2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

Review

New V8 with Cylinder-Deactivation Powers Upgraded SS Model

One thing that has to be said for the current Monte Carlo is that it certainly is distinctive. And most NASCAR fans that I know like its aggressively sloped nose, narrowly slit grille opening and uniquely shaped headlight clusters.

Its sculpted profile reminds me of the old Monte Carlos of the 70s and 80s, cars I particularly liked at the time. The current models vertically stacked tail lamps make the Montes rear styling as unorthodox as its front-end design, while chrome tipped dual exhaust, a deep racing inspired rear valance and large decklid spoiler enhance its appearance in SS trim.

The rear end design and side profile are all that carries over from the current Monte Carlo to the 2006 model, however, or in other words the new version gets an updated front clip. Still, GM expects the new coupe, introduced January 5, 2005 at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show, to find a much broader spectrum of buyers due to the updated styling, as well as improved performance and an all-new interior.

Chevy has cleaned up the Montes look, with a front end design that appears nearly identical to the recently updated 2006 Impala, which debuted in L.A. on the same day. A thin, horizontal grille opening, but not as thin as the outgoing car, is more understated, yet adds a sporty touch to what is otherwise a fairly conservative design. SS models get a racier lower valance that integrates a second horizontal grille opening, filled with a black-diamond crosshatch pattern - a treatment that mirrors that in the upper SS grille.

Both cars feature large, wrap-around headlight clusters integrating three independent lighting units each, creased to conform to the sculpted lines of the hood and front fenders. And thats about where the similarities end, with the two-door Monte Carlo featuring racy fender swells, just like the current model.

As previously mentioned, the new Monte looks much the same from rear three-quarter view as the current version, which is no bad thing. This is definitely the 2005 cars best angle, and is actually quite unique compared to the Accord coupe, for instance, that borrows much of its design language, especially in the taillights, from Mercedes-Benz products. It gets a standard decklid spoiler, while the SS gets NASCAR-like spoilers. All of the Monte Carlo upgrades add 1.2 inches to the outgoing models length.

Like the Japanese, GM has made sure its new entry delivers extremely tight panel gap tolerances of 0.14 inches or less, adding to the feeling of quality. Its grab-style door handles relate a substantial feel, something I noticed when poking around one that was on display at the Detroit auto show, an important human-machine interface that many automakers, such as Jaguar with its loose, cheap feeling XJ door handles, forget about.

What the new Monte Carlo has over its Japanese rivals is engine power. While base cars will feature a new standard 3.5L V6, more powerful than the base engines from the majority of competitors at 210-horsepower and 220 lb-ft of torque, top-line SS models will boast a V8.

The new LS4 5.3L V8, developing 303-horsepower and 323 lb-ft of torque, features GMs Displacement On Demand (DOD) technology to save on fuel. When the vehicle is under light loads, meaning it isnt coaxing a trailer or fully loaded cabin and trunk up a steep hill or isnt at full throttle, four of the engines eight cylinders go into hibernation. The system allows up to 12 percent savings in fuel, which should make a difference in the pocketbook considering todays exorbitant gasoline prices. The transition from eight to four and then four to eight cylinders is virtually seamless, and full power is available at the touch of the throttle, so its one of those rare "have your cake and eat it too" benefits.

Splitting the base and top engine choices is a 240-horsepower 3.9L V6 with 245 lb-ft of torque, based on the same architecture as the 3.5L V6.

GM combines all engines with its well-proven Hydra-Matic 4T65-E electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission, for smooth shifts and durable performance. While this is a well-proven gearbox, most of GMs competition is offering five- and even six-speed automatic transmissions, the extra gears enhancing performance and fuel economy.

Power without control would be utterly wasted, so therefore GM has upgraded the Monte Carlos suspension system to allow what the automaker refers to as "more confident ride and handling characteristics."

Of course, the Monte models will ride quiet and smooth too, paramount for any large, midsize car. It receives a heavier duty front-end structure, reducing noise vibration and harshness (NVH) levels and enhancing control through corners or during emergency evasive maneuvers.

The same can be said about the results of its fully boxed upper frame rail assemblies, with a wider, deeper and structurally stronger upper front tie bar. Also, the engineers have included stronger ties between the upper and lower rails to stiffen the front structure, improving both ride and handling, while the large, lower front-of-dash panel is now stronger. It is constructed from Quiet Steel laminated steel, made by bonding sound deadening material between sheets of steel to lower resonant sound "from a clanging to a muted thud", or so says GMs literature on the subject. The Monte Carlo gets a more rigid extruded aluminum engine cradle as well, making the cars ride smoother with less vibration.

All trim levels get a power rack-and-pinion steering system as standard equipment, with base models getting a 13.3:1 steering ratio. Other upgrades include a quieter power steering pump and fluid reservoir that is said to improve performance by optimizing the hydraulic steering fluids internal flow.

