When you think of race-inspired Chevys, usually cars like the Camaro and Corvette come to mind. But a little four-cylinder Sonic? Apparently the subcompact wants a piece of the action, and is demonstrating its pint-sized potential in the form of the Sonic Super 4 Concept at this year’s SEMA show.
Yes, that is indeed a carbon fiber splitter gracing the lower front fascia. And those are indeed carbon fiber rocker panels that trace to a carbon fiber diffuser in the back. Also present is a Z-Spec rear spoiler, some tow hooks and 18×7.5-inch satin black wheels wrapped in street-legal racing rubber.
The engine remains a 1.4L Ecotec turbo mated to a six-speed manual tranny, but it is graced with a low-restriction air intake and filter, along with a two-inch cat-back straight pipe exhaust system. Four-piston performance brake calipers with two-piece drilled rotors are tasked with keeping things under control, and are aided by two-piston calipers and one-piece drilled rotors in the rear.
If the mechanical bits aren’t sporty enough for you, than maybe the Sonic Super 4 is completely race car. There is an SCCA-approved chrome roll cage, SCCA-approved window nets, racing gauges and a racing seat with a five-point harness. But of course, it wouldn’t be the complete package without a fire suppression system, a racing steering wheel that easily disconnects for easier access in and out of the car, and a rearview camera system.
Does this suped-up Sonic inspire anybody to move closer to a race track? It certainly does for us.
Comment
Did you just say disc brakes in the rear?!?