Detroit 2012: Chevrolet Sonic RS Takes A Bow

We'll have a Sonic Turbo coming on Thursday.

If you're the kind of person who forgets what trim level your car is whenever you bend down and look between your legs while sitting in the front seats, the Sonic RS is the car for you.

J/k. The appearance upgrades are nice. The louder colors really do make this car.

Sonic has the 1.8L na I4 this RS model has the Cruzes 1.4L t I4

if the only way to tell the cars trim is by looking on the seat between my legs, I'm never gonna know what car I'm driving.

hopefully stage kits will come quickly... like for the cobalt and HHR turbos!

I've not seen but maybe 2 on the road so far, and a $h!load of Fiestas. I still don't see evidence of real cool colour selection, like the Schpark has. Way too tame on the colour selection, ppl.

Saw one over the weekend sedan and was moving fast and didn't get a good look what I saw though was good narrow & tall but good. Spark & Sonic look too similar to me though.

A power bump would have been nice.

Yawn. When you start off with new fascia and fog light design as the features, there isn't much exciting.

A power bump would have been nice.

Yawn. When you start off with new fascia and fog light design as the features, there isn't much exciting.

Your getting tiresome

Interesting....

Like loki said, there should be kits coming too...

Kinda like it...

67impss, you know the 1.4t is available as an option on the LT and LTZ, right? I've seen them on the lots. The RS has no power bump, but it does have different gearing, suspension tuning, and 4 wheel discs in addition to cosmetic changes.

At least it has more special hardware than Yaris SE, which IIRC is strictly cosmetic enhancements (verify?)

As always, I am mystified as to why a 3-door is not offered. A 3-door Sonic RS would change my perception of it, honestly, it makes that much of a difference to me.

^ Appliance makers know that the 4dr/5dr appliances sell the best and that most consumers aren't interested in 2dr or 3dr ones....

Most personal transportation appliances today are 4dr, 4cyl, FWD, and automatic....thus Chevy's lineup circa 2013 will be primarily 4dr/5dr FWD/AT 4cyl appliances in XXS, XS, S, M, and L sizes, with the Corvette and Camaro as novelties. Strange times we live in. Thing is, the public by and large doesn't care..they just want their appliance to be reliable and cheap to run.

Even Buick will also have 3 sedans with FWD and 4-cylinder. And you figure the CTS and Camaro will get a 4 cylinder standard on the next generation, GM will be very heavy on 4-cylinders in a couple years. It is sad to see the V8 and now even the V6 getting pushed aside.

Even Buick will also have 3 sedans with FWD and 4-cylinder. And you figure the CTS and Camaro will get a 4 cylinder standard on the next generation, GM will be very heavy on 4-cylinders in a couple years. It is sad to see the V8 and now even the V6 getting pushed aside.

Oh, just enjoy the power in any of these cars while you can...

I see that now Ocn the first time I posted I had missed it but the hatch is only available with the 1.8l na I4 wile the sedan you can opt for the turbo in higher trims

I see that now Ocn the first time I posted I had missed it but the hatch is only available with the 1.8l na I4 wile the sedan you can opt for the turbo in higher trims

Nope, both styles are available with 1.4T for an extra $700 for LT and LTZ trims.

I just looked and tried to build one no engine option for the hatch

Click on the 6-speed manual transmission in LT and LTZ modes - the engine will update. GM needs to fix its websites.

HA I'd been clicking the 2LZ version

Even Buick will also have 3 sedans with FWD and 4-cylinder. And you figure the CTS and Camaro will get a 4 cylinder standard on the next generation, GM will be very heavy on 4-cylinders in a couple years. It is sad to see the V8 and now even the V6 getting pushed aside.

Oh, just enjoy the power in any of these cars while you can...

It seems like 2015 will be a repeat of the 1970s when power just gets zapped from every car.

It seems like 2015 will be a repeat of the 1970s when power just gets zapped from every car.

True...at least then most cars were RWD and big...too many small FWD appliances today. But at least they are well equipped as far as interior content. It's amazing that 4 cyls today have more HP than V8s from the mid '80s.

