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NAIAS 2012: The 2013 Chevy Sonic RS Teases With Sportier Looks, Needs Engine To Match

The upcoming 2013 Chevy Sonic RS is a more rakish-looking machine than the your more plain Sonic LS, LT, or LTZ, but we know it’s all talk. We know that the RS package isn’t supposed to constitute a more powerful engine — which, in the case of the Sonic, is a turbocharged Ecotec 1.4L — but it’s not polite to tease. In fact, it’s downright rude.

With sportier seats and pedals, a flat-bottom steering wheel, a sport-tuned exhaust and suspension configurations to go with edgier gearing ratios, and 4-wheel disc brakes, the Sonic RS is making do with what it’s been given. The Sonic’s chassis is awesome for a little car, and it constantly has us wondering what could be if something like a turbocharged 1.6L Ecotec found its way inside the engine bay. It looks like we will have to continue waiting, and hoping for a rival to the upcoming Ford Fiesta ST.

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Former staff.

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Comments

  1. They need to put the 1.6T into this thing!

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  2. HOW could you leave out the addition of rear disc brakes?!? Forget the more powerful engine (in a matter of weeks the forums will be alive with turn-the-screw-on-the-wastegate solutions to gaining an extra 10 or 20 hp and then there will be the turbocharger swap and exhaust kits available to satisfy that need). But the rear discs…lordie lordie!

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  3. i think this one does have the rear disc brakes

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  4. A car like the TRU 140S , sleek, sexy – Put this poseur Sonic with wheels and some fancys seats next to it — Hmmm…kind of like that obtainable chunky girl you know of who occasionally goes to the club with a too tight, too short dance dress on – You look, but you know there’s nothing under there to back up the nasty-ness.

    The sleek TRU 140S is truly, IMHO , the only standout GM uncovered at the Detroit Show. The ATS is alright, but we’ll really know if it’s a success only after the performance tests vs. it’s target Euro cars. The 140S is purely for show, as it’s one of those teasers car companies do to get buzz. If it gets enough buzz – it’ll probably show up in showrooms in a couple years as a taller, uglier small-wheeled offshoot, and front wheel drive? ….Um…. Maybe a yes vote if it had some form of S-Handling AWD like Acura? I like it’s aero sleekness – ripe for EV or PHEV duty.

    Puleez don’t tell me you like that horrid piece of hack called the Code 130R. In my mind I thought the Code 130 was code for ugly as hell.

    I think Ford got the upper hand in buzz this show – hopefully Volt will overcome it’s stigma and new variations come online to ignite positive buzz. Any buzz from this Sonic is that it’s all show and no go.

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  5. You ever watch that show on SPEED Channel called “My Ride Rules”? You know when the guy has this pimped out 300C or Honda Accord and he lifts the hood to show a ratty, dirty little stocker motor? LOL

    All tease and no guts. This little Sonic is just that – too bad for Chevy. They could’a had a contenda.

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