Chevrolet unveils the new 2012 Sonic at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show

The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic as we know it was originally introduced at last year’s Detroit show but back then it was known as the Aveo RS Concept. The reception of the far more aggressive styling was very good and much like the upcoming Ford Focus ST, the new Sonic will look to draw more attention from younger buyers who care as much about styling as they do efficiency. In addition to the sportier exterior, the interior of the 2012 Chevy Sonic will also get a good sprucing-up in an effort to offer a more comfortable passenger’s compartment in a segment typically known for a lack of interior goodies.

The Z-Spec packages were introduced at the 2010 SEMA Show in Las Vegas on the 2011 Volt and Cruze along with the non-American sold Chevy Spark but with the unveiling of the sporty 5 hatchback Sonic at the Detroit Auto Show, Chevrolet looks to draw more attention from the likes of the sport compact crowd.

Under the hood, the Chevrolet Sonic will offer a standard 1.8L 4-cylinder engine (power numbers have not been given yet) and for those who want a little more spunk out of their b-segment hatch or sedan, the 138hp 1.4 turbo motor from the Chevy Cruze is available - mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. While the Z-Spec is still a concept and nothing else, rumors suggest that this sport trimline could feature some modifications to allow the 1.4L turbocharged engine to make more than the 138 found in the Cruze.

We can expect more rumors as we draw nearer to the production of the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic but in the meantime, check out the images below from the debut of the Sonic hatchback and sedan at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show.

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