Once securely planted behind the wheel of the supercharged SS, a twist of the ignition key brings 240 horses to the rodeo in the form of a 3.8-liter (231 cu in) supercharged V6. Gripping the large handle of the floor mounted shifter and sliding it into Drive connects all the horsepower to the front wheels through a 4-speed automatic transmission.

The supercharged SS is powered by a 240-hp 3.8-L supercharged V6, with more than enough power to spin the tires. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

Place the right-foot onto the gas pedal and a surprising dose of power lets loose to the front wheels. If the owner of the right-foot isn't careful, wheel spin will quickly invoke the authority of the Traction Control system. Fortunately this system of electronic interference can be easily switched off when the urge or need arises. But rather than ramble on about slamming doors and spinning tires, let's take the punchy 2-door for a spin.

The first thing I noticed when starting the full Monte is the location of the ignition: in the dash, where it was in the '60s and where I've always believed it should be. When the supercharged V6 ignites, it's accompanied by a bit of a growl, nothing offensive, but just a little something to let everyone know that this isn't an engine that hides behind a code of silence.

Supercharger whine is barely audible and would be missed by those with hearing aids or a lack of mechanical intuition. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

I must admit, I was looking forward to sliding it into gear and opening it up. I wondered if the whine of the supercharger would be evident. If so, would it add an exhilarating turbine-like pitch to the exhaust note? And most importantly, would the power boost generated by the supercharger knock my socks off?

And the envelope please... the short answer is yes, yes and yes, but let me qualify. The supercharger whine is barely audible and would be missed by those with hearing aids or a lack of mechanical intuition. Still, if you know what you're listening to, it's a fabulous complement, albeit discreet, to the exhaust growl.