January 5, 2005

2006 Chevy Impala, Monte Carlo now available with V8 power

Los Angeles, California - The 2006 Impala sedan and Monte Carlo coupe unveiled today feature revised styling inside and out, but the big news is what's under the hood: Impala SS and Monte Carlo SS receive the new LS4 5.3 litre 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 5.3 litre V-8 produces 303 horsepower and 323 lb.-ft. of torque.

2006 Chevrolet Impala SS. Click image to enlarge More Photos

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 3.5 litre V-6 that produces 210 horsepower and 220 lb.-ft. of torque. Uplevel models are available with a 240-horsepower 3.9 litre V-6 built on the same architecture as the 3.5 litre engine.

"The '06 Impala and Monte Carlo 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."

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.

2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Click image to enlarge More Photos

The Impala features a 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 its segment.

The Impala also 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.

Other new features for 2006 include:

• 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 improved seat upholstery stitching, low-gloss IP components
• 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.
• Nuance Sandstone leather seating (available)
• New family of audio systems
• Remote start optional
• OnStar Gen 6 standard

More LA auto show news....

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2006 Impala
2006 Monte Carlo