There is no drop in power for mainstream buyers.

Even Buick will also have 3 sedans with FWD and 4-cylinder. And you figure the CTS and Camaro will get a 4 cylinder standard on the next generation, GM will be very heavy on 4-cylinders in a couple years. It is sad to see the V8 and now even the V6 getting pushed aside.

Oh, just enjoy the power in any of these cars while you can...

It seems like 2015 will be a repeat of the 1970s when power just gets zapped from every car.

Support your argument.

There is no drop in power for mainstream buyers.

True but if you go back 10-15 years, a Lumina/Impala, or Buick, Pontaic, or Olds probably had a 3800 with 200 hp, 225 lb-ft. The 2.5 liter four may hit the 200 hp mark, but probably more like 180-190 lb-ft or torque. I see the 2.5 liter being the new 3800 in a sense, where it is used on all mid-size sedans and crossovers like the Equinox. So there hasn't been a drop in power, just cylinder count, but cars of 2015 seem like they will have the same power as those in the late 90s. Compared to say 1985 to 2000 when power really went up.

You are partially correct. The 2.5 is a replacement for the old V6, but it is not a replacement for the 3800, it's a replacement for the 3100/3400 which was much more common in the base sedans and coupes. That is what most Luminas, Cutlasses, and Grand Prixes sold with. The 2.0T is the 3800 replacement as the up level engine. And since there are two versions of it, also the 3800 S/C.

There is no drop in power for mainstream buyers.

True but if you go back 10-15 years, a Lumina/Impala, or Buick, Pontaic, or Olds probably had a 3800 with 200 hp, 225 lb-ft. The 2.5 liter four may hit the 200 hp mark, but probably more like 180-190 lb-ft or torque. I see the 2.5 liter being the new 3800 in a sense, where it is used on all mid-size sedans and crossovers like the Equinox. So there hasn't been a drop in power, just cylinder count, but cars of 2015 seem like they will have the same power as those in the late 90s. Compared to say 1985 to 2000 when power really went up.

Probably similar power and torque, but heavier in general...across all size classes, cars of today are heavier of those 10-15 years ago...maybe 250-500lbs on average? But the typical level and quality of interior content has gone way up also...

I was hoping the RS would get an option on the 220 HP Turbo. Who knows when the new Eco engines come out they may add some options to this car.

Power is not just going to vanish in 2015. I most power levels the same or a little better but I do see engines getting smaller on average.

With Turbochargers, DI and VVT they can move the torque down enough that cars will feel more powerful than they have in years. The low end torque is what many drivers today have never felt gowing up in 4 cylinder Civics and Toyotas. They will be suprised how well the new engines will feel while still getting good MPG.

yes, in the coming years, engines will seemingly downsize with little loss of actual power people use on average....like dwight has been giving examples of in his "showcases" for what.. 2-3 years it would seem, while improving MPG. i just think with a stage kit 180-200 hp could be hit easily....but maybe it will take the next gen engine to do that with DI and maybe improved VVT

A Turbo upgrade is easy to do an could add easily add much more power just depending on the ability of the engine and tranny.

The future engines are not just Dwights show cases but it is a trend we have been seeing forming for a while in the industry. They are now going for more expensive materials /technologies and are willing to use them to improve MPG with the positive side effect of also being able to use them in adding the extra power. The public so far has not shown much resistance to thes smaller engines. Infact many are embracing them in ways many don't understand.

It seems like 2015 will be a repeat of the 1970s when power just gets zapped from every car.

You're just buying into all of fear-mongering about the new CAFE regs. I wouldn't put too much stock in 2015 being a repeat of the Carpocalypse of the 1970s if I were you.

While it will not be true that we will lose all power there will be changes that one old school people will not be happy with. We will have power and fast cars but it will come in more different ways and in cars not like we are always used to. There will be changes. It will be a time to count net HP not the number of cylinders.

I see in the future we will get some things we don't have now. Lighter cars that will handle and stop faster than what we have now.

