MONTE CARLO : BLENDS PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

DETROIT — The Chevrolet Monte Carlo has had a dual personality ever since it was introduced in 1970. And for 2001, that continues, with character that is best described as "classy with a wild streak." "This is a car with an incredible 30-year heritage," says brand manager Don Parkinson. "So last year’s challenge of developing an all-new Monte Carlo was very significant." The strength of Monte Carlo is reflected in the fact that it is the best-selling car in the midsize coupe market, and that Monte Carlo race cars have won more NASCAR Winston Cup races than any car in history.

MONTE CARLO STYLING:
Potential buyers have given the Monte Carlo’s new styling a strong thumbs-up in customer clinics, and at the rate the new generation car has been selling since its introduction suggests that the designers have further strengthened the car’s winning heritage. "Coupe buyers want a car that gets them noticed," says Parkinson. "We certainly took that into consideration when we were redesigning it." Monte Carlo designers borrowed a number of styling cues from past Monte Carlos, such as the long sloping hood, short rear deck, distinctive "C" pillars and athletic stance. The new Monte Carlo’s aggressive body styling was also influenced by a need for aerodynamic efficiency, not just to get better fuel economy, but to reflect the body style that’s used successfully in NASCAR competition.

THE HEART AND SOUL OF A CHAMPION:
The Chevrolet Monte Carlo’s componentry delivers an impressive vehicle structure, excellent engine power, good fuel efficiency and fun-to-drive performance.

Monte Carlo has a chassis and body architecture that provides remarkable rigidity and stiffness. These two ingredients absolutely critical to build quality provide the elimination of noise and enhance ride and handling. A unique extruded aluminum engine cradle helps isolate engine noise and vibration, and a magnesium cross-car beam (MagBeam) spans the entire width of the instrument panel, ensuring vibration-free mounting points for heating, ventilation and audio systems. Power is provided by two proven engines: the 3400 V6 and the award-winning 3800 V6. The 3400 V6 is standard on LS models and provides the most standard horsepower and torque among its primary competition. The 3800 V6 is standard on Monte Carlo SS generating 200 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque. Two suspension systems provide sporting ride and handling characteristics in keeping with Monte Carlo’s image. Both are 4-wheel independent systems with MacPherson struts and specially tuned deflected-disc shock absorber valving at all four corners. As an added enhancement for 2001, electronic traction control is now standard equipment on all Monte Carlo models. The Monte Carlo SS features the same basic components, but includes different stabilizer bars that are specifically calibrated to allow even more spirited driving, without giving up excellent ride quality. The SS is equipped with more aggressive P225/60R-16 Goodyear Eagle RSA Performance Tires for additional traction. Agility is a prerequisite for a midsize coupe, and Monte Carlo continues to deliver thanks to its power rack-and-pinion steering, largest-in-class 4-wheel disc brakes with antilock braking system, and standard 16-inch wheel and tire packages designed for each Monte Carlo model.

MONTE CARLO COMFORT, CONVENIENCE AND SAFETY:
Even with the interior roominess and sophisticated appointments of a luxury vehicle, Monte Carlo owners get a race-car inspired feel. The cockpit-style dash and ergonomically designed seat surround the driver and achieve an elusive balance between excellent lateral support and long-term comfort. By designing the interior first, engineers gave Monte Carlo as much as seven more cubic feet of interior room than any non-GM competitor in its class. In addition to a wide array of convenience features, Monte Carlo also offers thoughtful items such as auxiliary lighting in the glove box and trunk, electric rear window defogger, delayed exit/entry lighting with theatre dimming, electric outside rear view mirrors, 60/40 split-folding rear seat and more. All Monte Carlos also include some "smart" car features such as a delayed headlamp-off feature to give customers time to get from their car to inside the house. Also, the door locking and unlocking functions can be programmed to unlock both doors, driver’s door only or neither door as the customer chooses. The list of standard features for Monte Carlo SS gets even longer, including front fog lamps, rear spoiler, dual exhaust outlets, standard remote keyless entry, enhanced gauge package, leather-wrapped steering wheel with built-in radio controls and driver and front passenger climate controls.

MONTE CARLO SAFETY & SECURITY:
For enhanced safety and security, Monte Carlo offers a passive theft-deterrent system, a tire-inflation monitoring system, engine coolant and oil life and level monitors, battery rundown protection, and standard daytime running lamps. Monte Carlo also meets all 2003 government occupant protection standards two years ahead of time. It also offers standard features such as daytime running lamps (DRLs), ABS disc brakes and safety cage construction, contributing to Monte Carlo’s accident avoidance and occupant protection measures. Optional on Monte Carlo LS and standard on the SS is a driver’s side-impact air bag. A few other items are available as options on all Monte Carlos, like a Driver Information Center that provides a compass, outside temperature, a trip computer and Homelink™ system, and an electric sliding sunroof.

Both Monte Carlo engines include a "limp-home" mode, which allows the car to be driven to the nearest service station in the event of an unexpected loss of coolant. Plus, all Monte Carlo SS models come equipped with the OnStar™ system. With one push of a button, drivers can connect with an OnStar™ advisor and take advantage of a wide variety of valuable services. With automatic air bag notification and emergency service that will pinpoint your location and send help if or when a customer needs it, Monte Carlo owners will feel secure with OnStar™.

MONTE CARLO — CLASSY WITH A WILD STREAK:
"The Monte Carlo provides coupe buyers with more than they might expect," says Parkinson. "For all of its amenities and segment-leading comfort and safety features, the 2001 Monte Carlo remains affordable to own and operate, and that’s what really makes it a great value and a great Chevrolet." With the improvements for 2001 and its performance heritage Monte Carlo endures as "Classy with a Wild Streak."

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