Chevrolet Monte Carlo
| Chevrolet Monte Carlo | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | General Motors |
| Production | 1970–1988 1995–present |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Personal luxury car (1970-1980) Mid-size car (1981-1988, 1995-present) |
| Body style | 2-door coupe |
The Chevrolet Monte Carlo is an American mid-size car. Originally introduced by Chevrolet for the 1970 model year (as competition with the Ford Thunderbird), it has gone through six generations to date. All Monte Carlos to date have been two-door coupes, closely based on a contemporary mid-sized sedan.
From its inception, the Monte Carlo also has been one of GM's biggest successes on the NASCAR stock car racing circuit.
First generation
| First generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 1970–1972 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Platform | FR A-body |
| Related | Chevrolet Chevelle Pontiac Grand Prix |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 350 in³ Turbo-Fire V8 400 in³ Turbo-Fire V8 400 in³ Turbo-Jet V8 454 in³ Turbo-Jet V8 |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 116 in (2997 mm) |
1970
The Monte Carlo was originally created as Chevrolet's answer to the new A-body Pontiac Grand Prix, which had been introduced to great success for 1969. For the 1968 model year, GM had instituted a split-wheelbase policy for its A-body intermediate cars: 112 in (2845 mm) for two-door models, 116 in (2946 mm) for sedans and station wagons. The Grand Prix was a two-door coupe riding a special 118 in (2997 mm) version of the A-platform (known as the "A-body Special"). Rather than add the extra length within the body to increase passenger space (as was customary on sedans) the A-body Special spliced the extra length between the firewall and the front wheels, creating an unusally long hood. The look was very successful, and the new Grand Prix greatly outsold its larger, B-body predecessor despite higher prices.
The Monte Carlo was the brainchild of Elliot M. (Pete) Estes, general manager of Chevrolet, and Chevrolet's chief stylist, Dave Holls. They modeled the styling on the contemporary Cadillac Eldorado, although much of the body and structure were shared with the Chevrolet Chevelle (firewall, windshield, decklid, and rear window were the same), adding new front end sheetmetal, wider C-pillars, and new rear fenders. Bulges were added to the fenders to create a more muscular appearance. The Monte Carlo also had the then-fashionable concealed windshield wipers.
A mid-1990s article in Chevy High Performance stated that the first generation Monte Carlo was known to Chevrolet brass under the working name Concours (a usual practice where all Chevrolet models started with a "C"). At one point, the proposal called for a formal coupe, sedan, and convertible. It has been noted that the sedan resembled a full-size Oldsmobile 98 prior to the use of the GM A platform.
The standard powertrain was the 350 in³ (5.7 L) Chevrolet "Turbo-Fire" small-block V8 with a two-barrel carburetor, rated at 250 hp (186 kW) (gross) @ 4500 rpm and 345 ft·lbf (468 N·m) of torque @ 2800 rpm, mated to a three-speed manual transmission. Front disc brakes were standard equipment. The dashboard was basically identical to the Chevelle except for fake wood trim, according to Holls a photographic reproduction of the elm trim used by Rolls-Royce, and higher grade nylon upholstery and carpeting were used. Base priced at US$3,123, the Monte Carlo cost $218 more than a comparable Chevelle Malibu.
Various options were available. The three-speed manual could be replaced by a two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission (on 350 in³ engines only), three-speed Turbo-Hydramatic, or a four-speed manual; most Monte Carlos carried the Turbo-Hydramatic. Variable-Ratio Power Steering, power windows, Four Season Air Conditioning, power seats, Rallye wheels, Strato bucket seats, full instrumentation, and various other accessories were also available, bringing the price of a fully equipped Monte Carlo to more than $5,000.
