Chevy's new Impala has a place in your dash to stash your stuff. Or anything else you want to keep out prying eyes.
With screens getting slimmer and electronics getting smaller, automakers are getting creative with the space left in your dashboard. That's why Chevrolet's new Impala comes with a central display that lifts up to reveal a hiding place for your valuables. Even better, it's only accessible if you enter a PIN, but it's more than just a safe cubby for your stash.
The new Impala comes with the latest version of Chevy's MyLink system, which handles navigation, connectivity and streaming audio, including Pandora. The space behind the 8-inch screen is mainly there as a place to connect your smartphone so you're not tempted to check it while driving, but with a four-digit PIN you can lock it when you leave the car with a valet.
Just as importantly, once you enter your PIN, the guest driver can't access your contacts, phone log or address book.
Chevy is calling it "Valet Mode" and it's set to debut on the 2014 Impala when it goes on sale later this year. We're taking bets around the office about what will happen first: somebody finding a way to crack the code or police finding a baggy of something the driver thought would be hidden away.