We may not be getting the second coming of the traditional 60's muscle car we will get some pretty fun performance cars.

Some people like SMK who want to relive the past may be disapointed but the rest of us will learn and still enjoy some great performance cars.

By my count 2015 is the 4th or 5th time I have heard the prediction that performance was never coming back.

don't forget tweels are supposed to be out by then so we will see better handling tires that aren't a few inches thick and hopefully cost closer to high ratio tires for those that aren't on 18"+ rims

I don't think performance is going away, but 4-cylinders are becoming the norm in cars under $30k, even $35k. And I am someone that likes the sound of a V8, I don't care if they can get 300 hp or more from a boosted 4, it won't sound like a V8. Hyundai I think will continue to offer V8s (at a reasonable price), they don't have any trucks or CAFE killers, so it should be easy for them.

I don't think performance is going away, but 4-cylinders are becoming the norm in cars under $30k, even $35k.

No, this will only be true of corporate bread 'n butter models under those price points, like the Fusion and Malibu.

And I am someone that likes the sound of a V8, I don't care if they can get 300 hp or more from a boosted 4, it won't sound like a V8.

While I agree a turbo-four will never have the sound and feel of a V8 engine, I don't think reasonably-priced V8 cars are going to go the way of the dodo bird.

Hyundai I think will continue to offer V8s (at a reasonable price), they don't have any trucks or CAFE killers, so it should be easy for them.

Yeah, they'll offer one V8 in the Genesis as an option. Sorry to kill your chubby, dude, but Hyundai isn't going to just up and build rear-wheel drive, V8 Sonatas any time soon.

You're also forgetting Chrysler builds the 300, Charger, and a Challenger all with reasonably priced V8 powertrains (that probably aren't going to go anywhere when the next-generation debuts).

I don't think performance is going away, but 4-cylinders are becoming the norm in cars under $30k, even $35k.

No, this will only be true of corporate bread 'n butter models under those price points, like the Fusion and Malibu.

And I am someone that likes the sound of a V8, I don't care if they can get 300 hp or more from a boosted 4, it won't sound like a V8.

While I agree a turbo-four will never have the sound and feel of a V8 engine, I don't think reasonably-priced V8 cars are going to go the way of the dodo bird.

Hyundai I think will continue to offer V8s (at a reasonable price), they don't have any trucks or CAFE killers, so it should be easy for them.

Yeah, they'll offer one V8 in one car as an option. Sorry to kill your chubby, dude, but Hyundai isn't going to just up and build rear-wheel drive, V8 Sonatas any time soon.

You're also forgetting Chrysler builds the 300, Charger, and a Challenger all with reasonably priced V8 powertrains (that probably aren't going to go anywhere when the next-generation debuts).

Well if a Cadillac ATS has a 2.5 liter four, wouldn't surprise me if the next Camaro has one too. To get a V8 sedan at GM you need to go to a CTS-V, and they may price a V8 Camaro high to push the smaller engines. Chrysler offers V8s now, but I wouldn't buy a Chrysler/Dodge and the Hemi makes about 365 hp, a number that a turbo Pentastar V6 could achieve, so post 2015 who knows what they do. Ford/Lincoln has the Mustang GT, but I think an ecoboost 4 is coming to that car as well. The American V8 is dying sadly.

Hyundai has two V8 sedans, hopefully the new Genesis Coupe gets it also. Kia may get that V8 also.

Oh boy, here we go ...

Well if a Cadillac ATS has a 2.5 liter four, wouldn't surprise me if the next Camaro has one too. To get a V8 sedan at GM you need to go to a CTS-V, and they may price a V8 Camaro high to push the smaller engines.

Is it likely the Camaro will offer a turbo-four when it moves to the Alpha platform? Yes, of course, but I'm also not betting on the SS model being V6-only and over $30k. There could be a possibility of the four-banger engine being offered as an alternative option to a base V6.

I wouldn't count on the CTS-V being the only V8 rear-drive sedan you can buy at GM for very long, either.

