four-cylinder and a 2.4L four-cylinder with eAssist, that deliver enhanced performance and efficiency
  • All-new interior with flowing design and integrated center stack that incorporates an available eight-inch touch screen display with available Chevrolet MyLink
  • Chevrolet MyLink, which includes Bluetooth audio streaming and available navigation among many other features, is controlled via a touch screen on the eight-inch display
  • Quieter environment with a greater emphasis on comfort – including active noise cancellation with four-cylinder powertrains
  • 360 degrees of active safety features with 10 standard air bags and OnStar, along with available features including full-speed-range adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation braking, forward collision alert, lane departure warning, side blind zone alert, rear cross traffic alert, rear camera and rear-park assist.

Design details

The 2014 Impala brings a new aesthetic to Impala that honors the cues that have helped distinguish the classic nameplate for decades.

“Our design team was challenged to create a new classic, but that didn’t mean relying on nostalgia,” said John Cafaro, director of North America passenger car exterior design. “This is very much a contemporary car, with design elements, craftsmanship and attention to detail that complement its advanced technology and performance.”

The Impala’s long, low proportion has a wind-swept profile that suggests motion, while the range of 18-, 19- and 20-inch wheels is tailored to the body to provide that “just right” stance. At the front, low-profile projector-beam headlamps – or HID headlamps and LED daytime running lamps on LTZ – sweep around the corners and frame a wide grille, while a power dome hood conveys performance. The LTZ’s LED daytime running lamps provide a contemporary visual statement, along with function.

Sculpted coves in the body sides add to the Impala’s design drama, with a signature cue in the rear fenders that acknowledges classic Impala designs. The long greenhouse area enhances the sleek look of the car while maintaining excellent visibility.

The 2014 Impala builds on Chevrolet’s signature dual-cockpit interior with greater attention to detail and upscale features – seen in everything from the wraparound flow of the instrument panel into the door panels and the available ambient lighting, to the soft feel of the materials and the premium appearance of the seats’ stitching.

The instrument panel integrates a new instrument cluster with a standard 4.2-inch color display with reconfigurable features for the driver information center. The eight-inch touch screen with concealed storage behind it is matched with the available Chevrolet MyLink system.

Comfort and refinement

The 2014 Impala’s comfort and refinement are rooted in a stronger body structure, designed to foster a quieter passenger environment and a greater overall feeling of quality. The stiffer architecture also enabled engineers to tune the ride and handling more precisely, for a greater feeling of control and comfort. A comprehensive package of sound-absorbing, sound-suppressing and even active noise cancellation (on four-cylinder models) contributes to the 2014 Impala being Chevrolet’s quietest full-size sedan ever.

Premium materials throughout the interior and details such as high-quality fabric, Ultrasuede and perforated leather appointments, complement the quiet environment and give the Impala a substantive look and feel. The seats are bolstered for greater support, and the seat cushions are designed to deliver a firm, premium feel that is just as comfortable on a 500-mile drive as on a five-minute excursion. The rear-seat head restraints fold to improve rear visibility when driving without rear passengers.

Safety technology

The 2014 Impala offers a comprehensive suite of standard and available safety features. It employs advanced technologies – including radar – to help avoid crashes. Visual and audible alerts help drivers identify potential crash situations and even intervene when a crash threat appears more imminent.

The available safety features and benefits include firsts for Chevrolet and Impala:

  • Full-speed-range adaptive cruise control – Using radar technology, this feature senses traffic in front of the Impala to adjust the vehicle speed, including stopping the vehicle in heavy traffic and accelerating again. It is the first application in a Chevrolet.
  • Collision mitigation braking – Another Chevy first: Radar technology detects a possible crash threat and alerts the driver. If the driver does not appear to react quickly enough or doesn’t react at all, this feature intervenes and applies the brakes in an effort to avoid the crash.
  • Forward collision alert – Camera technology detects a possible crash threat and alerts the driver, giving him or her time to stop and/or change course.
  • Lane departure warning – A camera-based lane detection system that warns the driver of impending lane changes. The camera, mounted near the inside rearview mirror, identifies traffic lane markings and provides audible alerts.
  • Side blind zone alert – Using radar sensors on both sides of the vehicle, the system “looks” for other vehicles in the blind zone areas of the Impala and indicates their presence with LED-lit symbols in the outside mirrors.
  • Rear cross traffic alert – Based on the radar sensors of side blind zone alert, it warns the driver of vehicles in traffic when backing out of a parking spot – including angled parking. Visual and audible alerts are triggered if moving vehicles are detected.

