2007 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO IS A WINNING CHOICE ON AND OFF THE TRACK
Source: GM Media

The 2007 Chevy Monte Carlo adds sizzle to the mid-car segment with premium-quality features, racing-inspired styling, powerful yet fuel-efficient engines and thoughtful attention to detail. For 2007, Monte Carlo builds on the new look and revised suspension it received for 2006 for a vehicle that looks as good as it drives.

Monte Carlo draws on a rich NASCAR stock car racing legacy – the most successful nameplate in the sport’s history – to offer one of the industry’s only true midsize personal coupes. The vehicle has remained true to the roots of style and performance established at its introduction in 1970.

Both the LS and LT models use the 3.5L V-6 engine. The 3.5L V-6 uses variable valve timing and variable intake technology to help deliver 211 horsepower (157 kW) and 214 lb.-ft. (290 Nm) of torque . The muscular Monte Carlo SS, equipped with a 5.3L small-block V-8, produces 303 horsepower (226 kW) and 323 lb.-ft. (438 Nm) of torque.

All engines are matched to the Hydra-Matic 4T65 four-speed automatic transmission. This smooth-shifting transmission is renowned for its durability and strength with high-torque engines. The version mated with the 5.3L V-8 is enhanced to match the engine’s increased torque output.

For 2007, the Monte Carlo is available in the LS, LT and SS configurations. The LT model has been re-contented to include new standard and available equipment, and the LTZ model has been discontinued.

Highlights of the 2007 Monte Carlo include:

• Standard 5.3L small-block V-8 with Active Fuel Management technology in SS model
• FlexFuel badge on E85-capable 3.5L 3500 V-6 models
• Available Rally Stripe package for Monte Carlo SS
• Hydra-Matic 4T65 four-speed automatic transmission mated to all engines; enhanced version used with 5.3L V-8
• Bold exterior styling
• Retuned suspensions with wider front track
• Family of 16-, 17- and 18-inch wheels and tires
• ABS and traction control
• Interior featuring high-quality attention to detail, including improved seat upholstery stitching, low-gloss IP components and jewel-like IP details
• High-quality Nuance Sandstone leather-appointed seating (available)
• Variety of audio systems
• Standard dual-stage frontal air bags
• Available side seat-mounted air bags for front passengers
• Factory-installed remote vehicle starter available
• Standard 7.0 Generation OnStar capable of Turn-by-Turn Navigation
• Standard XM Satellite Radio on SS models

Design details
Monte Carlo exudes sportiness, inside and out. The exterior features large headlamps that have a premium, jeweled appearance with three independent lighting units. These details complement other high-quality attributes to provide an overall feeling of solidity. Also, flat-blade windshield wipers are used to provide consistent pressure on the glass, which helps eliminate streaking and wind noise. All models receive a sporty rear spoiler.

The Monte Carlo SS has a distinct front-end appearance, with a dual-split grille that has a black-diamond crosshatch pattern. The rear spoiler is unique, too, suggesting the purposefulness of NASCAR spoilers. Corvette-inspired bright exhaust outlets also are standard on the Monte Carlo SS. For 2007, a Rally Stripe package is available.

Inside, the seats have a cleaner, simpler and more tailored appearance. Uplevel, available Nuance leather-appointed 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.

Comfort and convenience are paramount to coupe buyers, and Monte Carlo delivers with:

• Available dual-zone climate control system with up to 12 degrees F temperature setting difference between the two front zones
• Available factory-installed remote vehicle start system with a 197-foot (60-meter) range and automatic climate pre-conditioning to warm or cool the vehicle prior to entry
• Easier-to-read, more informative gauge cluster and driver information center – with more than 50 alerts, depending on the vehicle’s equipment
• Standard easy-to-access, steering wheel-mounted cruise control buttons
• Steering wheel radio controls on uplevel models
• Available leather-appointed, heated driver and front passenger seats

Audio systems on the ’07 Monte Carlo feature new, simple-to-operate radios that are compatible with the OnStar system. The base CD-radio includes a six-speaker system; a Bose audio system with eight speakers is available. 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 uplevel ICDX radio adds an in-dash six-CD changer.

