2006/2007 Monte Carlo SS

The Chevrolet Monte Carlo was first introduced in 1970 to compete with the Ford Thunderbird and has gone through six generations since its humble beginnings.

I want to talk about the sixth generation Monte Carlo SS, no, not the weak 2000 to 2005 grocery getter but the sportier more defined 2006/2007 models which brought back some of the style and flare from the older Monte Carlos but separated itself from the pack with a distinct front-end look, NASCAR-style spoilers and Corvette-inspired exhaust outlets.

303 Horsepower – The highest it’s been in a long time!

The Monte Carlo SS are equipped with a V-8, 5.3-liter small-block that produces 303 horsepower and 323 pounds of torque; the highest it’s been in a real-real long time. It also utilizes a “displacement on demand” function that shuts down select cylinders when not needed to save fuel. The 63 horse power increase from the 2005 SS model (which was a V6) raised some eyebrows considering it was being placed on a front wheel drive car, the first front wheel drive SS in the Chevy lineup.

The Monte Carlo SS comes with the FE4 suspension, which is tuned to provide a sporty ride that complements the 5.3L small-block V-8’s performance. It offers increased stiffness and ride control, with reduced body lean and greater high-speed stability. Eighteen-inch alloy wheels with 235/50 R18 Goodyear Eagle performance tires compliment the package.

2007 was the last year of the Monte Carlo SS and while it was speculated that General Motors was considering a rear wheel drive replacement for the Monte Carlo we now know the 2010 Chevy Camaro will fill the sports coupe void that was left behind in 2007.

Do you consider the 2006/2007 Monte Carlo SS a future classic? Better yet do you consider any Monte Carlo a classic/future classic? Leave us your feedback.