Automakers generally save tuned versions of their products for the annual Specialty Equipment Market Association show in Las Vegas, but Chevrolet is using the Detroit stage for its latest tricked-out offering. Today at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, Chevrolet revealed its Sonic Z-Spec concept for the world to see.
Outside, the Z-spec is immediately differentiated form the pedestrian Sonic by its four-piece body kit, massive rear-deck spoiler, and orange paint scheme. Front and rear lighting is reminiscent of the Aveo RS concept displayed at the Detroit show last year. Eighteen-inch multi-spoke BBS wheels are painted in bright orange and wrapped in performance Michelin rubber. Residing behind the new rollers are four-piston Brembo calipers that grab hold of drilled rotors. Unfortunately the upgraded equipment is only featured upfront, as stock drum brakes are still found in the rear.
The exterior color scheme is carried into the interior, where orange stitching is found throughout. Heavily bolstered Recaro seats are covered in tan leather, along with a matching shift boot and steering wheel inserts. A new billet shift knob and flat-bottom steering wheel cap off the subtle interior upgrades.
No information was given about the Z-Spec’s powertrain, but we suspect a hotter version of the stock turbocharged 1.4-liter I-4 to be found underhood. A new K&N filter and Borla exhaust help the Sonic to breathe better, while giving a more aggressive growl. Although billed a concept, we wouldn’t be surprised to see the Z-Spec become a new model in the Sonic lineup, with the new body components making their way into GM’s order guide at the least.
Chevrolet Replaces its Straight-to-Rental Bottom Feeder with the Sonic
When should an automaker change a radically new car’s name? For Volkswagen, a big, American-size Passat is still a Passat. For Chevrolet, the new Aveo replacement is now the Sonic. Like the Passat, it represents a significant change.
Like its next-size up sibling, Cruze, the 2012 Chevy Sonic is on the large size of its segment, the b-car category now populated by Ford Fiesta and Honda Fit.
“Don’t call it an Aveo replacement,” says Chevy small car marketing director Margaret Brooks, even after we have called it the Aveo replacement.
Styling is much improved, with a nice, small-car take on the classic Chevy front end-graphics. Chevy has shown the hatchback for a long time, though this is the first official look at the four-door sedan. Like Ford with its Fiesta, Chevy is expecting the hatchback to be the volume model, especially with young, first-time buyers.
The Sonic retains the motorcycle-like instrument panel and uncovered dual headlamps of the concept version. Engines are from the Cruze, a 135-horsepower/123 pound-feet 1.8-liter Ecotec four available with a five-speed manual, and a 138-horsepower/148 pound-feet 1.4-liter Ecotec turbo four, available with a six-speed manual. Either engine also gets a six-speed automatic option. The Sonic is six inches shorter, and 500 pounds lighter than the Cruze, though Chevy also claims class-leading rear legroom and cargo space.
Electronic power steering and Stabilitrak will be standard when the car goes on sale this fall. Optional features will include OnStar with turn-by-turn navigation, XM radio, a USB port, Bluetooth connection, the MyChevrolet mobile app, OnStar MyLink, and remote start, heated front seats and sunroof.-motortrend.com
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