SUPERCHARGED SS TAKES MONTE CARLO PERFORMANCE TO HIGHER LEVEL
The nameplate that has taken the most checkered flags in NASCAR Winston Cup history takes some of that wildness to the streets in the 2004 model year as the 240-horsepower (179 kw) Monte Carlo Supercharged SS makes its debut.
With enhancements to ride and handling along with the supercharged 3800 V-6 engine, the Monte Carlo Supercharged SS will take spirited performance to a higher level.
The Monte Carlo Supercharged SS comes with a four-wheel independent performance suspension and high-performance Goodyear tires with 17-inch diamond-cut cast aluminum wheels. It also features a race-inspired spoiler, bright stainless steel dual exhaust tips, fog lamps, a six-gauge cluster including boost gauge and "Supercharged SS" exterior and interior badging.
The Monte Carlo Supercharged SS also offers the features that come with the LS and non-supercharged SS: racing-inspired aerodynamic styling, a solid body structure, a comprehensive safety package, a spacious interior, an extensive level of standard luxury features and a track record of outstanding quality, reliability and durability.
Chevrolet is working with the GM Performance Division to develop the Monte Carlo Supercharged SS and other SS vehicles that feature strong acceleration, enhanced handling and uncompromised driveability. A new Impala SS, featuring the same supercharged version of the 3800, also debuts as a 2004 model.
3800 supercharged V-6
The Monte Carlo Supercharged SS will feature the 3800 Series II supercharged V-6. This award-winning engine boasts a torque curve that is consistently high over a broad operating range, providing instant, off-the-line acceleration and ample power for highway merging and passing. The 3.8L engine generates 240 hp (179 kw) at 5200 rpm, and an impressive 280 lb.-ft. (380 Nm) of torque at 3600 rpm.
The 3800 SC features a compact, 90-cubic-inch supercharger. Performance has been enhanced over the years by refining software in the powertrain control module. As a result, the engine delivers power in a smooth, linear fashion - with virtually no supercharger lag - by adding boost at predetermined points along the power curve.
Among improvements for 2004, the 3800 SC will be outfitted with a direct-mount air-conditioning compressor that reduces vibration for an improvement to noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels. In addition, powder-metal connecting rods replace cast-iron rods for increased durability and reduced weight.
In the Monte Carlo Supercharged SS, the 3800 SC will be mated to a heavy-duty version of the Hydra-Matic 4T65-E four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission.
Chassis, suspension upgrades
Monte Carlo's body structure provides the foundation for superb ride and handling. A unique extruded aluminum engine cradle helps isolate engine noise and vibration, and the overall tautness of the Monte Carlo's body structure allows chassis components to be finely tuned to enhance performance.
Monte Carlo Supercharged SS also continues to feature four-wheel independent suspension with MacPherson struts at all four corners, power rack-and-pinion steering, electronic traction control and large-diameter four-wheel disc power-assisted braking with ABS.
Chassis and suspension enhancements provide the 2004 Monte Carlo Supercharged SS with sportier ride and handling capabilities. Spring rates are stiffened in both front and rear, and the rear ride height is lowered by 10 mm. The combination helps reduce body roll in cornering and improves the driver's "feel" of road conditions.
Monte Carlo Supercharged SS also receives enhanced suspension components, such as 34-mm front and 19.5-mm rear stabilizer bars (compared to 30 mm/17 mm in Monte Carlo LS), along with refinements to the rear trailing link and rear strut mounts.
Goodyear P235/55R17 W-rated tires mounted on 17-inch diamond-cut cast aluminum wheels provide Monte Carlo Supercharged SS with excellent road holding and cornering capabilities along with a smooth ride.
SS styling cues
Unique styling cues will help set the aggressively styled Monte Carlo Supercharged SS apart from its siblings and establish a link with other Chevy SS models. Monte Carlo Supercharged SS will be available in eight different colors including Galaxy Silver, Superior Blue, Competition Yellow, White, Black, Victory Red, Berry Red and Medium Gray. Several colors are offered in two-tone theme including color-keyed bodyside moldings, full-perimeter ground effects and integrated fog lamps.
Other Supercharged SS highlights include a race-inspired spoiler and dual bright stainless-steel exhaust tips. Inside, the Monte Carlo Supercharged SS will feature a six-gauge cluster with boost gauge, full door-width kick plates featuring the Monte Carlo nameplate and "Supercharged SS" badging.
Other improvements to Monte Carlo line
On the dash, the heating/ventilation controls and the control head receive a contemporary redesign. Also, a 16-inch five-spoke sport aluminum wheel is a new option for the LS sport appearance package and a new sport package is available for the SS. The LS sport appearance package includes a racing-inspired spoiler and 16-inch diamond-cut cast aluminum wheels with a silver center-cap bowtie. The new SS appearance package is the same, except for a red center-cap bowtie on the wheels. There also is a new Winner's Circle Package, which includes the LS or SS Appearance Package equipment, plus side graphics appliqués.
Two new exterior colors debut for 2004: Sandstone Metallic and Medium Gray Metallic.
Comfort and convenience abound
Monte Carlo has as much as 7 more cubic feet (198L) of interior room than any non-GM competitor in its class. Even with the roominess and appointments of a luxury vehicle, Monte Carlo owners get a race car-inspired interior feel.
Standard equipment on all Monte Carlos includes a climate control system with individual driver and front passenger temperature settings. A standard 60/40 split-folding rear seat makes Monte Carlo's 15.8 cubic feet (447L) of trunk space very versatile.
Safety and security
Attention to safety and security is also key to Monte Carlo's success. It has a 5-star rating (the highest rating possible) for driver and front passenger protection in U.S. government frontal crash tests. Available safety equipment, depending on model, includes anti-lock disc brakes, a driver's side-impact air bag, OnStar in-vehicle communications and assistance service, a tire-inflation monitoring system, a passive theft-deterrent system and remote keyless entry.
