Reuss would 'love' high-performance version of Sonic

LOS ANGELES -- General Motors North America President Mark Reuss said he would like to add a pocket-rocket version of the Sonic to Chevrolet's lineup.

"Yeah, I'd love to do that," he said on the sidelines of the auto show here last week. "We've got the ride-and-handling vehicle dynamics for it."

The Sonic has surged to the No. 2 spot among subcompacts since its summer 2011 launch as a replacement for the light-selling Chevy Aveo. Chevy continues to expand the Sonic's lineup with sportier models aimed at younger buyers.

Chevy introduced a "performance-inspired" Sonic RS sedan here last week to join a hatchback version that went on sale in late 2012. It also unveiled a production version of the Sonic Dusk sedan, which features a rear spoiler, 18-inch aluminum wheels and a silver matte finish. Both are scheduled to arrive in showrooms by spring.

The RS models have stiffer suspensions, a lower ride height and bolder front fascia for a sportier look and feel. But they don't offer a power boost from the other models.

In fact, the 1.4-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged engine puts out just 138 hp, well short of the Ford Fiesta ST (197 hp); Fiat 500 Abarth (160); Volkswagen GTI (200) and Hyundai Veloster Turbo (201).