Optional engines included the four-barrel carbureted Turbo-Fire 350 in³ small block V8, rated at 300 hp (224 kW) @ 4800 rpm and 380 ft·lbf (515 N·m) @ 3200 rpm, the Turbo-Fire 400 (400 in³/6.5 L) with a two-barrel carburetor, rated at 265 hp (198 kW) @ 4800 rpm and 400 ft·lbf (542 N·m) @ 2800 rpm, and the Turbo-Jet 400 (402 in³/6.6 L) with a four-barrel carburetor, rated at 330 hp (246 kW) @ 4800 rpm and 410 ft·lbf (515 N·m) @ 3200 rpm). Note that the two Chevrolet 400 in³ V8s offered this year were actually two different designs. The two-barrel carbureted Turbo-Fire 400 was a bored and stroked 350 engine, while the Turbo-Jet 400 was a slightly enlarged version of the 396 in³ big block V8 and had an actual displacement of 402 in³.
The most sporting option was the Monte Carlo SS 454 package. Priced at $420, it included a standard Turbo-Jet 454 of 454 in³ (7.4 L) with a four-barrel carburetor, rated at 360 hp (269 kW) @ 4800 rpm and 500 ft·lbf (678 N·m) of torque @ 3500 rpm. It also included heavy-duty suspension, wider tires, and an automatic load-leveling rear suspension. The Turbo-Hydramatic transmission (with a 3.31 rear axle) was a mandatory option with the SS package, although it still cost $222 extra. Weighing only a bit more than a comparably equipped Chevelle SS 454, the Monte Carlo SS was quite a fast car, although it accounted for less than 3% of Monte Carlos sold in 1970.
A labor strike that cut into GM's 1970 production limited sales to 130,657, short of the 185,000 projected, although most Monte Carlos were sold for full list price, making it a very profitable model. Only 3,823 of 1970 Montes were SS 454s.
1971
The 1971 model year saw only modest styling changes, including slimmer, vertical tail lights. Inside, the SS model got new "European symbol knobs," and a four-spoke steering wheel became optional. Mechanically, it was largely unchanged, although the small-block Turbo-Fire 400 was dropped. Other engines had compression ratios lowered to allow the use of regular leaded, low-lead, or unleaded gasoline, per a GM corporate edict. Engine ratings fell to 245 hp (183 kW) for the base Turbo-Fire 350 in³ (5.7 L) two-barrel, 270 hp (201 kW) for the Turbo-Fire 350-4V, and 300 hp (224 kW) for the Turbo-Jet 400. The SS 454 engine was actually raised to a nominal 365 gross hp (272 kW) despite the reduction in compression ratio.
A very few Monte Carlo SS cars carried the 425 hp (317 kW) LS-6 version of the 454, with solid valve lifters and a longer-duration camshaft, previously found in the 1970 Chevelle SS 454 (where it was rated at 450 hp or 336 kW). The Turbo Hydramatic officially remained the only transmission for the SS, but a heavy-duty clutch option on the order form suggests that it may have been possible to special-order a 454 LS-6 with a four-speed manual transmission. The exact number of such combinations, if any, is unknown since they were not officially listed as factory options but assembled through Chevrolet's "Central Office Production Order" (COPO)process that had previously made possible model/engine combinations not officially available.
The SS 454 package would be discontinued after this year, but the 454 in³ V8 engine would remain optional in Monte Carlos through 1975. The initial response to which the SS was discontinued was that the Monte Carlo was marketed as a luxury vehicle instead of a muscle car; the SS nameplate would be resurrected 12 years later.
1972
A Cadillac-like eggcrate grille similar to the 1971 Chevrolet Caprice and a metal rear trim molding highlighted the changes to the 1972 Monte Carlo, the final year for the first generation design. The SS was dropped, but a new Monte Carlo Custom option appeared as a one-year only, offering that included a special suspension and other items previously included with the SS option. Unlike the departed SS package, it was available with any engine on the roster.
The engines were unchanged, but an industry-wide switch to SAE net hp numbers led to a reduction in the rated power of all Chevrolet engines. The new ratings for the Monte Carlo were:
- 350 in³ (5.7L), two-barrel: 165 hp (245 gross)
- 350 in³ (5.7L), four-barrel: 200 hp (270 gross)
- 402 in³ (6.6L), four-barrel: 240 hp (300 gross)
- 454 in³ (7.4L), four-barrel: 270 hp (365 gross)
In California, which had emissions standards more stringent than federal law, the 4-barrel carbureted 350 was the standard engine, and the only option was the 4-barrel carbureted 402. Also, the only transmission offered in California was the Turbo Hydramatic.
