2021 Chevrolet Colorado
-
Chevrolet Colorado
-
Year:2021
-
Make:
-
Model:
-
Price:
-
car segment:
-
size:
-
Purpose:
-
body style:
The 2021 model comes with slight aesthetic updates to keep the product fresh until the next-gen arrives
Chevy has tasted great success with the Colorado in the past years. The pickup truck is one of the most popular offerings in the pickup truck segment currently. It has had its fair share of wars with the Toyota Tacoma, but it still holds a strong foot in the segment. The current-gen Colorado has been there for a long time, and finally, the company has decided to introduce the 2021 facelift. At the onset, the truck looks really fresh and will surely spice up things in the segment. But, will it be able to inch closer to the Japanese in terms of sales figures? Also, what about its cousin, the GMC Canyon?
Latest Chevrolet Colorado news and reviews:
Chevy Will Offer The 2021 Colorado With Three New Packages
Chevy unveiled the 2021 Chevy Colorado facelift sometime back and it comes with a few aesthetic upgrades that would keep it fresh until the next-gen arrives. According to GMAuthority, Chevy will also be introducing three new packages solely focused on aesthetics. These packages will certainly add a nice zing to the new Colorado. Will these packages help the Colorado inch closer to the Toyota Tacoma in terms of sales figures?
Truck for Sale: 2015 Chevy Colorado with 700-HP Cadillac ATS-V Engine
Trucks with hot engines are the norm these days, right? The upcoming 2021 Ram Rebel TRX is all the rage these days. Then there’s the Ranger Raptor that’s yet to hit U.S. shores.
However, many aftermarket companies are capitalizing on this vacuum and building special packages and kits for existing trucks. However, these trucks come with big tires, wide fenders, and generally focus on off-roading prowess. But, do you remember a time when automakers used to build fast trucks? Well, North Carolina-based tuner Mallett Performance has turned the clock back and is offering this one-off highly-customized Chevy Colorado for just $63,500. Are you interested?
The Chevy Colorado With An LT4 V-8 Engine Is Something That We Didn’t Know We Wanted
The Chevy Colorado is a fun compact truck that appeals to the daily driver and the enthusiasts alike. The company offers an off-road variant with a V-6 mill under its hood - the ZR2 – but Chevy never offered a hot, powerful V-8 on it. As it turns out, aftermarket tuners saw the void and decided to capitalize on it by plonking in the V-8 from the C7 Corvette Z06. But, it didn’t end there. The owner went ahead and further tuned it with Lingenfelter’s 720 Horsepower Kit. Result? A badass Colorado that is scary fast.
The GM Defense ISV is One Bad Ass Chevy Colorado
GM Defense is General Motors’ wing that makes military vehicles. The company has some impeccable vehicles that cater to the needs of troops, and now, it has come out with a new prototype for an Infantry Squad Vehicle. This prototype is based on the Chevy Colorado ZR2, and the company has customized the truck as per the U.S. military’s requirements. This is just a prototype for now, though, and if it fits the bill, GM Defense could land a big order from the military. Do you think this will get the job done?
2021 Chevrolet Colorado
Chevy has tasted great success with the Colorado in the past years. The pickup truck is one of the most popular offerings in the pickup truck segment currently. It has had its fair share of wars with the Toyota Tacoma, but it still holds a strong foot in the segment. The current-gen Colorado has been there for a long time, and finally, the company has decided to introduce the 2021 facelift. At the onset, the truck looks really fresh and will surely spice up things in the segment. But, will it be able to inch closer to the Japanese in terms of sales figures? Also, what about its cousin, the GMC Canyon?
AEV To Take the Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison To the Next Level at SEMA 2019
It seems like there is an ever-growing demand for off-road-friendly performance pickup trucks in the market today. There’s only so much an automaker can do about it, and aftermarket tuners capitalize on this limitation. Not that an automaker can’t go berserk with its truck, but just that it is not financially viable for them to put their resources into something that won’t sell in huge numbers. Well, here’s American Expedition Vehicles, an aftermarket tuner that has collaborated with Chevy to roll out a special package for the Colorado ZR2. The company will be bringing this reinvigorated package to the 2019 SEMA Show later this year.
