Not only has ride comfort been preserved, much road and wind noise has been engineered out as well, as has much of the vibration and harshness often associated with American manufactured V6 engines. GM states that "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."

After repeated hard braking exercises, the SS did not suffer the brake fade I had anticipated. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

Monte Carlo's great chassis performance isn't limited to suspension components. After repeated hard braking exercises, the SS did not suffer from the brake fade I had anticipated. The cessation of wheel rotation arrived quickly and sure-footedly, time after time. The anti-lock system, standard on the SS, stepped in quite predictably and ensured stops were achieved without skidding or an impending loss of control. Brake effort has been calibrated to require a pretty good stomp on the pedal to grind the Chevy down in a hurry, which I prefer. I dislike feathery-light brake pedals, especially when wearing hiking boots or the like.

The anti-lock system, standard on the SS, stepped in quite predictably and ensured stops were achieved without skidding or an impending loss of control. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

Allow me another word on the anti-lock brake system, which Chevy has seen fit to make optional on the LS (base) model of Monte Carlo. Anyone who has read previous reviews by me will be familiar with my soapbox rant in regard to anti-lock brakes not being standard equipment on all trim levels of upscale vehicles. The bow-tie boys need to look in the mirror and ask themselves, why force consumers to select one of the most functional vehicle safety systems ever engineered as an "option only" feature in the LS Monte Carlo? It certainly can't be about economics. Anti-lock technology is dirt-cheap, especially when added as standard equipment to all trim levels rolling off a particular assembly line.