Made in America

2012 Chevy Sonic To Be Only Subcompact Built In U.S

Chevy rocked 2011 with the Volt and Silverado being named Car and Truck of the Year, respectively.  2012 is looking up with the introduction of the Sonic, the only subcompact to be built in America.  

"The Sonic represents a new beginning for Chevrolet in the small car segment and so we felt it was time to give it a new name,” Chris Perry, vice president of marketing for Chevrolet in the United States, said in a statement. “The new car is roomy, stylish and fun to drive, and Sonic is a youthful, energetic name that helps convey what this vehicle is about.”

The Sonic hatchback and sedan will come with a 135-horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine or a torquey optional 1.4-liter turbo.

Those are the same engines Chevy fits in the 500-pound-heavier Cruze compact, so the Sonic should be one quick ride. Five- and six-speed manual transmissions and a six-speed automatic will be available. The New York Times described the Sonic as "aggressive."  

Safety equipment will include 10 air bags, stability control and antilock brakes with emergency assist.Production of the 2012 Sonic will kick off later this year at GM's Orion Assembly Center in Michigan.