The Oakville Beaver, W ednesday January 18, 2006 - 21 EVERYTHING AUTO Genetic By BUI McLauchlan Metroland Wheels REGINA, Saskatchewan -- Judging by what' s gone into the all-new 2006 Impala, you could make a convincing case that it' s truly a GM product... genetically modified, that is. At first glance, you could be excused for thinking it seems not unlike the old Impala that was just put out to pasture. But there's a lot more to the new Chevy offspring that becomes evident once you put it under the microscope. Before we start dissecting it in detail, you should know that a lot of the lab work was done right here in Canada. General Motors says 65 per cent of the car's development work was done here. A major part of the chassis, powertrain, body structures and the total electrical system were done out of GM Canada's Regional Engineering Centre, located right next to the Oshawa, Ontario, assembly complex. The complex's two plants, tops in inde pendent quality ratings in North and South America three times in the last four years, is where the Impala, its new Monte Carlo twin, the Buick Allure (LaCrosse in the U.S.) and Pontiac Grand Prix are built. And, in yet another Canadian connection, the '06 Impala offers V8 power once again (in SS trim), this time in the form of an all-new, 5.3-litre small-block motor (with Displacement on Demand technology) sourced from a GM engine plant in St. Catharines, Ontario. roads with tempting twists through this area's scenic sceni Qu' Appelle Valley proving an irresistible combination, a certainly puts lots of The big powerplant powi Chevrolet's basic family sedan extra zing into C ... and gives it an a added selling point against its main family-' rivals like the Camry and offer V6 propulsion. Accord, which o Impala is fire breather, In SS guise, but the 4-wheel independent suspension and rack and pinion steering are tweaked suffi ciently well to add a modicum of sportiness to your progress through suitable sections of the roadscape. Let the eight cylinders vent their full 325 cubic inch lung capacity and, once the 235/50R18 tires get a grip on things, you're happy compensating for a noticeable dose of torque steer and a decent amount of forward thrust, accompanied by a satisfying snarl emanating from big, Corvette-inspired, dual exhaust outlets. We did detect some front-end plow if entry into corners proved a shade too enthusiastic The (mostly) Canadian made Chevrolet Impala has been redesigned for 2006 with over 1,000 changes across the board. (built on the same architecture as the 3.5 V6 Under the microscope Now that its considerable Canadian DNA but with a variable-length intake manifold has been established, it's time to take a look added for more power and usable torque) and the 5.3-litre V8, as previously men at this animal's other evolutionary aspects. It might surprise you to find that tioned, putting 303 hp on tap in th£ top-line Chevrolet engineered more than 1,000 $32,855 Impala SS. The main objective in all of the above was changes into the new Impala, They include all-new bodywork, a new, to make this mid-size sedan quieter inside more comfortable and refined interior, and a and more inspiring to drive. Wheel time with the SS was our obvious trio of new engines that include variable Continued on page 25 valve timing to optimize performance and first choice, the prospect of V8 power and economy. W A R R A N T Y A P P R O V E D · 21 P O IN T V I S U A L IN S P E C T I O N NO A P P O I N T M E N T N E C E S S A R Y · D R I V E - T H R U S E R V I C E An example of the former is the Any oil and use of an aluminum engine cradle, "Is your new car oil filter change various suspension pieces and a package warranty safe with us?" "Quiet Steel" firewall to help iso Offer applies to any oil change package and must be presented late engine and tire noise from the Absolutely. We follow at the tim e of service. Not valid with any otfier oil change service your owner's manual passenger cabin. The latter can be discount or coupon. Valid at participating locations. Prices to the letter." found in a new 211 horsepower, may vary at Mr.Lube locations. 345 SPEERS RD, OAKVILLE 3.5-litre V6 powering the $24,685 CODE 9 8 4 7 905 842 9299 DOING IT RIGKT. EXPIRES 0 2 /1 1 /0 6 base Impala LS and step-up BEFORE YOUR EYES: 490 DUNDAS ST. WEST, OAKVILLE REG. T.M. HR. LUBE CANADA 905 257 8353 INC. 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