2012 Chevrolet Sonic: First Photos of the North American Version of the Aveo

It appears that the wait for Chevrolet's Aveo replacement is almost over as we have the first official photos of the North American-spec model. Confirming previous rumors, General Motors ditched the Aveo moniker in favor of a new name as the small car will be called the Chevrolet Sonic on this side of the Atlantic. The company noted that the model for markets outside the U.S., Canada and Mexico, which was first seen at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, will retain the Aveo name.


"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."
The five door hatchback version pictured here doesn't appear to be any different than the Aveo seen in Paris. We're still short on intel, but we gather it won't be long before General Motors releases full details on the N.A. Sonic, which will be manufactured at the firm's Orion Assembly in Michigan starting from 2011.


GM has not yet shown the sedan version of the Aveo / Sonic, but you can get a sneak peek of the car in these official patent drawings in our previous post.

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NAHC Picks Chevrolet Camaro as 2010's "Collectible Car of the Future"

From all the new cars and trucks launched in America this year, the vehicle to turn most heads in 2035 will most likely be the Chevrolet Camaro. Or at least that is the prediction of the Friends of the National Automotive History Collection (NAHC), which decided that GM's muscle car is the 2010's "Collectible Car of the Future". 

Charles K. Hyde, chairman of the NAHC Board of Trustees, said: "This selection is unique among all the 'Vehicle of the Year' awards, because it is selected by 'car buffs' who know what future collectors will value. We asked our members to predict which of this year's new vehicles will turn heads in the Woodward Cruise of 2035." 


The members of the organization selected the Camaro from a total of 13 all-new vehicles launched in 2010.
Tom Peters, Camaro chief designer commented: "Our mission with the 21st century Chevy Camaro was to draw on the passion and heritage, expressing it in a new and modern car with design, technology and quality to carry the legacy forward. It's simple; the new Camaro puts smiles on the faces of car enthusiasts of all ages."
Last year's vote went to the Ford Flex making it the first crossover to win since the creation of the awards in 1995. Over the years, NAHC has picked a variety of vehicles including the Chrysler Sebring Convertible as 1996's "Collectible Car of the Future". No, seriously; from all the vehicles launched that year, NAHC's members found that Chrysler's rent-a-cabriolet would rate the highest among future collectors in 2020. What can you say... Below is the full list of NHAC's previous winners.

NAHC Previous winners are:
2008 - Dodge Challenger
2007 - Dodge Viper SRT10
2006 - Pontiac Solstice
2005 - Ford Mustang
2004 - Chrysler 300
2003 - Dodge Viper
2002 - Ford Thunderbird
1996 - Chrysler Sebring Convertible
1995 - Buick Riviera and Oldsmobile Aurora
*None selected from 1997 to 2001

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Chevrolet Prices New Orlando MPV from £16,395 in the UK [Plus New Photo Gallery]

The new Chevrolet Orlando compact minivan won't arrive in UK dealerships before Spring of 2011, but the company has already released detailed pricing and specifications. Available in three trim levels and with three engines including two diesel options, the 7-seater MPV will carry a base price of £16,395 (about US$25,400).
The range kicks off with the entry level Orlando LS, which comes equipped with ESC, air conditioning, follow-me-home headlights, electric windows and mirrors, remote central locking, six airbags, three 12v power sockets, tinted windows and an adjustable steering wheel as standard. 


The LS is offered with the choice of two engines, the 141PS 1.8-liter petrol engine, or a new 130PS 2.0-litre diesel unit, the latter of which also comes with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard.
The better equipped LT models add several features including rear parking distance sensors, a USB port, 16-inch alloy wheels, climate control, a chrome-effect tailgate handle, driver’s armrest, leather-covered steering wheel, front fog lights, electric rear windows and an upgraded sound system with steering wheel audio controls.
Furthermore, the LT can be specified with the most powerful Orlando engine, a 163PS 2.0-litre diesel with six-speed manual gearbox, or a six-speed auto as an option.
At the top of the range we meet the LTZ models, which are offered with all three engine options and add unique 17-inch alloys, automatic cruise control, an electro-chromatic rear view mirror, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, blue ambient panel lighting, a glossy black centre console, power-folding door mirrors, a rear cargo net and chrome-effect body detailing.
For detailed pricing and performance / fuel economy figures, check out the list below.

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