ak47po

iTrader: (3)

General specifications
Country of origin United States
Numbers built N/A (Prototype)
Produced in 2011
Introduced at 2011 NAIAS

Engine
Configuration Straight 4
Location Front, transversely mounted
Construction cast-iron block, cast-aluminium head
Displacement 1.364 liter / 83.2 cu in
Bore / Stroke 72.5 mm (2.9 in) / 82.6 mm (3.3 in)
Compression 9.5:1
Valvetrain 4 valves / cylinder, DOHC
Fuel feed Fuel Injection
Aspiration Turbo

Drivetrain
Chassis/body unitary steel
Front suspension McPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear suspension torsion beam axle, coil springs
Steering electric power steering
Brakes ventilated front discs, rear drums, ABS
Gearbox 6 speed Manual
Drive Front wheel drive

Dimensions
Length / Width / Height 4039 mm (159 in) / 1735 mm (68.3 in) / 1517 mm (59.7 in)
Wheelbase / Track (fr/r) 2525 mm (99.4 in) / 1509 mm (59.4 in) / 1509 mm (59.4 in)

Performance figures
Power 138 bhp / 103 KW @ 4900 rpm
Torque 200 Nm / 148 ft lbs @ 1850 rpm
BHP/Liter 101 bhp / liter



Chevrolet displayed the all-new 2012 Sonic at the North American International Auto Show. Its youthful, aggressive design is backed by turbocharged performance and agile ride and handling, combining to deliver an efficient, fun-to-drive small car.

The Sonic is offered in two body styles: a stylish four-door sedan and a sporty five-door. Each delivers class-leading rear-seat roominess and cargo space. A variety of connectivity features enhance the driving experience.

"The all-new Chevrolet Sonic blends the practicality of a small car with the passion for driving that Chevrolet vehicles like the Corvette are known for," said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. "Its combination of great design, fun driving experience and the latest connectivity features create a serious competitor with a fun spirit."

Production of the Sonic begins later in 2011 at the General Motors Orion Assembly Center in Michigan, which received a $545-million investment in upgrades and retooling, and will help restore approximately 1,000 jobs in the metropolitan Detroit area.

"Chevrolet is the only company building a small car in the United States," said Perry. "We believe the Sonic will bring substance to the segment, with progressive styling, performance and value that will change perceptions of what a small car can be in America."

From every angle, Sonic sedan and five-door models convey strength, stability and refinement. A wide, planted stance, with wheels-at-the-corners proportions, conveys performance. Progressive, raked body lines suggest movement even when the car is stationary.

Aggressive cues, including fender flares and motorcycle-inspired round headlamps, are blended with global design cues - a dual-element grille and round taillamps - for a design instantly recognizable as Chevrolet. The leading edge of the hood forms a character line above the headlamps, which flows in a sleek side profile characterized by uninterrupted body side lines, a high beltline and low roofline. The side mirrors carry the same shape as the car and seemingly disappear into the profile.

The sedan and five-door models are distinctively different. The five-door carries a tight, two-box shape with aggressive, diving feature lines, while the sedan's "notchback" profile has a more upscale and mature presence. At first glance, the five-door model looks like a three-door hatch because the rear door handles are discreetly located in the "C"-pillar area. The rear of the five-door continues with unconventional details, including exposed, motorcycle-inspired rear taillamps.

Details that reinforce Sonic's quality and attention to detail include chrome grille surrounds and matte black honeycomb grille inserts on all models, while a range of large wheel sizes, including 17-inch alloy wheels, reinforces its sporty demeanor.

Chevrolet Sonic models are powered by efficient, power-dense, small-displacement engines, including the Ecotec 1.4L turbo and the Ecotec 1.8L - the same engines used in the new Chevrolet Cruze. Three transmissions are available: a five-speed manual and six-speed automatic with the 1.8L and a six-speed manual with the 1.4L turbo.

The Ecotec 1.4L turbo's power ratings are estimated at 138 horsepower (103 kW) and 148 lb.-ft. of torque (200 Nm) between 1,850 rpm and 4,900 rpm. The wide rpm range for the maximum torque - a specific trait of turbocharged engines - helps the engine deliver a better driving experience and performance. Premium design elements give the engine world-class smoothness and durability.

The Sonic brings agility and a fun-to-drive feel that is rare in the segment. Engineers who also work on the Corvette tuned the Sonic's confident ride and handling, giving it a more direct and athletic feel, while balancing the vehicle for the broad range of driving conditions in North America.

All models feature a MacPherson strut front suspension with coil springs and stabilizer bar, and a semi-independent, torsion beam axle-mount compound link-type rear suspension - featuring a robust, tubular V-shape beam - with gas-charged shocks. The front and rear tracks are identical at 59.4 inches (1,509 mm), for well-planted stability and excellent balance.

Brian

iTrader: (16)

De-HIN'd a bit it could make a fun around town dd.

otter

iTrader: (14)

Agreed, the color scheme is too much but it's a good idea as long as it's not too heavy.

Oh, and the interior color scheme is atrocious. Tan leather does not fit well with the other colors.

Jim in Tucson

iTrader: (3)

I actually like the sedan version of this car better. Americans have traditionally not fallen in love with hatch backs like our cousins across the pond.

In any case, this car needs a little more power in my opinion. How about make this car flex fuel? So that using gasoline the power is the standard 138hp/148trq, but when running on E85 - 105 octane - the fuel compensating map raises the bar to 159hp/185trq. This could be done with just some ECU code and tuning, along with a flex fuel sensor.

Do it Detroit!!!

otter

iTrader: (14)

Sedan doesn't really work on a car this small. A hatch is the only way to get any level of effective storage space. IMO, the Fit, Fiesta, and the Prius have shown that Americans are actually very welcoming of hatchbacks on their small cars.

06RS

iTrader: (37)

This car and the Aveo (same car I assume) has THE ugliest front fascia of any car that I can think of. It could have 400hp, weight 2500lbs and sell for $10k and I would still run away because of that terrible looking front end.

otter

iTrader: (14)

Yes, the current Chevy front end is horrid. They're making the same mistake Dodge did in trying to make all their cars look like trucks.