2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
CHICAGO - Chevrolet's Monte Carlo nameplate turns 30 next year, so what a perfect time for - no, not another anniversary edition, but an all-new model. Enter the 2000 Monte, which shares a platform and engines with the 2000 Impala sedan seen earlier this year at the Detroit show.

Ever since its debut in 1970, the Monte Carlo has attempted to blend sophistication and performance in a big coupe package. The goal hasn't changed for 2000 version, whose new sheetmetal is true to the car's long hood/short deck roots. The taillamp arrangement and haunched rear quarters look oh-so-seventies, with flowing body lines that arch gently over the wheel wells. Unfortunately, there's a little too much of a Lumina look lurking up front, despite unique flared headlamps. Overall, though, it's one of Chevy's better designs, and more inspired than the Impala.

The new Monte Carlo boasts structural improvements, a roomier interior, split-fold rear seats, retuned suspensions, larger four-wheel disc brakes, ABS and standard 16-inch wheels and tires. Engine choices are the 180-horsepower 3400 V6 or the 200-horse 3800 Series II V6, with an impressive 225 foot-pounds of torque at just 4000 rpm.

There are two basic flavors, the standard LS version and a hot-rodded SS. Opting for the SS model gets you the 3.8 as standard, as well as a host of other performance touches, including fog lamps, rocker moldings, spoiler, dual exhaust and a more aggressive axle ratio. But don't get too excited -- shifting gears is an automatic affair only.

Expect to see the new Monte in dealer showrooms this fall. Prices were not announced, but officials assured the media in Chicago that "there will be a value story to tell." We hope so, because Chevy should be rewarded for building a new Monte Carlo with some real curb appeal. Kurt Ritter, Chevrolet's marketing general manager described the car as "classy with a wild streak." Sounds like a winning combination to us.