For 1972, the four-speed manual transmission was discontinued from the option list as a line in the Monte Carlo brochure describing its market position as a personal luxury car stated "Sorry, no four-on-the-floor." The standard three-speed manual and optional two-speed Powerglide automatic transmissions were offered only with the base 350 in³ two-barrel engine, with the three-speed Turbo Hydramatic also available with this engine and a mandatory option with each of the optional engines.
Interior trim was relatively unchanged from 1971 other than the availability of all-vinyl upholstery with the standard bench seat in addition to the optional Strato bucket seats. Cloth interiors were also offered with both bench and buckets as in 1971, eli caballero,s birth year.
Second generation
| Second generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 1973–1977 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Platform | FR A-body |
| Related | Chevrolet Chevelle |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 350 in³ V8 400 in³ V8 454 in³ V8 305 in³ V8 |
1973
A redesigned Monte Carlo was introduced alongside other GM intermediates. Like other GM mid-size cars, the 1973 Monte Carlo was no longer a hardtop, but a pillared coupe with rear side opera windows and frameless door glass. Prominent styling features included dual headlights flanking an eggcrate grille with a Monte Carlo emblem in front and vertical taillights above the bumper. The front bumper was a large federally-mandated 5 mph bumper that was among the required 1973 federal safety standards for all passenger cars sold in the U.S. with the 5 mph requirement extended to rear bumpers on 1974 models.
The separate body-on-frame construction carried over for 1973, as was the basic all-coil suspension.
For improved ride and handling, the 1973 Monte Carlo featured a number of innovations (for a large American car) such as standard radial-ply tires, Pliacell shock absorbers, high-caster steering, and front and rear anti-roll bars (previously offered only with the SS package). The standard Monte Carlo with manual transmission, retained "traditional" steering and bias-ply tires, but the radial-tuned system was included when the automatic transmission was ordered, earning the Monte Carlo S label.
A new model for 1973 was the Monte Carlo Landau, which was basically an "S" with a rear quarter Landau vinyl roof, Turbine II wheels and driver and passenger-side sport mirrors.
The interior of the 1973 Monte Carlo featured an all-new, wraparound cockpit-style instrument panel, similar to that found in some contemporary Pontiacs, Buicks and Oldsmobiles, in which gauges and various instruments were centered within easy reach of the driver. The simulated burl elm trim was retained. A split bench seat was standard, but "Strato Bucket" seats of a new design were optional, along with a floor console with shifter and storage compartment. The bucket seats were of a one-piece high-back design with built-in headrests, and could swivel some 90 degrees to permit the driver and front passenger easier entry and exit. Cloth and vinyl trims were offered with both the bench and bucket seats.
The standard engine was a 145 (net) hp (108 kW) 350 in³ (5.7 L) Turbo-Fire V8. Optional engines included a 175 (net) hp (30 kW) 350 in³ V8 with a four-barrel carburetor and a four-barrel carbureted 454 in³ Turbo-Jet V8 rated at 245 (net) hp (183 kW).
The 1973 Monte Carlo was named Motor Trend's "Car of the Year," due to its new styling and emphasis on Euro-style ride and handling. The 1973 Monte Carlo set a new sales record for Chevrolet, with nearly 250,000 sold for the model year.
The success of the Monte Carlo and Pontiac's similar Grand Prix led to several new personal luxury cars from competitors, including subsequent Mercury Cougars, the Ford Torino Elite, the Chrysler Cordoba and restyled Dodge Charger, and even high-line versions of the AMC Matador, which got a swoopy new coupe design for 1974.
