I only post this type stuff either when I get permission or else I get the same story from multiple sources. In this instance, it's the latter.

The current FWD "W" chassis Chevrolet Monte Carlo will continue beyond 2005 as a FWD version of the "Mid Lux" chassis, just as Impala will soon do.

It will also have a V8. This compliments GM's press release last year that the 2005 Impala would have a V8.

It will be the 5.3 V8.

That's 327 cubic inches for us old-school people.


Also, Buick won't be getting a version of the Solstice. Word is it doesn't fit in with Buick's "upscale" direction. That's where the "GM RWD coupe" comes in.

There will be a RWD "modular" based Buick concept debuted in a few weeks designed outside of GM's design studios (Bob Lutz voiced a willingness early on to go outside the company for design ideas). Not sure which design company is doing the Buick or if it's a coupe or sedan, but word is it's a looker.

 

ahh, the new LS4. Somewhere north of 300 hp, also used in the Grand Prix GXP

 

So I'm confused, will there be any RWD sedan platforms for Chevy then?

I'm not very familiar with the W chassis, but does it really have what it takes to be a mid lux car? I guess they'll be totally revamping the interior then too?

 

I am thoroughly dissapointed :blah:

I would rather see a RWD Monte than an Impala, although BOTH should be RWD IMO...If you look at a Monte, its sheet metal just screams RWD + V8 (maybe I'm the only one that hears it?).

 

Bad news indeed.

Oh well, a pushrod V8 is probably cheaper and just as efficient as the "High Feature" V6. It still seems pointless in a FWD platform. Hopefully, the torque steer will be at DeVille/Seville levels or better.


Reatta fans will be disappointed. Yeah, both of 'em.

It's about time that GM tried "outsourcing" design. Considering most of the recent design failures (Aztec, Ion, etc.), it's time to try a new tactic.

 

The Ion Red Line is actually getting pretty good reviews on its styling. They definately corrected a mistake w/ the Red Line.

 

So is there a sheetmetal update for Monte Carlo and Impala for MY2005, since it was cancelled for MY2004?

 

No, I see it too... I think it has that type of look to it.

 

Impala's definately getting one. It's probally going to look mildly like the SS concept (the LaCrosse concept and the SS concept are different concepts of the same design). I don't believe the Monte Carlo would continue 8 years with no design change with Bob Lutz, Gary Cowger, and Rick Wagoner around unless the bottom fell out, so I'd say Monte will get a redesign as well.

Hopefully on display before the season's out.

 

Thanks for the update!

Also, I know some people are disappointed that MC will not go RWD in the near future... but I think of it this way... If MC is FWD, and Camaro is RWD, that offers even MORE differentiation than there already is between the two coupes, and therefore, more reason to have both...

 

THe current 5.3L V8 is actually 325ci.


Any chance the Monte will get AWD? That should stop a lot of the enthusists for complaining about FWD

 

AMEN to that!

 

I'm content with that

I wanted the car to continue, and I wanted the car to have a V8. Thats enough for me, and for a lot of people. And up here in the rust belt, that'll make the car more popular, for sure. Red can tell us all he wants that a Camaro with 150 lbs of weight in the back and RSAs can go more places than an Impala...I'd still rather have the FWD. I haven't met a Camaro yet without studded snows that didn't drive its owner insane in snow. And then you have to deal with the elevated noise level of studs.

I say as long as the car looks good and has a V8, this works for me I look foward to seeing a 5.3 SS soon...

 

That exactly what I was thinking. This is a good thing. I think this shows GM commitment for the next Camaro to succeed. Why have product overlap?

 

and a 325ci is actually a nice, RWD coupe.