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Chevrolet Monte Carlo chassis was significantly refined for 2006, and these improvements carry over for 2007. 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. Stronger ties between the upper and lower rails stiffen the front structure for improved ride and handling; and a large panel down in front of the dashboard has been strengthened. It is constructed from Quiet Steel, a laminate of sound deadening material bonded between sheets of steel to reduce resonant sound.
As before, the Monte Carlo's engine and front suspension are mounted in an extruded aluminum cradle, but the cradle is now stiffer at the steering joint, thanks to a new, one-piece machined rear crossmember and new load-bearing rear body mounts, which again help improve handling. Models equipped with a V6 engine have a two-point engine-mounting system, while V8 models have a three-point mounting system.
The base-level 3.5-liter V6 was new for 2006 and features cam phasing to optimize performance and economy. It is rated 211 horsepower at 5900 rpm, and 214 pound-feet of torque at 4800. Fuel economy is estimated at 21/31 miles per gallon city/highway.
Powering the SS is a 5.3-liter V8 rated 303 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 323 pound-feet at 4400. Displacement on Demand (DOD) technology shuts off four cylinders in light-load cruising, for a claimed 12 percent improvement in fuel economy. Estimated fuel economy is 18/27 mpg city/highway.
Couple either engine to GM's excellent four-speed automatic transmission, add all-speed traction control, and you've got yourself a really solid drive train.
All Monte Carlo models now share the fast, 13.3:1 steering ratio of the SS model.
Our test Monte Carlo handled well and it went when we punched it. The suspension instilled a strong sense of control on the back roads of Virginia. Steering is tight and responsive. The ride is smooth, yet we felt well connected to the road. The SS model's Goodyear Eagle RS-A tires are a little noisy, but that's a tradeoff we willingly accept for their bite. This is a nice car for cruising, whether motoring down the boulevard or charging across the state. It's stable at high speeds on interstates and in long, sweeping turns.
If you're going to run with the fast guys, you'd better have good brakes. Fortunately, the 2007 Monte Carlo boasts an improved four-wheel-disc brake system with upgraded hardware all around and increased power boost. The system provides more stopping power and reduced stopping distances, compared to previous models, as well as smoother and quieter operation, longer pad life, and more resistance to brake pulsation. ABS with EBD comes standard on the LT and SS, which helps the driver maintain steering control of the car in an emergency stopping situation.
New 7.0 Generation OnStar is standard; it includes enhanced hands-free voice recognition capabilities, more intuitive continuous digit dialing, and improved voice recognition accuracy. OnStar is the leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information services in the United States and Canada. Using the GPS satellite network and wireless technology, OnStar features core safety services and OnStar Hands-Free Calling that allows drivers to make and receive voice-activated phone calls using an externally mounted antenna for greater reception.
Turn-by-Turn navigation with optional Directions and Connections service comes on the 7.0 Generation OnStar. Turn-by-Turn navigation directs the driver through the route by using the digital readout lines in the radio head. Directions are downloaded by the OnStar advisor to the vehicle and can be played back or paused through the drive up to the destination. Besides being a very easy-to-use system (all directions are downloaded to the car by an advisor), Turn-by-Turn offers a very affordable system (it's standard in all Monte Carlos) that is always up to date (no need to purchase map updates). next page