Chevy Unveils Pair of Special Edition Colorados for the Dirt and the Street
The second-generation Chevrolet Colorado is one of America’s most popular pickups. To commemorate the fourth anniversary of the current-generation model, Chevy’s rolling out a pair of special edition Colorado models, specifically the Colorado RST and the Colorado Z71 Trail Runner. The two special edition pickups cater to off-road specialists and street cruisers, respectively. They also join a growing slate of Colorado models that have been released in the past few years, including the Z71, ZR2, and the muscular ZR2 Bison. Both the Colorado RST and the Colorado Z71 Trail Runner will go on sale in 2019.
Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison vs Ford F-150 Raptor
There are few things in this world as resolutely badass as a hugely capable off-roader pickup truck. These are the machines you want with you when there’s a forest, mountain, or desert between you and your destination. With a go-anywhere attitude and the right stuff to walk the walk, the street-legal off-roader used to be something cobbled together in a shed. Now, you can get one direct from the factory, be it the Colorado ZR2 Bison from Chevrolet, or the F-150 Raptor from Ford.
These purpose-built, highly specialized variants offer tons of good stuff for those who prefer the trail to the street. For example, the Bison was created in collaboration with American Expedition Vehicles (AEV), an aftermarket off-roader company that knows exactly what’s needed when the going gets rough. Then there’s the F-150 Raptor, which Ford developed into a full-blown Baja racer with a license plate. But how do these two stack up against one another? Read on to find out.
2019 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison Vs. 2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
It’s like a battle between two hulks, if you may. As if their off-roading capabilities were not good enough, Chevrolet and Toyota decided to elevate the game to the next level. Toyota launched the Tacoma TRD Pro sometime last year and the Colorado ZR2 Bison is due for launch early next year. Chevrolet has built the Colorado ZR2 Bison in collaboration with AEV – American Expedition Vehicles – an aftermarket truck outfitter.
2019 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison
Chevrolet and American Expedition Vehicles have teamed up to create a new no-frills, punch-you-in-your-mouth special-edition model based on the Colorado ZR2. Fittingly, the model goes by the name “Bison.” The upgrades to the burly Colorado are mechanical by nature, though it does have a sprinkling of vanity additions as well. The 2019 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison goes on sale in January 2019.
4 Awesome Off-road Features Of The Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison
With the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro and the upcoming Ford Ranger Raptor in the mix, off-road worthy small trucks are shaping up to be the sweethearts of America. Chevrolet can’t miss this party. Luckily, it already visited the party with the Colorado ZR2, but something even more off-road thirsty had to end up in Chevy showrooms. Called the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison, the new truck is a specially prepared Colorado ZR2 modded by AEV (American Expedition Vehicles). It is their first Chevrolet work as the company is best known for its off-road worthy forays with the likes of Jeep Wranglers or RAM trucks. Nevertheless, Chevrolet opting to partner with AEV produced one of the most astounding, small, off-road worthy trucks currently on offer and I am here to tell you about all the astonishing mods AEV did to it.
Yet, before I start, know what AEV President, Dave Harriton said this about the project:
“We’ve been following Colorado since its introduction, and the ZR2 really captured our attention. As this is the first Chevrolet vehicle we’ve given the AEV treatment to, we wanted to do something special with the industry’s first use of hot-stamped Boron steel. We also expect that Colorado drivers will love the added ruggedness of our front and rear bumpers on ZR2 Bison.”
We have seen the first glimpses of the truck with the Colorado ZR2 AEV concept that was unveiled at the 2017 Specialty Equipment Market Association show in Las Vegas. Luckily, the process of fruition and transformation into a proper production model did not last too long. You can go now and buy your Colorado ZR2 Bison by AEV at a Chevy dealer and get a full warranty with it too.
Ok, what’s new then?
Chevy is Pushing the Colorado ZR2 AEV Concept into Production; Will Probably Call it the Colorado Bison
One of two Chevrolet Colorado concepts that were presented at the 2017 SEMA Auto Show is reportedly headed to production. That’s the word coming out of Off-road.com, which alluded to the Colorado ZR2 AEV as the concept that could be turned into a full-blown production model. Specific details have yet to be revealed, but if it’s true, the production version of the Colorado ZR2 AEV will probably carry the “ZR2 Bison” name.
Australia Getting the Chevy Camaro SS, Colorado, and Silverado HD Through HSV
Living in Australia and feeling depressed over Holden being shut down? Can’t get your V-8 fix now that Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) is no longer building cool, beefed-up versions of the Commodore? Well, here’s some good news for ya: HSV just announced that it will convert the Camaro SS to right-hand drive for the Australian market starting 2018. The announcement is part of a new agreement struck between HSV and Holden, which will work together to bring new GM vehicles Down Under. The brands also unveiled a joint logo that now contains the lion and helmet used by Holden and HSV in the past.