1974
The 1974 Monte Carlo received only minor detail changes from its 1973 predeccessor, most notably a revised grille in the front and taller and slimmer vertical taillights in the rear, along with a relocated license plate and larger 5 mph rear bumper.
The base Monte Carlo with manual transmission, standard suspension and bias-ply tires was discontinued, leaving only the "S" and "Landau" models but with radial-ply tires and upgraded suspensions along with standard power steering and front disc brakes.
A three-speed manual transmission was listed as standard equipment on 1974 "S" and "Landau" models equipped with the standard 350 in³ V8, and an automatic transmission was a required option with the larger 400 and 454 in³ V8s. However, a number of sources indicate that Chevrolet built virtually all 1974 Monte Carlos with the Turbo Hydra-Matic transmission.
The standard 350 in³ Turbo-Fire V8 was again rated at 145 hp with two-barrel carburetor in 49 states. In California, the standard engine was a 350 Turbo-Fire V8 with a four-barrel carburetor and 155 hp (116 kW). Reappearing on the Monte's option list for the first time since 1970 was a 400 in³ Turbo-Fire small block V8 rated at 160 hp (119 kW) with a two-barrel carburetor (not offered in California) or 180 hp (134 kW) with a four-barrel carburetor. The top engine was again the 454 in³ Turbo-Jet big block V8 rated at 245 hp (183 kW) and came with dual exhausts.
Despite the Arab Oil Embargo of late 1973 and early 1974 that greatly cut into sales of standard and intermediate-sized cars in favor of smaller compacts and imported subcompacts, the Monte Carlo went the other way on the sales charts by setting a new sales record this year of over 300,000 units despite the long lines at gas stations and record-high gasoline prices. The Monte Carlo continued to lead in intermediate personal luxury car sales with the Grand Prix placing second and the arrival of new competitors this year, including an upsized Mercury Cougar, Ford Torino Elite and AMC's Matador coupe. Chrysler would introduce its entries in this field for 1975 including the Chrysler Cordoba and redesigned Dodge Charger.
1975
The 1975 Monte Carlo received only minor styling changes from the 1974 model, including a new grille with the Monte Carlo emblem moved to the center section and new vertically-shaped taillights with horizontal louvers.
All models received catalytic converters to meet the latest federal and California emission requirements that included bonuses such as improved fuel economy and drivability, along with longer spark plug and muffler life, but required more expensive and lower-octane unleaded gasoline.
Engines were carryover from 1974 except for the addition of GM's High Energy electronic ignition being made standard equipment and the 454 in³ V8 no longer offered on California cars, leaving the 180 hp (134 kW) 400 in³ four-barrel the top engine in the Golden State. A three-speed manual transmission was standard equipment in 49 states with the base 350 in³ V8 with Turbo Hydra-Matic optional and a reqired option for all other engines including the California-only 350 four-barrel V8, and the 400 and 454 V8s. Chevrolet sources, however, report that virtually all 1975 Monte Carlos were equipped with the Turbo Hydra-Matic transmission, which became standard equipment for 1976.
New for 1975 was a Custom interior option that included a plusher cloth 50/50 bench seat with recliner on passenger side and lower door panel carpeting. The standard interior still consisted of a bench seat with knit-cloth and vinyl or all-vinyl upholstery. The swiveling Strato bucket seats and console were still optional with knit cloth or vinyl upholstery. Also, white all-vinyl interiors were available for the first time this year with either bench or bucket seats with contrasting colors for carpeting and instrument panels including black, red, blue and green.
Sales dropped off a bit from 1974's record-setting pace due to higher prices resulting from the addition of the catalytic converter, double-digit inflation and new competition from Chrysler's Cordoba and Dodge's Charger SE. Monte Carlo production ended up at around 250,000 units but would rebound to set a new record in 1976.
1976
A new crosshatch grille and vertically-mounted rectangular headlamps, along with reshaped taillights identified the 1976 Monte Carlo (the reshaped taillight pattern was later incorporated into the fourth generation Monte Carlo). Under the hood, a new 140 hp 305 in³ V8 became the standard engine with the 150 hp 350 V8 and 180 hp 400 in³ V8 both optional (California cars got a 160 hp 350 as the base engine). The big-block 454 in³ V8 was discontinued from the option list this year. The Turbo Hydramatic became standard equipment on all 1976 Monte Carlos.
