Back when Guy.com was a thing, we had this column where we talked about cars. Now we’re making it a column about movie cars here at CHUD, ’cause CHUD’s always a thing.
The Whip
Alonzo Harris’ badass ride introduced to the tune of Dr. Dre’s “Still D.R.E.” in Antoine Fuqua’s Training Day in 2001.
Jake Hoyt: This car is not from the motor pool.
Alonzo Harris: No, it’s not. Sexy, though, isn’t it?
Jake Hoyt: So, where’s the office, back at division?
Alonzo Harris: You’re in the office, baby.
Stats-ometer (via Wikipedia)
Production: 1978–1980
Assembly: Arlington, Texas
Pontiac, Michigan:
Body style: 2-door coupe
Layout: FR layout
Platform: G-body
Engine:
- 231 cu in (3.79 L) 105hp Buick V6[11]
- 200 cu in (3.3 L) Chevrolet 90-degree
- 229 cu in (3.75 L) Chevrolet 90-degree V6
- 267 cu in (4.38 L) Small-Block V8
- 305 cu in (5.00 L) Small-Block V8
- 3.8 L (231 CID) Buick V6
- 4.3 L (262 CID) Chevrolet 90-degree V6
- 4.4 L (267 CID) Small-Block V8
- 5.0 L (305 CID) Small-Block V8
- 5.7 L (350 CID) LF9 diesel V8
Transmission: 3-speed TH-350 4-speed 200-4R automatic or Saginaw standard for Mexican version
Wheelbase: 108.0 in (2,740 mm)
Length:
- 200.4 in (5,090 mm) (LS)
- 202.4 in (5,140 mm) (SS)
Width: 71.8 in (1,820 mm)
Height:
- 54.4 in (1,380 mm) (LS)
- 54.9 in (1,390 mm) (SS)
Curb weight:
- 3,212 pounds (1,457 kg) (LS)
- 3,239 pounds (1,469 kg) (SS)
Why We’re Ghost Writing this Whip
Because Denzel won an Oscar for his portrayal of the corrupt but nevertheless cool-as-fuck Alonzo. And the most outward expression of that coolness was this distinctive lowriding sled. If Walt Disney can get a special statue for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, with seven little Oscars, then this Monte Carlo damn sure should’ve gotten a special Best Supporting Vehicle statue. Hell just dip a Hot Wheel in gold or something. A great deal of the film’s best moments take place in and around this car, including practically every lesson that Jake had to learn. Jake’s final victory over Alonzo was decided in (or rather on top of) the car. When everyone abandoned Alonzo at the end of the movie, the Monte Carlo was there like a trusted friend, and Alonzo met his ultimate fate in it:
Monte Carlos from 1978 through the late ’80s are gorgeous cars and they should be in more movies. I said as much a couple of years ago.
