Chevy Previews SEMA Show Concepts Including Performance-Focused Sonic RS, Spark EV

AutoGuide.com Staff
by AutoGuide.com Staff
The All-Activity Sonic concept with a 1.4L turbo engine returns for the 2013 SEMA Show - this time, it adds something the American Motorcycle Association champion, X-Games gold medalist and NASCAR racer Ricky Carmichael can truly appreciate: An all-new performance package with parts from Chevrolet Performance includes engine performance, suspension/brakes and appearance upgrades.

Small cars will be a big part of Chevy’s SEMA Show presence this year, with the Sonic, Spark and Cruze all set to share the floor at the world’s largest aftermarket expo.

A total of three Sonic models will debut at the show in Las Vegas, two of which put the focus directly on performance. Already the most powerful car in its segment (Fiesta ST aside) it’s also one of the best handling. Taking those attributes to the next level, the Sonic RS concept gets a cold air induction system and high-flow exhaust to maximize the output of the 1.4-liter turbocharged engine, while improved handling comes via new 18-inch wheels and a “track-tuned” suspension.

Other upgrades include a Wilwood brake upgrade, wild Lemon Peel Yellow paint with blue graphics and a long list of accessories plus black leather seats with yellow stitching.

Chevy says all of the upgrades were developed by Chevrolet Performance engineers and are designed to be installed by dealers. Could this mean we’ll see a long list of Sonic upgrades available at dealers soon? In short… yes!

The second performance-focused Sonic concept debuts the new Chevrolet Performance package for the car and was designed to be something American Motorcycle Association champ, X-Games gold medalist and NASCAR racer Ricky Carmichael would enjoy. The package (which may sound familiar) includes a turbo upgrade upgrade kit with a high flow exhaust, a cold air intake system, a Chevy Performance suspension kit, as well as 18-inch wheels (gloss black with a green lip) and tires plus a Chevy Performance brake upgrade package developed with Wilwood.

SEE ALSO: 2013 SEMA Show Preview

Outside and inside the car gets a unique black and green color scheme, with a custom rear spoiler, aero kit and a THULE roofrack. The interior sees a Chevrolet Accessories pedal kit and shift knob along with a custom flat-bottom steering wheel.

In addition to those cars, Chevy will also bring along the Personalization Sonic concept. Painted in Victory Red its completed with a long list of Chevy Accessory items.

Representing the smallest car in the Chevy lineup is the Spark EV Tech Performance concept. Delivering 400 lb-ft of torque with a 0-60 time of 7.5 seconds in standard trim, this concept has been modified with a “unique power-delivery algorithm” that’s designed to maximize performance.

Adding to the package are stronger axles and light weight components to help cut down on weight. There’s also a long list of cosmetic upgrades including green paint and green interior stitching, with particularly noteworthy modifications include backlit Chevy “bowtie” emblems in the grille and a military-style flip-up activation switch on the dash.

Other highlights from Chevy’s upcoming SEMA Show display include an “urban” styled Impala as well as custom Malibu and Cruze Diesel models.

GALLERY: Chevy SEMA Show Concepts

AutoGuide.com Staff
AutoGuide.com Staff

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