It’s an annual tradition that the rest of the automotive journalism world only wishes it could get away with: a SEMA concept drag race to signal the end of the week-long trade show.
This year, Motor Trend‘s SEMA drag race saw a 2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS up against the likes of a 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, and a Jeep FC on tank treads. Oh, and then there’s this ’55 Chevrolet Bel Air powered by an 8.8 liter hemi mill, dubbed “The Blasphemi.”
Technically, only the Dodge Challenger Hellcat and tank-ified Jeep FC were actually displayed on the trade show floor. As presenter Mike Finnegan (’55 Bel Air) explains, “Nobody in their right mind would give me their car to race, so I brought my own.” The same applies to Mike Sabounchi, who piloted the 2013 Chevy Sonic RS in the drag race.
The thing is, with a drag race like this, one doesn’t watch out of a need to see who finishes first; clearly, the smart money says that the Challenger Hellcat and ’55 Chevy Bel Air will lead the pack. That assumption proves correct. So we watch for entertainment value, in which this video abounds.
Perhaps it’s entirely outmatched, but at the very least the Chevrolet Sonic RS – with its chin spoiler and other sporty touches – looks positively svelte gunning down the runway.
Comments
That Sonic (Barina here in Aus) sounded like the Jetson’s spaceship going over the line!
What this video proves is how badly the sonic needs a better engine for the sub-compact enthusiast. It is a good looking car, and good driving vehicle in RS trim, but even with help from the down pipe, aero helpers and exhaust system, the car could barely beat a huge, heavy truck on tank treads. The fact GM lets is languish behind the Fiesta and others in the class just shows how little they care about this segment even to this day. It seems as though when it comes time to offer a car in this class, GM puts out a just “good enough” effort which leaves them with something new for the market, but already years behind the competitors. Just look at the Trax, an old design that has been selling in other markets around the world and shows up to the party with no new clothes and will be outclassed by the new Honda and Mazda CUV’s coming out about the same time. Not to mention, the 1.4t in this application is anemic. GM you have been doing a great job of getting your trucks, sports cars and luxury vehicles to the head of the class, now it’s time to give those who want a great driving and performing sub compact or compact something to get excited about.
Not that I expected the Sonic to get anywhere near the HC or the 55, but it could have done better than barley beating the Jeep. Better enough so they would not have made fun of it by putting the Jetson’s sound over it at the finish line.
I must say, that Jetson space ship sound, truly was kinda insulting especially to people owning one and whom are rather fond of their cars. The RS truly is much faster than its made out to be, of course if you compare it to a HC it’s gonna look slow! See my comment below and tell me what you think.
I think it would have done a lot better, had the driver put some more hart and soul into the race! Why not let the guy who made the upgrades race the Sonic? Against the HC any car would look slow even the famous Fiesta ST! Race that same Sonic RS against the Standard Fiesta ST, then see what happens! You must remember the Fiesta ST is more expensive than the Sonic, so this is most likely what’s going to happen in real life. People are going to be faced with a choice, do I go for the Sonic RS and upgrade it a little bit or do I just buy the more expensive Fiesta ST? I think if the price difference is spent well on the Sonic RS, it would make for an interesting dual between the two! This time do it properly like say on Head to Head?