VIDEO: Chevrolet's Designers Talk About the 2012 Sonic

Revealed for the first time here in North America at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic will replace the Aveo as GM's new subcompact model, while retaining the Aveo nameplate in Europe and other international markets. In this latest video, the firm's designers discuss the styling features of the Sonic, highlighting the motorcycle elements featured in both the sedan and hatchback. According to Design Director John Mack, the aim was to create "a youthful, spirited car, one that stands out in the market". For the complete walk-around check out the video after the break.

By Csaba Daradics

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Chevrolet Sonic Z-Spec Concept Bows in Detroit

Making its world premiere alongside the regular variants of the all-new Chevrolet Sonic sub-compact at the Detroit Show today is a Z-Spec-badged concept study of the five-door hatchback model.

 

In a similar fashion to the Z-Spec 2011 Cruze , Volt and Spark minicar displayed at the SEMA Show last November, the Sonic Z-Spec demonstrates a possible lineup of factory-engineered accessories. The parts seen on the concept could be purchased individually, to suit customer tastes and budgets, but could also spawn a limited-edition version from Chevrolet in the near future. 

The Detroit Show study is finished in a black paint job with contrasting orange details such as the BBS alloy wheels, the front grille surround, the upper part of the mirrors and the roof wing, plus the racing stripes. The car is also fitted with a body kit that comprises of a front and rear apron, and side skirts, while the larger chrome exhaust tail pipe completes the look.

Inside, the Sonic Z-Spec features a two-tone color theme with beige leather sports seats, steering wheel accents and gearbox, complemented by a piano black trim on the center console and doors. 

Chevrolet has not yet issued a release on the performance upgrades, but judging from the aftermarket partners featured on the labels just above the rocker panels, the Z-Spec model should feature Brembo-sourced brakes, a Borla sport exhaust system, a K&N filter and a sport suspension from Pedders.

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Chevrolet Unveils 2012 Sonic in Both Sedan and Hatchback Body Styles

General Motors will be showing off the Aveo's North American market replacement in the form of the all-new Sonic sub-compact at the Detroit Show later today. We've already seen the Sonic five-door hatchback, which will continue to use the Aveo moniker in Europe and other international markets, but the US automaker also released the first photos of the four-door sedan model.

 

“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.”

Aside from the non-necessary associations with the Corvette, GM claims the sedan model offers segment-best trunk capacity that is greater than most compact cars, adding that both body styles of the Sonic offer better rear-seat roominess than Ford's new Fiesta.

The Sonic will be powered by the same 1,8-liter naturally aspirated and 1.4-liter turbo Ecotec petrol motors found on the Chevrolet Cruze in the U.S. The 1.4-liter turbocharged Ecotec pushes out 138HP and 148 lb.-ft. of torque (200 Nm) between 1,850 rpm and 4,900 rpm, and can be paired to a six-speed manual. The 1.8-liter unit produces 135HP and 123 lb.-ft. of torque (167 Nm) at 3,800 rpm., and can be hooked up to either a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. 

Available features depending on the model include XM Satellite Radio, 10 airbags, antilock brakes, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, OnStar with Automatic Crash Response, and a choice of alloy wheels including 17-inch rims shod in sport tires.

Production of the North American Sonic at GM's Orion Assembly Center in Michigan, will begin later in 2011.

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2011 Chevrolet Aveo Wallpaper

2011 Chevrolet Aveo Wallpaper

2011 Chevrolet Aveo Wallpaper

General Motors is continuing its small-car onslaught by showing off the next-generation Chevrolet Aveo at this year's Paris Motor Show. According to the company, the show car on display will be the spitting image of the actual production version, though we can expect a few small changes to show up as dictated by each market. GM says that the new Aveo borrows heavily from the Spark, complete with plenty of "hot hatch" styling. It's true that the forward-leaning shoulder line and aggressive headlights help give the Aveo plenty of menace for a vehicle this size, and judging from the powertrain lineup, there's a chance that this little sucker might scoot along with the best of them.

GM says that it will be offering a range of engines in the Aveo globally, from an anemic 70 horsepower, 1.2-liter four-cylinder engine to a variety of diesel mills and a 115 horsepower 1.6-liter gasoline four. We aren't engineers by a long shot, but 115 horsepower in a tiny tin box like the Aveo is bound to be at least somewhat entertaining.

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