Curbside Classic Outtake: Aerodynamic NASCAR Edition

Paul Niedermeyer
by Paul Niedermeyer

These are not the kind of cars that normally get me to pull over and shoot, but something about them called to me. I came up with three reasons to justify their occupying memory space in my camera. One: their sloping roofs, clean noses and high tails suggest excellent aerodynamics. Sure enough, with a Cd of .33 for the Monte Carlo and a .30 for the Intrepid, they’re definitely on the slippery side of average.

Two: It also struck me how dated they look already, despite the Intrepid’s 2004 departure and the Monte’s more recent ’07 exit. The third thing: I’m trying to keep my eyes peeled for younger cars, but I had doubt whether these were worthy. And then it hit me; these guys’ avatars duked it out on the NASCAR ovals for years. Not exactly my thing, but maybe it’s yours.

Paul Niedermeyer
Paul Niedermeyer

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  • Stingray Stingray on Feb 18, 2010

    From the front door back the Monte looks acceptable. The front end, not so much. Seems like GM people only refreshed the front and back of that car. Looks very similar to the Lumina-based Monte Carlo.

  • Dolo54 Dolo54 on Feb 18, 2010

    I think ownership of a 90s Monte Carlo is a sign of mental illness. I don't know how you could look at that car and not be positively horrified by its melty hideousness.

  • SCE to AUX With these items under the pros:[list][*]It's quick, though it seems to take the powertrain a second to get sorted when you go from cruising to tromping on it.[/*][*]The powertrain transitions are mostly smooth, though occasionally harsh.[/*][/list]I'd much rather go electric or pure ICE I hate herky-jerky hybrid drivetrains.The list of cons is pretty damning for a new vehicle. Who is buying these things?
  • Jrhurren Nissan is in a sad state of affairs. Even the Z mentioned, nice though it is, will get passed over 3 times by better vehicles in the category. And that’s pretty much the story of Nissan right now. Zero of their vehicles are competitive in the segment. The only people I know who drive them are company cars that were “take it or leave it”.
  • Jrhurren I rented a RAV for a 12 day vacation with lots of driving. I walked away from the experience pretty unimpressed. Count me in with Team Honda. Never had a bad one yet
  • ToolGuy I don't deserve a vehicle like this.
  • SCE to AUX I see a new Murano to replace the low-volume Murano, and a new trim level for the Rogue. Yawn.
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