Though not actually faster, Chevy’s Sonic and Cruze SEMA projects do 200 mph standing still

By Ronan Glon October 18, 2014

Chevrolet has announced it will introduce no less than five concepts at the SEMA show that will open its doors next month in Las Vegas, Nevada. The concepts are based on the Sonic, the Cruze, the Impala and the SS.

The Sonic Performance concept packs a bigger punch thank its regular-production counterpart thanks to modifications such as a cold-air induction system and a free-flowing exhaust line. Precisely how much power the Sonic gains was not specified, but Chevrolet promises a stiffer, track-tuned suspension that noticeably lowers the ride height helps the driver make the most of the extra ponies.

Visually, the Sonic Performance concept boasts an eye-catching Synergy Green paint job with contrasting white racing stripes, 17-inch alloy wheels painted white and a body kit consisting of a deeper front bumper, side skirts and an air diffuser integrated into the rear bumper.

Related: 550-horsepower Hyundai Genesis headed to SEMA

The Bowtie’s second Sonic-based show car is called Sonic Accessories concept. Designed to showcase the range of dealer-installed accessories that every Sonic can be ordered with, the hatchback features black alloy wheels, white rings around the headlights, a two-tone black and white paint job and a number of gloss black components including the radiator grille surround, the mirror caps and the roof-mounted spoiler. A Kicker sound system adds a finishing touch to the concept.

Chevrolet has not made any mechanical modifications to the Sonic Accessories, meaning it is powered by a stock 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft. of torque.

Finally, the Cruze RS Plus concept builds on the regular-production 2015 Cruze RS with a Wildfire Metallic exterior paint job, a body kit all around and a discreet trunk-mounted spoiler. The 1.4-liter is fitted with a performance-enhancing stage kit but Chevrolet is keeping technical details and performance figures under wraps until the start of the SEMA show.

Chevrolet’s SEMA-bound concepts aren’t necessarily headed to production as-is, but the bulk of the accessories they feature can already be ordered through Chevrolet dealers.

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Ronan Glon is an American automotive and tech journalist based in southern France. As a long-time contributor to Digital…

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