|
2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS: Track Ready - Road Ready
The Chevy Monte Carlo has been a sleek and good sized ride for some time. No wonder so many NASCAR teams choose the Chevy brand and the Monte Carlo SS exterior shell in particular, as their car model of choice in the high stakes sport of NASCAR racing. In fact, Chevy has earned the bragging rights of being the most successful nameplate in NASCAR racing history. Off the race track the Monte Carlo has been a decent sales performer as well since its debut in 1970. Always enjoying a loyal following, this aerodynamic midsize coupe gets more aggressive styling, a new line of engines, new audio, and an SS version with a 303-horsepower V8 for 2006. To properly show off the new racing-inspired Monte Carlo, Chevrolet invited us to Charlotte, NC where little did we know, they had a few surprises in store.
 As we entered NASCAR country, we were treated to an extensive behind the scenes tour of the Hendrick Motorsports compound. Comprising of 69 acres and 550 employees, we saw first hand how the numbers 5, 24, 25, 44, & 48 Monte Carlos are born and continually reborn. The next treat was a trip to Lowe's Motorspeedway where two black SS models lay poised in pit row for what I dubbed ñpress qualifying trials!" The cars looked like gracious hosts on the speedway as I felt increasingly like I was the guest in their home. New front and rear styling including bold headlamps and taillamps, and large rear spoiler were immediately evident at our first look and make up the bulk of the vehicle's noticeable exterior changes for 2006. While gazing at the vehicle, Brian Vickers, NASCAR driver of Hendrick's #25 car pulled up and I knew something was brewing. He jumped in the driver's side of the SS and invited me to jump in the passenger side and we proceeded to do several laps at speeds in upwards of 130 mph around the 1.5-mile oval track. Did I mention that this was in the production 2006 Monte Carlo SS? Chevy officials say that they have topped out at 142 mph in the SS. I believe them.
Throughout the track portion of the ride and the next day's drive through the outskirts of Charlotte, the Monte Carlo SS handled well at all speeds. Chevy has achieved a good mix of sporty-tight suspension while still retaining admirable ride comfort over rougher roads. Overall, the car was easy to drive and required little effort when steering, accelerating or braking. Adding to the experience was the new and very smooth 303-horsepower V8. It was a joy to drive and will take you over the speed limit often without you even realizing it. The engine also boasts Displacement on Demand technology, which cuts off four of the eight cylinders to save gas when they are not needed. This enables the SS to get 18 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The only way to really tell which mode you are in is by keeping an eye on the car's information center. Only the most astute will actually feel when the four cylinders shut down and reactivate.
 Much has been changed for the better in this latest Monte Carlo including a new family of engines, much needed new audio systems, and a little something special to stir the competition. Available in four primary trim levels, the LS, LT, LTZ and SS (the LT segments into 1LT, 2LT and 3LT), the Monte Carlo comes with three available engines. The LS, 1LT and 2LT come standard with a 211-horsepower 3.5-liter V6. The 3LT and LTZ get a 3.9-liter 242-horsepower V6. The SS takes the cake with the sweet sounding aforementioned 5.3-liter small-block V8. The old GM base audio system gets replaced with a better base system. An available MP3/CD-radio with XM Satellite Radio capability, a six-disc changer, and a premium Bose system can also be added. Getting up with the times, all radios include a standard auxiliary input for external iPods, MP3 players or even your old cassette Walkman.
 Then there are some new standard features that Chevy hopes will turn future car buyer's heads away from the competition. All Monte Carlos come with a spoiler on the rear. The larger race-inspired spoilers come with the 3LT and above but even the base LS is equipped with a small spoiler. All Monte Carlos also come with new flat-blade windshield wipers that allow constant pressure on the glass while cutting down on streaking and wind noise. And now for my favorite -- all models except the base LS come with a factory-installed remote vehicle starter which not only remote starts your car from 200 feet away, but also turns on the A/C when its hot outside and turns on the heat and defrost when it's cold. Monte Carlo buyers will thank Chevy for that one.
 Inside, the Monte Carlo is more spacious and more comfortable than previous models. Though rear seating and legroom are not abundant, the seating is usable -- just remember to watch your head. All instruments are logically placed and easy to read, and the cockpit overall continues the car's race-like theme. Dual-zone climate controls with air filtration are standard on all but the LS as is a four-gauge deluxe analog cluster. Front seating is comfortable for both driver and passenger as the firm leather seats provided good support during our drive.
Ranging in price from $21,990 for the base LS to $27,790 for the Super Sport, the front- wheel drive Monte Carlo is a value priced player in the midsize coupe field. With NASCAR styling, reputation, and the return of V8 performance, more than loyal Monte Carlo fans should stop by their local Chevy dealer.
|
|