Chevrolet 2013 Sonic Release note

Brand: Chevrolet

Model: 2013 Sonic

Category: Cars

Type: Release note

For immediate release

CHEVROLET SONIC

New for 2013

 All-new, performance-inspired RS five-door hatchback model (production begins

Q4 2012; please see separate release for details.)

 Available PZEV (partial zero emissions vehicle) version of standard Ecotec 1.8L

 Available six-speaker premium audio system

 LT model adds Connectivity & Cruise Package

o Cruise control

o USB port and second auxiliary jack

o Steering wheel audio controls

o Bluetooth audio streaming

 Available Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system (standard on LTZ and RS)

includes seven-inch diagonal color screen, AM/FM stereo with seek-and-scan

and digital clock, Bluetooth streaming audio for music and select phones, voice

recognition for compatible smartphone, compatible with apps for Pandora and

Stitcher

 Available navigation app for MyLink (later availability)

 Bluetooth for phone and steering wheel controls standard on LS

 LT sedan wheel and fog lamp package adds rear decklid spoiler

 Standard remote starter on LT with automatic transmission

 Integral blind-spot mirrors added to outside rearview mirrors on all models

 Standard rear decklid spoiler on LTZ sedan

 Exterior premium color: Black Granite Metallic (additional charge)

 Revised look to OnStar buttons

CHEVROLET SONIC FAMILY ADDS NEW RS MODEL AND CONNECTIVITY

Since its introduction in late 2011, the Chevrolet Sonic – the only subcompact built in

America – has been making a name for itself as a small car with big attitude. For 2013,

an all-new, performance-inspired, Sonic RS five-door hatchback model joins the Sonic

family.

Sonic RS goes into production in the fourth quarter of 2012. (Please see separate

release for details.)

Sonic also adds an available version of Chevrolet’s MyLink infotainment system, which

uses owners’ smartphones to personalize delivery of music, video, photo galleries,

phone books and other information into the vehicle – including full-function navigation via

an available smartphone app.

Standard on LTZ and RS and available on LS and LT models, MyLink for Sonic includes

a seven-inch diagonal color screen, AM/FM stereo with seek-and-scan and digital clock,

Bluetooth streaming audio for music and selected phones, voice recognition for

compatible smartphones, and Pandora and Stitcher compatibility. Easy-to-use and

intuitive, MyLink for Sonic was influenced by Chevrolet consumer data that shows 90

percent of target Sonic buyers own and are heavy users of smartphones.

Other additions to the 2013 Sonic lineup include the addition of a rear decklid spoiler on

the LTZ sedan.

Sonic was designated as one of the Best Family Cars of 2012 by Edmunds and Parents

magazine, and its interior was named one of Ward’s 10 Best Interiors for 2012.

Sonic family at a glance

The Chevrolet Sonic is offered in two body styles: a four-door sedan and a five-door

hatchback in LS, LT, LTZ and RS models (five-door hatchback only). Each body style

delivers class-leading rear-seat roominess and cargo space. Standard and available

features include:

 Standard Ecotec 1.8L engine (non-RS models) paired with five-speed manual or

six-speed automatic transmissions

 Standard electric power steering and StabiliTrak electronic stability control with

rollover sensing

 Sedan offers more trunk capacity than most compact cars; the hatchback and

sedan offer better rear-seat roominess than Ford Fiesta. With a rear seat that

folds nearly flat, the Sonic hatchback has greater cargo capacity than Fiesta

 Connectivity includes OnStar with six months of Directions and Connections

service, including Turn-by-Turn navigation. Available infotainment features

include SiriusXM Satellite Radio (with three trial months of service), USB and

Bluetooth functionality and MyChevrolet mobile application through OnStar

 Remote start, heated front seats and sunroof – all rarities in the segment

 Ten standard air bags, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution

and brake assist, and OnStar with Automatic Crash Response.

