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2006 Chevy Impala Preview

Cleaned Up and Ready for Duty

Despite being popular among police fleet buyers and NASCAR aficionados respectively, the current Chevrolet Impala is overwhelmed by much of its competition.

GM expects its new 2006 Impala, introduced next to a revised Monte Carlo on January 5th at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show, will find a much broader spectrum of buyers due to improved performance, an all-new interior and updated styling.

"The 06 Impala and Monte Carlo deliver more of what customers want from a large sedan or coupe - uncompromising roominess, but with the performance and styling of a sports car," commented Chevrolet general manager Brent Dewar.

Chevy has cleaned up the look of both cars, with each appearing

The new 2006 Impala was introduced at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show by General Motors North America President Gary Cowger. (Photo: General Motors)

nearly identical to one another from the front. A thin, horizontal grille opening is understated, yet adds a sporty touch to what is otherwise a fairly conservative design. SS models get a racier lower valance that integrates a second horizontal grille opening, filled with a black-diamond crosshatch pattern - a treatment that mirrors that in the upper SS grille.

Both cars feature large, wrap-around

GM is expecting the new Impala to attract a much broader spectrum of buyers. (Photo: General Motors)

headlight clusters integrating three independent lighting units each, creased to conform to the sculpted lines of the hood and front fenders. And thats about where the similarities end, with the 4-door Impala featuring more conservative sheetmetal from front to back, not unlike a cleaner looking Honda Accord.

That is especially true of the Impalas rear three-quarter view, where its triangular taillights feature a thin horizontal clear lens strip that flow towards the center to

A subtle decklid spoiler is also added in the LTZ trim level, as well as with the top-line SS. (Photo: General Motors)

meet a classy chrome accent in LTZ trim - a really nice touch. A subtle decklid spoiler is also added in this trim level, as well as with the top-line SS. It is available with the LT.

The greenhouse features the BMW-like Hofmeister kink at the rear quarter window, first introduced on a Chevy product with the performance-oriented black-on-black 94 to 96 Impala SS.

Like the Japanese, GM has made sure its new Impala delivers extremely tight panel gap tolerances of 0.14 inches or less, adding to the feeling of quality.

The new LS4 5.3L V8, developing 303-horsepower and 323 lb-ft of torque, features GMs Displacement On Demand (DOD) technology to save on fuel. (Photo: General Motors)

Its grab-style door handles offer a substantial feel, an important human-machine interface that many automakers, such as Jaguar with its loose, cheap feeling door handles, forget about.

What the new Impala will have over its Japanese rivals is engine power. While base cars will feature a new standard 3.5L V6, more powerful than the base engines from most competitors at 210-horsepower and 220 lb-ft of torque, top-line SS models will feature a V8.

The new LS4 5.3L V8, developing 303-horsepower and 323 lb-ft of torque, features GMs Displacement

GM combines all engines with its well-proven Hydra-Matic 4T65-E electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission. (Photo: General Motors)

On Demand (DOD) technology to save on fuel. When the vehicle is under light loads, meaning it isnt coaxing a trailer or fully loaded cabin and trunk up a steep hill or isnt at full throttle, four of the engines eight cylinders go into hibernation. The system allows up to 12 percent savings in fuel, which should make a difference in the pocketbook considering todays exorbitant gasoline prices. The transition from eight to four and then four to eight cylinders is virtually seamless, and full power is available at the touch of the throttle, so its one of those rare "have your cake and eat it too" benefits.

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