Performance and Refinement Upgrades Define 2006 Chevy Impala and Monte Carlo

GM combines all engines with its well-proven Hydra-Matic 4T65-E electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission, for

GM has upgraded the two cars' suspension systems to allow what the automaker refers to as "more confident ride and handling characteristics." (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

smooth shifts and durable performance.

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

Of course, the two models will ride quiet and smooth too, paramount for any large, midsize car. Both receive 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

The Impala and Monte Carlo get a more rigid extruded aluminum engine cradle as well, making the car's ride smoother with less vibration. (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 Impala and Monte Carlo get a more rigid extruded aluminum engine cradle as well, making the car's ride smoother with less vibration.