Posted on: Aug 28, 2012 | 15,552 reads

Chevy to Target Fiesta ST with Sonic SS?

The battle for the all-American hot hatch is just gearing up.

Last week Ford confirmed that it is bringing the Fiesta ST to the US. Due to arrive in the near future (we're guessing in 2014), the hot hatch packs a version of Ford's lauded 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-pot with around 180 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. The top hatchback from arch-rival Chevrolet, meanwhile, is the Sonic RS. With a 1.4-liter turbo four producing 138 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque, it's significantly less powerful than the Fiesta ST, but Chevy may be fixing that soon.

Chevy to Target Fiesta ST with Sonic SS?

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Given the clear power advantage the Fiesta ST will lord over the Sonic RS, Chevy is reportedly getting ready to fight back with a more powerful Sonic SS. Reports suggest the Sonic SS could get sister-company Opel's 1.6-liter four with as much as 200 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. Coupled to a rumored seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (said to be specifically designed for small front-drive engines) and the enhancements already enacted on the RS and the Sonic SS could emerge as a serious rival to the Fiesta ST. In the meantime, you can compare the design of the Sonic RS and Fiesta ST concept in the enclosed images.