Get the Flash Player to see this player.

Debuting at the Detroit Auto Show in both hatchback and sedan forms, the Sonic will compete against established rivals in the sub-compact segment like the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris, not to mention newcomers like the Ford Fiesta. Aiming to attract younger buyers with sporty styling, the Sonic also has power on tap with a standard 135-hp 1.8L 4-cylinder, as well as an optional 138-hp 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder – both of which are borrowed from the Chevy Cruze.

No fuel economy numbers have been released but expect close to if not over 40-mpg highway from the 1.4T engine. Helping get what will no doubt be excellent fuel economy is a 6-speed automatic transmission, with the option of a 6-speed stick shift on 1.4T models.

The interior looks to be a massive leap forward from the Aveo, taking inspiration from the Cruze and using higher-grade materials. And like the Aveo RS concept from last year’s Detroit show, it retains the motorcycle-inspired instrumentation with a large, circular analog tachometer and a digital speedometer.

Designed for functionality, the Sonic hatchback gets 19 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seats, which expands to 37 cu-ft with the seats folded flat. Chevy claims that’s better than the Fiesta, although in terms of roominess, the Fiesta is hardly a benchmark in the segment. The Sonic sedan does, however, get 15 cubic feet of space, which is roughly the same size as you might expect in a mid-size sedan.

As for features, all models will come equipped with stability control and 10 airbags, while optional goodies include remote start and heated front seats.

Pricing for the Sonic sedan and hatch will be released closer to the car’s on sale date later this year.

See video of the Sonic Z-Spec concept after the jump:

Continue Reading…

Honda is selling their proving grounds in the Mojave Desert, and if you’re the type that likes to invest between 7 and 8 figures in real estate, then this might be a real treat.

With just under 3,800 acres of land, the big draws are a 7.5 mile oval course, a 4.5 mile road course modeled after public streets and a variety of desert tracks and surfaces that can be used for everything from Motorcross to off-road truck racing, the proving grounds could be the toy for a well-heeled motorized vehicle enthusiast.

Best of all, the track’s location is only 2 hours from LAX, meaning that you can easily access it by Bugatti Veyron or Gulfstream Jet, unlike those other pesky tracks located in flyover states.

[Source: The Truth About Cars]

The ostentatious among us may be left without a chariot, as Mercedes-Benz is apparently mulling over a plan to kill the under-performing Maybach brand.

The first Maybach concept debuted in 1997, a time when the first dot-com bubble was rapidly growing, and a super-luxury car was a smart move for Mercedes. With the 180 degree turn in the world’s economy, Maybachs are now as relevant as sewing machines and type writers, and M-B execs are beginning to come around to the notion that an ultra-premium brand may be a mis-allocation of resources.

Mercedes is apparently evaluating Maybach’s viability on a yearly basis. Although the brand is largely inconsequential to their bottom line, Maybach only sold 63 cars in the USA last year, leading execs to question whether it’s really worth keeping the brand around for such a small customer base.

[Source: Autoblog]

Lancia’s version of the Chrysler 200, likely dubbed the Flavia, will debut at the Geneva Auto Show in March. While the idea of a Lancia-badged Chrysler is unpalatable to many enthusiasts, the fact that Chrysler has decided use the much vilified 200 will surely make it the automotive equivalent of the Antichrist.

Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne rubbed salt in the wounds of Italian car fans everywhere with his announcement, also confirming that the 200 convertible will be a part of the Lancia lineup. The Flavia will get a new front end, a diesel engine and a manual transmission as part of its adaptation for Europe.

Brighter news for Lancia comes with the announcement that the Chrysler 300 will be sold as the Lancia Thema, and the new Lancia Ypsilon  will be based off the highly lauded Fiat Panda. A 5-door version will also be offered for the first time in the car’s history.

[Source: Automotive News]

Get AutoGuide’s complete 2011 Geneva Auto Show preview here.

One reason to attend the annual Tokyo Auto Salon tuner show is to see Japanese Domestic Market vehicles extensively modified by some of the best aftermarket companies in the business. A second reason is to have a good laugh.

A car culture that can deliver the NSX and GT-R, is also responsible for 1980s-era Transformers-styled big rigs and Hello Kitty themed Ferraris. A tuner by the name of Joy Worx most certainly fits into the latter category, debuting a new hydraulics-equipped commercial truck with an excessively Japan-themed paint job.

But there’s more. Check out the hidden rear wheels (inside flared fenders no less) and the absolutely massive rear spoiler that’s certain to come in handy when it’s completely dumped (yes, that’s sarcasm).

GALLERY: Joy Worx Truck

The number 9 signifies both longevity and excellence in China, and with Ferrari selling its 999th car in the Asian nation, what better time to celebrate?

Johnson Zhang took delivery of the milestone vehicle, a brand new 458 Italia, at a ceremony overseen by Ferrari CEO Amadeo Felisa. “For Ferrari, China represents the present and the future. It is a great country where we continue to invest. I’m convinced that in a couple of years, we’ll reach sales of 500 cars per year, a number equal to established European markets,” he told Auto Express.

Ferrari has been increasingly focused on China, with product debuts at the Shanghai Auto Show, and an art car collaboration with Chinese artist Lu Hao.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Honda is recalling 2,277 Accord and CR-V models due to a wiring defect that may have occurred during the vehicle’s assembly. An electrical coupling that was possibly damaged during the engine installation process could lead to the vehicle stalling.

While no incidents have been reported, Honda is keen to fix the defect, which only affects 2010 model year vehicles. The recall will begin in February with Honda notifying owners at the start of the month.

[Source: NHTSA via USA Today]

With only 352 days to go before the Chevrolet Camaro Z28 goes into production, you still have ample time to take up chewing tobacco and get acquainted with the music of Whitesnake.

The information comes from a dealer who just attended a national dealer meeting where Chevrolet officials described the product in detail. The name “Z28″ was never officially mentioned, and the car was instead called the “HP Edition”. Equipment for the car in question includes a supercharged 6.2L V8, magnetic shock absorbers, massive tires front and rear (285 width up front and 330 in the rear) and some cosmetic alterations to the bodywork.

[Source: Camaro5]

A BMW 750i that was stolen from BMW USA at the Detroit Auto Show was recovered by police after being stolen outside a Detroit hotel. The BMW was being used to transport executives around Detroit during the North American International Auto Show.

Thieves took the car as it was being loaded onto a transport truck but an inattentive valet left the car idling unattended, allowing the robbers to take off with the car.

[Source: Detroit News]

Crime is something often associated with Detroit, though the many who’ve been there will tell you the Motor City doesn’t deserve the bad wrap it frequently seems to get in the press.

However, an incident this week during the North American International Auto Show festivities did nothing to quell such notions.

BMW, like many other major manufacturers, besides having a prominent display of new vehicles on the floor at Cobo Hall, also brings in cars to shuttle executives and other guests, from the show to hotels and functions. However, one of these cars suffered at the hands of thieves.

Having finished its shuttle duties, a BMW 750iX was due to be loaded on the transporter and shipped back to the company’s New Jersey headquarters. However after a valet had pulled it out in front of the Westin Book Cadillac hotel, ready for loading, two thieves jumped in the idling car and drove off.

As of this morning, police were still looking for the vehicle. “It’s an unfortunate incident,” said BMW spokeswoman Stacy Morris.

However despite this irritating setback, BMW stated that it is still firmly committed to the North American International Auto Show.

[Source: MSNBC]