Chevrolet Monte Carlo Supercharged SS Blow Into Chicago - Whoosh
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CHICAGO February 12, 2003; With a supercharged V-6 engine and enhancements to ride and handling, the Chevrolet Monte Carlo Supercharged SS will take spirited performance to a higher level in 2004. Chevrolet announced the upgrades to the Monte Carlo SS mid-size coupe during the 2003 Chicago Auto Show.
"Monte Carlo has always been known for having a little bit of a ‘wild streak’," said Kurt Ritter, Chevrolet general manager. "The changes for 2004 take Monte Carlo SS to the next level of performance, appropriate for the nameplate that has taken the most checkered flags in NASCAR Winston Cup history."
The 2004 Monte Carlo Supercharged SS is designed to achieve a balance of enhanced power and handling with a 240-horsepower 3800 supercharged V-6, four-wheel independent performance suspension and high-performance Goodyear tires with 17-inch diamond-cut cast aluminum wheels. The Supercharged SS also will feature a race-inspired spoiler, bright stainless steel dual exhaust tips, fog lamps, a six-gauge cluster including boost gauge and "SuperchargedSS" exterior and interior badging.
Along with the performance and handling enhancements, the 2004 Monte Carlo Supercharged SS also will continue to offer features that set it apart from its competitors: racing-inspired aerodynamic styling, solid structure, a comprehensive safety package, spacious interior, extensive level of standard luxury features, and a track record of outstanding quality, reliability and durability.
"Monte Carlo is built for those who enjoy the total driving experience," said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet marketing director. "The 2004 Monte Carlo Supercharged SS is designed to provide the sleek style, powerful attitude and heart-thumping performance that Monte Carlo owners appreciate in a personal driving machine."
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. The first result of this collaboration is the 2003 Silverado SS extended cab short bed pickup, available in the first quarter of 2003. A new Impala SS, also featuring the supercharged version of the 3800, will debut 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 3.8-liter engine generates 240 hp at 5200 rpm, and an impressive 280 lb.-ft. 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 the Hydra-Matic 4T65-E four-speed electronically controlled heavy-duty 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. A front strut tower brace, similar to that used in NASCAR Winston Cup race cars, helps create a precise steering response.
Monte Carlo Supercharged SS also continues to feature four-wheel independent suspension with MacPherson struts at all four corners, variable-rate power rack-and-pinion steering, electronic traction control, and large-diameter four-wheel disc power-assisted braking with ABS.
Chassis and suspension enhancements will provide the 2004 Monte Carlo Supercharged SS with sportier ride and handling capabilities. Spring rates will be stiffened in both front and rear, and the rear ride height will be lowered by 10 mm. The combination will help reduce body roll in cornering and improves the driver’s "feel" of road conditions.
Monte Carlo Supercharged SS also will receive 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 H-rated tires mounted on 17-inch diamond-cut cast aluminum wheels will 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 Black, Competition Yellow, Victory Red and Galaxy Silver, with a monochromatic or two-tone theme including color-keyed bodyside moldings, full-perimeter ground effects and integrated fog lamps.
Other 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.
The 2004 Monte Carlo Supercharged SS will be built at the award-winning Oshawa No. 1 Car Assembly Plant in Ontario.
2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Supercharged SS Preliminary Specifications
| Body style / driveline: | two-door, five-passenger coupe, front-engine, front-drive |
| Construction: | two-sided galvanized steel (except roof) |
| Overall length (in / mm): | 197.9 / 5026 |
| Overall height (in / mm): | 55.2 / 1403 |
| Overall width (in / mm): | 72.7 / 1836 |
| Wheelbase (in / mm): | 110.5 / 2807 |
| Curb weight (lb / kg): | 3447.5 / 1563.8 |
| Engine: | 3800 3.8L Supercharged Series II V-6 |
| Displacement (cu in / cc): | 231 / 3791 |
| Bore & stroke (in / mm): | 3.8 x 3.4 / 96.52 x 86.36 |
| Block material: | cast iron |
| Cylinder head material: | cast iron |
| Valvetrain: | OHV, two valves per cylinder |
| Horsepower (hp / kw): | 240 / 179 @ 5200 rpm |
| Torque (lb-ft / Nm): | 280 / 380 @ 3600 rpm |
| Transmission: | Hydra-Matic 4T65-E, four-speed electronic heavy-duty automatic, FWD |
| Brakes: | power-assisted four-wheel disc with ABS |
| Traction control: | electronic traction control standard |
| Front suspension: | independent, MacPherson struts, strut tower-to-tower brace, coil springs, hollow 34 mm stabilizer bar |
| Rear suspension: | independent, MacPherson struts, dual rate coil springs, hollow 19.5 mm stabilizer bar |
| Steering type: | power-assisted rack-and-pinion |
| Passenger volume (cu ft / liters): | 98 / 2775 |
| Cargo volume (cu ft / liters): | 15.8 / 4474 |
| Wheel size and type: | 17-inch diamond-cut aluminum |
| Tires: | Goodyear P235/55R17 H-rated |