- The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic and Cruze Z-Spec SEMA show models and may end up in the hands of consumers.
- The custom cars wear Z-Spec enhancements which are being considered for production, said GM in a statement.
- They include ground effects, custom racing seats and performance upgrades.
- GM also is showing off Chevrolet Sonic and Cruze Dusk editions ahead of the 2011 SEMA Show.
DETROIT — The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic and Cruze Z-Spec 2011 SEMA Show models may end up in the hands of consumers. The heavy emphasis by GM on its small-car lineup at the influential aftermarket showcase also underscores its determination to inject a fun factor into the fuel-savers.
GM said more "super secret" Sonics will also be revealed at the SEMA show, once the domain of traditional Chevy performance cars such as the Camaro and Corvette. "The heritage of Chevrolet cars like the Corvette and Camaro is being expressed in smaller packages for the next generation," said Chris Perry, vice president, global marketing and strategy for Chevrolet, in a statement on Monday.
The pint-sized custom cars wear Z-Spec enhancements that are being considered for production, said GM in a statement. The Z-Spec options are performance and cosmetic upgrades available at Chevy dealers.
The turbocharged 2012 Chevrolet Sonic Z-Spec #1 gets ground effects, a spoiler, unique grille, 18-inch wheels and a graphics package. A Torch Red paint job finishes off the exterior touches. The cabin features perforated black suede seat inserts, a Z-Spec sport pedal kit, sport shift knob and a racing-style flat-bottom steering wheel. It also gets performance brakes with four-piston calipers, a new high-flow exhaust system and performance suspension parts.
The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic Z-Spec #2 sports a more aggressive ground effects package, unique grille, rear spoiler and graphics package. The cabin features a Z-Spec sport pedal kit, sport shift knob and a flat-bottom steering wheel. It gets the same performance upgrades as Sonic Z-Spec #1.
The sedan version of the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic morphs into the Z-Spec 4D Concept, thanks to ground effects, a rear spoiler, grille, Chevrolet graphics and 18-inch wheels. The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Z-Spec gets concept Z-Spec ground effects, 18-inch custom wheels, an accessory spoiler and a high-flow grille. The new stripe package on this model will be available soon, said GM.
The Chevrolet Sonic Dusk and Cruze Dusk will be unveiled at the 2011 SEMA Show. The Sonic Dusk gets a Berlin Blue exterior with tinted blue lights. It features a "mild" ground effects package and 18-inch wheels in dark Galvano Silver. The Cruze Dusk gets a similar treatment.
Inside Line says: While the public isn't allowed into the SEMA show, you can bet that GM will be studying your reaction to its small-car customization ideas.
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zackd44 says:
08:19 AM, 10/27/2011
2013(or whenever) Chevy Cruze SS should have the Buick regal 2.0T 270hp 290tq engine. Even if it is detuned to 250hp to get better MPG
1919diesel says:
10:35 AM, 10/26/2011
OK, so they did not "spice up" the engine, but they did make some performance upgrades:
"It also gets performance brakes with four-piston calipers, a new high-flow exhaust system and performance suspension parts."
So it's NOT just an "Appearance Package", guys. That would have been "old GM" putting stripes and a wing on everything (see Pontiac Grand Am).
lzks says:
06:43 AM, 10/26/2011
I like the vents................
modestlyfrugal says:
06:41 AM, 10/26/2011
jscion - Please...like Scion hasn't done anything like this. I succinctly remembered Scion released a "special edition" ricer TC every other year.
the_big_al says:
11:34 PM, 10/25/2011
All show? I'm all for appearance packages that make a car like this look "cool", but if all they do is "ricer" up the vehicle than I'm not interested. I like subtlety. And I also prefer performance over looks. If these things have a "go-fast" motor to back up the looks, than I'd be almost interested. Without the performance or the ability to go faster than their "stock" brethren, then you couldn't even give one to me.
altimadude05 says:
06:20 PM, 10/25/2011
Will this be the "Super Sonic" package?
jscion says:
04:37 PM, 10/25/2011
The red dashboard is awful!!! The red is loud, obnoxious and cheap looking plus GM needs to match the engine to the look of the car. With the right engine, that Sonic Z-Spec could be a GTI fighter. There are no pictures of the Cruze but the Focus is better anyway so who cares
cz_75 says:
03:46 PM, 10/25/2011
I have no interest in the sonic at all, even with a turbo motor. The Cruze will be of interest if they can put the 2.0L turbo 260hp version from the Cobalt SS, along with its brakes and much of its suspension.
cptmatt says:
03:09 PM, 10/25/2011
All show, no go? No buy.
jm1212 says:
02:20 PM, 10/25/2011
no performance upgrades? not interested.