[docs]

I'm from SonicOwnersForum.com. I was doing some reading and I noticed that the Trax was a Gamma 2 platform like the Sonic. It got me thinking, since the Trax comes in AWD would it be possible to convert a Sonic to AWD?

To even begin considering this we need to compare undercarriages. The Sonic would probably need a decent amount of fab work to make room for the system but we have no idea what the bottom of a Trax looks like. I did some googling and couldn't find any photos.

Does anybody have a photo or would anybody be willing to take a photo of their underbody? Having the car up on a lift would be ideal but I'll take any pics I can get.

 

[beeguz]

I think it would be a whole lot cheaper and easier to go and get a Trax or an Encore.

If GM thought it would sell they would have AWD'd the Cruze, for those who want a 4dr sedan and AWD.

 

[docs]

Even if you tuned a Trax or Encore pretty heavily a moderately tuned Sonic would still stride past it. They have the same engine with identical hp and trq but there's a whole lot less car on the Sonic. Plus they are SUVs and not small hatchbacks. I don't want an SUV when all of the exact same needs can be met by a hatch that is quicker and more efficient simply due to weight reduction. If SUVs were an inherently better choice then Subaru wouldn't have found such popularity in the WRX.

 

[beeguz]

Once you add all of the AWD components to the Sonic, I think it would be as heavy and slow as the Trax.

 

[docs]

Once you add all of the AWD components to the Sonic, I think it would be as heavy and slow as the Trax.

Except for the heavier suspension, the larger body panels, and everything else that distinguishes the body/interior of the Trax from the Sonic. From what can be found out so far, we'd need the transmission back to rear axles. It looks like the mechanicals might just bolt up with a single cross member replacement but we can't tell with out some better images and measurements.

 

[docs]

Once you add all of the AWD components to the Sonic, I think it would be as heavy and slow as the Trax.

Except for the heavier suspension, the larger body panels, and everything else that distinguishes the body/interior of the Trax from the Sonic. From what can be found out so far, we'd need the transmission back to rear axles. It looks like the mechanicals might just bolt up with a single cross member replacement but we can't tell with out some better images and measurements.

 

[beeguz]

Well then all you would need is to find a Trax that has been washed out by the insurance company.

Maybe a roll over would be a great candidate, that way everything is there but the outer panels are bent&twisted.

I wish you great luck putting it together, I'm too old for that nonsense anymore.

 

[UrbanSuburban]

its an interesting idea, it would be cool to see it work, with the curb weight of 3296 lbs, vs the sonic 2798, you would be having only a 150 pound difference when all the awd is added including the computers and harness. The awd system on the trax is only slip and grip and not as advanced as the subies. its all computer controlled. good luck with it

 

[James]

Crazy how it would still weight in that much and any sort of significant weight reduction would cost a lot. Would have been great to have something that wasn't much heavier than a miata and still packed a punch, it would make this a fun track toy or even a toy for the streets