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.



2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo - Safety and crash avoidance

Chevrolet 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:

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