Technical
The 2006 model year brings a whole new set of engines
for the big car. The base motor is the 3.5L V6 shared with the minivans and Pontiac G6. In this case, it churns out a modest 211 hp and 214 lb/ft of torque. The mid-range one, the most interesting in my opinion, is the 3.9L V6 shared with the GTP versions of the G6. It develops 242 hp and 242 lb/ft of torque. The range-topping SS straddles a 303 hp, 323 lb/ft 5.3L V8. These three powerplants share the same 4-speed automatic transmission although, with the 3.5L, it has a shorter final-drive. The suspension is fully independent, disc brakes occupy all four corners and steering is power assisted rack and pinion.
On the road
The 3.9L V6 is gutsy and torquey. Power is delivered in a smooth and manageable
linear fashion. My only negative comment has nothing to do with the engine's performance. I wonder why GM's 3.9L musters only 242 hp. Most other manufacturers use between 3.0L and 3.5L of displacement to produce the same output or higher. The 4-speed automatic transmission is an example of steadfast engineering. It functions invisibly when cruising and, when the pedal hits the floor, will gladly kick-down for passing power. The issue here is that it is lacking the all-important 5th gear. With an extra cog, the Impala, in every guise, would be quicker and likely to be even more economical.
Speaking of economy and fuel consumption, the Impala, even when rocking around with the big 3.9L is impressively frugal. My tester had only 1,200 km on the clock and still retuned an average 12L / 100 km.
To date, I have only ever been disappointed in one of GM's car's brakes, the Pontiac Pursuit. The Impala falls into the usual "excellent pedal feel, great response and performance" category. Steering is well balanced and
precise. The ride is controlled and properly sorted for our particular road conditions. In short, it has great road manners. Best of all, I heard not one rattle in nearly a week's time and 650 km.
Safety
The car has standard dual front, side and side curtain air bags, available ABS brakes with traction control and seatbelt pre-tensionners. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) awarded the car 5 out of 5 stars (a perfect result) for front passengers in a frontal and lateral impact and 4 out of 5 stars (a good result) for the rear passengers in lateral impacts. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) has not yet rated the Impala.
The 2006 model year brings a whole new set of engines
for the big car. The base motor is the 3.5L V6 shared with the minivans and Pontiac G6. In this case, it churns out a modest 211 hp and 214 lb/ft of torque. The mid-range one, the most interesting in my opinion, is the 3.9L V6 shared with the GTP versions of the G6. It develops 242 hp and 242 lb/ft of torque. The range-topping SS straddles a 303 hp, 323 lb/ft 5.3L V8. These three powerplants share the same 4-speed automatic transmission although, with the 3.5L, it has a shorter final-drive. The suspension is fully independent, disc brakes occupy all four corners and steering is power assisted rack and pinion. On the road
The 3.9L V6 is gutsy and torquey. Power is delivered in a smooth and manageable
linear fashion. My only negative comment has nothing to do with the engine's performance. I wonder why GM's 3.9L musters only 242 hp. Most other manufacturers use between 3.0L and 3.5L of displacement to produce the same output or higher. The 4-speed automatic transmission is an example of steadfast engineering. It functions invisibly when cruising and, when the pedal hits the floor, will gladly kick-down for passing power. The issue here is that it is lacking the all-important 5th gear. With an extra cog, the Impala, in every guise, would be quicker and likely to be even more economical.Speaking of economy and fuel consumption, the Impala, even when rocking around with the big 3.9L is impressively frugal. My tester had only 1,200 km on the clock and still retuned an average 12L / 100 km.
To date, I have only ever been disappointed in one of GM's car's brakes, the Pontiac Pursuit. The Impala falls into the usual "excellent pedal feel, great response and performance" category. Steering is well balanced and
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Safety
The car has standard dual front, side and side curtain air bags, available ABS brakes with traction control and seatbelt pre-tensionners. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) awarded the car 5 out of 5 stars (a perfect result) for front passengers in a frontal and lateral impact and 4 out of 5 stars (a good result) for the rear passengers in lateral impacts. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) has not yet rated the Impala.