Aggressive, youthful design

From every angle, the Sonic sedan and five-door hatchback convey strength, stability

and refinement. A wide, planted stance, with wheels-at-the-corners proportions, hints at

performance.

Other aggressive design cues, including fender flares and motorcycle-inspired round

headlamps, are blended with Chevrolet global design cues such as a dual-element grille

and round taillamps. The leading edge of the hood forms a character line above the

headlamps, which flows in a sleek side profile characterized by uninterrupted body side

lines, a high beltline and low roofline. The side mirrors carry the same shape as the car

and seemingly disappear into the profile. For 2013, they include integral blind spot

mirrors for enhanced visibility.

LT and LTZ sedans also add a new rear decklid spoiler – it’s included in an available 16-

inch wheel and fog lamp package on LT and standard on LTZ.

Other details that reinforce Sonic’s quality and attention to detail include chrome grille

surrounds and matte black honeycomb grille inserts on all models. A range of wheel

sizes, including 17-inch alloy wheels, reinforces its sporty demeanor.

Sonic colors include Silver Ice Metallic, Summit White, Cyber Gray Metallic, Victory Red

and Blue Topaz Metallic. Crystal Red Tintcoat, Inferno Orange Metallic and a new,

premium exterior color, Black Granite Metallic, are available for an additional charge.

A power, tilt-sliding sunroof with express-open and wind deflector feature is available.

Award-winning Sonic interior

Sonic’s cabin complements the motorcycle-inspired exterior with a detailed instrument

cluster featuring a large, round analog tachometer set within an asymmetrical LCD

readout, with a large digital speedometer display.

Depending on the trim level ordered, Sonic offers two varieties each of cloth and leather

seating surfaces. Interior colors and combinations include Jet Black/Dark Titanium; Jet

Black/Brick; Dark Pewter / Dark Titanium and Jet Black (RS).

The mid-instrument panel surface flows seamlessly into the upper doors, with premium,

low-gloss finishes. The automatic shift knob has a “cobra head” design, while the manual

shifter has a chrome-finished knob.

The interior is functional, too, with storage compartments in the center stack and doors.

The rear seats fold virtually flat for carrying larger items such as sports gear.

Front bucket seats are standard and heated front seats are available.

Chevrolet MyLink details

MyLink is standard on Sonic LTZ and RS, and available on Sonic LS and LT models. It

consists of an AM/FM/SiriusXM Satellite Radio (with three months of service) stereo with

seek-and-scan, digital clock, Bluetooth streaming audio for music and select phones,

voice recognition for compatible smartphones and six speakers.

On Sonic, MyLink operates by integrating the owner’s compatible smartphone and

stored media – via Bluetooth, plug-in outlet or USB – with the radio. This lets owners

enjoy simple, safe and personalized connectivity while their smartphone is stowed.

MyLink is simple to use: The owner selects from options projected onto the touch

screen: Audio, Pictures & Movies, Telephone, Smartphone Link and Settings. Each

menu selection takes the user though a list of easy-to-select functions.

MyLink-equipped Sonic models will launch with compatibility for two apps: Pandora

internet radio and Stitcher Smart Radio. When owners with these services connect their

compatible smartphones, they can access these and other functions:

 Personal playlists of stored music

 Hands-free calling with Bluetooth-enabled voice activation from the customer’s

smartphone when the steering wheel button is depressed. (Visit

gm.com/Bluetooth for a list of compatible smartphones)

 Ability to project video via USB while the vehicle is parked

 Ability to project a photo album in “slideshow” mode via USB while the vehicle is

parked, with the last music selection playing in the background. Once the vehicle

is moving, a single photo is viewable.

Later, full-function navigation will be available – for an additional charge – for MyLink via

an embedded smartphone application that also delivers live traffic updates.

The navigation app includes:

 Emergency information such as police, fire and the nearest hospital

 Thousands of points of interest

 Local Search via Google

 Where am I? locator

 Live traffic functionality provides crash reports and lane closures, and with

alternative routes

 3-D maps

 Ability to store native maps to the customer’s smartphone, giving them access to

locations and turn-by-turn directions even when phone signal quality is poor.

