2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS
Source: General Motors
The aggressively styled 2006 Chevy Monte Carlo heats up the sizzling mid-car segment with enhanced premium-quality features, racing-inspired styling, a new family of powerful engines, as well as thoughtful attention to detail. A new look for the front and rear fascias – including bold headlamps and taillamps – is complemented by revised suspension systems that deliver comfortable, quiet and more confident ride and handling characteristics. These new ingredients improve on an already popular recipe for driving satisfaction.
Monte Carlo draws on a rich NASCAR stock car racing legacy – the most successful nameplate in the sport's history – to offer one of the industry's only true midsize personal coupes. The vehicle has remained true to the roots of style and performance established at its introduction in 1970.
'For '06, Monte Carlo delivers more of the performance and style demanded by customers, but with an increased emphasis on comfort, roominess and driving manners,' said Brent Dewar, General Motors North America vice president of marketing and advertising . 'We fine-tuned the details to deliver a value-driven vehicle that delivers unexpected refinement.'
A new family of premium-feature V-6 engines is available in LS, LT and LTZ models, including a 211-horsepower (157 kw) 3500 3.5L V-6 and an available 3900 3.9L V-6 that uses variable valve timing and variable intake technology to help deliver 242 horsepower (180 kw) and 242 lb.-ft. (328 Nm) of torque.* The muscular Monte Carlo SS has a new 5.3L small-block V-8 that's good for 303 horsepower (226 kw) and 323 lb.-ft. (438 Nm) of torque. The 5.3L V-8 uses Displacement on Demand technology to regulate between eight-cylinder and four-cylinder operation, providing up to 8 percent improved fuel economy in certain driving conditions.
All engines are matched to the Hydra-Matic 4T65-E four-speed automatic transmission. This smooth shifting transmission is renowned for its durability and strength with high-torque engines. The version mated with the 5.3L V-8 is enhanced to match the engine's increased torque output.
Chassis and suspension
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 small-block 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.'
A stiffer, extruded aluminum engine cradle is used, too, and contributes to a smoother ride with less vibration. The cradle's lateral stiffness (at the steering joint) is increased with a new, one-piece machined rear cross member and new aluminum, load-bearing rear body mounts, which 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 LS model now sharing 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, a MacPherson strut coil-over-spring independent front suspension with gas-charged four-valve struts and a stabilizer bar are used. 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 these basic suspension designs, three separate suspension settings are available, each tuned to match the power and expected performance level of its respective model:
FE2 (16-inch wheels): Standard on the base LS with the 3.5L V-6. It provides improved control over previous base models without compromising ride quality. Stiff, constant-rate front springs and variable-rate rear springs are used to provide higher roll rates. Up front, a stiffer torque strut design reduces NVH and helps provide a smoother, quieter ride. The package includes 16-inch wheels and P225/60R16 ALS (all-season) Goodyear Integrity radials, specifically developed to provide a quieter ride and increased fuel economy. A 10-mm (0.4-inch) wider track also is achieved, as the 16-inch wheels each are moved 5 mm outboard.
FE2 (17-inch wheels): The FE2 suspension also is available with 17-inch wheels and tires for better high-speed control. 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 during tighter turns.
FE4 (SS model): Monte Carlo SS comes with the FE4 suspension, which is tuned to provide a sporty ride that complements the 5.3L small-block V-8's performance. It offers increased stiffness and ride control, with reduced body lean and greater high-speed stability. The 34-mm hollow front stabilizer bar and 18-mm solid rear stabilizer bar are larger in diameter than the bars of the two FE2 suspension settings, providing increased roll control. Eighteen-inch alloy wheels with W-rated P235/50R18 AL3 Goodyear Eagle RS-A performance tires are included with the FE4 suspension.
2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS Pictures and Specifications
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General Information
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Year
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2006
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Manufacturer
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Chevrolet
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Model
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Monte Carlo
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Trim
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SS
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Body Type
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Coupe
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Base MSRP
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$27,130 USD
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Curb Weight
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3,395 lbs.
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Engine / Transmission
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Type
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5.3 Liter V8
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Cylinders
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8
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Horsepower
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303 hp @ 5600 rpm
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Torque
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323 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
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Redline
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N/A
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Drive Train
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Front Wheel Drive
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Gear Type
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4 Speed Automatic
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Performance
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0-60 mph
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N/A
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0-100 mph
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N/A
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¼ Mile
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N/A
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Top Speed
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N/A
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Gas Mileage
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18 MPG City/ 28 MPG Highway
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