The Signature Series, the flagship of Monaco’s entire fleet, offers new and substantive enhancements for 2006 that allow the coach enthusiast to enjoy the complete luxury bus experience. Once again, the engineers and designers at Monaco have taken the Signature Series to greater levels of luxury, livability, performance and aesthetics. And as per usual, the 2006 Signature Series reflects the prowess of the client to directly influence and provide input into the color schemes, interior packages, cabinet configurations, exterior lines and paint schemes and power train choices offered.

Seventy-five percent of all Signature Series clients elect to be directly involved in the design and creation of their individual coaches. They play an active role that ensures their specific lifestyle requirements are incorporated in the final product. This process begins first with a visit to a Signature Series dealer, followed by a direct interface with the Monaco designers and consultants in Coburg, Oregon. Long story short, the depth of the Monaco organization permits Monaco to work one-on-one with each Signature Series client so their coach is as unique as they are.

The 2006 Signature Series luxury coach is represented in lengths that range from 40 feet up to 45 feet and available with two, three and four slideout rooms.

The more profound evolutions that have taken place in the design of the 2006 Signature Series include three enhancements that once again make the Signature Series a next generation luxury motorcoach. One evolution is the all-new dramatic roofline design. Another is the new optional ISX 600 Cummins turbo diesel engine. There are also the new floorplans making their debut for Model Year 2006. Let’s begin with a look at the new ISX 600 Cummins engine.

On the cutting edge of power trains, the new ISX engine debuted last summer at the FMCA show in Minot, North Dakota. This new power train is capable of delivering 600 horsepower and 1,850 lbs. ft. torque. Married to the next generation Allison 4000MH transmission, this quantum step up in both horsepower and torque means the prowess of Monaco’s flagship is unmatched by any other luxury production coach on the market.

The all-new clean, aesthetically correct exterior rooflines found on the 2006 Signature Series, are “unparalleled.” What Monaco Coach has done is redesign the front and rear end caps so they transition and blend with the roofline changes that have occurred on curb and street sides of the Signature Series. On the side rooflines of the Signature Series, Monaco has incorporated the next generation Girard Awning System. An awning system configuration that permits Monaco to cleverly disguise the three roof air conditioners, the only roof mounted object visible at all (and only from a distance) is the dome that houses the in-motion satellite system. This all-new roofline brings the overall exterior height of the Signature Series to 12 feet, four inches. The appearance of an uncluttered roofline, coupled with the massive single piece windshield and complemented by the full body custom paint schemes and graphics available to every Signature Series client, puts this family of Monaco coaches on the cusp of design excellence.

The two new floorplans introduced for 2006 brings to seven the total the client can choose from. Here’s the new: a 44-foot Cardinal III, a floorplan that features two rear slides and one slide-out up front. Also new is the 44-foot Conquest IV, which is a full quad slideout coach, as the name implies.

The sophistication of each floorplan moniker indicates the elegance this is found inside and out. But Monaco offers a service that is unique, where the client can not only select the floorplan and the coach length they prefer, but they can choose two, three or four slideout rooms for that floorplan. Yes, they have the flexibility of choosing the number of coach slideouts that best fits the comfort and luxury lifestyle they are seeking. If the client likes the floorplan offered in a quad slide, but they want only three slides or even just two slideout rooms, Monaco’s designers and engineers will work with the client to tailor their coach exactly as they want it to be. The bottom line is that special requests do not upset the skilled Monaco design and production people because Monaco has the depth of resources and technical expertise that permits them to accommodate individual preferences.

In addition to the big-ticket changes noted above, there are other offerings that should be mentioned. For example, the Signature Series can now be enjoyed with an LS38 Bose Sound system that comes complete with a DVD player. A deluxe security system is also available. And to further enhance electrical system performance, a 2,800-watt pure sine wave inverter is included.

There are other options that need to be recognized because they are significant. For example, the client can elect to delete overhead cabinets in the living area and have large bay windows installed in their place. The galley can be outfitted with a new residential style refrigerator (with French Doors and a bottom freezer). A glider/recliner with ottoman and a new Ralph Lauren décor package called Black Pearl, have also been added to the menu of possibilities.

On the list of new standard features are the Signature Series’ VIP steering wheel and new exterior graphics. Also now standard: the driver’s seat automatically articulates forward when the driver’s side slideout is extended or retracted. Tile now dresses the entryway on every Signature Series. To improve heating efficiency and provide a more uniform distribution of heat in the living area (via the standard Aqua Hot Heat System), additional ducted heaters have been added in the galley and the sofa areas.

Interior appointments include new backsplash and valance designs. Lending an even more residential look to the interior is the new decorative wood trim accents that have been added to the base of the bed. The slideout room fascia has been enhanced with a deeper, more distinctive carved inlay. The living area features a new ottoman — with storage — and new style furniture is found throughout the Signature Series. For those who enjoy tailgate parties or who simply like to prepare food outdoors, an LP connection for a gas BBQ grill has been added. For improved ease of entry and always with an eye to improving security, Monaco has added a new keyless remote entry system, complete with a pocket remote that features new actuators.

Lest we forget, the heart and soul of every Signature Series luxury coach is the Roadmaster S-Series Semi-Monocoque Chassis. It’s designed and engineered specifically for the Signature Series. Beginning with 60,000 PSI structural steel rails, the semi-monocoque design incorporates a trussed superstructure that distributes and loads weight and stress in a uniform manner throughout the entire chassis, while at the same time adding strength to the sidewalls and the bays.

The Signature Series Cushion Air Glide suspension system incorporates 10 air bags and 10 Bilstein shocks that are tuned specifically for the Signature Series application. For improved maneuverability, the TRW steering box permits a 50-degree front wheel turn angle in both directions. Automatic traction control eliminates wheel slippage when slick driving conditions are encountered, and when a tight turn is required the tag axle can be lifted. In addition to the anti-lock brakes (disc brakes in the front), every Signature Series coach, regardless of which engine package is selected, comes equipped with a two stage Jake brake system that effectively manages and slows the coach on mountain grades or anywhere more control over the forward progress of the coach is wanted. The S-Series Roadmaster Chassis features steel cage construction, a steel firewall and a steel step well.

We would be remiss if attention was not directed to the five-layer floor construction, the laminated gel coat fiberglass sidewall construction and the all-season foam insulted roof that are designed into every coach. Having turned the art of building luxury motor coaches into a science, Monaco has captured the essence of what is required to create these passive structural systems that carry a five-year/50,000 mile limited warranty.

As Monaco does each new model year, the 2006 is characterized by unique and impeccable styling that includes six totally new interior décor packages. Seven different choices of interior wood cabinetry make 2006 a banner year for personalizing the interior motif of the individual coach for each client. Other options are also offered that permit the client to customize the interior to reflect an individual style. These can include but are not limited to the dishwasher drawer, queen or king air mattress with digital remotes, a state-of-the-art collision avoidance system and much, much more.

There is good reason why such a high percentage of Signature Series clients visit the Coburg, Oregon facility and actively participate in the creation of their new Signature Series coach. It’s the same reason why coach enthusiasts continue to stay and move up in the Monaco family. Bottom line, Monaco does it right and they do it right the first time.