Finally and most importantly, did the supercharger power boost knock my socks off? Well, let me climb onto the fence and say it did and it didn't. Off the line I was very impressed with the low-end torque of the V6 (socks almost off). Where many V6 engines lack low-end grunt, this shining example pulls with ferocity. Unfortunately that ferocity seems to mellow as the rpm's climb toward the sub-6,000 rpm redline.

Off the line I was very impressed with the low-end torque of the Monte Carlo's supercharged V6. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

By the time highway speeds are registered, the benefit of the supercharger begins to fade like old Uncle Charlie after a turkey dinner. But that doesn't mean that passing performance is substandard or even marginal for that matter. Getting by slower vehicles on the highway is achieved with confidence, but not with the thrill I had hoped the supercharger would bring to the show. This may be due to the breathing limits imposed by the 2-valve per-cylinder design of GM's aging 3800 series V6.

GM put a lot of R&D into the suspension components and settings for '04, and their efforts have paid off. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

Where the Monte Carlo SS is capable of delivering a thrill is in the realm of handling. The 4-wheel independent coil-spring suspension, MacPherson struts and front and rear stabilizer bars anchor the wheels firmly in place. Hard cornering is undertaken with precision, predictability and confidence. Little body roll accompanies rapid alterations in direction. The Goodyear Eagle P235/55R17 W-rated performance tires on my test unit dug firmly into the pavement and held the SS in the desired radius like a tetherball wrapping around a pole.

Most remarkable is the composed and well-mannered ride the hotrod Chevy offered. Absent in the SS is the sharp, gut scrambling ride of many other vehicles that aspire to similar handling thresholds. GM put a lot of R&D into the suspension components and settings for '04. Suffice to say their efforts have paid dividends.