GM Confirms Chevrolet Sonic as New US Built Small Car

GM has finally revealed the name of the small car to be built in the United States: Chevrolet Sonic. This is practically a rebadged version of the European Chevrolet Aveo but the new model will be specifically aimed at Canada, Mexico and the United States. Production of the so-called Sonic will begin in 2011 at GM's Orion Assembly Center in Michigan, the company recently confirmed through an official press release.

“The Sonic represents a new beginning for Chevrolet in the small car segment and so we felt it was time to give it a new name,” said Chris Perry, vice president, Chevrolet U.S. Marketing. “The new car is roomy, stylish and fun to drive, and Sonic is a youthful, energetic name that helps convey what this vehicle is about.”

GM hasn't provided technical specifications or other types of details regarding the new Sonic, but it will most likely be a rebadged Aveo that will undergo several modifications to comply with US legislation. The European Aveo, presented at the 2010 Paris Auto Show earlier this year, will be offered starting next year with our cylinder petrol and diesel engines. The lineup includes a 1.2l engine (86 hp) and a 1.4l unit (100 hp) and, for the first time, two versions of a 1.3l diesel engine (75 hp and 95 hp) with Start/Stop technology.

Of course, General Motors will most likely display the Sonic at the upcoming North American International Auto Show in January 2011, so more information will probably emerge as we get closer to the official debut moment.

autoevolution will be attending the 2011 NAIAS, so stay tuned for some real up close and personal shots of the vehicles, as well as for first-hand details of the motorized contraptions presented at the event.