The 1996 Monte Carlo was essentially unchanged in its second model year.

The 1996 Chevrolet Monte Carlo personal luxury coupe, like its Chevy Lumina sedan counterpart, had few changes but a handful of new options for its second year on the market.

LS and Z34 versions of the 1996 Chevrolet Monte Carlo were again offered. Both came with dual air bags and anti-lock brakes, though Z34s now boasted four-wheel discs.

Each model had its own engine: The LS came with a 160-horsepower 3.1-liter V-6. The Z34 was powered by a 3.4-liter Twin Dual Cam V-6 with 215 horsepower, five more than in 1995.

Both engines came with new five-year/100,000-mile coolant and 100,000-mile platinum-tipped spark plugs to extend service intervals. Meanwhile, the standard four-speed automatic transmission got Dexron III fluid that never needed replacement under normal driving conditions.

Newly standard on 1996 Chevrolet Monte Carlo LS models were power mirrors. New options included a leather-wrapped steering wheel with radio controls (standard on Z34), dual-zone temperature controls, cargo-area convenience net (standard on Z34), and leather interior with bucket seats. A power sunroof was scheduled for midyear introduction.

Monte Carlo-bodied racers continued their winning ways on the stock-car tracks, taking numerous events including the Daytona 500. Though the racing machines shared little in common with their showroom brethren, the victories cast a halo not only over the Monte Carlo, but over Chevrolet as well.

The Monte Carlo would continue for another decade as a front-drive two-door, making the 1997-2007 Monte Carlos fitting heirs to Chevy's personal-coupe legacy.

The Monte Carlo Z34 came standard with a 3.4-liter Twin Dual Cam V-6.

1996 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Facts

Model	Weight range (lbs.)	Price range (new)	Number built
Monte Carlo	3,306-3,436	$17,255-$19,455	80,717

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