GM has announced the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS.
The subcompact's new performance model is priced at $20,999 if equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, and $22,280 when equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission. The RS is to go into production at the General Motors Orion Assembly Center in Orion, Michigan in October.
Chevy boasts that the Sonic is the only subcompact manufactured in America; and says it is partly responsible for a $545 million investment in the Orion plant that has created or retained 1,800 jobs.
The RS has an Ecotec 1.4L turbo engine capable of 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque. The model has front suspension consisting of a MacPherson strut with coil springs and stabilizer bar, and rear suspension of a semi-independent, torsion beam axle-mount compound link-type with gas-charged shocks. The front and rear tracks are both 59.4 inches, designed for stability and balance, and the suspension is 10 mm lower than on the standard non-RS model.
The Sonic RS comes with four-wheel disc brakes, and a four-channel anti-lock braking system that utilizes a sensor at each wheel and incorporates electronic brake force distribution. This system is designed to balance brake performance based on road conditions, passenger/cargo weight, and other factors.
Hill assist and power steering are standard on the RS.
On the exterior, the RS differs from the regular Sonic in having a rear spoiler, a bright exhaust outlet, and 17-inch five-spoke wheels. It is available in Victory Red, Summit White, Cyber Gray Metallic, and a new Black Granite Metallic.
The interior is upholstered in jet black. It is available strictly as a five-door hatchback. If the rear seat is folded down, the Sonic RS has 47.7 cubic feet of cargo space.
The RS comes standard with the MyLink integrated infotainment system, and with three months of AM/FM/SiriusXM Satellite Radio. BringGo, MyLink's smartphone navigation app, will be available in future for an added charge.
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