General Motors introduced the 2006 Chevy Impala and Monte Carlo, two all-new versions of their mid-size coupe and sedan which both include available V-8 power.

Chevrolet unveiled the 2006 Impala and Monte Carlo at the 2005 Greater Los Angeles Auto Show. The vehicles enter the hotly contested mid-size passenger car segment. Chevy claims they have enhanced "premium-quality features and attention to detail," including an flip-and-fold rear seat in the Impala, and revised suspension systems that may deliver a more comfortable, quiet and confident ride and handling characteristics.

“The ’06 Impala and Monte Carlo hope to deliver more of what customers want from a large sedan or coupe - uncompromising roominess, but with the performance and styling of a sports car,” said Brent Dewar, Chevrolet general manager. “Mid-car represents the largest segment of the industry, and the ’06 Impala and Monte Carlo will continue Chevy’s leadership there.”

Both vehicles hold unique positions in the market. Impala has had more than 1 million sales since its 1999 debut and market share increases from 2 percent in ’99 to 8 percent through 2003. The Monte Carlo draws on a rich NASCAR racing legacy to offer one of the industry’s only true mid-size personal coupes. Each vehicle carries strong heritage, too, with the Monte Carlo nameplate introduced in 1970 and the Impala introduced in 1958.

Standard and available safety features include ABS, traction control, side-curtain roof rail air bags on Impala, and available seat-mounted side air bags for Monte Carlo . A new family of high-tech V-6 engines, which features cam phasing to optimize performance and economy, is standard in both vehicles, with the base models receiving a new 3.5L V-6 that produces 210 (156 kw) horsepower and 220 lb.-ft. (304 Nm) of torque. Uplevel models are available with a 240-horsepower (179 kw) 3.9L V-6 built on the same architecture as the 3.5L engine.

Impala SS and Monte Carlo SS receive the new LS4 5.3L V-8 with Displacement On Demand (DOD) technology to regulate between eight-cylinder and four-cylinder operation - providing up to 12 percent improved fuel economy in certain light-load driving conditions. The 5.3L V-8 produces 303 horsepower (226 kw) and 323 lb.-ft. (438 Nm) of torque.

The 2006 models hold up the vehicles’ legacies of performance, style and personal touches, including:

• All-new family of 3.5L and 3.9L V-6 engines
• Return of the small-block V-8 with the LS4 5.3L with DOD technology in Impala SS and Monte Carlo SS
• Revised exterior styling with bold headlamps and taillamps
• Retuned suspensions with wider track, providing sporty, more comfortable ride
• New family of 16-inch, 17-inch and 18-inch wheels and tires
• Enhanced ABS and traction control
• Comfortable interiors with high-quality attention to detail, including improved seat upholstery stitching, low-gloss IP components and jewel-like IP details
• High-quality Nuance Sandstone leather seating (available)
• New family of audio systems
• Side-curtain air bags for front and rear passengers (Impala)
• Available side seat-mounted air bags for front passengers ( Monte Carlo )
• Remote start available
• OnStar Gen 6 standard

Design Details

The ’06 Impala and Monte Carlo wear a new look, both inside and out, that conveys sophistication and exudes big-car roominess. They also are designed with thoughtful features, including the Impala’s unique flip-and-fold rear seat. The forward-flip rear seat cushions create a covered storage area beneath the seat with cushions down and offers convenient grocery bag hooks when the cushions are flipped forward. The seat back also folds down to create a generous pass-through from the trunk when seat backs are folded flat - an exclusive feature in the mid-size segment.

The seats of both vehicles have a cleaner, simpler and more tailored appearance. Up-level, Nuance leather-covered seating features premium deck seams around their perimeter and French seams on the center cushions. The seats also have firmer cushions and increased lumbar support that provide more comfort, especially during long drives.

The Impala has an all-new instrument panel design that wraps around into the door panels and has a double-hump design that is reminiscent of early Corvettes. All Impala models except the Impala SS offer a wood-trimmed appearance or a sportier, brushed sterling-appearance trim. The Impala SS comes standard with a “technical”-pattern trim panel.

Monte Carlo models feature a substantially revamped cockpit-style instrument panel with a new instrument layout and control center stack. A sportier shifter with chrome accents also is part of the Monte Carlo ’s interior design. Both Impala and Monte Carlo benefit from improved materials throughout the interior and trunk area. Low-gloss trim and tight tolerances provide an overall feeling of quality, while details such as flush-fit HVAC outlets and radio convey precision.

Completing the Impala and Monte Carlo ’s thoughtful interior attributes is a host of useful comfort and convenience features, including:

• 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

Impala and Monte Carlo also debut a new family of audio systems. The three systems feature new, simple-to-operate radios that are compatible with the enhanced Generation 6 OnStar system. The base CD-radio includes a six-speaker system. An uplevel MP3/CD-radio is configured for XM Satellite Radio, with a two-line, 32-character reconfigurable display and the capability to select between AM, FM and XM stations without having to reset the frequency. An up-level ICDX radio adds an in-dash six-CD changer. Impala also offers a premium Bose audio system.

