New Sonic RS Is The Hot New Hatch Zeigler Chevrolet

Sonic RS: Chevy Cooks up a New Hot Hatch

by Chevrolet in the News on December 19, 2011

Chevy’s growing expertise in developing high-quality small cars that people love to drive will expand yet further in January, when the brand introduces the new 2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS. Engineered to be a true enthusiast’s car—and packing an enthusiastic turbocharged I4 engine—the Sonic RS will make its public debut in Detroit next month at the North American International Auto Show. Which makes sense, since the sharp new Chevy is based on the Aveo RS concept that debuted at the Detroit auto show last year.
“The Sonic RS remains true to the progressive spirit of the concept and brings an unmistakable attitude to the segment,” said John Mack, design director for the Sonic. “From every angle and every touch point, it is a car that is unabashed in its performance statement—and one that drives Chevrolet’s performance legacy into its second century.”
Putting the exclamation point on that statement: A powertrain that truly lives up to its name. The forced-induction four-cylinder engine in the Sonic RS will be the only turbo in its segment, and it brings along a healthy 138 hp and 148 lb.-ft. of torque. Then, to get the most out of those ponies, Chevy offers two six-speed transmissions specifically engineered for the Sonic RS. The standard manual unit has all-new gear ratios as compared to the cog-swapper from the “regular” Sonic, while the available automatic transmission gains a unique final drive ratio.
To put that power on a solid footing, the Sonic RS wears a lowered, stiffened suspension with a MacPherson-strut design for the front, accented by coil springs and a stabilizer bar; that setup is then backed up by a semi-independent, torsion-beam compound link-type rear suspension with gas-charged shocks. Performance-tuned dampers are in the mix as well, as are four-wheel disc brakes featuring a four-channel anti-lock braking system—and electronic brake-force distribution.
The Sonic RS also boasts a full complement of style enhancers, inside and out, including:

• A full body kit with new front fascia, grille, rear fascia, rear spoiler and rocker moldings
• Redesigned fog lamps
• A retuned and chrome-tipped exhaust system
• Model-specific 17-inch five-spoke wheels
• Plenty of RS badging
• Front sport seats
• A racing-inspired, flat-bottomed sport steering wheel
• Aluminum sport pedals
• RS-only instrument panel graphics
• A sport gearshift knob on manually transmissioned models
• Unique interior trim colors and four bold exterior shades—Victory Red,
• Summit White, Cyber Gray Metallic and Black Granite Metallic

Also standard on the Sonic RS will be the Chevy MyLink infotainment system, which enables smartphone-based navigation, a seven-inch color touchscreen, and both Pandora and Stitcher Internet radio connectivity.
“The new Chevrolet Sonic RS pushes Chevrolet’s performance heritage in a new direction, for a new generation of drivers,” said Chris Perry, vice president of Global Chevrolet Marketing. “It takes the Sonic’s great design and latest connectivity features and combines them with a more performance-oriented look and feel.”
The 2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS is scheduled to go on sale later next year and will be built here in this country at GM’s Orion Assembly Center in Michigan.

Chevy Spark To Start A Driving Revolution Zeigler Chevrolet Schaumburg

New Chevy City Car to Spark a Driving Revolution

by Chevrolet in the News

 

 

Developed to appeal to both city drivers and first-time buyers, the all-new 2013 Chevy Spark is set to make its U.S. debut on Nov. 16 at this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show. It marks Chevy’s first foray into the city-car segment in this country, and the brand plans on setting the pace with the Spark, thanks to the car’s unique focus on both fun and features.
While boasting nimble dimensions specifically tailored for the urban environment, the Spark also provides a big list of benefits, including the kind of connectivity and infotainment functionality that’s usually reserved for larger cars. This includes the only seven-inch touchscreen in its class capable of displaying smartphone-based navigation, media and contacts for hands-free calling, as well as the Chevy MyLink system, which is standard on the Spark 1LT and 2LT models. Chevy MyLink offers access via a paired smartphone to apps like Pandora and Stitcher Internet radio, and it can even play videos and display digital photo albums when the Spark is parked.
“This level of infotainment and connectivity was unheard of in this segment, until now,” said Chris Perry, vice president, global Chevrolet marketing and strategy. “We know Spark buyers do not want to give up personalization just because they drive a smaller car.”
And while the Spark is no doubt a tidy package, it offers more cargo and passenger room than rivals like the Fiat 500, Scion iQ and Smart Fortwo, along with:

