This week’s 2011 Detroit Auto Show saw the debut of the brand new 2012 Chevrolet Sonic, a new model to replace the Aveo compact and available in both sedan and hatchback bodystyles. While you can get more details on the Sonic at our sister site TheCarConnection, what we’re more interested in is this sporty new Chevrolet Sonic Z-Spec Concept.

Like the previous RS Concept that debuted in Detroit last year, the latest show car gives us a preview of what Chevrolet’s funky compact car could be like if given the Z-Spec treatment. Z-Spec, of course, is the name of Chevrolet’s aftermarket division, which will be releasing a host of styling and performance mods for future bow-tie models over the coming years.

Perhaps hinting at the performance potential of its latest hot-hatch, Chevrolet has plastered along the flanks of the concept stickers naming tuning partners Brembo, Recaro, K&N, BBS, Borla and Pedders Suspensions.

Under the hood is expected to be an uprated version of the 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine found in upper-range models for the regular Sonic. Peak output should be higher than the 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque in the standard mill.

Keep up-to-date with our full 2011 Detroit Auto Show by clicking here for our main show coverage page.

[Chevrolet]