Motorweek; 2509

Still two. Chevrolets almost all new in. The world were family sedan for both work and life. Some find out as we drive the 2006 Impala next on the motorway. Hi I'm Pat Goss. American icons on this week's Goss's garage. I mean recall Baz and I'm going to show you how to drive one of these at speed. And we'll test the larger 2006 the basics. So come drive with us now. Will. Tell. You the Stanley Works makers of Max Light 3 6 9 and tripod elimination Stanley is proud to support public television channel 8. Make something great information available at the dot Stanley Works by presenter of the Dunlop driver's ed international competition

racing to America testing the skills of nonprofessional live off road and on the track information at Dunlop tires. And buy cars. Lets say youre looking for a car you can help. Research locate even contact a dealer find the right car for you. The excitement is building with picks robotics excellence you create design a working robot limited only by your own imagination. More information about the next robotics is at Radio Shack or Radio Shack dot com. Your host for Motor Week. John Davis. Hello and welcome again to motor week. We're glad to have you with us. Me in Palo sedan is one of Chevy's best selling models and General Motors best selling car for a lot of reasons. It's roomy reliable has good all around performance and offers lots of high value for a low price. So what

could Chevy do to make it even more appealing. Well actually quite a lot. While technically not all new the 2006 Chevrolet Impala is such a critical car for General Motors volume brand that they did pull out most of the stops with a thorough revamping of the chassis is familiar but it has been stiffened and now adorned with sleek styling and pants pushrod power and numerous upscale interior touches the one hundred ten point five inch will base is also the same. The new impeller is about one and a half inches taller with fractions of an inch added to link with and track standard 16 inch tires with optional 17 set beneath the metallic cantaloupe on most grades supported by a retune MacPherson strut run and independent trialing rear suspension Power Choices the inward to larger and more powerful B6 engine

the base 3.5 liter B6 churns out 211 horsepower and 214 pound feet of torque at three point nine liter B6 generates 240 horsepower a 40 horsepower gain and two hundred forty two pound feet. Six gets a push rod. First the variable valve timing and are linked to a four speed automatic transmission with available for traction control. Lead like three point zero to sixty point three seconds the quarter mile followed in sixteen point seven seconds and eighty six miles three point nine. Both times and would be our clear choice for family use. Most families favor a great ride over superior handling and in that vein our impeller is pretty much on par with the Camry and Accord. There isn't a lot of steering feedback and plenty of front push makes it safe and sane. Braking was disappointing however. The four will disc with optional abs leisurely stopped and

140 feet from 60. We consider 130 feet a good result but inside makes up for its track shortcomings. The 5 or 6 passenger cabin exceptionally well played and a big improvement over a previous Chevrolet mid-sized refined instrument panel available dual zone climate make it a most impressive also impressive as a clever update to the traditional split folding rear seat. The bottom cushion under seat storage trades there perfect to conceal valuable grocery bag hooks are also provided. The rear seat backs also flat load space passed through to the generous eighteen point six cubic foot trunk. Clearly most models of Chevy's galloping gazelle are made more promote sweeps than track meet. But that's where the M Palla SS comes in has the other end Palla the SS rules with the first small block V-8 in our front wheel drive Impala

at five point three leaders output is 303 horsepower 63 more than last year super charged B6 with three hundred twenty three pound feet of torque plus SS gets a first for a Chevrolet car. Deo d cylinder deactivation to cut fuel consumption. Compared to the base car the SS wears firmer MP 3 suspension hardware with a larger stabilizer bars for enhanced role control. They manage the 18 inch performance tires to connect the SSA sportier ride in handling to the road. This suburban Hot Rod is subtly distinctive with the SS is signature black diamond crosshatch grille. If I spoke wheels standard rear spoiler and bright exhaust tips from which it exhales a throaty exhaust no dead lesser impellers don't approach. But mileage fares rather well on all in Palin's EPA estimates for the 3.5 V-6 are twenty one city and thirty one highway. The three point ninety six rates nineteen city and twenty seven highway while the five

point three be eight SS scores 18 city and twenty eight highway. But prices are on Palla's most critical numbers. They're lower and started twenty one thousand nine hundred ninety dollars for the base LS model Vale t goes for twenty five thousand four hundred twenty dollars. The 3.9 leader L T Z sedan for a new twenty seven thousand five hundred thirty dollars while a loaded VSS runs thirty one thousand four hundred fifty dollars. Buyers in the market for a solid mid-sized family sedan do themselves a disservice if they don't consider the 2006 Chevrolet Impala. This almost all new efforts outstanding value outpaces market leading Camry and Accord Plus they have nothing like the V.A. to empower ss. It's a great American car name. Now back on a worthy design. Coming up. Henry on the big oval.