These advanced crash-avoidance technologies complement the Impala’s other safety features – including 10 standard air bags and OnStar.

Performance and driving experience

Impala’s three powertrains all feature fuel-saving direct injection and lightweight components.

  • Impala’s Ecotec 2.4L engine works with the eAssist system to provide electrical assist in certain conditions to help save fuel. It is estimated at 182 horsepower (134 kW) and is expected to achieve 35 mpg on the highway.

  • The Ecotec 2.5L is part of a new family of four-cylinder engines developed with increased efficiency and greater refinement. It is estimated at195 horsepower (145 kW).
  • Output for the 3.6L V-6 is estimated at 303 horsepower (226 kW).

All of Impala’s engines are matched with six-speed automatic transmissions.

The powertrains are the force behind Impala’s responsive driving experience, which is tuned for a spirited, yet comfortable performance. A MacPherson-strut front suspension and four-link rear suspension underpin the Impala, with an isolated front cradle and hydraulic ride bushing that help deliver a smoother, quieter ride. All models feature an electric variable-assist steering system that helps save fuel by drawing energy only when the steering wheel is turned.

The 2014 Impala will be offered in LS, LT and LTZ models, with assembly at GM’s Detroit-Hamtramck, Mich., and Oshawa, Ontario facilities. Pricing will be announced later.


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YES. Can totally see myself owning this car, except no baby puke colored seats please. I hope they have a Cocoa/Cashmere or Ebony/Gray as well as I really don't like the colour they are showcasing. I expected four cylinder options but honestly expected the 2.0T instead of the 2.5L. Weight seems to be comparable to the W-Body Impala based on what they said on GM's website, but with 20 less horsepower and 40-50 fewer lb-ft of torque I don't think I'd willingly shell out money for that. I guess if I buy one of these I'll have to spring the extra dough for the LT-V6 model.

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love it, even the steering wheel. i was moaning my misgivings about the Impala the other day, and this immediately trumps it. room and space, 4 cyl available. Bold, American look, large size.

Cruze / Malibu / Impala all distinct in size and design.

I see the Impala actually possibly outselling the Malibu if the prices are close. Malibu's close rear quarters are a deal breaker I think for me and this Impala blows it away.

I still love Buick, but with the new Malibu and Impala it seems Regal and Lacrosse a bit of a hard sell to me.....

This design is totally unexpected. I expected an egg. We have something here that has lots of presence for what it is. Good job GM.

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I'm on the fence about. I keep getting and Accord/CrossTour/5 Series GT vibe from it, especially the front 3/4 angle, both in the headlights, upright front end, sloping roof, and chunky, tall rear end.

It's not a direct copy or anything (unlike the steering wheel), I just get the vibe of those vehicles.

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I'm speechless at its hideousness.

As with DF, I get a Crosstour/5 Series GT vibe from it, but with half a Buick sweepspear and a G6 bumper fascia. I think the designers that sabotaged Pontiac have moved on to destroy Chevrolet. Two tone dash is ugly, as is the clumsy looking steering wheel.

After being teased with so much stuff about the new Impala... from RWD to retro cues... to being a stylish FWD car... this is a disappointment. Rentals will love 'em.

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Looks fantastic! The new Traverse did turn out to be a huge clue as to the new Chevy front end, which I really like. I was hoping for a return to 6-element tailights, but this 4-light setup looks good on it... kind of a cat-eye thing like the '59. It looks big, stylish and sporty, like Impalas of the 60's. The powertrains are a nod toward business fleet customers, it seems, with the bulk of fleets going for the 2.5L I guess. I would only have the 3.6 in this car, but older folks who just want a big comfortable car might settle for the 2.5 as well, which is a safe, reliable alternative to the third available choice.