Many GPS-enabled apps do not do this.

Sonic performance

Chevrolet Sonic models are powered by efficient, power-dense, small-displacement

engines, including the standard Ecotec 1.8L and the available Ecotec 1.4L turbo

(standard on RS).

Several transmissions are available: a five-speed manual and six-speed automatic with

the 1.8L and a six-speed manual and six-speed automatic with the 1.4L turbo.

The naturally aspirated Ecotec 1.8L engine has many of the same features of the Ecotec

1.4L turbo, including:

 It is a compact and durable four-cylinder engine designed for low maintenance,

low emissions and fuel efficiency.

 Its two-stage variable intake manifold allows approximately 90 percent of peak

torque to be available from 2,400 rpm to 6,500 rpm.

 It is rated at 138 horsepower (103 kW) along with 125 lb.-ft. of torque (170 Nm)

at 3,800 rpm.

The Ecotec 1.4L turbo’s power ratings are 138 horsepower (103 kW) and 148 lb.-ft. of

torque (200 Nm) between 1,850 rpm and 4,900 rpm.

The wide rpm range for the maximum torque – a specific trait of turbocharged engines –

helps the engine deliver a better driving experience and performance.

Premium design elements give the engine world-class smoothness and durability,

including a low-mass, hollow-frame cast iron block, dual overhead camshafts with

variable valve timing, chain-driven cams and roller-finger camshaft followers, piston-

cooling oil jets and integrated oil cooler, a variable-flow oil pump and an electronically

controlled thermostat.

The 1.4L’s turbocharger is integrated within the exhaust manifold, for reduced weight

and greater packaging flexibility. A reinforced crankshaft and stronger connecting rods

deliver additional strength to support the engine’s pressurized power and torque over a

wide rpm band.

Engineers who also work on the Corvette tuned the Sonic’s ride and handling, giving it a

more direct feel, while balancing the vehicle for the broad range of driving conditions in

North America. Sonic’s standard hill start assist feature makes it easier to pull away from

a stopped position when the vehicle is on an uphill or downhill slope.

Sonic RS offers stiffer, performance-oriented tuning, as well as a lowered (10 mm)

suspension and four-wheel disc brakes.

Sonic safety and crash-avoidance features

The Sonic is the only car in its segment to achieve an overall five-star safety rating by

the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and it also earned a Top Safety Pick

designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Sonic is designed to

help drivers avoid crashes, while protecting the occupants in the event a crash occurs.

Safety begins with a strong body structure designed to absorb crash energy and provide

a protective “safety cage” around occupants. More than 60 percent of the body structure

is composed of advanced steels.

Other safety and security features include:

 Ten standard air bags include side curtain air bags, which provide head

protection for outboard passengers in the event of a side-impact or rollover crash

 StabiliTrak electronic stability control system helps reduce the risk of rollover

crashes by keeping the vehicle in the driver’s intended path by applying throttle,

braking or a combination of both

 Power-assisted front disc and rear drum brakes are standard; front and rear disc

brakes are standard on RS.

 Four-channel antilock braking is standard and incorporates electronic brake force

distribution, which balances braking performance based on such factors as road

conditions and the weight of passengers and/or cargo

 Pretensioners minimize forward movement during a collision, and are standard

on the front safety belts. Load-limiting retractors cinch the belt more tightly

 LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat attachment system,

which is included in all second-row seating positions

 Tire pressure monitoring system on all models

 Standard OnStar.

OnStar details

Six months of OnStar Directions and Connections service is standard on Sonic. OnStar

is the global leading provider of connected safety, security and mobility solutions and

advanced information technology.

OnStar’s RemoteLink Mobile App allows smartphone users to control vehicle functions,

access vehicle information and send directions directly to the vehicle. A new, opt-in

service called FamilyLink allows subscribers to stay connected to loved ones by

checking the location of their vehicle online or by signing up for vehicle location alerts.