Over weeks top tag Pat Goss knows cars their history and their appeal like few others. To us he's a one man Brand. John there are certain American icons that have been around forever. Take Harley Davidson for instance. What part of American society. Well you know you don't have to own a Harley to show your affinity for the Harley line. Now take a look here. We have to catalog the smaller catalog is the bike catalog. The larger one is the excess free catalog all sorts of things in here that you can wear to show that you love HARLEY So that's a great way to go lots of times. Now back in the day when this Shelby was king of the road. Well part of the mystique of these automobiles was the Hurst shifter. And here we have a shifter lamp. This is a replica of hers shifter with the Hearst logo the red and black logo. Very

convincing looking and it has the shift pattern on the globe of the lamp. Over here we have a gear grinder pan. This comes complete with the first original type of shifter ball and it is actually a pin fits down into a typical shifter boot. Pretty clever. Now the other thing that you think about when you talk about these icons of course is jeep and whenever you think of Jeep you think of things that are extremely rugged and durable. Well Jeep has come out with a line of clothes that fits that category to a T. They have a special coating on the fabric that literally just sheds more than dirt washes right off and so on. Some of the technicians actually wear these in repair shops in my shop as a matter of fact and they find it very easy to clean. They have shirts and jackets and just

about anything that you might want along with that. Jeep has taken on bicycles. More specifically mountain bikes and here we have the new Jeep Rubicon. Now what's different about this is that it's the first bicycle to have both front and rear wheel drive. It has a gear case on the rear wheel. Then the drive shaft goes up and through the frame and then down to the front wheel. Now this makes it extremely capable out on the trail. Also has full suspension front and rear. So if you're looking for something that really can get you up and down the tough stuff. This is a good way to go and if you have a question or comment write to me. The address is Motor Week always Mills Maryland 2 1 1 0 1 7. There's no branch of motor sports with more appeal and influence than stock car

racing. Millions of Americans young and all dream of taking the wheel and hitting the big oval high banks. But is it really as exciting as it looks. Well let's ask Henrico Pat. Stock car racing is a normal sleep popular in the US. Every Sunday thousands of people fill the stands that weekends chosen racetrack not to mention the millions of people at home glued to their TVs to watch their NASCAR heroes ballot out. The number one position. There's nothing like it in all of racing and watching it as a spectator is a thrill a minute. Watching and driving are two totally different animals. Ever wonder what is the life experience stock car racing from the driver's seat. Well I know I have not why we're here at Dover International Speedway. You can jump on one of these bad boys and be your own racing legend for one day. Monster racing can help you do just that. In operation for over 11 years. Monster racing offers bold riding and driver programs and honest life stock cars with programs and. Where at the monster mile

and in Tennessee at Nashville Superspeedway participants can experience stock car racing from a totally different perspective. The only requirements to drive you must be 18 years old and possess a valid driver's license. The brainchild of Sonny from Monster racing's goal is to bring the stock car experience to fans in a way that watching a race just can't. And what they get is a total immersion in the NASCAR experience. But we really look at Monster racing as fantasy baseball for NASCAR fans probably ninety nine percent of the folks that come through our gates and they will have never driven a race car. They're NASCAR fans they're married up with the series they love with the guys you on Sundays and we give them an opportunity to drive and had a NASCAR track. Next Elka. Track. In a car. That was possibly driven by one of their. Sunday heroes. And unlike some NASCAR style driving experiences the cars they drive the monster racing are the real thing. No stock car replicas here that number my car for instance was a Rusty Wallace jar we

bought a car from the teams and when the people drive here they actually drive an authentic race car that has raced at the NASCAR track. The only modifications made to the cars is the installation of a Chevrolet crate and in place of the racing motor which isn't really suited to the constant stops and starts hired by the program. Still the 400 horsepower the setup puts out is nothing to shake a stick at. Participants can opt to ride along with one of monsters train drivers in a seat fitted to the passenger side of the car or really gas it up by getting behind the wheel and driving themselves at speeds reaching 100 and 25 mph. You can really get a feel for what it's like to pilot one of the Sunday speedsters to victory lane. With three cars out on the track at a time in an instructor participant lead follow arrangement safety is Monster regime's number one concern. Cars are inspected every 10 laps by staff members to ensure all is well under the hood and that tires are within spec helmets gloves racing suits and shoes are all available for drivers and passengers to wear which not only helps keep you safe but helps one