Interior trims remained the same as 1975 with both base and Custom levels, but the instrument panel and steering wheel featured a new rosewood trim replacing the burled elm of previous years. A new option was a two-toned "Fashion Tone" paint combination.
Monte Carlo sales hit an all-time record with production of over 400,000 units this year.
1977
A revised grille with the Monte Carlo emblem moved to a stand-up hood ornament and revised taillight lenses marked the 1977 Monte Carlo, which was the last year for the 1973-vintage design before the introduction of a downsized 1978 Monte Carlo. The engine list was reduced to a mere two engines - a standard 140 hp two-barrel carbureted 305 or a 160 hp four-barrel carbureted 350. This model year marks the only time in history when an intermediate model was larger in every dimension than a full-sized model, as the B-body Chevrolet Caprice/Impala had already been redesigned and downsized for 1977.
Third generation
| Third generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 1978–1980 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Platform | FR A-bodyG-body (1978-1980) |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 231 in³ 3800 V6 229 in³ 3800 V6 267 in³ Small-Block V8 305 in³ Small-Block V8 |
1978
All GM intermediate-sized cars including the Monte Carlo were downsized for the 1978 model year in response to the 1973 Arab Oil Embargo and CAFE requirements. The 1978 model was 700-800 lb lighter and some 15 in shorter than the 1977 model. The engine compartment was also smaller as the 350 and 400 in³ V8s offered the previous year were dropped in favor of a standard 231 in³ V6 built by Buick or an optional Chevrolet 305 in³ V8. The three-speed manual transmission reappeared for the first time in several years as standard equipment on the base model with the V6 engine, and the automatic was optional. The optional V8 and all Landau models came standard with the automatic. A four-speed manual transmission with floor shifter was optional with the 305 V8, the first time a four-speed manual was offered on the Monte Carlo since 1971.
1979
Only minor trim changes were made to the 1979 Monte Carlo, that included larger taillight lenses. Mechanical changes included a new Chevrolet-built 200 in³ V6 (the ancestor of the Vortec 4300) as the standard engine for the base Monte Carlo in 49 states while the Buick 231 in³ V6 remained standard on base models in California and all Landau models. The 140 hp 305 in³ V8 continued as an option but was joined by a 160 hp version with a four-barrel carburetor. The same transmissions were carried over from 1978, including a standard three-speed manual and optional four-speed manual, or an optional three-speed Turbo Hydramatic automatic. This would be the last year that Chevrolet would offer manual transmissions on the Monte Carlo due to extremely low buyer interest.
A 1979 Monte Carlo lowrider was seen in the film Training Day.
1980
The car had a mild frontal restyle, with quad headlights and amber indicators mounted beneath. An automatic transmission became standard on all models and a new Chevrolet-built 229 in³ V6 replaced both the 200 in³ V6 of 1979 and the Buick engine offered on all 1978 models and the 1979 Landau as the standard engine in 49 states (California cars still got the Buick engine). A new option for 1980 was Buick's turbocharged version of the 231 in³ V6 rated at 170 hp. Other optional engines included 267 and 305 in³ versions of the Chevrolet small-block V8 with up to 160 hp.
Fourth generation
| Fourth generation | |
|---|---|
| 1986 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 1981–1988 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Platform | FR A-body (1981) FR G-body (1982-1988) |
| Related | Buick Regal Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Pontiac Grand Prix |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 3.8 L 3800 V6 4.3 L Vortec 4300 V6 4.4 L Small-Block V8 5.0 L Small-Block V8 5.7 L LF9 diesel V8 |
1981
The body was restyled with the other GM mid-size formal coupes (Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, Grand Prix, Buick Regal). It featured a smoother profile than the previous models and new vertical taillights similar to the 1970 to 1977 models. Engine offerings were carried over, including the standard 229 in³ Chevrolet V6 (231 in³ Buick V6 in California) an optional 267 in³ V8 (not available in California), a 305 in³ V8 in the base and Landau models, and a turbocharged 170 hp 231 in³ Buick V6 in the Monte Carlo Turbo. An automatic transmission, power steering and power front disc brakes were standard equipment.