Sonic also features new OnStar button icons. Drivers will notice an updated look for the

Hands-Free Calling button, blue OnStar button and red Emergency button.

More information about OnStar can be found at www.onstar.com

# # #

CONTACT:

Cristi Vazquez

Chevrolet Communications

313-665-8232

cristianna.vazquez@gm.com

2013 CHEVROLET SONIC SPECIFICATIONS

Overview

Models: Sonic 4-door sedan and 5-door hatchback in LS, LT, LTZ

Sonic RS 5-door hatchback

Body style / driveline: 4-door or 5-door, front engine, front-wheel drive, 5

passengers; Sonic RS: front engine, front-wheel drive, 5-

door, 5 passengers

Construction: unitized body/frame

EPA vehicle class: subcompact

Manufacturing location: Orion Township, Mich.

Key competitors: Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent, Toyota Yaris

Engines

1.8L DOHC I

1.4L turbocharged DOHC I

Application: std opt LT, LTZ; std on RS

Displacement (cu. In / cc): 110 / 1796 110 / 1796

Bore and stroke (in. / mm): 3.17 x 3.47 / 80.5 x 88.2 2.85 x 3.25 / 72.5 x 82.6

Block material: cast iron cast iron

Cylinder head material: cast aluminum cast aluminum

Valvetrain: overhead camshafts, four valves

per cylinder, continuously

variable valve timing

overhead camshafts, four

valves per cylinder,

continuously variable valve

timing

Ignition system: coil on plug coil on plug

Fuel delivery: sequential multi-port fuel

injectors with electronic throttle

control

sequential multi-port fuel

injectors with electronic throttle

control

Compression ratio: 10.5:1 9.5:1

Horsepower (hp / kW @

rpm)::

138 / 103 @ 6300* 138 / 103 @ 4900*

Torque (lb.-ft. / Nm @ rpm): 125 / 170@ 3800* 148 / 200 @ 2500* manual

148 / 200 @ 1850* automatic

Recommended fuel: regular unleaded regular unleaded

Max engine speed (rpm): 6500 6500

Emissions controls: close-coupled catalytic

converters; 58X ignition system;

returnless fuel rail; fast light-off

oxygen sensor

close-coupled catalytic

converters; 58X ignition system;

returnless fuel rail; fast light-off

oxygen sensor

Estimated fuel economy

(city / hwy):

26 / 35 (manual)

25 / 35 (automatic)

29 / 40 (manual)

27 / 37 (automatic)

Transmissions

6-speed

manual

(1.4L turbo)

Hydra-Matic

6T40 6-speed

automatic (1.4L

Turbo)

Hydra-Matic

6T30 6-speed

automatic

(1.8L)

5-speed

manual

(1.8L)

6-speed

manual

(1.4L)

Application: std on Sonic

opt on Sonic,

Sonic RS

opt on Sonic std on

Sonic

std on Sonic

turbo (non-

RS)

Gear ratios (:1)

First: 4.27 4.58 4.45 3.72 3.82

Second: 2.35 2.96 2.91 1.96 2.05

Third: 1.48 1.91 1.89 1.32 1.30

Fourth: 1.07 1.45 1.44 0.94 0.96

Fifth: 0.88 1.00 1.00 0.75 0.74

Sixth: 0.74 0.75 0.74 N/A 0.61

Reverse: 3.82 2.94 2.87 3.30 3.55

Final drive: 4.176 3.53 (Sonic RS)

3.23 (Sonic)

3.47 3.95 3.65

Chassis / Suspension

Front: MacPherson struts with offset coil springs and stabilizer

bar

Rear: semi-independent torsion beam axle with coil springs

Steering type: column-mounted electric power steering

Steering ratio: 14:1

Steering wheel turns, lock-to-lock: 2.8 (15- and 16-inch wheels)

2.7 (17-inch wheels)

