The 2013 Chevrolet Sonic Goes All Black Tie on Us

[xcel]

Meet the Sonic “Dusk”.

Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG - Oct. 28, 2012

Chevrolet will soon be producing a high end 2013 Sonic sedan called “Dusk” which is loaded with the latest upscale appointments.

The production intent Sonic Dusk will be at SEMA in Las Vegas this week and highlights a production oriented car against a back drop of highly styled but mostly impractical small show cars strewn from one end of the show floor to the other.

The SEMA show vehicle features a production-intent package with ground effects, a rear spoiler and large, “18-inch aluminum wheels” that will surely destroy its maximum capability from both an acceleration and fuel economy standpoint. The “Dusk” is housed behind a Pearl Nickel finish with the upper and lower grilles, door handle inserts and rear license plate trim finished in a matte paint while an honest to goodness stainless steel lower belt line cladding adds to its already upscale appearance.

Chris Perry, VP of Chevrolet marketing:

“The reaction to the Sonic Dusk concept last year was positive and we are moving quickly to bring Sonic Dusk to Chevrolet showrooms.”

Inside, Sonic Dusk features Jet Black leather-trimmed seats with suede accents and Mojave tan inserts. I am not at all a fan of the Mojave design motif but maybe some are??? In addition, accent stitching and tan-color door panel and instrument panel accents are included. It is also equipped with Chevrolet’s MyLink infotainment system, which integrates a smartphone and stored media – via Bluetooth, plug-in outlet or USB – with the radio.

Inside


Dusk with the Mojave Tan interior.

The Sonic Dusk is powered by the turbocharged 138 HP 1.4L I4 mated to either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

While we can expect the price to be a lot closer to $24K vs. the base LS at $15,600, anyone who buys one is deciding its style is worth letting go of an extra $10G’s in very short order.

Your take?

[brick]

Originally Posted by xcel

Inside

Your take?

The part I find most fascinating about the Dusk is Chevy's use of a six-speed manual gearbox in a car with only two pedals. Now that's sure to get the auto mags excited!

[xcel]

Hi Tim:

How in the hell did you spot that? I had to zoom in on the original to see it and afterwards, brighten, pull back contrast and add some gamma to highlight it here.

Great eyes!

GM introduces its first Clutchless 6-speed stick

Wayne

[Bruce]

“18-inch aluminum wheels” that will surely destroy its maximum capability form both an acceleration and fuel economy standpoint.

And wet traction. My car is larger and has 14-inch wheels. I like Donald Duck tires.

[MaxxMPG]

Originally Posted by brick

The part I find most fascinating about the Dusk is Chevy's use of a six-speed manual gearbox in a car with only two pedals. Now that's sure to get the auto mags excited!

Maybe that's the CleanMPG edition - the pedal on the left is the clutch, and there is no brake. We don't need the brake pedal anyway, and the lever to the right is always there for the occasional and unforeseen need for smart braking.

[xcel]

Hi Chris:

Always the kidder

Wayne

[Indigo]

So... is this car actually a clutchless 6-speed stick? Or are we looking at a mock-up of the Sonic made out of mismatched parts?

[brick]

Originally Posted by Indigo

Or are we looking at a mock-up of the Sonic made out of mismatched parts?

That, although I think it's most likely a computer rendering. The car also appears to be in a 102mph driverless indoor FAS, which could be a clue.

I think I know what my next job should be. I wouldn't even have to be all that good at it.

[brick]

Turns out I was totally wrong. That was a 102mph driverless airborne FAS. I found an action shot from the photo shoot.

[PaleMelanesian]

Red Bull, time to make some phone calls.