I'm here now due to insomnia, but I'm sure we'll be discussing this knock-out for a good while. Good job, Chevrolet!

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Looks fantastic! The new Traverse did turn out to be a huge clue as to the new Chevy front end, which I really like. I was hoping for a return to 6-element tailights, but this 4-light setup looks good on it... kind of a cat-eye thing like the '59. It looks big, stylish and sporty, like Impalas of the 60's. The powertrains are a nod toward business fleet customers, it seems, with the bulk of fleets going for the 2.5L I guess. I would only have the 3.6 in this car, but older folks who just want a big comfortable car might settle for the 2.5 as well, which is a safe, reliable alternative to the third available choice.

I'm here now due to insomnia, but I'm sure we'll be discussing this knock-out for a good while. Good job, Chevrolet!

If you look closely at the rear of the car, I would call it a stylized six-element design. There are in fact six elements, the backup light being sandwiched between the two brake light elements, just not lined up with each other.

Anybody notice the umbrella holder that is built into the door panel being demonstrated in that one picture?

Edited by vonVeezelsnider
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VERY different from what I was expecting, but I like the car (minus the vomit-like interior colour)! Offering 4-cylinder non-turbo engines in a car this big and aimed mainly at the US market is quite a gamble; hopefully GM will be quick to react to the public reaction in case the demand for V6 models is big.

What this car makes me think about is two things: 1. When can we move the XTS to a RWD/AWD layout (should be yesterday IMHO), and 2. (most important in the grand scheme of things), what is the place of the LaCrosse in the GM lineup and therefore how will GM position the NG LaCrosse?

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vonVee, you are correct sir about these being 6-element tailights, with the center lens being clear, a la 1967 Impala, which is where the rear quarter shoulder line comes from as well. Cannot wait to see the live photos from the show, and more candid outdoor shots.

With regard to styling theme, Ford did the same thing with the current Taurus: they blended Mustang with Galaxie cues, only I think Chevrolet took the theme and ran to a complete and successful conclusion with this Impala.

This has instantly become the best looking, most fully realized design on the Epsilon platform, imo. The Cadillac XTS is not nearly as expressive as this car (and it's not even out yet, uh oh), and the LaCrosse, while nice, is suddenly long in the tooth. If GM design continues to explode like this, there's no stopping them.

The brand new Malibu is a bit clumsy after seeing this Impala, and the Regal might as well be invisible. Buick design really needs to break away from Opel or risk falling behind quickly. Opel is fine for Opel, but Buick was founded as an American company... Buick needs more drama, NOW.

Edited by ocnblu
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I must say I am stunned.

I expected a ok car but they have made a very impressive looking car and sent the Taurus to the land of misfit boxy cars.

Now if GM can keep with the trend of pricing cars under Ford they will do well here.

I of late have not liked many new GM cars till I see them in person. Cars like the Verano, XTS and Cruze looked eh in photos but improved much in person. This car has crossed over and look dimentional in photos something not easy to do.

To me I see a lot of old Chevy themes here but i also I see a little Chevy SS concept and I also see a little nod to the stying on the Bently Coupe. Seeing how the wheel was lifted from Benz I wonder how much they looked to other cars from Europe.

bentlyimpala00713335131.jpg

bentlygt.jpg

The interior looks much cleaner than the Malibu and the tu tone interior make it look much more expensive.

I am not suprised by the engines. We all knew this car would have a base 4 cylinder.

Job well done GM I really look forward to seeing the first one in public.

Sorry but I do not see this one in rental fleets with the way GM has been protecting the resale value of their new products.

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I like many here am stunned by how nice a car this is. Both interior and exterior are amazing and Likable compared to the bastard child the Impala has been over the years.

