AWD Sonic Maybe? Potential for Gamma 2 crossover

[DocS]

I was just reading that the Chevy Trax is a Gamma 2 platform subcompact AWD SUV that comes with the 1.4t auto 6-speed. The Gamma 2 platform is the same that the Sonic uses. Since both of these cars are based on the same platform, and we've already established that things like Cobalt end links and Encore brakes (both Gamma 2 platform cars) are compatible with the Sonic with little to no modification, I'm wondering how difficult it would be to convert the Sonic to AWD using parts from a Trax.

I've never done anything like this and I've only seen it done on YouTube with Subarus and the like but if GM has already done the necessary leg work to the trans and difs work then why couldn't we basically just pop the right components on?

I know it can't be this simple so someone should really put a bullet in this dream and tell me why I'm wrong because if I'm not I'm going to have to figure out how to do this on the cheap in my apartment parking lot. :blankface:

 

[nickalltogether]

The basic chassis is the same, but there will be a lot fabrication still. Small details like a driveshaft tunnel that the Sonic was never designed with are what will make the difficulty and cost go up.

Although this swap is more realistic than most of the pie in the sky swap ideas I read on this site, it would still be quite difficult and involved. A starting point would be to have a Trax and a Sonic on side by side vehicle lifts to compare similarities.

 

[DocS]

I went looking and I can't even find a pic of the underside of a Trax. I joined a Trax forum and posted a thread requesting photos on the undercarriage. We'll see what we get.

 

[Dogz]

If guys can convert a Focus to rwd I'm sure we could convert the Sonic to awd. I keep checking mpfab's site every now & then just to see if he's done it yet. I'm sure it won't be too long now.

 

[SuperSonicRS]

Sonic Rear

Trax AWD Rear

 

[SuperSonicRS]

Better image of Trax rear

 

[jgrote]

Um, that's not all that different. Someone needs to do some measuring... Wouldn't it be funny if the mechanical parts just bolt in? I know Subaru is like that.

 

[DocS]

Um, that's not all that different. Someone needs to do some measuring... Wouldn't it be funny if the mechanical parts just bolt in? I know Subaru is like that.

This is what I was thinking. Even if the suspensions and frame bits are a relatively simple swap there'd still be a good amount of fab work to make room for the rear dif and a thousand other little fiddly bits.

I guy at the Gamma II group on Facebook said that it'd still be damned expensive and hard plus the Trax AWD system is kinda s**t.