1982
Only mild revisions were made on the 1982 Monte Carlo. All engines, except for the turbocharged 231 in³ V6, which was discontinued along with the Monte Carlo Turbo model, were carried over from 1981. New for 1982 were the additions of a 262 in³ V6 and an Oldsmobile 350 in³ V8, both of which were diesel engines. With the introduction of GM's new mid-size platform that saw the introduction of the Buick Century, Chevrolet Celebrity, Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera and Pontiac 6000, the chassis designations were shuffled up. The new mid-size cars were designated as A-body cars, whereas the cars previously designated as A-bodies were now called G-bodies. A black exterior was not offered in 1982.
1983
Twelve years after the last Monte Carlo wore the SS nameplate, the Monte Carlo SS was reintroduced. Not since the 1976 Chevrolet Nova SS - the last SS-badged passenger car in seven years - had Chevrolet been inspired to apply the Super Sport moniker to any of their vehicles. Sporting a new front fascia, European body color-coding, a rear spoiler and a V8, the Monte Carlo SS was one of the last carbureted, rear-wheel drive "muscle cars". The 1983 Monte Carlo SS was available in White and Light French Blue Metallic. The base Monte Carlo received only minor changes, including a revised grille and interior trim patterns. The 229 in³ V6 remained the standard engine in the base model and the 165 hp 305 in³ V8 was optional. The 267 in³ V8 was dropped from the lineup and the SS was powered by a 175 hp version of the 305 V8.
1984
The SS was a hit in the car-buying public, starving for some power after the hefty emissions regulations of the late 1970s. 112,730 sport coupes were sold, and an additional 24,050 had the SS option (with an 180 hp 305 V8 that saw a 5 hp boost from the previous year), having an asking price of US$10,700. The Monte Carlo SS was available with Strato bucket seats and floor console as extra-cost options for the first time in place of the standard split bench seat with armrest. The regular Monte Carlo came standard with a 125 hp 229 in³ V6 (231 in³ V6 for California) and a 165 hp 305 V8 was optional. Available for the last year in a base Monte Carlo was the 350 in³ diesel engine, and there were only 168 manufactured. All engines for 1984 got the three-speed automatic transmission with the exception of three SSs at the end of the 1984 production run that received the 200-4R transmission with overdrive.
1985
T-tops were re-introduced (discontinued after the 1982 model year), and additional colors, pinstriping, and options were made available. The (later to be highly sought after) medium blue color for the SS was dropped. A four-speed automatic overdrive transmission, the Turbo Hydramatic 200-4R, with a revised sport rear axle ratio, became standard on the SS. Gone for good were the 229 in³ V6 and 350 in³ V8 diesel engines. Introduced in place of the 229 in³ V6 was a 262 in³ (4.3 L) V6 that was fuel-injected. 61,961 of these engines made their way into the Sport Coupe that year. 35,484 Monte Carlo SSs were also produced for 1985.
1986
For 1986, there were four distinct body styles available. The base model Sport Coupe was still available with the same general body panels that it had since 1981. New for the 1986 model year was a Luxury Sport model that had a revised front fascia, new "aero" side mirrors, and an updated sleek-looking rear fascia. The LS front fascia included "Euro" headlamps with removable bulbs in a plastic headlamp housing, versus the smaller all-in-one glass headlights of previous years. The rear bumper of the LS no longer had a "notch" between the bumper and trunk, and the taillights wrapped around so that they were visible from the sides of the car. The Super Sport model for 1986 incorporated the "aero" mirrors, yet still utilized the prior year's styling for the rear bumper. Also new this year was the Aerocoupe model. The Aerocoupe was created by modifications to the Super Sport body, including a more deeply sloped rear window and a shorter trunklid sporting a spoiler that laid more flat than previous Super Sports. Only 200 Aerocoupes were sold to the public, which happened to be the exact number NASCAR officials allowed for road model features to be incorporated into the racing cars.
