The Detroit carmaker has just unveiled the new Chevrolet Sonic RS, with only a few weeks until the car’s official debut at the 2012 Detroit Motor Show in January. The new powertrain is only available for the five door Sonic and is powered by a turbocharged version of the 1.4-liter Ecotec engine, making it the only car in this segment to offer this kind of powertrain.
Chris Perry, Chevrolet global marketing vice president said: “The new Chevrolet Sonic RS pushes Chevrolet’s performance heritage in a new direction, for a new generation of drivers [..] It takes the Sonic’s great design and latest connectivity features and combines them with a more performance-oriented look and feel.”
The engine delivers 138 hp (103 kW) and 200 Nm (148 lb-ft.) of torque and is mated to a six-speed manual transmission as standard or an optional sex-speed automatic gearbox. According to Chevrolet, the gear ratios were specially optimized to offer the new Sonic RS a true sports car feeling, a lot different than the rest of the Sonic range models.
But the engine wasn’t the only part of the car modified by GM’s engineers, because the new Chevrolet Sonic RS also features an updated suspension system with performance dampers and disc brakes for all the four wheels (with electronic force distribution). As for the interior, the car features sports seats for the driver and front passenger, new instrument panel and more sporty steering wheel, gear knob and aluminum pedals. Of course, like all true sports cars, the Sonic RS also features new door trim inserts available in a new RS color.
As for the exterior, to make sure others notice this is no regular Sonic, Chevrolet updated the entire front fascia, including the front grille and the fog lamps) and the rear spoiler, while other exterior upgrades include the mirror caps, the sports exhaust tips and the new 17-inch alloy wheels.
“The Sonic RS remains true to the progressive spirit of the concept and brings an unmistakable attitude to the segment,” said John Mack, the Sonic’s design director. “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. Like the exterior, the Sonic RS’s interior looks and feels the part of a true performance car: the seats are firm and provide great lateral support during quick cornering and the feel of the thick, flat-bottom steering wheel is a feature driving enthusiasts will truly appreciate.”
Chevrolet hasn’t mentioned anything about the model’s pricing, but what we do know is that the Sonic RS will get all the standard and optional features the rest of the range is getting, including OnStar with Turn-by-Turn navigation, XM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, heated front seats and sunroof, ten airbags and Brake Assist.