My question is why now? With the malibu and the rest of the car lineup, I have always wondered by GM keeps this car around and even now that they actually built an amazing looking 4 door, yet how does it really fit into the family? This car is in many ways from the size equal to the malibu.

I see this stealing sales away from the malibu family lineup and and taking a few from others. I always thought the Malibu was to compete with the Taurus and now you have people saying this will compete. Does it not seem that Chevy has two cars in the same segment?

The one thing I hate on this car is the busy wheels that will be a pain in the ass to keep clean.

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I like many here am stunned by how nice a car this is. Both interior and exterior are amazing and Likable compared to the bastard child the Impala has been over the years.

My question is why now? With the malibu and the rest of the car lineup, I have always wondered by GM keeps this car around and even now that they actually built an amazing looking 4 door, yet how does it really fit into the family? This car is in many ways from the size equal to the malibu.

I see this stealing sales away from the malibu family lineup and and taking a few from others. I always thought the Malibu was to compete with the Taurus and now you have people saying this will compete. Does it not seem that Chevy has two cars in the same segment?

The one thing I hate on this car is the busy wheels that will be a pain in the ass to keep clean.

Malibu = Fusion. Impala = Taurus This has not changed.

Keep in mind the Malibu is now Regal size and shorter hence less rear seat room. This car is more XTS sized and will have a lot more interior room. It will also be wider. The interior and trunk will prove to set the size of this car appart.

If you ever were in the back of the new Regal and the new Lacrosse you will understand the difference.

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Not bad, but lots of derivative elements...very Hyundai/Kia overtones to the rear. Some Audi A7 and Fusion in the profile and greenhouse. I guess the wedge shape horizontal taillights are this decades' equivalent to the triangular taillights at the corners that dominated the last 15 years or so. I also see some Infiniti M in the profile. The dash is very busy compared to the simple, clean current Impala dash. It's a good looking car overall, nicer than the too-tall slab sided look of the Taurus, IMO. Anyhoo, I look forward to renting one at Alamo or Thrifty when they appear there...

Edited by Cubical-aka-Moltar
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My question is why now? With the malibu and the rest of the car lineup, I have always wondered by GM keeps this car around and even now that they actually built an amazing looking 4 door, yet how does it really fit into the family? This car is in many ways from the size equal to the malibu.

I see this stealing sales away from the malibu family lineup and and taking a few from others. I always thought the Malibu was to compete with the Taurus and now you have people saying this will compete. Does it not seem that Chevy has two cars in the same segment?

No.

The Malibu is a midsize, competes w/ the Fusion.

The Impala is a fullsize, competes w/ the Taurus.

Seems clear to me.

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I like many here am stunned by how nice a car this is. Both interior and exterior are amazing and Likable compared to the bastard child the Impala has been over the years.

My question is why now? With the malibu and the rest of the car lineup, I have always wondered by GM keeps this car around and even now that they actually built an amazing looking 4 door, yet how does it really fit into the family? This car is in many ways from the size equal to the malibu.

I see this stealing sales away from the malibu family lineup and and taking a few from others. I always thought the Malibu was to compete with the Taurus and now you have people saying this will compete. Does it not seem that Chevy has two cars in the same segment?

The one thing I hate on this car is the busy wheels that will be a pain in the ass to keep clean.

Malibu = Fusion. Impala = Taurus This has not changed.

Keep in mind the Malibu is now Regal size and shorter hence less rear seat room. This car is more XTS sized and will have a lot more interior room. It will also be wider. The interior and trunk will prove to set the size of this car appart.

If you ever were in the back of the new Regal and the new Lacrosse you will understand the difference.

Thanks Hyper, good to know this as I did not pick it up when I was last on a chevy lot with the older models. Just seemed to be two cars with different names for the longet time that you start to ignor them.

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Not happy that they are moving away from the dual port, although it is still clearly referenced in this evolved look. The upper grille opening should be smaller than the lower in my opinion, with the bumper splitting the two (as sorta done on the Sonic).

