As slick as it is aerodynamically, from an esthetical standpoint the new Monte Carlo almost looks like it was designed by a committee, with each member handling only a small part of the car. It was most assuredly not designed this way, it's just how the final product came out when the engineers and designers emerged from the last wind-tunnel session.The 2000 Monte Carlo doesn't look anything like the 1999 model. Nor does it look like any Monte Carlo before it nor any other car in the Chevrolet lineup. That's good for drivers who want something that looks like the one the Winston Cup boys will race next year. And it's good for those among the avant-garde who will like it because it is so different. The droopy nose, the flat flanks, the bump in the deck lid and the radical roofline may not appeal to everyone, however. What you can't see is just as important to the integrity of the Monte Carlo and, in that respect, we have to give Chevrolet high marks. The engineers have strengthened the roof, doors and floor pan. They designed an aluminum front cradle from which to suspend the engine, transmission, steering, suspension and front sheet metal. The interior features a cast magnesium beam, called a MagBeam, that fits behind the instrument panel; this further increases chassis rigidity and provides mountings for the dashboard systems. As a result, the new Monte Carlo is much quieter than any previous generation. Increased chassis stiffness also makes the car less prone to squeaks and rattles developing over time.
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