1987
In 1987, Chevrolet eliminated the Sport Coupe version of the Monte Carlo, leaving the LS, SS, and Aerocoupe. The Super Sport incorporated the "smoothed" rear bumper and tail lamps first introduced on the 1986 Luxury Sport. The Aerocoupe made up 6,052 of the 39,251 total Super Sports that were produced that year. 39,794 Luxury Sports were produced in 1987.
1988
This was the last year for the fourth generation Monte Carlo. The 1988 models were actually built in late 1987, with only 16,204 SSs made for an asking price of US$14,320. Appearance and mechanicals were similar to the 1987 model, with the exception of the venerable 231 in³ V6 being dropped. The SS model came from the factory with 180 hp. The 1988 model only came with the lay-down style spoiler, unlike the 1987 model, which came with either the lay-down or stand-up type spoiler. The Aerocoupe did not return, as Chevrolet had unveiled plans to produce the Lumina and race that body style in NASCAR. The new Lumina body style was much more aerodynamic and negated the need for a "sleeker" version of the Monte Carlo SS. Total production numbers for the final year of the rear-wheel drive Monte Carlo was 30,174 - almost half of the 1987 numbers.
The final G-body Monte Carlo - a silver SS coupe - was produced on December 12, 1987.
Fifth generation
| Fifth generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 1995–1999 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Platform | FF W-body |
| Related | Buick Regal Chevrolet Lumina Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Pontiac Grand Prix |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 3.1 L 3100 V6 3.4 L LQ1 DOHC V6 3.8 L L36 V6 |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 107.5 in (2730 mm) |
1995-1999
For the 1995 model year, the mid-size Lumina was split into two models with the sedan continuing as the Lumina and the coupe reviving the Monte Carlo nameplate for its fifth generation. The new car rode on an updated W-body chassis shared with the Lumina, Pontiac Grand Prix, Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme and Buick Regal, and by its nature was the first front-wheel drive Monte Carlo. Prices ranged from $16,770 (LS) to $18,970 (Z34) in 1995.
For its four-year run, the Monte Carlo was available in two trims — LS and Z34. LS models were powered by the 3.1 L 3100 V6 putting out 160 hp (119 kW) and 185 ft·lbf (251 N·m) while Z34s featured a a more powerful 3.4 L DOHC V6 engine with 215 hp (160 kW) and 220 ft·lbf (298 N·m). Aside from minor equipment changes, the fifth generation remained virtually unchanged during its life (the 3.4 L was replaced with the 3800 Series II, a much simpler design).
Though derided by some for its indistinct lines (called the 'Lumina Carlo') and its front-wheel drive drivetrain, the fifth generation sold well enough for Chevrolet to continue the line with a more original redesign in 2000. The 1995 bodystyle was also a favorite on the NASCAR circuit and enjoyed considerable success at the track.
Models
| Model | Years | Engine | Power | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LS | 1995–1999 | 3.1 L 3100 V6 | 160 hp (119 kW) | 185 ft·lbf (251 N·m) |
| Z34 | 1995 | 3.4 L LQ1 DOHC V6 | 210 hp (157 kW) | 215 ft·lbf (291 N·m) |
| 1996–1997 | 215 hp (160 kW) | 220 ft·lbf (298 N·m) | ||
| 1998–1999 | 3.8 L L36 3800 V6 | 200 hp (149 kW) | 225 ft·lbf (305 N·m) |
Sixth generation
| Sixth generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 2000–2005 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Platform | FF W-body |
| Related | Chevrolet Impala |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 3.4 L LA1 V6 3.8 L L36 V6 3.8 L L67 SC V6 |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 109.0 in (2769 mm) |
2000-2005
For 2000, Chevrolet not only again called upon GM Motorsports for design inspiration, but also to Monte Carlos of the past. Among the traits carried over from older Monte Carlos were the stylized wheel flares, vertically-oriented taillamps, and a stylized rear bumper. Another classic trait for 2000 was the return of the "Knight" badging, not seen on the Monte Carlo since 1988. From the NASCAR circuit came the aerodynamic styling and duck tail spoiler as well as myriad commemorative and special edition packages.
