GM Has No Plans For A Chevy Sonic SS
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While reviews have been touting the Chevrolet Sonic to be the best-performing and handling car in its class, it isn’t enough to grab the attention of those looking for a lithe small hatchback. Despite this, General Motors currently has no plans to produce a proposed SS version of the Sonic (Super Sonic?).
However, John Buttermore, the Sonic’s lead development engineer did hint to Ward’s Auto that they “have some sportier versions coming, just not an SS.” We will make the assumption that he’s just talking about an RS version. Bummer, as Ford seems to have no problem with launching a high-performance Fiesta.
Source: Ward’s Auto
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In his book, “Car Guys vs Bean Counters”, Bob Lutz said that he didn’t like the idea of being a consultant because his suggestions were no guarantee that changes would be made. I believe that we could be seeing those words come back to haunt Bob. He’s consulting now and I am actually fearful that those who want to silence him, will be doing so, taking GM back to the doldrums with their crap. Whether they call it an SS, RS or a Z14 (I made that up but can somebody say EWW?!?), doesn’t really matter to me, so much as if they just go ahead and build the thing. Though the consistency of nomenclature actually sells cars (our Jewish readers may disagree, but SS is a symbol of power and performance, at Chevrolet, at least).
Do’nt call it Super Sport if it’s just badges and stripes, that just dilutes the Camaro SS.
Super Sport should be reserved for high performance products.
And hey Richard, I’d prefer you not bring up the issue of race, it makes me nervous.
RS is the equivalent of stripes and a body kit. As in the Cruze RS. We’re referring to more power and better handling here – something that’s beyond RS.
The naming bit is a two-fold issue:
1. A common/consistent name (or sub brand) for performance vehicles has tremendous value. Europeans go crazy for VW’s GLI/GTI/etc. high-po models. So it would be nice if all performance cars in the Chevy lineup had a common designation (like SS).
2. Some believe that a Cruze or Sonic is not worthy of an SS badge because it’s not RWD, even if either had a 2.0 turbo making 200+ horses. At that point, I would not have a problem calling them SSes, but I do like Z-spec as well. Z-spec, however, has the stigma of coming in last place since it’s the last letter in the alphabet.
As for the religion thing, it’s not the same as race — and I do believe that Richard’s mention of it was pertinent to the discussion. I went to school with a Jewish guy who would never buy a Camaro due to the SS moniker. He also swore off all German cars. So it’s one more thing that I believe will factor into an eventual decision by GM.
@ Jason: Relax dude. First, let’s get something clear. To be Jewish is in no way an indication of race. It’s a religious persuasion. I went to school with a pair of Indo-Asian Jews (brother and sister, both born in Jamaica), and my wife’s God father is Afro Jewish (his parents were from Africa itself, he was born and raised here in Jamaica). Secondly, the point I’m making is that manufacturers MUST take racial issues, religious issues, political issues, sexual issues, social issues, historical issues…you name it…when they decide on the name of a car. There are companies that research all of this and report back to the manufacturers. I’m sorry you’re nervous, pal, but the truth is that you’re getting anxious over something that is a part of LIFE. Get used to it, then get over it. What kind of world have we created where a person cannot use the correct name of a group of people without being called a racist or a bigot?
@ Alex: Thanks for clarifying what I was trying to say.
It’s good that there will be a sport version of some kind, just call it the SPORT version.
or how about RS with the engine of Regal Turbo??
Can’t you mod the turbo to get more power, heck take the existing turbo and mod it and call it a day.
I actually like the Idea of a high performance Z-spec or Sonic Z-spec. It seems to gel very well with the idea that you choose from a list of parts (like most tuners do) to make your high performance ride. I, like the others though, ultimately don’t care what they call it as long as it gets built. Many enthusiasts thought Chevrolet would pick up the performance ball and run with it when Pontiac ended production. Corvette and Camaro are great but we need more!
This would make a niche product
SS is performance in my opinion RWD or FWD is not the real issue, a FWD record Nurburgring run would legitimize Super Sport.
AND
I called no one a bigot or a racist. I just want to be clear.
I just wonder about Jerry Sinefeld, and his Porsche lust, is that evedance of an open mind or Stocholm syndrome, personally I think Jerry is just not man enough to pull off being seen in a Corvette.
Jason, this is a car guy blog. Let’s leave politics, religion, race, etc. a good long ways from here, please.
@ Jason: Let’s be clear. I never said that YOU called me a bigot. I’m only saying that it’s happening in the world today.
@ Rob: Unless what Jason is (or I am) saying is being disrespectful to somebody then he (or I) should be free to mention politics, etc if he believes (or I believe) it’s relevant to the conversation. We don’t live in Nevernever Land. The world isn’t perfect, and our beloved GM has to do business in it. That means politics etc will dictate what vehicles are built and sold.
That being said, I don’t believe any of us have the authority (no pun intended) to make demands of anybody else. Unless Alex or Manoli deems a subject to be inappropriate then all who are offended will just have to live with it. Simple.
I think this is all in good measure, guys.
As the Brits once said — Keep Calm and Carry On.
My version? Keep Calm and Carry On… have a cup of tea. 🙂
What if a Sonic SS were to debut with a 2.0 turbo from the Regal Turbo making 220 horses and 250 lb.-ft- of torque? Would that be enough performance to warrant the SS badge? Keep in mind, the Sonic weighs considerably less than the Cruze, so all that power will go a long way!
Or they can use the engine from the Corsa OPC
I’m thinking that this could be an issue. Is it that the powers-that-be don’t want the lesser model to out-pace the greater? If that’s the case then I don’t know what will become of that 220hp idea.
politics aside chevy will have a sport version of this car and a suprise engine will be put in place of the current 1.4 turbo the aim is to beat not just compete with the competition and one car that this will compete with is the VW sports versions which have over 200 Hp and with the upcoming ST from Ford, you will see world class performance and speed in this segment if the final green lights are given, and it will look very close to the prototype. you probably will see this in the two door buick coming out before the Sonic sees the package, this is a very capable car right now with many variants possible, we have to see good sales to continue further high dollar investment. I would like you to think about the solstice/sky turbo version for performance goals, but with a better ride and more room to use. you will all like.
JD — will there be a Buick off the Sonic’s Gamma or are you referring to the Regal/Insignia/Calibra coupe?
I’m gonna call you out and say it’s the turbo 1.6L featured in the Opel Corsa OPC Nurburgring Edition — the one that flaunts a GTI-beating 210 horsepower.
As for the future Buick: judging by the power output numbers Opel is initially advertising with the GTC, I’d say that it features a more down-tuned turbo 1.6L Ecotec as well. If GM is going to follow their plan of bringing more Opel models to the ‘States as Buicks, than I’m going to connect the dots and say that Buick is going to receive its own variant of the GTC with a 1.6 turbo.
I’m guessing this proposed Sonic will be some sort of “Z” variant, rather than simply using an SS badge… just a guess though 😉
I think Corsa OPC has about 180hp
192, to be exact.
If you think about it, the 1.6 is made for the Sonic, since the Corsa shares its Gamma II platform with the Sonic. Isn’t as easy as a carry-over and mount, but close enough!
I’m talking about the Corsa OPC Nurburgring Edition: http://gmauthority.com/blog/2011/04/opel-introduces-corsa-opc-nurburgring-edition/
It’s the OPC on mescaline.
I personally prefer HGH… but mescaline does the job 🙂
I’ve wonder if there will be alot of torque steer….