Turning circle, curb-to-curb (ft / m): 34.5 / 10.5 (15- and 16-inch wheels)

36.1 / 11 (17-inch wheels)

Brakes

Type: ventilated front disc / rear drum, with ABS: std

four-wheel disc with ABS: RS

Rotor diameter x thickness (in / mm): front: 10.8 x 1.0 / 276 x 26 (vented, std and RS)

rear: 10.6 x 0.47 / 268 x 12 (solid, RS)

Drum diameter (in / mm): 9 / 230

Total swept area (sq in / sq cm): front: 116 / 748

rear: 49.3 / 318

front: 116 / 748 (RS)

rear: 93 / 602 (RS)

Wheels /Tires

Wheel size and type: 15-inch steel: std on LS

15-inch painted aluminum: std on LT

16-inch painted aluminum: opt on LT

17-inch painted aluminum: std on LTZ

17-inch aluminum: std on RS

Tires: P195/65R15 ALS

P205/55R16 ALS

P205/50R17 ALS

Dimensions

Exterior

Type:

sedan

five

door

Wheelbase (in / mm): 99.4 / 2525 99.4 / 2525

Overall length (in / mm): 173.1 / 4397 159 / 4039

Overall width (in / mm): 68.3 / 1735 68.3 / 1735

Overall height (in / mm): 59.7 / 1516 59.7 / 1516

59.3 / 1506: RS

Track (in / mm): front: 59.4 / 1509

rear: 59.4 / 1509

front: 59.4 / 1509

rear: 59.4 / 1509

Curb weight (lb / kg): 2727 / 1237 (LS)

2745 / 1245 (LT)

2806 / 1273 (LTZ)

2690 / 1220 (LS)

2712 / 1230 (LT)

2776 / 1259 (LTZ)

2811 / 1275 (RS)

Interior

Type:

sedan

five

door

Seating capacity (front / rear): 2 / 3 2 / 3

Headroom (in / mm): front: 38.7 / 983 (w/o sunroof)

front: 37.6 / 956 (w/ sunroof)

rear: 37.8 / 960 (w/o sunroof)

rear: 37.8 / 961 (w/ sunroof)

front: 38.7 / 983 (w/o sunroof)

front: 37.6 / 956 (w/ sunroof)

rear: 38.1 / 968 (w/o sunroof)

rear: 38.1 / 968 (w/ sunroof)

Legroom (in / mm): front: 41.8 / 1062

rear: 34.6 / 879

front: 41.8 / 1062

rear: 34.6 / 879

Shoulder room (in / mm): front: 53.4 / 1356

rear: 53 / 1346

front: 53.4 / 1358

rear: 53 / 1347

Hip room (in / mm): front: 51.4 / 1306

rear: 51.6 / 1311

front: 51.4 / 1306

rear: 51.6 / 1311

Capacities

Type: sedan five-door

EPA interior volume (cu ft / L): 105.2 / 2978 109.6 / 3103

Cargo volume (cu ft / L): 14.9 / 422 19 / 538 (behind rear seats)

47.7 / 1351 (seats folded)

EPA passenger vol. (cu ft / L): 90.3 / 2556 90.6 / 2565

Fuel tank (gal / L): 12.2 / 46.2 12.2 / 46.2

Engine oil (qt / L): 1.4L: 4.2 / 4.0

1.8L: 4.8 / 4.5

1.4L: 4.2 / 4.0

1.8L: 4.8 / 4.5

Cooling system (qt / L): 1.4L: 6.9 / 6.5

1.8L: 6.3 / 6.0

1.4L: 6.9 / 6.5

1.8L: 6.3 / 6.0

*SAE certified

Note: Information shown is current at time of publication.

Chevrolet 2013 Sonic Release note

Brand: Chevrolet

Model: 2013 Sonic

Category: Cars

Type: Release note

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Chevrolet 2013 Sonic Release note

Chevrolet 2013 Sonic Release note

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