Building on the success of the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic, a hot hatch 2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS will be introduced next month at the Detroit Auto Show with a host of design features that point the way for future products and the top price in the Sonic lineup.
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The powertrain for the Sonic RS is the same as that found in the Chevrolet Cruze turbo-equipped model. As reported previously by TorqueNews, the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS is not getting the historical SS designation that denotes a powerful Chevy because it would take a lot more air going through that engine for an SS, and there is none in the works.
The Sonic RS is not going to be about power. The lineup of engines for the standard Sonic offers equally powerful powertrains. The standard naturally aspirated 1.8-liter engine also makes 138 horsepower. The LT and LTZ trim levels offer a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine also rated at 138 horsepower but with 148 lb. ft. of torque vs. 125 lb. ft. for the 1.8-liter engine. More torque equals more grunt off the line.
No price has been announced for the Sonic RS but expect it to come in above the current LTZ hatchback that starts at $17,995. It would not be unrealistic to see a price of $18,995 for the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS when it debuts, assuming pricing for the LTZ remains similar as it is now.
Sonic RS exterior features
* New front fascia with new fog lamp design
* New RS-specific grille
* New rear fascia
* New rear spoiler
* New rocker moldings
* Unique mirror cap finish
* Retuned sport exhaust with chrome outlet
* Unique 17-inch five-spoke wheel design
* Lowered and stiffened suspension with performance-tuned dampers
* RS badging.
The new RS is the only Sonic model offered with four-wheel disc brakes, which are partnered with a four-channel anti-lock braking system. The four-sensor system – one at each wheel – incorporates electronic brake force distribution, which balances braking performance based on such factors as road conditions and the weight of passengers and/or cargo.
The Sonic RS is offered exclusively in the five-door body style. Chevrolet’s MyLink infotainment system is standard. It enables navigation directions downloaded through a smart phone to be shown on the radio’s large display, and offers the personalized connectivity of Pandora and Stitcher Internet radio.
Sonic RS interior features
* New front sport seats
* New sport steering wheel with thicker rim and racing-inspired flat-bottom design
* New shifter knob (manual transmission)
* New aluminum sport pedals
* Specific instrument panel cluster graphics
* RS-specific interior trim color for the instrument panel and door trim inserts.
The 2013 Sonic RS’s interior comes standard with the Chevrolet MyLink infotainment seven-inch color touch screen radio. This system allows customers to bring customized music libraries into the vehicle and use their smart phones and Bluetooth connectivity to access Pandora and Stitcher Internet radio and navigation. Navigation directions downloaded through a smart phone can be displayed on the screen and, when the vehicle is stopped, users can project video and even personal photo albums onto the screen from their phone.
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