Chevrolet Modifies Sonic and Cruze for SEMA

Chevrolet will use the upcoming Specialty Equipment Market Association show to demonstrate the tuning potential of two of its hot-selling small cars, the Sonic and Cruze. Chevrolet’s stand at the Las Vegas trade show will host three gussied-up Sonic hatchbacks, one Sonic sedan, and a pair of upgraded Cruze sedans.

For the Sonic Z-Spec #1, Chevrolet designers grafted new Z-Spec side skirts and lips, a new grille, and a rear spoiler. On top of that, the car scores white 18-inch wheels and a Cobalt Red interior treatment, replete with black suede seats. Z-Spec accessories are also used in place of the factory pedals, shifter, and steering wheel. For more go, Chevrolet added a new exhaust, stronger brakes with four-piston calipers, and “performance” suspension upgrades.


The Sonic Z-Spec #2 follows essentially the same recipe, albeit with a “more aggressive” body kit, and white paint with red accents. The interior is fitted with Z-Spec goodies, and new bucket seats adorned with the Z-Spec logo. The Sonic’s turbocharged 1.4-liter engine has been fitted with a freer-flowing exhaust, while the chassis scores four-piston brake calipers and firmer suspension.

The Sonic Z-Spec 4D Concept is based on the car’s four-door variant and is supposed to look like a touring car. As such, it gets Z-Spec lips and side skirts, a new rear spoiler, a new grille, 18-inch wheels, and large Chevrolet logos. The cabin is fitted with a Z-Spec shifter, flat-bottomed steering wheel, and sport pedals. As with the other cars, performance upgrades comprise a new exhaust, new suspension, and new brakes.

Finally, the Sonic Dusk shows off a “subtle” look with its Berlin Blue paint, “mild” body kit, blue-tinted lights, Mojave leather interior, and satin-chrome shifter. As with the other Sonic concepts, Z-Spec interior goodies and 18-inch wheels are included. New brakes, new suspension, and a custom audio system round out the Dusk’s equipment list.

Turning to the larger Cruze, Chevrolet hopes its Cruze Z-Spec resembles a “taut touring car.” It wears Z-Spec 18-inch wheels, a new body kit, rear spoiler, and a grille designed to permit more air into the engine bay. The interior is upgraded with “racing-style” pedals, a new shifter, new accent trim, and a new steering wheel. The outside wears a racing stripe that Chevrolet promises will be available at dealerships soon.

Like its Sonic sibling, the Cruze Dusk is meant to show off a sophisticated take on the Cruze. It gets a “mild” bodykit, dark-tinted wheels, custom seats, a new sound system, a suede-wrapped steering wheel, as well as the requisite Z-Spec shifter and pedals.

The six show cars are meant to highlight Chevrolet’s small-car offerings and their tuning potential. They also serve as test beds for Z-Spec accessories, some of which will go on sale at Chevrolet dealerships for owners who want to modify their cars.