Models
Trim levels consisted of the LS and SS, the latter being the first front-wheel drive SS in the Chevrolet lineup. The former used a 3.4 L OHV V6, while the latter got the 3.8 L V6. A supercharged SS model was added for 2004 and 2005, though the naturally-aspirated SS continued as well.
| Model | Years | Engine | Power | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LS | 2000–2005 | 3.4 L LA1 V6 | 180 hp (134 kW) | 205 ft·lbf (278 N·m) |
| SS | 2000–2005 | 3.8 L L36 V6 | 200 hp (149 kW) | 225 ft·lbf (305 N·m) |
| 2004–2005 | 3.8 L L67 supercharged V6 | 240 hp (179 kW) | 280 ft·lbf (380 N·m) |
Seventh generation
| Seventh generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 2006–2008 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Platform | FF W-body |
| Related | Chevrolet Impala |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 3.9 L LZ9 V6 3.5 L LZE V6 5.3 L LS4 V8 |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 110.5 in (2807 mm) |
The 2006 Monte Carlo (and the companion Impala sedan) were introduced at the 2005 Los Angeles Auto Show. The base engine is a 3.5 L V6 producing 210 hp. The most notable news about the model, though, is the SS model's use of the Generation IV small-block V8 in a front-wheel drive car for the first time: The new 5.3 L V8 will produce 303 hp (226 kW). The car is 55.8 in high, 72.9 in wide, and 196.7 in long (142 cm by 185 cm by 500 cm).
There is some debate as to whether the changes between 2005 and 2006 warrant a new generation designation. Many of the same exterior body panels and glass are retained. The exterior changes are very similar to the changes between a 1986 Sport Coupe and a 1986 Luxury Sport (front fascia, front fenders, rear bumper cover). The interior for 2006, however, is redesigned, and features a "substantially revamped cockpit-style instrument panel with a new instrument layout and control center stack." (Autoworld.com's reposting of GM press release material) Additionally, the seats and console are revised. However with the completely new engine options for 2006 comes change in some key chassis components such as control arms that cause the track and wheel-base to be slightly larger. GM has yet to specify if the 2006 model year is the beginning of a true seventh generation, or if it is just a "refreshening" of the sixth generation. Similar "refreshenings" were performed to the 1997 to 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix and were considered the same generation.
Models
| Model | Years | Engine | Power | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LS | 2006–present | 3.5 L LZE V6 | 211 hp SAE (179 kW) | 220 ft·lbf (332 N·m) |
| LT | 2006–present | |||
| 3.9 L LZ9 V6 | 240 hp SAE (157 kW) | 245 ft·lbf (298 N·m) | ||
| LTZ | 2006–present | |||
| SS | 2006–present | 5.3 L LS4 V8 | 303 hp SAE (226 kW) | 323 ft·lbf (438 N·m) |
Future
 | This article possibly contains unsourced predictions, speculative material, or accounts of events that might not occur. Information must be verifiable and based on reliable published sources. |
There are plans to move the Monte Carlo back to rear-wheel drive as early as 2008, on a new platform GM is building for premium Chevrolets and Pontiacs, most notably the 2009 Pontiac GTO. The 2006 restyle was only a temporary fix until the final plans are made, since changes are likely to be made due to GM's current financial state and rumored plans to revive the Camaro due to popular demand. There is also a possibility that the current Monte Carlo will be the last, due to GM's poor finances and limited demand for two-door cars, especially large ones. A revived Camaro and the Cobalt coupe could probably fulfill the remaining market for Chevrolet coupes between them.