[DGthe3]

A new Monte Carlo makes more sense to me than a Chevelle, especially with the new SS sedan coming.

The problem with a Chevelle is that it can't be anything other than a muscle car, with its styling derived from the cars from the 60's and 70's. If GM were to do anything else, then all the enthusiasts would be up in arms that GM screwed it up and that its not a real Chevelle (see 2004-2006 GTO for example). There just isn't enough mainstream appeal for that kind of thing to be successful. Plus it would be competing with the Camaro and the upcoming SS which probably have shaky enough business plans as is with the ramp up of CAFE & high gas prices.

Now, a Monte Carlo doesn't fix all that but it would at least have more freedom of design and as a 'personal luxury coupe' (instead of 'muscle car') it could also have a broader appeal. Plus, for those (like the OP) that are looking for a big coupe, the Monte fits that role better than a Chevelle anyway since they've more or less straddled the line between midsize & large cars (Chevelles were midsize). Other things in the favour of a Monte would be the fact that the name plate is still fairly fresh in the public consciousness, so GM wouldn't need to do as much work to get the name out there , and it would be very easy to make a Buick Riviera or Grand National.