All radios include a standard auxiliary input for external devices, such as an iPod or MP3 player, to be played through the vehicle’s audio system. The input is located in the lower right corner of each radio.

Chassis and suspension
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 V-6 and V-8 models to provide room for the 5.3L small-block V-8 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.

A stiffer, extruded aluminum engine cradle is used, too, and contributes to a smoother ride with less vibration. The cradle’s lateral stiffness (at the steering joint) is increased with a new, one-piece machined rear cross member and new aluminum, load-bearing rear body mounts, which improve handling control. Models equipped with a V-6 engine have a two-point engine-mounting system, while V-8 models have a three-point mounting system.

A power rack-and-pinion steering system is standard on all models, with the base LS model sharing 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 system optimizes internal flow of the hydraulic steering fluid within both the pump and the reservoirs.

At the front suspension, a MacPherson strut coil-over-spring independent front suspension with gas-charged four-valve struts and a stabilizer bar are used. Taller jounce bumpers in the front suspension help enhance stability and control. The rear suspension 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. From these basic suspension designs, three separate suspension settings are available, each tuned to match the power and expected performance level of its respective model:

• FE2 (16-inch wheels): Standard on LS, it provides improved control over previous base models without compromising ride quality. Stiff, constant-rate front springs and variable-rate rear springs are used to provide higher roll rates. Up front, a stiffer torque strut design reduces NVH and helps provide a smoother, quieter ride. The package includes 16-inch wheels and P225/60R16 ALS (all-season) Goodyear Integrity radials, specifically developed to provide a quieter ride and increased fuel economy. A 10-mm (0.4-inch) wider track also is achieved, as the 16-inch wheels each are moved 5 mm outboard.
• FE2 (17-inch wheels): The FE2 suspension is available on LT, equipped with 17-inch wheels and tires for better high-speed control. The LT modelalso 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-inch aluminum wheels, providing greater handling capability and more stability during tighter turns.
• FE4 (SS model): Monte Carlo SS comes with the FE4 suspension, which is tuned to provide a sporty ride that complements the 5.3L small-block V-8’s performance. It offers increased stiffness and ride control, with reduced body lean and greater high-speed stability. The 34-mm hollow front stabilizer bar and 18-mm solid rear stabilizer bar are larger in diameter than the bars of the two FE2 suspension settings, providing increased roll control. Eighteen-inch alloy wheels with W-rated P235/50R18 AL3 Goodyear Eagle RS-A performance tires are included with the FE4 suspension.

Safety and crash avoidance
The Monte Carlo has standard dual-stage frontal air bags and offers new optional side-impact (seat-mounted) air bags, which help optimize head and torso protection for the driver and front passenger. The list of other standard and available safety features includes:

• Use of high-strength steel in the engine compartment, torque box and rocker panels reinforces the structure to protect against front and side impacts.
• Four-wheel-disc brake system that was revised for 2006. The system provides more stopping power and reduced stopping distances, as well as smoother and quieter performance, longer pad life, and more resistance to brake pulsation.
• A new ABS system is standard on all trim levels except the base model. ABS helps provide improved steering control while preventing wheel lock-up during 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.
• Pretensioners are standard on the front safety 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 for all 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.
• Standard tire pressure monitoring system on all Monte Carlo models.
• 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.

OnStar-equipped Monte Carlo models feature OnStar dual-mode (analog-digital) equipment. OnStar’s digital equipment also includes enhanced hands-free voice recognition capabilities including 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.

The OnStar service standard on the 2006 Monte Carlo includes the General Motors Advanced Automatic Crash Notification (AACN) system, making crash data available to the participating 911 centers to help them dispatch the appropriate live-saving personnel and equipment to crash scenes faster.

The new 7.0 Generation OnStar system offers Turn-by-Turn navigation with optional Directions and Connections service. 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 (standard hardware on all Monte Carlos) that is always up to date (no need to purchase map updates).