Chevrolet Sonic Hot Hatch Coming But No SS Badge

[Sonic-Mike]

Chevrolet Sonic Hot Hatch Coming But No SS Badge

After a series of lukewarm SS models in the past undermined the public’s impression of the moniker (Malibu Maxx SS, anyone?), Chevrolet now vows to reserve the SS badge for high performance models only. It will not be stamped onto the performance trim Chevrolet Sonic.

“It would take a lot more air going through that engine for an SS, and there is no SS in the works,” says Lead Development Engineer for the 2012 Sonic, John Buttermore. Nonetheless, Buttermore promised a number of performance packages that will be available in 2013 that will enhance the driving experience of the 1.4-liter turbo, six-speed manual Sonic.

Currently Chevy offers a selection of Z-Spec accessories for the Sonic so owners can customize their rides.

Article Found At: Auto News: Automotive News, Auto Industry News

 

[Sonic]

Nice. It would be good for Chevy to offer power upgrades, like Subaru does with their SPT line of products.

 

[btz2008]

i still would like a 2 dr coupe sonic! ;]

 

[piro216]

i still would like a 2 dr coupe sonic! ;]

Or a 3 door Hatch, as all good hot hatches should be.

 

[btz2008]

Or a 3 door Hatch, as all good hot hatches should be.

YIKES! I dont know about that... 4>3

A coupe would be a nice lookin sonic! Very sporty

 

[piro216]

Not saying I want a three door, just that 90+% of hot hatches are...

 

[theenico]

Buttermore promised a number of performance packages that will be available in 2013 that will enhance the driving experience of the 1.4-liter turbo, six-speed manual Sonic.

I take this to mean that there should be a tune available from GM at some point. Hopefully it will be like they did for the Solstice/Sky and Cobalt SS/HHR SS.

I'd like a tune, but still want my warranty.

 

[Sonic]

I agree that the SS badge had become a meaningless joke lately.

 

[pawntec]

well yeah the only ss's that were any good lately were the cobalt ss/tc and of course the camaro. now yeah i agree with you guys a coupe or 3-door hatch would be hot with the sonic with an LNF drive-train would be at the top of my list to want to buy :-D

 

[Sonny@bnr]

Chevy still needs a sport compact they currently have none :-(
The sonic in the above post and the sema sonics I would buy anyday
They don't have craZy flash to them but just enough to where they would stand out and look good. Chevy needs to hurry up and make these performance packages come out sooner

 

[Sonic]

That would be nice. If the aftermarket scene takes off like we think it will, I think Chevy will see the profit potential on these special editions and make them a reality.

 

[10spokeSS]

I don't understand why they stopped production of a sporty economy car. The cobalt ss/tc and sc were breath's of fresh air and they destroyed my dream of having a fast 40 mpg car

 

[Sonic]

It was probably their perception of what customers wanted. Plus think of the rest of Chevy's lineup...they needed something to help their CAFE score.

 

[Gimpster]

Well, considering a lot of SS/TC's languished on dealer lots.... I mean I got both of my 09 SS's from dealers who'd been sitting on them for MONTHS. My 09 Sedan in particular had been delivered to the dealer in 12/2008 and I bought it 5/2010. They about did a backflip when I drove it off. The coupe I had was delivered 11/2008 and purchased by me 4/2009.

My point there being that while the SS/TC was a deserving car of the SS badge (IMO), it just doesn't appear to be where the market is at yet. When many Americans look for a domestic "performance" vehicle it appears they still err towards a Mustang, Camaro, Corvette... etc.

I'll be curious to see what GM will release for us. I can tell you we had to wait a long time for the stage kit on the Cobalt.

 

[Sonic]

I think it's a good sign that Chevy is releasing the exterior packages early next year. It shows they recognize the potential aftermarket for this car and that they are responding.

 

[Masi992]

I think it's a good sign that Chevy is releasing the exterior packages early next year. It shows they recognize the potential aftermarket for this car and that they are responding.

That's good to know. I can only imagine what the price will be.. $1500?

I would love to see a 2 door hatch with close to 200hp. I'd buy it in a heartbeat!! It would probably be pretty easy looking at what just a tune can do. I wish I could hold off on a new car for spring but I need one very soon!

Let the speculation begin!

 

[Sonic]

I would bet that the Sonic as it's coming now can be modded to 200 (crank) hp. With just the tune, in its current state, they have it at 179 hp and 207 tq. If someone comes out with a catless downpipe, or an exhaust, or an intake, it would be pretty easy to add one or all of those and come up with the additional 21 hp.

 

[Masi992]

I would bet that the Sonic as it's coming now can be modded to 200 (crank) hp. With just the tune, in its current state, they have it at 179 hp and 207 tq. If someone comes out with a catless downpipe, or an exhaust, or an intake, it would be pretty easy to add one or all of those and come up with the additional 21 hp.

How about a 2 door hatch with 250hp 225tq from the factory with upgraded clutch,exhaust, intake, and transmission(gearing).

That would be HAWT!!! It would be an import killer! All the little ricers would want one.

I want one! NOW CHEVY!!!

Pay attention Chevy I'll name it for you too. S2 (that's "S" squared)

 

[pawntec]

how about a 2 door hatch with 250hp 225tq from the factory with upgraded clutch,exhaust, intake, and transmission(gearing).

That would be hawt!!! It would be an import killer! All the little ricers would want one.

I want one! Now chevy!!!

Pay attention chevy i'll name it for you too. S2 (that's "s" squared)

agreed!!!

 

[10spokeSS]

I feel like that is too much to ask for unless you are in the European market