Chevy introduces diesel, gas and electric SEMA concepts

Chevy revealed another handful of SEMA projects on Friday. The new, customized cars will join the Silverado Black Ops Concept and the Silverado Firefighter Concept on the stand in Las Vegas on Nov. 5-8.

GM says it developed most of the enhancements for the SEMA cars, which are “designed, engineered, tested and backed by Chevrolet to be installed by a Chevy dealer, which maintains the vehicle warranty.”

A pair of Sonics will headline the company's display, beginning with the Sonic RS concept. The concept hatchback draws “on the legacy of Chevy's high-performance vehicles.”

The RS comes with a cold-air intake and a high-flow exhaust, track-tuned lowered suspension and a brake upgrade courtesy of Wilwood. Chevy Performance 18-inch wheels sit at the corners and the sheetmetal is covered in Lemon Peel yellow with blue graphics, tinted headlights and fog lights, blue-accented window moldings and rear trim. Inside, the seats are trimmed in black leather with Lark yellow contrast stitching.

Chevy
The 2013 Ricky Carmichael All-Activity Sonic will be at SEMA.

The Ricky Carmichael All-Activity Sonic concept comes in satin black that is “pearlized” with blue. It features basically the same upgrades as the RS concept including intake, exhaust suspension and Wilwood calipers. The Carmichael gets a concept rear wing, smoked head and taillights and a ground-effects package with a unique grille. Inside, Fox Racing boardshorts material is used on the seats; a green-and-black flat-bottomed steering wheel keeps the sporty theme.

Chevy
2013 Chevy Spark EV

Gas-powered cars aren't the only tuned-up concepts--Chevy is boosting its Spark EV to 400 lb-ft of torque. The company does this through a unique power-delivery algorithm that, in turn, necessitates stronger axles. Custom graphics, a backlit bowtie emblem, performance wheels and other accessories, differentiate this Spark from the rest. No word on how many miles you would get with 400 lb-ft on tap -- we're guessing a quarter.

Chevy

The redesigned Impala couldn't avoid the gaze of Chevy's customizers. The Urban Cool concept comes in white with concept 20-inch wheels, painted to match the grille accents. The interior trim is done in piano black with accenting low-gloss black. The seats are gray leather with perforated inserts and orange stitching.

Chevy

The Malibu LTZ concept comes with a ground-effects kit and 19-inch wheels in sterling silver, while a Borla exhaust gives the sedan a throatier growl. A cold-air intake kit helps with breathing.

Chevy

Thankfully, there will be one lone diesel representing on the stand in the form of the Chevy Cruze. The Personalization Cruise Diesel concept comes with a body kit from 3dCarbon and an updated front fascia and chin spoiler. Kicker Audio provides the sounds while an ambient light package accents the interior. We can't see too much “personalization” in the car, but we still love the little oil burner.

Check out our SEMA page for more from the yearly aftermarket show.

SEMA — short for Specialty Equipment Marketing Association — is the biggest aftermarket auto event in the world, held in Las Vegas each fall. The show fills multiple convention halls and shows off everything from high-performance OEM specials to custom wheels and graphics from local shops. Get the full rundown on what automakers and suppliers are up to at the industry's biggest trade show at our SEMA Show home page.

By Jake Lingeman