I'm frustrated that they missed the chance (AGAIN!!!) to do a proper triple tail lamp arrangement. They have so much space to work with in the back. I get what they did (red-white-red), but considering the Malibu gets shoehorned with huge dual tail lamps....I expected better.

xlarge.jpg

The character lines carved into the sides are pretty damn nice (evoking a strong '57 Chevy feel almost!).

The interior would work better with more subtle color arrangements.

Not liking the headlights. This car deserves dual round lights, not a single smushed between amber markers.

Clown-face LED runners in the bumper openings are also a bit...meh.

Best angle (IMO) is from the rear...like this:

ecf5cc212cf8dc095c4fa1207a2c49a5.JPG

But...despite my groaning...it's growing on me :) (the more live pics I see of it!)

xlarge.jpg

Edited by !!!TED!!!
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My first reaction was not impressed, then looked the pictures over and decided I'll reserve final judgement until I see it in person next week in NYC.

The wife is a big fan of the Buick LaCrosse and I don't see her saying she'd want the Impala instead. I still can see a LaCrosse in our garage.

2011BuickLaCrosse.jpg

med_gallery_10485_406_557017.png

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I just uploaded a bunch of pics from the show floor into the gallery. If you want me to shoot anything specific please post now!

Interior pics...close up of the steering wheel that's causing so much debate!

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This is also the new face of Chevy. The dual split grill is done.

Low profile headlamps will proliferate across the lineup. No more overdone eyes.

Which is interesting to note seeing as how the Asian Chevy Colorado seems to borrow the current Equinox and Traverse frontend split grille theme and many have not liked how it plays out on this compact pickup. Maybe part of the wait for it's 2015 debut is a redesign to bring it alignment with the 2013 Impala and Traverse? I'm also excited for the NG Equinox to lose the split grille theme.

Also, Is it just me or does anyone else see "Camaro" in the frontend of this shot?

xlarge.jpg

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This is also the new face of Chevy. The dual split grill is done.

Low profile headlamps will proliferate across the lineup. No more overdone eyes.

Which is interesting to note seeing as how the Asian Chevy Colorado seems to borrow the current Equinox and Traverse frontend split grille theme and many have not liked how it plays out on this compact pickup. Maybe part of the wait for it's 2015 debut is a redesign to bring it alignment with the 2013 Impala and Traverse? I'm also excited for the NG Equinox to lose the split grille theme.

Also, Is it just me or does anyone else see "Camaro" in the frontend of this shot?

Yes...I'm sure it's intentional..

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Also, Is it just me or does anyone else see "Camaro" in the frontend of this shot?

Same here!

Also, I think I've settled my Audi-vibe thing with regards to the rear-end. The audi reference i was looking for in my mind is 5-door A5 :P

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Added a bunch more pics to the gallery including some of the controversial steering wheel. IMHO, the aesthetic design of the wheel isn't the problem, it's the buttons. They are, I hope, just temporary insets, but they don't have the feel of something that will hold up well over time. I see them as a possible replacement issue.

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Not getting warm fuzzies about the dash design or steering wheel..they seem very busy, looks like a mix of current Malibu, Camaro and MKS elements sort of in there..

Edited by Cubical-aka-Moltar
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looks like its no prob for the bench seat to stay.....

have to say this. the interior in pictures looks like it might not be to the same level of execution, detail and quality of the malibu or even taurus for that matter. even if the design concept is interesting.

still for a huge car, imagine the value in an LS or LT1 four cylinder. as long as the mpg is good.

this new impala as a crossover would really remind me of a venza oh no......

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I did see some Camaro in the frontend, which I like, but it leads to the point made by Chris about two different design crews not communicating about the ends of the car they were working on.

Unfortunately, the Camaro cues... seems limited (to me) to be the hood detail, and header above the grille.

I liked the '77 Firebird nose... but not when it was tacked onto a '82 J-body. Same goes for these Camaro bits on a Crosstour.

Also, Is it just me or does anyone else see "Camaro" in the frontend of this shot?

Errr....Oldsmoboi got all the crucial angles (good job!).

Camaro you say?! Check this out!

gallery_51_406_1036249.png

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