• Standard air conditioning and power windows
• A motorcycle-inspired gauge cluster
• The segment’s only five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
• GM’s OnStar safety and security system
• Ambient interior lighting
• A peppy 1.2-liter I4 engine capable of 85 hp
• 10 airbags
• A wide range of personalization and customization features
• Standard electronic traction control
• Heated seats
• Exterior finishes that range from Salsa, Jalapeno, Denim, Lemonade and Techno Pink to more traditional colors like Grey Area, Black Granite, Silver Ice and Summit White

In addition, the Spark showcases some surprisingly dramatic sheet metal, with its wheels pushed out to the corners for an aggressive stance. A key enabler of the Spark’s sporty looks? Chevy designers integrated its rear door handles into the C-pillar area to create an appearance that mimics that of a three-door “hot hatch”—while still allowing room inside for four occupants. The Spark’s integrated rear spoiler adds to the effect, and also improves aerodynamics for enhanced fuel efficiency.
Drivers who choose up-level Spark models can up the ante even further, with exterior details like matching rocker-panel moldings and chrome brightwork that accents the car’s beltline, liftgate handle, “poke-through” exhaust outlets and fog-lamp housings.
“Spark is for buyers who want much more than a ‘cute’ small car – they want a car that can be personalized, is dynamic and fashionable, and delivers a lot of value for the money,” added Perry. “Spark’s vibrant exterior and interior colors make a fashion statement, but it is also affordable, safe, maneuverable and very fuel-efficient.”
More information about the Spark, including pricing and EPA information, will be released closer to the car’s on-sale date in the summer of 2012.

For more information about this article or about any new Chevy Product contact Zeigler Chevrolet Schaumburg.847-882-2200

Chevy Spark and park EV Ready for 2012 Models Zeigler Chevrolet Schaumburg

Chevy Spark and Spark EV Ready to Ignite City-car Segment

by Chevrolet in the News on October 14, 2011

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For a small car, the new Chevy Spark is set to attract a large range of drivers: First-time buyers, city dwellers and electric-vehicle supporters—and consumers who are all of the above—should all be flocking to Chevrolet dealerships when the brand’s new city car makes its debut beginning next year.
The four-seat, five-door hatchback is just a few inches longer than the Fiat 500, but it will be packed with features and content, including, in key markets, an available all-electric powertrain. And notably, that propulsion system will boast an advanced nanophosphate lithium-ion battery pack from the proven EV-battery experts at A123 Systems.
“The Spark EV offers customers living in urban areas who have predictable driving patterns or short commutes an all-electric option,” said Jim Federico, global vehicle chief engineer for electric vehicles at Chevrolet. “It complements Chevrolet’s growing range of electrified vehicles, including the Volt extended-range EV and the 2013 Malibu Eco with eAssist technology.
“The Spark EV is another step in Chevrolet’s plan to provide customers with a variety of electrification solutions to address the lifestyle and transportation needs of people around the world.”
But the gas-only Spark will be plenty efficient, too, thanks to a peppy 1.2-liter I4 engine that makes 83 hp in its North American configuration, mated to either a standard five-speed manual transmission or an available automatic. Also in the mix will be standard peace-of-mind features like an extensive powertrain warranty and GM’s OnStar in-vehicle safety and security system, as well as available upscale amenities such as a color touch-screen audio setup, Chevrolet’s MyLink connectivity system with Pandora and Stitcher Internet radio, Bluetooth functionality, chrome exterior accented, alloy wheels and heated “leatherette” seats.
As a result, “For young, urban dwellers, the 2013 Chevrolet Spark can be their key to the city,” according to Chris Perry, vice president, global Chevrolet marketing and strategy. “Spark’s vibrant exterior and interior colors make a statement, but it is a practical car, too. Affordable, maneuverable and very fuel-efficient, Spark will be easy to own and easy to drive.”
The 2013 Chevrolet Spark will make its U.S. debut at November’s L.A. International Auto Show then reach Chevy dealerships in 2012; per General Motors, the Spark EV “will be sold in limited quantities in select U.S. and global markets starting in 2013.”