GM has just dropped the official images of the 2013 Chevy Sonic RS, one of the vehicles they'll be bringing to the 2012 Detroit Auto Show.
The 2013 Sonic RS isn't just a concept, it's going into production and will be on sale by the end of 2012. The RS is exclusively offered as a five-door hatchback and is only available with the 1.4-liter, 138-horsepower turbocharged engine.
Unique to the RS is a new front fascia with new fog lamps, RS-specific grille, near rear fascia and spoiler, new rocker panels and mirror caps, retuned sport exhaust, 17-inch wheels, lowered suspension with performance dampers and, of course, RS badging. "The Sonic RS remains true to the progressive spirit of the concept and brings an unmistakable attitude to the segment. From every angle and every touch point it is a car that is unabashed in its performance statement -- and one that drives Chevrolet's performance legacy into its second century." said John Mack, design director for Sonic.
The Sonic was already a solid handler. In our first drive we wrote, " ...the steering weight and precision are a revelation, but its ability to grip and go around corners with authority is also notable. It reminds us of the Fiesta SES in this regard, but the Fiesta's 16-inch wheels-tires don't provide the same near-silent high-limit confidence -- or the driver-defeatable stability control system." The RS should be a blast...even if we did want the RS to have more power than the normal LTZ.
blueprint1 says:
09:54 AM, 12/19/11
The more hot hatches, the merrier!
ed124c says:
10:15 AM, 12/19/11
Touch Points?" I hope that Mr. Mack is subtly saying that some of the Sonic's hard plastics-- including the hard as rock door arm rests-- will be replaced by something softer.
When I sat in a Sonic (with a salesman hovering over me), I remarked to him that the interior is just awful and that this must be the LS model. Right? Nope, it was the LTZ. I had planned to test drive it, but I changed my mind when I realized I could not put up with that interior.
By the way, since the turbo in the Sonic only comes, now, with the six speed manual, my local Chevy dealer only inventorys LS models with the 1.8 and the automatic. Pretty typical, huh?
Apparently, for GM it is development as usual-- the Sonic comes out with only the manual on the turbo (it is coming, though), and the 2013 Malibu will debut with the semi-hybrid model. I am thinking that a lot of people will look at the Malibu's high price and smaller trunk* and then move on to the cheaper Camry LE.
GM so often gets the cart before the horse.
*Assumption
stovt001 says:
11:19 AM, 12/19/11
teleiosgt, post your address and I'll send you a companion. You need one.
csubowtie says:
03:57 PM, 12/19/11
Woohoo, another sporty appearance package. This is the kind of thing that drives me nuts about GM. I know they have the parts and ability to build some really good/cool stuff, but then they don't. Would it have really been hard to give it at least 160 hp, so it can be compared to the 500 Abarth, or even maybe a Mini?
roadburner says:
08:27 PM, 12/19/11
Be still my heart...