Quite a few GM Authority readers have pointed out that certain display units of the upcoming Chevy Sonic have four lug nuts while others are seen sporting five (check out the galleries to see for yourself). We’ve decided to do some digging into the issue and have come away with a very simple explanation straight from the folks at The General.
You see, some Sonics seen at North American events (such as auto shows) are actually European-spec Aveos; these will have four lug nuts. All Sonics destined for North America, however, will have five.
So there you go — pretty simple and straight-forward, right? Although we do have to wonder about why Chevy would opt for the extra (seemingly unnecessary) differentiation between the Aveo and the Sonic. We can’t imagine this is very cost-effective…
Source: General Motors
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Comments
It’s ingenious, actually. 5 lugs give the impression of maturity, sport and heavy duty. I suppose they are trying to give the Sonic (with its juvenile name) some degree of maturity, (with its pedestrian drum brakes) a dose of sport, and (with its diminutive size) an air of girth. Pulease. NOT gonna work. I think we all know by now that I hate this car for all the right reasons. It looks great, but mechanically it lacks the sophistication that is necessary to not just keep up with this segment, but to blow it away. Bob Lutz…where you at?!?
Hey, you know those extra lug nuts will be a “check” on the comparison sheet. But honestly, I think the Sonic is the best in its class.
The Accent/Rio duo has terrible driving dynamics; the Fiesta is good but looks questionable. The Fit is, well, a pregnant rollerskate. Ah, I’ve figured it out! The Versa/Yaris are the best in the class 😉
Richard, may have a point. I prefer to beleave that a Sonic SS or Z spec is coming with real heavy duty machinery, that require heavy duty hubs that have a five lug pattern allready in stock. Maybee Cobalt SS part numbers, did’nt the SS Cobalt have a five lug hub and wheels as apposed to the four lugs on LS Cobalts?
I think you’re on to something there, Jason. I forgot that the Cobalt had four lugs while the Cobalt SS had five. But I wonder why they would differentiate the Sonic’s lug pattern in North America in Europe in the first place!
3 lug nuts = wheelbarrow or quad (or European/Asian)
4 lug nuts = econobox
5 lug nuts = car or quarter ton
6 lug nuts = half ton or SUV
8 lug nuts = Real work truck 3/4 or 1 ton
10 lug nuts = 3 to 5 ton medium duty
47 lug nuts = Cat 797 with 400 ton capacity, 3500 hp
Any questions?