Chevrolet Impala

The current generation Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo haven’t exactly been auto industry darlings by any stretch of the imagination. Saddled with lukewarm styling, interiors, power, and handling; these two mechanically similar Chevrolets have often been relegated to the rental car fleet of also-rans. General Motors is trying to change all that with the 2006 Impala and Monte Carlo, with “stylish design, stirring performance and surprising details, including available V8 power.”

Yes, you heard that right, V8 power. But more about that in a second. Both vehicles aren’t entirely new vehicles from the ground-up, but rather heavily facelifted versions of the current generation. That’s most obvious with the Monte Carlo, but if you look closely at the Impala you can still see the ghosts of old. However, Chevy did so much work on the Impala’s exterior its doubtful that most consumers will notice that this isn’t an entirely new car. Like the Ford Five Hundred, and unlike the red-hot Chrysler 300, the Impala’s exterior design is fairly conservative – yet clean and contemporary.

Like in the new HHR, it’s clear that GM is trying to shed its reputation for creating lackluster interiors. Both the Monte Carlo and Impala have almost entirely new interiors with a higher quality, more cohesive look. Chrome accents and low gloss trim with tight tolerances work with flush-fit HVAC outlets and radio controls to clean up the clutter. Other attributes include:

• Available dual-zone climate control system with up to 12° F temperature setting difference between the two front zones
• Available factory-installed remote vehicle start system with a 197-foot (60-meter) range and automatic climate pre-conditioning to warm or cool the vehicle prior to entry
• Easier-to-read, more informative gauge clusters with driver information center
• Easy-to-access, steering wheel-mounted cruise control buttons
• Available steering wheel radio controls
• Eight-way, heated power driver seat and six-way, heated front passenger seat available on Impala models with leather trim
• Six-way, heated power driver and front passenger seat available on Monte Carlo
• Glove box is 20 percent larger on Impala than previous models

Chevrolet Impala SS

A new range of audio systems attempts to please music lovers with three separate options, all compatible with Gen 6 OnStar. Upper level models offer MP3/CD-radio with XM Satellite Radio. An ICDX radio adds an in-dash 6-dic CD changer while a Bose audio system is also available in the Impala.

The chassis and suspension components underneath Impala and Monte Carlo have been substantially revised to provide a more controlled and refined ride and to handle the weight and power of the optional V8. Fully boxed upper frame rail assemblies have a wider, deeper and structurally stronger upper front tie bar, with slight machining differences between V-6 and V-8 models to provide room for the 5.3L V-8 engine. Stronger ties between the upper and lower rails stiffen the front structure for improved ride and handling and a large, lower front-of-dash panel has been strengthened. It is constructed from Quiet Steel laminated steel, which consists of sound deadening material bonded between sheets of steel and reduces resonant sound from a “clanging” to a muted “thud.”

At the front suspension, both vehicles feature McPherson strut coil-over-spring independent front suspension with gas-charged four-valve struts and a stabilizer bar. Taller jounce bumpers in the front suspension help enhance stability and control. The rear suspension uses a trailing arm, tri-link setup with gas-charged, four-valve struts and coil springs. A rear stabilizer bar is standard on all models.

From the basic suspension designs, Impala and Monte Carlo are available with three distinct suspension settings, each tuned to match the power and expected performance level of its respective model:

Chevrolet Impala SS

FE1 & FE2 (16-inch wheels): Impala base models have an FE1 suspension package and Monte Carlo LS has a new base FE2 suspension. Both are standard with the 3.5L V-6, providing improved control over previous base models without compromising ride quality. FE1 and FE2 use stiff, constant-rate front springs and variable-rate rear springs to provide higher roll rates. At the front, a stiffer torque strut design reduces NVH and helps provide a smoother, quieter ride. The packages include 16-inch wheels and P225/60R16 ALS (all-season) Goodyear Integrity radials, specifically developed to provide a quieter ride and better fuel economy compared to previous base models. A 10-mm (0.4-inch) wider track also is achieved, as the 16-inch wheels each are moved 5 mm outboard.

FE1 & FE2 (17-inch wheels): The FE1 and FE2 suspension packages also are available with 17-inch wheels and tires for better high-speed control, including the 10-mm-wider track. This combination is standard with vehicles equipped with the 3.9L V-6. The 3.9L engine also receives more powertrain damping to help optimize ride quietness, smoothness and handling. P225/55R17 AL2 (touring) Goodyear Eagle LS2 radials are partnered with the 17-inch aluminum wheels, providing greater handling capability and more stability in tighter turns.

FE3 & FE4: Impala SS models receive a FE3 suspension, and the Monte Carlo SS gets a FE4 suspension. Both suspensions are designed to provide a sporty ride that complements the 5.3L V-8’s performance through increased stiffness and ride control, with reduced body lean and greater high-speed stability. They share similar specifications, including:

• The Monte Carlo SS’s FE4 suspension has the same architecture and components as the FE3, but has different struts that are tuned for a firmer ride and more body control.
• Front 34-mm hollow stabilizer bar and rear 18-mm solid stabilizer bar provide more roll control than the FE1 or FE2 packages.
• Standard 18-inch W-rated P235/50R18 AL3 (performance) Goodyear Eagle RS-A radial tires and wheels.

Chevrolet Monte Carlo

All the engines offered in the Monte Carlo and Impala have been reworked to provide better power, more refinement, and higher efficiency. A 3.5L V-6 is standard in the Impala and Monte Carlo, with 210 horsepower and 220 ft-lbs. of torque. Higher trim models offer a 3.9L V-6 built on the same architecture and incorporate a variable-length intake manifold. It is rated at 240 horsepower and 245 lb.-ft. of torque. Both engines are the first to use cam phasing in an overhead-valve design.

SS models feature a new LS4 5.3L “small block” V8 with Displacement on Demand. The new engine was developed exclusively for front-drive applications and produces 303 horsepower and 323 lb.-ft. of torque with DOD helping to reduce fuel consumption by up to 12 percent in certain light-load driving conditions.