CAR GARAGE | 2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS | The new RS amplifies the Sonic's youthful style and driving experience with unique exterior and interior features matched with a 138-horsepower (103 kW) 1.4L Ecotec turbo engine. Sonic is the only vehicle in its segment to offer a turbocharged powe rtrain. "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 Marketing Chevrolet. The Chevrolet Sonic RS is Offered exclusively in the five-door body style. Chevrolet's exclusive My Link infotainment system is standard. It enables navigation directions downloaded through a smart phone to be shown on the radio's large display, and offers the connectivity of Pandora's personalized Internet radio and Stitcher.
The Sonic RS will be available in Victory Red, Summit White, Cyber Gray Metallic and Black Granite Metallic, the which is a new exterior color for the 2013 Sonic. "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. The Chevrolet Sonic RS's interior is a connected environment, with the Chevrolet My Link infotainment seven-inch color touch screen radio.
Unique gear ratios for the six-speed manual transmission and unique final drive ratio for the automatic Chevrolet Sonic give the RS a sportier feel than the non-RS models. Complementing the segment-exclusive turbocharged power train is Mac Pherson strut front suspension with coil springs and stabilizer bar, and a semi-independent, torsion beam axle-mount compound link-type rear suspension - featuring a robust, tubular V-shape beam - with gas- charged shocks.
The new RS is the only Sonic Offered models with four-wheel disc brakes, the which are partnered with a four-channel anti-lock braking system. Electric power steering is standard and features a wear compensator That continually adjusts the system interaction with the steering gear to Ensure precise steering action over the life of the system.
