2006 Chevrolet Impala

Los Angeles — Competition in the large family sedan market is set to intensify even further with four new models introduced during 2005. First of the new large sedans to debut, the 2006 Chevrolet Impala was unveiled at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show last week. Although sharing the same basic architecture as the earlier GMX 210 model, the GMX 211 Impala has been extensively re-engineered inside and out, sharing little more than the basic floorpan with the previous generation.

Production of the 2006 Chevrolet Impala will take place at General Motors' Oshawa No. 1 plant in Ontario, Canada. More than $350 million in equipment upgrades and new assembly procedures have been invested in the plant and supplier community to facilitate production of the new vehicles.

The '06 Impala benefits from an extensive redesign, both inside and out, that conveys sophistication and exudes big-car roominess. Along with a completely new interior and exterior, a new three-link rear suspension and extensive structural changes to improve safety and reduce noise and vibration, the 2006 Impala introduces a completely new engine lineup.

It is also designed with thoughtful features, including the Impala's unique 60/40 split flip-and-fold rear seat standard on LTZ ans SS models. The forward-flip rear seat cushions create a covered storage area beneath the seat with cushions down and offers convenient grocery bag hooks when the cushions are flipped forward. The seat back also folds down to create a generous pass-through from the trunk when seat backs are folded flat—an exclusive feature in the segment.

The seats of of the '06 Impala have a cleaner, simpler and more tailored appearance. Up-level, Nuance leather-covered seating features premium deck seams around their perimeter and French seams on the center cushions. The seats also have firmer cushions and increased lumbar support that provide more comfort, especially during long drives.

The Impala has an all-new instrument panel design that wraps around into the door panels and has a double-hump design that is reminiscent of early Corvettes. All Impala models except the Impala SS offer a wood-trimmed appearance or a sportier, brushed sterling-appearance trim. The Impala SS comes standard with a “technical”-pattern trim panel. Low-gloss trim and tight tolerances provide an overall feeling of quality, while details such as flush-fit HVAC outlets and radio convey precision.

Completing the Impala's thoughtful interior attributes is a host of useful comfort and convenience features, including:

• Available dual-zone climate control system with up to 12° F temperature setting difference between the two front zones
• Available factory-installed remote vehicle start system with a 197 ft (60 m) range and automatic climate pre-conditioning to warm or cool the vehicle prior to entry
• Easier-to-read, more informative gauge clusters with driver information center
• Easy-to-access, steering wheel-mounted cruise control buttons
• Available steering wheel radio controls
• Eight-way, heated power driver seat and six-way, heated front passenger seat available on Impala models with leather trim
• Glove box is 20 percent larger on Impala than previous models

The 2006 Impala also debuts a new family of audio systems. The three systems feature new, simple-to-operate radios that are compatible with the enhanced Generation 6 OnStar system. The base CD-radio includes a six-speaker system. An uplevel MP3/CD-radio is configured for XM Satellite Radio, with a two-line, 32-character reconfigurable display and the capability to select between AM, FM and XM stations without having to reset the frequency. An up-level ICDX radio adds an in-dash six-CD changer. Impala also offers a premium Bose audio system.

On the outside, large headlamps have a premium appearance with three independent lighting units. These details complement other high-quality attributes, such as tight tolerances of 3.5 mm or less between body components and substantial “grab”-style door handles, to provide an overall feeling of solidity. Also, new, flat-blade windshield wipers are used to provide consistent pressure on the glass, which helps eliminate streaking and wind noise.

The Impala SS receives a distinct front-end appearance separate from other models, including a dual-split grille with a black-diamond crosshatch pattern. The Impala SS also features Corvette-inspired bright exhaust outlets. Impala LTZ and SS have a standard rear spoiler. A spoiler is available on the LT.

Chassis & Suspension

Quiet, smoothness and refinement are the ride and handling traits conveyed through the Impala's revised chassis and suspension systems. 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, with slight machining differences between V6 and V8 models to provide room for the 5.3 L V8 engine. Stronger ties between the upper and lower rails stiffen the front structure for improved ride and handling and a large, lower front-of-dash panel has been strengthened. It is constructed from Quiet Steel laminated steel, which consists of sound deadening material bonded between sheets of steel and reduces resonant sound from a “clanging” to a muted “thud.”

An extruded aluminum engine cradle is used on both vehicles, also, and contributes to a smoother, vibration-free ride. The cradle's lateral stiffness (at the steering joint) is increased with a new, one-piece machined rear crossmember and new aluminum rear body mounts, which helps improve handling control. Models equipped with a V6 engine have a two-point engine-mounting system, while V8 models have a three-point mounting system.

A power rack-and-pinion steering system is standard on all models, with the base Impala now using the same, responsive 13.3:1 steering ratio of uplevel models. All models also receive a quieter, improved performance power steering pump and fluid reservoirs. The new system optimizes internal flow of the hydraulic steering fluid within both the pump and the reservoirs.

At the front suspension, both vehicles feature McPherson strut coil-over-spring independent front suspension with gas-charged four-valve struts and a stabilizer bar. Taller jounce bumpers in the front suspension help enhance stability and control. Instead of the McPherson struts of the previous Impala, the rear suspension now uses a trailing arm, tri-link setup with gas-charged, four-valve struts and coil springs. A rear stabilizer bar is standard on all models.