assume that racer persona as well as a full time mechanic on hand to tackle any heavy repair work. That's my number one priority you know if anybody says anything about the car you know I'll play all of the senior car shifter or steer we'll if there's anything loose there's no unifying it any farther means out of the car. They fail me bring it directly to the garage in optics and no matter if you're riding or driving. Everyone who gets out of a car after being on the track has a smile as wide as a NASCAR Oh it was fantastic I was all worried before I got the car now I'm almost speechless. That's. Right. I've been to like a NASCAR simulators at the racetracks on the NASCAR fan. But I didn't think it would be like it was here snug then you're stuck in there and it's it's great it's a wonderful feeling along. With over 75 events a summer at the monster mile alone. Chances are there will be a slot for you to suit up and go through the gears yourself. That was. Awesome. So if you're in need for a little stock car speed and high tail it over to Dover Delaware in the monster miles during your driver will never. Regret it.

New keys mean new cars. So let's see when exciting new models these fit. The 2006 came in ask who is the most anticipated new Porsche since the two seat Boxster roadster was introduced almost a decade ago designed to fill the gap between the current Boxster S. with which it shares its mid engine chassis and the 911 Carrera. They came in as target younger porches files looking to the find their own style by the metal that wraps them down the road. Cayman styling is pure Porsche yet unique. The front where separate but left each side is lined with a liberty scoop ahead of the rear axle. That's a fast route leads to a tapered hatchback tail set off by dual center pipes with the Audi Titi Mercedes SLK and BMW used three series in its

sights. We came in his car by 3.4 leader flat 6 with 295 horsepower. Again bookended by Boxster and 911. The new came in is perfect for Porsches vehicle lineup. It's a bit faster than the Boxster but just right behind the 9 11 and it's a great car and I think it's going to be fantastic. The Porsche harnessing example power is a precise throw six speed manual or an optional tiptronic automatic fire speed inside the Cayman is again familiar yet different. While sharing some staples like audio with Boxster there is a unique 3 Beneful cluster and came in exclusive leather and brushed metal tram car. First came an outing was on the twisty backroads end autostrada near Sienna Italy. The draw I proved more exhilarating than the Boxster S.. But they came in stiffer tuning in their hair trigger acceleration. It's not a 911 substitute but it's very good fun and pricing will be less than the 9 11 around

$58000 to start with the very German Cayman S arrives in US showrooms early next year. A new model to a vastly improved 2006 remake of the best selling SUV in the world the Explorer. Wearing just enough parts to stifle an all new status. The six Explorer has much more than a mid-cycle freshening. It's more powerful slightly larger inside with a more robust look. Plus safer with standard side impact airbags stability control with an available side curtain airbags. Power Choices start with a carry over 210 horsepower V-6 new to the explorer is a three point six leader with variable cam timing and 290 horsepower. Again a 53. It's attached to a first in classic speed automatic in rear or two speed for will drawn. The frame is now fully boxed with the four will independent suspension retune for an even more resilient rime. The interior is so different. It's

a shocker looking for more luxury car than a truck of any sort. Satellite navigation is a new option. The Explorer offers to row 5 place or 3 row 7 places with optional powerful third seat cargo room remains generous up to 85 cubic feet when configured for phone. The new explorers interior is not only roomy and comfortable. It's also incredibly quiet. There's still lots of room for a big family. Explorer is easy to maneuver in tight places has great power and can still tell a big trailer. So Ford has reinvented their 15 year old Explorer once more and it's in dealers now starting at a lower sticker price just under $28000. No car represents the optimum expression of the German luxury sedan as thoroughly as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Come next spring the all new 2007 S class arrives in a slicker more muscular form.

Initially only the extended wheel base model will be available here with a limo style rear seat room. He has classes configured in three models the V8 ask for 50 en Espanol 50 and of the 12 es 600. First to our shores is the s 550 with a 30 to about 5.5 leader be 8 at 380 to horsepower. It is among the most powerful engines in its displacement class. The power. Close to a seven speed automatic transmission with all wheel drive waiting in the wings. A host of high tech innovations will also make their way into the new S-Class. Among them is radar aided destroy onic plus cruise control. They can actually stop the car to avoid a collision. Handling has been improved to the point that the larger S-Class actually feels as agile as a much smaller sedan. Yet with aromatics suspension no car also rides the regular pavement better than the new S-Class despite big improvements. Prices for the first to arrive 2007 as 550 should stay close

