2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Preview

The same can be said about the results of its fully boxed upper frame rail assemblies, with a wider, deeper and structurally

Monte Carlo models will ride quiet and smooth too, paramount for any large, midsize car. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

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 GM's literature on the subject. The Monte Carlo gets a more rigid extruded aluminum engine cradle as well, making the car's 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 fluid's 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

FE4 suspensions are standard on Monte Carlo SS models, and feature specially tuned struts, 34-mm hollow front and 18-mm solid rear stabilizer bars, and standard 18-inch wheels. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

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 Monte's 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.