Chrysler offers V8s now, but I wouldn't buy a Chrysler/Dodge and the Hemi makes about 365 hp, a number that a turbo Pentastar V6 could achieve, so post 2015 who knows what they do.

You wouldn't buy a Chrysler product why? My Challenger has been completely hiccup free for almost 20,000 miles and still feels solidly built. Interior quality and powertrain technology is consistently improving leaps and bounds with every new car they introduce. There's no reason to be afraid of Chrysler anymore -- the days of shoddy transmissions, prematurely fading paint jobs, and sludge-filled engines are long gone.

Again, I wouldn't bet on V8 engines going anywhere in the LX cars after the current generation models have run their course. Back when Chrysler released their Five Year Plan, a 4.8L V8 was in the cards to be used in the LX cars as well as the Grand Cherokee and Ram. Chrysler has been unwavering in their commitment to the V8 engine and finding ways for it to be more efficient.

I know your last remark in that statement was made out of sarcasm, but the truth is a turbo Pentastar V6 probably wouldn't boast any drastic efficiency gains in a large car application versus the upcoming new 4.8L V8 Chrysler is planning to produce.

Ford/Lincoln has the Mustang GT, but I think an ecoboost 4 is coming to that car as well.

See my thoughts regarding the Camaro.

As for rear-drive cars coming from Ford outside of the Mustang, well, it still could happen. You know Ford would like to enjoy some of the same economies of scale for the future Mustang that GM has with the Camaro and Commodore and will continue to have when the Camaro moves to Alpha (especially considering the current Mustang is already so cheap to produce).

The American V8 is dying sadly.

Dying? No. It's just in a more limited role outside of full-size trucks.

Hyundai has two V8 sedans, hopefully the new Genesis Coupe gets it also. Kia may get that V8 also.

I see ... the Genesis sedan and the Genesis sedan as far as an affordable V8 sedan from Hyundai in the United States goes. The Equus is priced around $50k, out of the reach of blue collar Average Joes, so it doesn't exactly fit into the picture here. (That's also not to mention it's forgettable and just doesn't sell a whole lot.)

Once again, you're buying into the doomsday hype about CAFE. Have a Snickers bar and some Midol, your crying is starting to annoy me.

Just to throw this out there: the EPA employs 17,000 people and only 18 of their staff works at their automotive department in Michigan. Automakers submit mpg ratings to them and the EPA essentially takes those ratings at face value when they are submitted (read it on their own website if you don't believe me). The EPA only tests about 200 to 250 cars a year by their own hands -- some of those tests are random retests, others are tests that pertain to new technologies and cars claiming to have best in class fuel economy. Those 200 some odd cars equal up to only 10 percent of the new cars automakers introduce in a given year because, let's face it, a staff of 18 people can't test all of those cars, hence why they just take the automakers' word for it. Are you starting to see the loophole here?

CAFE is enforced by the NHTSA based on what the EPA says and a majority of what the EPA says comes from the automakers. Sure, automakers have to use the mathematical formulas given to them by the EPA, but automakers also can think of ways to play with those numbers for a little extra efficiency.

don't forget tweels are supposed to be out by then so we will see better handling tires that aren't a few inches thick and hopefully cost closer to high ratio tires for those that aren't on 18"+ rims

Dont' hold your breath. Tweels are like many of Michelins other ideas that never really make it to market. I used to work with a lot of prototype Michelin and BFG concept tires and very few ever went anywhere.

We may see new ideas but they will have to be embraced by all auto and tire companies. Also it has to be some what cheap and not involve any kind of special wheel. Any idea with a special wheel that only takes one brand of tire has always faded away.

Companies are working more with compounds and special construction to make more fue economical tires right now that are no like rocks. the Goodyear Fuel Max tire is a hint at what all of them are working on now.

As for tire and wheel size the brake size and stylist have more to do with that as any tire over 18" does not see a handling improvment in a large scale due to size. If anything they make the ride more harsh. The designers want the larger tires for looks and the engineers need them for the larger rotors and calipers on some cars. In other words the ZR1 needs them to clear the brakes.