The 2006 Impala and is available with three distinct suspension settings, each tuned to match the power and expected performance level of its respective model:

FE1 (16″ wheels): Impala base models have an FE1 suspension package, standard with the 3.5 L V6, providing improved control over previous base models without compromising ride quality. FE1 uses stiff, constant-rate front springs and variable-rate rear springs to provide higher roll rates. At the front, a stiffer torque strut design reduces NVH and helps provide a smoother, quieter ride. The package includes 16″ wheels and P225/60R16 ALS (all-season) Goodyear Integrity radials, specifically developed to provide a quieter ride and better fuel economy compared to previous base models. A 10 mm (0.4″) wider track also is achieved, as the 16″ wheels each are moved 5 mm outboard.

FE1 (17″ wheels): The FE1 suspension package is also available with 17″ wheels and tires for better high-speed control, including the 10 mm-wider track. This combination is standard with vehicles equipped with the 3.9 L V6. The 3.9 L engine also receives more powertrain damping to help optimize ride quietness, smoothness and handling. P225/55R17 AL2 (touring) Goodyear Eagle LS2 radials are partnered with the 17″ aluminum wheels, providing greater handling capability and more stability in tighter turns.

FE3: Impala SS models receive an FE3 suspension, designed to provide a sporty ride that complements the 5.3 L V8's performance through increased stiffness and ride control, with reduced body lean and greater high-speed stability. Front 34 mm hollow stabilizer bar and rear 18 mm solid stabilizer bar provide more roll control than the FE1 package. The Impala SS is equipped with standard 18″ W-rated P235/50R18 AL3 (performance) Goodyear Eagle RS-A radial tires and wheels.

Safety and Crash Avoidance

For 2006 Impala offers standard side-curtain air bags, which provide optimum head protection for outboard passengers. The side curtain air bags are mounted in the side roof rails and deploy down to the lower edge of the windows from the A-pillar to the C-pillar. Numerous other safety features, include:

• An improved four-wheel-disc brake system with all-new front brakes, improved rear brakes and increased brake 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.
• A new ABS system is standard on all models except the base model and helps provide improved steering control while braking. It also includes Electronic Brake Force Distribution, which helps provide optimum braking regardless of load, traction or braking speed.
• An available engine- and brake-managed full-function traction control system works with the ABS system to help ensure stable acceleration on a variety of road conditions.
• Standard frontal dual-stage air bags are standard on all models, providing out-of-position occupant protection for the driver and front passengers, including 5th percentile females. For the front passenger seat, the system differentiates between adults—5th percentile females and larger—and small children or child seats in its deployment.
• Pretensioners are standard on the front seat belts, which help minimize forward movement during a frontal collision and new, more effective load-limiting retractors. The retractors have more “take-up” force, cinching the belt more tightly. Three-point safety belts are equipped in all standard seating positions.
• LATCH (Lower Anchors & Tethers for CHildren) child seat attachment system is included in all second row seating positions.
• Revised head protection from impacts to the upper interior structure is provided by energy-absorbing material placed strategically along the roof rails behind the A-, B-, and C-pillars.
• Strengthened front seat structure.
• Headlamps that provide more down-the-road visibility than previous models, with higher-intensity bulbs and a new four-bulb burn configuration in which the low beams stay on when the high beam is activated.
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System is standard on models equipped with 17- and 18″ wheels.
• An upgraded standard remote keyless entry (RKE) system now provides a second function for the red panic button. Drivers can use the button to locate their cars, without sounding the panic alarm.

The Impala includes additional features designed to enhance the vehicle structure, including lighter, more rigid front and rear bumper systems. Also, the Impala features a strengthened “safety cage” passenger compartment with the front and rear doors designed for improved energy dissipation in the event of a crash.

Powertrains

A new family of 60° V6 engines featuring the first use of cam phasing in an overhead-valve engine design leads the powertrain lineup for the 2006 Impala. Impala SS features a standard LS4 5.3 L small-block V8 with Displacement On Demand technology.

A 3.5 L V6 is standard in the Impala LS and LT. With 210 hp and 220 lb-ft of torque, it not only offers more power than previous LS models, but also more than the only engines available in rivals such as the Kia Amanti and Ford Five Hundred. Two different versions of the 3.5 L V6 will be offered in Canada and the US. Canadian models will offer the LZ4 gasoline fuel engine, with the LZE flex-fuel engine as an option. Standard equipment in US Impalas, the LZE is designed to run on any combination of gasoline or cleaner burning, environmentally-friendly E85 (85% ethanol, 15% gasoline).

Standard in the LTZ and optional in LT models is the LZ9 3.9 L V6 built on the same new architecture and incorporating a variable-length intake manifold. Debuting this spring in the Pontiac G6 GTP, it is rated at 240 hp and 245 lb-ft of torque. A cam phasing system in both engines provides continuously variable valve timing for both intake and exhaust. While the new Toyota Avalon's new 3.5 L Dual-VVTi V6 produces its maximum 260 lb-ft at a peaky 4700 rpm, the VVT system in the new GM V6s is tuned to optimize torque throughout the rpm range. Maximum torque for both engines is produced at just 2800 rpm, with 90% of the LZ9's 245 lb-ft available from 1800 to 5800 rpm.

The new LS4 5.3L small-block V8 with DOD was developed exclusively for front-drive applications and produces 303 hp and 323 lb-ft of torque in the Impala, with DOD helping to reduce fuel consumption by up to 12 percent in certain light-load driving conditions.

All engines are combined with a Hydra-Matic 4T65-E electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission. The smooth shifting transmission is renowned for its durability and strength with high-torque engines. The transmission mated with the 5.3L V8 is further enhanced to match the engine's increased torque output.

Specifications