On the outside, large headlamps have a premium, jeweled appearance with three independent lighting units. These details complement other high-quality attributes, such as tight tolerances of 3.5 mm or less between body components and substantial “grab”-style door handles, to provide an overall feeling of solidity. Also, new, flat-blade windshield wipers are used to provide consistent pressure on the glass, which helps eliminate streaking and wind noise. The new exterior design cues reduce the Monte Carlo ’s overall length by 1.2 inches compared to the ’05 model.

The Impala SS and Monte Carlo SS models receive distinct front-end appearances separate from other models, including dual-split grilles that have a black-diamond crosshatch pattern. Monte Carlo models feature a rear decklid spoiler, with the Monte Carlo SS featuring a separate design suggestive of NASCAR-style spoilers. Impala SS and Monte Carlo SS models feature Corvette-inspired bright exhaust outlets. Impala LTZ and SS have a standard rear spoiler. A spoiler is available on the LT.

Chassis & Suspension

Quiet, smoothness and refinement are the ride and handling traits conveyed through the Impala and Monte Carlo ’s revised chassis and suspension systems, Chevrolet claims. A more robust front-end structure provides a firmer foundation to help reduce noise vibration and harshness (NVH). It also provides improved steering and handling performance.

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.”

An extruded aluminum engine cradle is used on both vehicles, too, and contributes to a smoother, vibration-free ride. The cradle’s lateral stiffness (at the steering joint) is increased with a new, one-piece machined rear crossmember and new aluminum rear body mounts, which helps improve handling control. Models equipped with a V-6 engine have a two-point engine-mounting system, while V-8 models have a three-point mounting system.

A power rack-and-pinion steering system is standard on all models, with the base Impala and Monte Carlo LS now using the same, responsive 13.3:1 steering ratio of uplevel models. All models also receive a quieter, improved performance power steering pump and fluid reservoirs. The new system optimizes internal flow of the hydraulic steering fluid within both the pump and the reservoirs.

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:

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.

Safety and Crash Avoidance

Impala offers standard side-curtain air bags, which provide optimum head protection for outboard passengers. The side curtain air bags are mounted in the side roof rails and deploy down to the lower edge of the windows from the A-pillar to the C-pillar. The Monte Carlo offers new optional side seat-mounted air bags, which help optimize head and torso protection for the driver and front passenger.

Both vehicles offer numerous other safety features, including:

• An improved four-wheel-disc brake system with all-new front brakes, improved rear brakes and increased brake boost. The system provides more stopping power and reduced stopping distances, compared to previous models, as well as smoother and quieter operation, longer pad life, and more resistance to brake pulsation.
• A new ABS system is standard on all models except the base model and helps provide improved steering control while braking. It also includes Electronic Brake Force Distribution, which helps provide optimum braking regardless of load, traction or braking speed.
• An available engine- and brake-managed full-function traction control system works with the ABS system to help ensure stable acceleration on a variety of road conditions.
• Standard frontal dual-stage air bags are standard on all models, providing out-of-position occupant protection for the driver and front passengers, including 5 th percentile females. For the front passenger seat, the system differentiates between adults - 5 th percentile females and larger - and small children or child seats in its deployment.
• Pretensioners are standard on the front seat belts, which help minimize forward movement during a frontal collision and new, more effective load-limiting retractors. The retractors have more “take-up” force, cinching the belt more tightly. Three-point safety belts are equipped in all standard seating positions.
• LATCH (Lower Anchors & Tethers for CHildren) child seat attachment system is included in all second row seating positions.
• Revised head protection from impacts to the upper interior structure is provided by energy-absorbing material placed strategically along the roof rails behind the A-, B-, and C-pillars.
• Strengthened front seat structure.
• Headlamps that provide more down-the-road visibility than previous models, with higher-intensity bulbs and a new four-bulb burn configuration in which the low beams stay on when the high beam is activated.
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System is standard on models equipped with 17- and 18-inch wheels.
• An upgraded standard remote keyless entry (RKE) system now provides a second function for the red panic button. Drivers can use the button to locate their cars, without sounding the panic alarm.

The Impala includes additional features designed to enhance the vehicle structure, including lighter, more rigid front and rear bumper systems (the Monte Carlo shares the front bumper system). Also, the Impala features a strengthened “safety cage” passenger compartment with the front and rear doors designed for improved energy dissipation in the event of a crash.

Powertrains

A new family of sophisticated V-6 engines featuring the first use of cam phasing in an overhead-valve engine design leads the powertrain lineups for Impala and Monte Carlo . Impala SS and Monte Carlo SS feature a standard LS4 5.3L small-block V-8 with Displacement On Demand technology.

A 3.5L V-6 is standard in the Impala and Monte Carlo . With 210 horsepower and 220 lb.-ft. of torque, it offers more standard power than previous models and, in fact, delivers more power as a base engine than some key competitors’ top (or only) offering. Uplevel 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.

The new 5.3L small-block V-8 with DOD 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.

All engines are combined with a Hydra-Matic 4T65-E electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission. The smooth shifting transmission is renowned for its durability and strength with high-torque engines. The transmission mated with the 5.3L V-8 is further enhanced to match the engine’s increased torque output.

For more information on the Impala and Monte Carlo ’s engine families, see the “Powertrain” release.

Built-In Quality

Production of the 2006 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo will take place at General Motors’ Oshawa No. 1 plant in Ontario , Canada . More than $350 million in equipment upgrades and new assembly procedures have been invested in the plant and supplier community to facilitate production of the new vehicles.