The suspension is made up of a McPherson strut coil-over-spring independent front setup with gas-charged 4-valve struts and a stabilizer bar. Aiding stability are taller jounce bumpers in the front suspension. In the rear, a trailing arm, tri-link setup is used with gas-charged, 4-valve struts and coil springs. A rear stabilizer bar is standard across the line.

Over and above the Montes basic suspension architecture are three separate suspension settings, each tuned specifically to match respective performance levels. Entry-level LS models get an FE2 suspension designation, with either 16- or 17-inch wheels on P225/60R16 Goodyear Integrity or P225/55R17 AL2 Goodyear Eagle LS2 tires, depending on whether the 3.5L or 3.9L engine is chosen.

FE4 suspensions are standard on Monte Carlo SS models, and feature specially tuned struts, 1.34-inch hollow front and 0.71-inch solid rear stabilizer bars, and standard 18-inch wheels wrapped with W-rated P235/50R18 AL3 Goodyear Eagle RS-A performance tires.

While side-curtain roof rail airbags join twin frontal dual-stage airbags as standard equipment, seat-mounted side-impact airbags are optional. The Monte Carlo also features optional ABS with electronic brake force distribution to enhance the much improved standard 4-wheel disc brake system. Also available is an engine- and brake-managed full-function traction control system, especially good for colder climates.

Other safety features include front seatbelt pretensioners, a stronger front seat structure, higher intensity headlights for greater forward visibility, a tire pressure monitoring system, standard with 17- and 18-inch wheel and tire packages, and an upgraded standard remote keyless entry fob with a new red panic button. The new fob can also include remote start with a 197-foot range, allowing the car to be started from inside your home, and heat or air conditioning actuated depending on how you left it when parked.

GM also includes OnStar Gen 6 as standard equipment, although theyd be crazy not to, as once the initial free service is discontinued it requires a small, monthly residual that can really add up to the automakers benefit. That aside, its an extremely useful service that is well worth the pocket change needed to keep it active, enhancing both vehicle safety and convenience.

Like many other new GM vehicles, the new Monte Carlo has received the automakers much improved interior quality

treatment, with higher grade materials than the previous model, and much improved fit and finish. GM has quickly moved from the back of the pack to near the front in this regard.

Like many of GMs other models, the new coupe features a flexible interior too, with split-folding rear seatbacks and a truly useful flat-folding front passenger seatback, allowing long and otherwise awkward items to be stowed aboard.

Those seats, more sophisticated in design and featuring firmer cushions with increased lumbar support, come standard in a high-quality cloth or can be surfaced in top-grade Nuance Sandstone leather.

The Monte Carlos interior upgrade includes a new driver-centric gauge cluster and a redesigned center stack, which GM says are easier to read and more informative than in the previous model. All primary and ancillary controls are canted toward the drivers seat. The design includes a sportier shift lever with chrome accents as well, and all surfaces.

Available features include dual-zone climate control, driver information center, steering wheel-mounted cruise control buttons, steering wheel radio controls, and a 6-way, heated power driver and front passenger seat, adding to the upscale environment.

In addition to the many interior appointments, the Monte Carlo also gets an upgraded audio system. Three in total are available, with base models featuring a 6-speaker AM/FM/single-CD system. Moving up a notch gets the addition of an MP3 player, plus its configured for XM satellite radio. With this last feature comes a 2-line, 32-character reconfigurable display with the capability of selecting between AM, FM and XM stations without having to reset the frequency. A top-line ICDX radio is the third option, adding an in-dash 6CD changer.

Reducing the annoyance of streaking, chatter and wind noise, new, flat-blade windshield wipers provide consistent pressure on the glass surface, which should add to the cabins improved ambiance.

So how will the new car fare? The Monte Carlo hasnt done so well in Canada, but for that matter neither has the rest of the coupe segment, with many having been dropped by their respective automakers due to sluggish sales. To the Montes credit, its one of the only midsize coupes on the market with ample room in back for large adults, plus it delivers the practicality of a full-size, usable trunk.

The coupe will be built alongside the new Impala at GMs Oshawa, Ontario No. 1 plant, which has recently seen more than $350 million in upgrades. Also, Oshawa No. 1 and No. 2 were recognized in J.D. Powers 2004 Initial Quality Survey for building two of the top five highest quality vehicles in the premium midsize segment, one of which was the Monte Carlo. This continues a yearly winning trend that started in 1999, when the current version of the car debuted.

The combination of GMs high quality manufacturing process and what should be a much more performance-oriented driving experience, should give the Monte Carlo greater competitive edge than the previous model, and possibly even help GM gain some lost market share back from the Japanese. This last scenario seems a difficult problem to solve, mind you, and one that may require GM to come to market with something much bolder when the car gets completely overhauled in its next generation. After all, in this segment its not only the Japanese that are putting up a decent fight, but Fords new Mustang is a hard act to measure up to.

Until something bolder comes to market, such as an all-new Camaro, those who enjoy large, reliable, front-wheel drive coupes, with V8 power no less, should find the more conservatively penned Monte Carlo an ideal choice.