After peak sales of 239,500 in 1965, the 1966 Chevrolet Impala saw a steep drop in sales in 1966: they fell more than 50% to just 119,314. Some blame the release of the Caprice and its new luxurious image. Others blame the restyling of the Impala, which took away some of its signature items, such as its six round taillights. Chevy introduced a new engine to the line: a 427-ci V8 rated at 425 horsepower with 460 lb-ft of torque. Unfortunately, this engine was so loud that it became known as the "rock-crusher" as the noise and vibration sent from it dominated the feel of the ride of the car.