[car fanatics]

Quote:LAS VEGAS – When the Chevrolet Sonic’s designers sought inspiration for an all-activity-style concept for the 2011 SEMA Show, they found the perfect partner in Ricky Carmichael – the 15-time American Motorcycle Association (AMA) champion, three-time X-Games gold medalist and NASCAR racer.

When Carmichael is not racing for points, he’s pursuing his other passions, including bikes, boards and more. The fully customized Sonic All Activity Vehicle – Ricky Carmichael Concept is equipped for those adventures, with the storage capacity for his biking and wakeboard equipment.

“The car looks so cool, colorful and fun to drive,” said Carmichael. “I live my life on the go and this Sonic really represents that active lifestyle and my desire to have fun when I'm off the race track. The Sonic would be a perfect vehicle for someone who wants to get the most out of their time – and I also really appreciate how they we were able to incorporate my loyal sponsors into the design of the car.”

Carmichael was an AMA motocross national champion before he turned 20 and collected 15 championship trophies before heading into four-wheel competition in 2007. He’s been a strong competitor in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series ever since, where he was voted its most popular driver in 2009. He collected six top 10 finishes in the 2011 season.

The Sonic All Activity Vehicle – Ricky Carmichael Concept reflects the driver’s high-performance personality, with custom interior and exterior design cues, performance enhancements and an upgraded sound system. Carmichael was very active in developing the car, working with Chevrolet designers to convey his style and attitude.

“This car is an extension of Ricky’s distinctive personality, but it’s also a car rooted in reality,” said Dave Ross, GM design director. “The elements and components used to create it are largely based on accessories available for the Sonic, as well as other aftermarket parts. While this is a car created with and for Ricky Carmichael, new Sonic customers could easily create their own special all-activities vehicle.”

Elements of the activity-focused attitude are expressed with exterior highlights that include a THULE Roof Rack with an S-Works mountain bike and Hyperlite wakeboard, splash guards, custom wheels, special exterior graphics, as well as concept Z-Spec ground effects, Z-Spec grille and Z-Spec spoiler. The personality carries over to the inside, with aluminum shifter knob, racing-style flat-bottom steering wheel, all-weather floor mats, rear cargo organizer, unique seat trim and a Z-Spec pedal kit.

FOX Racing boardshorts material is used as trim on the door and seat inserts, along with green stitching accents, for a totally unique look and feel.

From a performance standpoint, this Sonic breathes through a Borla exhaust system and stops more authoritatively with Brembo brakes. Under the hood is the production 1.4L turbocharged engine and six-speed manual transmission.

Ricky wouldn’t have it any other way.

Vehicle highlights:

Exterior

Blue Pearlized Satin Black exterior
Number 4 hood decal
Electric Green Ricky Carmichael signature on lower rear doors
THULE roof rack with specialized S-Works mountain bike and Hyperlite wakeboard with custom graphics
Splash guards
Custom 18x8-inch wheels – gloss black with green lip
Concept Z-Spec high wing spoiler
Smoked lamp housings
Concept Z-Spec ground effects
Concept Z-Spec grille
Interior

FOX Racing boardshorts material for the seat inserts
Dark Green/Jet Black leather-trimmed instrument panel and door trim with Lime Green piping/stitching
Satin chrome trim accents
Ricky Carmichael signature with Number 4 on driver and front passenger seats
Concept billet aluminum shifter knob
Dark Green/Jet Black leather-trimmed flat-bottom steering wheel with Lime Green stitching
All-weather floor mats
Rear cargo organizer
Concept sound system
Chevrolet Accessories pedal kit
Performance

Ecotec 1.4L turbo engine with six-speed manual transmission
Performance lowering suspension kit
Performance brakes – four-piston front calipers with two-piece drilled rotors and two-piston rear calipers with one-piece drilled rotors
High-flow exhaust system

[GM]
[PHOTO CREDIT: GM]

[ReaganLogan]

DD@MNNNNN that is awesome

[car fanatics]

[Cmicasa the GreatXvX]

I'm no fan of the lil teeny cars.. but that there is SLICK:

[carsntunes]

Ricky Carmichael is a traitor. He drives a Toyota in the Camping World Truck Series. He needs to keep his fungus off the Chevy unless he washes himself off.

[jspookss]

Lol fungus


But yeah, that is badass