to the day sticker of near eighty seven thousand dollars. A lot of money. But then there is only one S class. And will have more new car keys to twist in just a few weeks. For over a decade well-heeled family seeking both luxury and cargo versatility have been drawn out of high end station wagons and a premium SUV. But Audi thinks they have just the right design to reverse that trend. With the 2006 A6 Avant its larger more powerful and more stylish and did I mention more economical. All the right stuff for a luxury wagon renaissance. When ality designers sat down to plan out the 2006 basics of on adding cargo space in utility to make their new station wagon more competitive in the SUV dominated U.S. market was high on their list of priorities a

job made easier thanks to last year's thorough redesign of the A6 of AM which yielded a longer one hundred eleven point nine inch wheelbase extra room between the wheels makes for a larger cargo deck that can now be accessed by way of an optional power operated rear hatch. It opens wide to present a big thirty three point nine cubic feet of luggage space with a rear seat up with a rear seat folded that space increases to fifty nine point five cubic feet. Very good for a wagon and even larger than some compact SUV. No to the new floor rails with adjustable tie down points and a removable cargo divider up front the Avaaz cabin is 100 percent new generation Audi A6 and us packed with luxury and technology. Seating is leather clad buckets with standard 12 weight power adjustments and heat occupants are protected by dual stage front front side impact and head curtain airbags with optional rear side impact airbags. Many interior functions are controlled by how these latest multi media interface

and its seven inch screen it's easier to comprehend than before but the controller is poorly positioned to use while driving navigation and voice recognition are optional. Like the sedan the cabin is space by now these new dramatic corporate grill supported by super smooth aluminum hood and fenders with steerable xenon headlights an option line in moderate use of glass is a familiar look for the now more stylish and athletic tucked under the A6 Avant alloy Hood is Audi's latest three point one liter dual cam B6 with direct fuel injection as in the sedan output is 255 horsepower and two hundred forty three pound feet of torque. All tied to a six speed automatic transmission whip tiptronic manual shifting and Audi's Quatro all wheel drive system with a torque sensing center differential with which we launch the A6 from 0 to 60 and 7.7 seconds. Even though the body adds about 100 pounds over the sedan the quarter mile zips

by rather nicely and fifteen point nine seconds at 90 mph. The Avant make strong power at the mid range and top in engine and very refined with a V-6 producing a nice throaty growl when pushed hard drive train is complemented by a well balanced suspension which is available with adaptive air suspension and while it's no sports car. The two ton of on is nimble for its size. It changes directions easily and despite all wheel drive Understeer is very mild. The Yvonne's brakes with ABS and electronic brake force distribution. They stopped our car from 60 in a good average distance of one hundred twenty seven feet almost identical to the sedan chassis stability and pedal feel get high marks too. But we did experience some fade as the brakes heated up. Unusual for an Audi. 17 City 26 highway. We drew a fine 23 miles per gallon in our mixed test loop for about 50 percent better than most premium SUV.

Audi A6 premium pricing starts at forty seven thousand five hundred ninety dollars back on options like adaptive headlights or radar cruise control. And you can quickly see a lofty 60 grand. Still we think the 2006 Audi A6 is an intelligent alternative to our premium luxury SUV. It's stylish really comfortable. Great performer no matter what the road conditions with cargo versatility that beats most needs. It is the design we'd pick to lead a station wagon Renaissance where less is very much more. While I hope you'll join us next week for more motorways but won't tell us is there is all new Grand Vitara compact SUV. I'm John Davis wealthier then. To learn more about Motor Week TV's original automotive magazine visit PBS dot org. To order a DVD or

VHS copy of this program call 1 800 8 7 3 6 1 5 4. Motor weight has been brought to you by the Stanley Works makers of Mac's life 3 6 mine tripod elimination tools Stanley is proud to support public television stand lane. Make something great information available at w w w dot Stanley Works dot com and buy Dunlop tires for center of the Dunlop drivers Cup at international competition racing to America testing the skills of nonprofessional enthusiastic off road and on the track information at Dunlop tires dot com. And buy cars. Let's say you're looking for a car. Cars dot com can help research locate even contacted us cars dot com. Find the right car for you. By Radio Shack where the excitement is building with Bex robotics. Next lets you create and design a working robot limited only by magination. More information

about this robotics is a Radio Shack or Radio Shack dot com. This program was produced by public television which is soley responsible for its content. We are PBS.