For model year 2006, Monaco presents a menu of new floorplans, options and upgrades that heretofore didn’t exist in The Executive product line. With coach lengths that range from forty feet up to forty-five feet and floorplans that can feature two, three and four slideout rooms, the Monaco Executive for 2006 takes quality, luxury and cutting-edge innovation to a new level.

Like the carry-over models and floorplans whose names reflect the same kind of majesty as do the mountains of the world that they are named after (Sandia, Matterhorn and Denali), the all new 40 Rainier carries on with this same tradition in names. Offered as the Rainier II, III and IV, there four Rainier floorplans that include a double slide, front triple slide, rear triple slide and quad slide. But it doesn’t end there! Monaco has created a fifth new model and floorplan for 2006 that they call the Temple IV. This elegant new 45-foot motorcoach is offered only in a quad slide format.

Like all Executive coaches, these new units feature a tandem axle and they come standard with a 500 HP Cummins diesel (1450 lbs./ft. torque) and an Allison 4000 MH 6-speed World Transmission with Electronic Shifter. Options offered include a 515 HP Series 60 Detroit Diesel and a Cummins 525 HP Diesel that both develop an amazing 1,650 lbs./ft. torque.

Upon ascending the entryway stairwell and entering the Executive, it becomes immediately apparent that the creative genius the Monaco designers and engineers bring to the luxury coach market, laces the coach fore and aft. Moving through the palatial venues of the interior, the new options and upgrades designed to further enhance the luxury coach lifestyle are apparent everywhere.

To begin with, Multiplex 12V wiring is offered on the Executive. The Multiplex 12V wiring now means that at the touch of a single button, many wondrous things can occur. The coach can now be programmed to do this. For example, the touch of a single button can now prepare the entire coach so that the surround sound home theater entertainment system can instantly be enjoyed. No more having to do this or do that in preparation for the other. The power shades (also a new feature for 2006) are lowered.

Upon ascending the entryway stairwell and entering the Executive, it becomes immediately apparent that the creative genius the Monaco designers and engineers bring to the luxury coach market, laces the coach fore and aft.

The optional 37-inch flat-screen flush ceiling mounted television (also a new option on the Executive) folds down from the ceiling. The lights are dimmed and the screen yields images that are delivered via the in-motion satellite systems, DVD components, etc. Yes, all of this at the touch of a single button. WOW!

The recessed ceiling lighting that has been added for 2006 is a major departure from conventional recessed lighting. Its presentation is subtle, yet it is also dramatic. This recessed lighting design now includes clear frosted lenses (minus the obtrusive rings), a feature that makes the individual lights inconspicuous within the ceiling’s vinyl pad itself, that is until the lights are switched on. But even then the effects are subtle, for the new lenses defuse and enhance the light in an immediately appealing way. That’s right, until they are turned on, they are almost undetectable.

The state-of-the-art galley for 2006 now features a tiled back-splash, replacing the mirror that is typically used. But this is not just any tile. This is a metallic brick-style tile that lends unique aesthetics to an already beautiful area.

For 2006, the cockpit has been graced with a burled wood style finish, not just the dash, but all of the cabinet doors that disguise the storage housed below the dash as well. The smart steering wheel has been dressed with two-tone leather that simply smacks of style and elegance. The clean, uncomplicated instrument clusters are configured such that only the important operating and performance data is presented to the pilot, in a similarly elegant fashion. The easy-on-the-eye gauges make grabbing and utilizing operating data (at a glance) an evolution that feels au natural. And through the massive coach-wide windshield that is minus a center post, the pilot and passenger are given an unobstructed bird’s eye view of the world outside.

Articulating the driver seat forward electrically and automatically as part of the programmed sequence of steps that take place when the street-side salon slideout is extended is also new for 2006. No more having to worry about the driver seat being struck or damaged by the slide when it is extended. This thought process has been taken out of the operator’s hands and programmed into the electronic sequence of events.

On the rear curbside of the Executive an additional storage bay can now be dedicated to house an additional house battery pack. Because so many luxury coach enthusiasts like the capability of doing total stand-along (primitive) RV camping for extended periods of time, this additional battery pack is ideal. Along with the 2,800 watt Pure Sine Wave inverter (also new for 2006), every 110Volt AC system on this unit (minus the air conditioning) can be operated for extended periods of time on the house batteries alone. And when battery voltage drops below a preset limit, the auto-generator start feature brings the 7.5 kW diesel generator instantly on line. If additional battery capacity is not a requirement, this cargo bay can be used for additional exterior storage.

The new model year also finds the service center on the Executive dramatically upgraded. Monaco has added an interior stainless steel door that yields a clean, finished, hi-tech look inside the service bay when this bay door is opened. Behind the stainless steel door is where the dump valves, all of the plumbing fixtures, the mani-block, the water filtration unit, etc. are located. These types of service items have been consolidated to the street side service center into this centralize location, making them convenient and easy to get to. The heavy duty Glendenning® (electric in and out) 50 amp shore power cable that has been added for 2006 is also conveniently located inside the service bay.

Improvements to the HVAC are also part of the 2006 model year enhancement to the Monaco Executive. Most notable are the additional heating zones and upgraded functions that have been added to the optional Aqua-Hot® heating system. Case in point is the additional heating zone that has been added in the galley area, a feature that keeps the ceramic tile floor warm and toasty even on the coldest of days. Two Aqua-Hot heater modules are now located in the cockpit where previously only one existed. And as for holding tank capacity, the black holding tank has been increased from 40 to 60 gallons, a total of sixteen gallons and a significant amount for those who enjoy stand-along camping for long periods of time.

Being introduced at the FMCA Winter Convention in Perry, Georgia, the 2006 Monaco Executive is sure to turn many heads with its extensive menu of new floorplans, upgrades and options that are now available. For those with a new luxury coach in their future, The Executive could easily be the last motorcoach they will ever need.