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Nuts and Bolts

Four different engines are available in the 2006 Chevrolet Impala. The LS and LT models come standard with a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 211 horsepower and 220 lb.-ft. of torque, output ratings that compare favorably to the Toyota Camry SE V6. The standard engine on the Impala LTZ, which is optionally available on the LT, is a 3.9-liter V6 with variable valve timing that is capable of 240 horsepower and 242 lb.-ft. of torque.

Impala SS models, for the first time in 10 years, get a standard V8 producing 303-horsepower and 323 lb.-ft. of torque. This 5.3-liter motor is equipped with fuel-saving Displacement-On-Demand (DOD) technology. DOD cuts off four of the V8’s eight cylinders under low-load conditions, such as when cruising on the highway, saving fuel by up to 12 percent according to Chevrolet. Impressively, the Impala SS is rated 17 mpg city and 27 mpg highway by the EPA, but we all know that EPA numbers are optimistic, and that dipping into the V8’s power will result in substantially less impressive real-world figures.

As innovative as DOD might be, Chevy lags noticeably in the transmission department, offering only four forward gears in a traditional automatic transmission. Impala competitors from Chrysler, Ford, and Toyota employ five- or six-speed automatics, and in the case of the Ford Five Hundred, a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is available. Chrysler and Ford also offer optional all-wheel-drive, while Chevy does not.

Underneath the Impala, either a touring- or sport-tuned suspension is offered as support, depending on the model chosen. Controlling motion for either the 16- or 17-inch wheels on LS, LT, and LTZ models, the touring setup is optimized to provide comfort and reduced noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH). Behind the 18-inch wheels and tires of the SS model, however, a sport suspension with a hollow 34-mm front stabilizer bar and solid 18-mm rear stabilizer bar interact with firmer struts to provide a stiffer foundation tuned to manage the mass of the heavy V8 engine while providing a stiffer ride and more responsive handling.

Other notable Impala features include power rack-and-pinion steering and four-wheel-disc brakes with available ABS and all-speed traction control.