Chevrolet brings two Earnhardt models to market
Canadians will get a chance to buy both of the 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo models honoring one of NASCAR's premiere driving family -- the Earnhardts.
Chevrolet dealers across the county will get 200 units of the SS Intimidator model for the late Dale Earnhardt Sr. and 150 of the Dale Earnhardt Junior Special Edition, so if you're interested you shouldn't waste any time ordering one.
Both models are based on the Monte Carlo Supercharged SS model, which retails for $36,765. The Dale Earnhardt Junior package adds $3,450 to that price, while the Intimidator package is $3,050.
There are also some options to be had on top of that, which could easily give either model a sticker price in excess of $40,000, with part of the money going to charities approved by the Earnhardt family.
Neither package features any mechanical changes or upgrades, so that means both front-wheel-drive sedans run on GM's 3800 Series II supercharged V6, delivering 240 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 280 lb.-ft. of torque at 3600 rpm.
Most of the real world jump in this car comes from the fact that the torque curve is high and flat over a broad operating range, delivering instant off-the-line acceleration and good power for highway merging and passing.
Naturally, the Intimidator SS comes in Earnhardt Sr.'s favorite color -- monochromatic black. Included in the package are 17-inch chrome wheels and the ''Intimidator'' logo on the decklid, rear quarter panels, door sills and instrument panel. The Dale Earnhardt Legacy logo is included on the instrument panel and on the head restraints of the sport-contoured front bucket seats with leather seating surfaces. Dale Sr.'s trademark signature is included in the gauge cluster.
The Dale Earnhardt Jr. Signature Series is also outfitted with numerous unique features. Its Victory Red exterior has full-length racecar-inspired body graphics and No. 8 logo on the body sides, front license plate cover, door sill plates and instrument panel. Exclusive to this model are 17-inch black-accented machined aluminum wheels. "Dale Jr." signature graphics are incorporated on the rear decklid, gauge cluster, floor mats and the front-seat head restraints of the leather-covered sport bucket seats. Completing the package is a high-performance 280-watt, eight-speaker audio system.
''The Earnhardt family name has long been associated with Chevrolet,'' says Jim Campbell, Chevrolet's director of car marketing. ''Our decision to produce these unique models was to acknowledge the contributions both of these outstanding individuals have made to the sport. We're sure their fans will be excited to have the opportunity to own a vehicle that so closely resembles the Monte Carlos campaigned by these champions on the track.''
Chevrolet will make a donation from the sale of these models to the Dale Earnhardt Foundation, a charity specifically chosen by the Earnhardt family. The Foundation is committed to carrying on Dale's legacy and the charitable causes he supported during his lifetime.
Chevrolet previously donated over $1.3 million to charities from the sale of two previous special edition models -- the 2002 Dale Earnhardt Signature Edition and the 2003 Jeff Gordon Signature Edition.
