GM already has a 1.6L I4T with Direct Injection in other countries, I highly doubt it would be difficult to bring to the US.
This 200+hp power plant is scheduled to go into the Sonic sometime in 2015, probably in Fall 2015 as a 2016 model year product.
I have posted links to the GM Media Press Release in the past. I have no interest in looking for and reposting same now or in the future. Long time members of this forum may be able to recall these posts.
What would be more interesting would be a LT4 equipped Sonic with the eight speed automatic but I expect to see the DI 1.6T Sonic roll off the Orion Assembly line in this time frame and I do not expect to see the DI 6.2 SC Sonic roll off the same line ever.
But it would be nice. Not affordable but nice nevertheless.
Laborsmith
Good point, Ive forgotten about that because it wont be for another year or two. Who knows what GM will badge the 1.6T equipped ones as, but that will really help the Sonic compete with the Fiesta ST.
Never gonna see a V8 equipped compact car ha, Im betting we'll never see a V6 in one either. It'll be turbo 4s or maybe even fewer cylinders.
Wut?? I went from a LTZ 5speed to the RS 6speed and I am getting better gas mileage.. I dont see how your getting worse MPG...
My RS is the only Sonic I've owned. It is bone stock drivetrain-wise (for now) and I monitor my tire pressure regularly (at least monthly). I also really like my RS, it's a good car and I havent had any major issues with it. Want to make sure these are known before I explain my rationality.
Ive tracked my mpg since tank #3 (first one I put in it), never gotten better than 32.9 mpg regardless of 87 or 91 octane, city or highway, babying or spirited. Most tanks are between 28-30mpg with a pretty healthy mix of city and highway for my commute. I'll take it b/c the RS is stickered 27/34, so I'm getting pretty close to the stickered value.
Here's my argument:
Compare the RS 6spd stick at 27/34 to the LTZ 6spd stick at 29/40. The RS loses ~6mpg highway for what? Closer spaced gears that are indeed sportier, more fun, and probably fewer hwy downshifts. BUT we've traded "sporty", "fun", and potentially less downshifts for ~6mpg hwy. The RS isnt faster 0-60 or in the 1/4mi (on paper). The RS trans is the ONLY factor that will really impact mileage (tires are the same, wheel weight *might* be a slightly factor).
If someone has evidence to support that the RS is faster 0-60 or in the 1/4mi, I'm happy to retract my statements. I hope it is, I bought this to be a reasonably quick DD and play with it a little.
Again, I like my Sonic RS and wont be getting rid of it anytime soon, just bringing the ugly fact to light that the RS is sportier but gives up some serious mpg to obtain it.
It'll be worth the wait if they make it an actual "SS". Maybe (what I'm hoping) is that GM is still embarassed by the mid-2000's MalibuMaxx SS and is being more "selective" as to what they put the SS badge on.
Im betting you're right, at least the Cobalt SS T/C was worthy of the SS badge. Might have been a I4T, but it was a nasty car especially with a few minor bolt ons...