The Camaro will be brought to Australia in SS trim, powered by the naturally aspirated, 6.2-liter V-8. No four-cylinder or V-6 options, but also no ZL1. It will also be the higher-level 2SS version with various performance and convenience upgrades. No info on pricing yet, but expect it to be more expensive than the competing Ford Mustang GT after the right-hand-drive conversion. Production will begin in July 2018.
Alongside the Camaro SS, HSV will also modify the the Colorado and heavy-duty Silverado 2500HD for right-hand-drive use. The Colorado will also wear a "SportsCat" badge and will continue to use a Holden logo as it did until now. The Silverado 2500HD, on the other hand, will sold as a Chevrolet, just like the Camaro SS. The Colorado will be available in two versions, but none will get more power. However, a hotter version of the truck is likely to be followed as a direct rival for the upcoming Ford Ranger Raptor. The Colorado SportsCat will go into production in late January as HSV first Chevrolet conversion. Silverado conversions will commence in April 2018.
2017 Chevrolet ZR2 Race Development Truck
Chevy brought two custom Colorado ZR2 pickups to SEMA this year with some heavy modifications that make them even better off-road. One was built in collaboration with American Expedition Vehicles and meant for over-landing while this, the Colorado ZR2 Race Development Truck, is built for high-speed desert running. In fact, many of the upgrades on this truck were first tested on Chad Hall’s Colorado ZR2, which ran in the “Best In The Desert” race series.
The list of modifications isn’t overly extensive, showing just how capable the Colorado ZR2 is from the factory. The truck’s crown jewel is its DSSV spool valve shock absorbers from Multimatic. DSSV shocks were developed for supercars and F1 race teams, so its adoption for an off-roader was unconventional. The factory truck also has better ground clearance than a regular Colorado, along with bespoke bodywork that improved approach and departure angles. Adding to its capability are front and rear electronic differential lockers – something not found on any other Colorado. Still, Chevy improved on the ZR2’s design for hard-core racing.
Continue reading to learn more about the Chevrolet ZR2 Race Development Truck.
2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 AEV Concept
While SEMA certainly has plenty to offer when it comes builds that are low and fast, the annual vehicle modification extravaganza also offers loads of rough-and-ready off-roaders, many of which are rocking big suspension and the right stuff to tackle whatever Mother Nature has in store. The Chevy Colorado ZR2 AEV Concept is one good example, which looks to add to the Bow Tie’s already impressive performance truck cred as one part in a duo of custom Colorado concepts. Unlike its desert-running counterpart, the AEV focuses more on overland capability, adding robust off-roading exterior protection, enormous 35-inch tires (plus the requisite suspension lift), and even a fridge in case you get hungry while stomping around the great outdoors.
And that’s about right, considering AEV stands for American Expedition Vehicles, a private Montana-based manufacturer that’s been making comprehensive off-roader packages for the past two decades. “Our collaboration taught us that Colorado makes a great platform for building an off-road truck that can take you as far out as you want to go, safely,” says AEV’s founder, Dave Harriton. Read on for the specifics on what that claim entails.
Continue reading to learn more about the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 AEV Concept.
Hagerty Has These 2017-2018MY Cars On Track To Be Future Collectibles
2017 has been quite the year for the automotive industry. We’ve seen hypercars make their debuts. We’ve seen incredible advancements and electrification and autonomous driving technology. Heck, we’ve even seen deceased brands come back to life - shout out to TVR! - with a vengeance. One of the best parts of all these releases is that at some point, some of them will inevitably skip the depreciation curve and become collectible cars. The trick is figuring out which ones will be able to navigate down that road, and if you’re trying to do that, there’s no better source of authority in matters pertaining to the collector car market than Hagerty.
It’s safe to say that when the insurance company talks, all of our ears perk up. If it says that one of today’s models is on the inside track to be a future classic, there’s a good chance that it could turn into one. Ok, so enough small talk. Hagerty’s has already released its picks of 2017-2018 models that are trending on the right path. It’s not a guarantee that these cars will earn collectible status in the future, but having Hagerty’s stamp of approval goes a long way in shaping the opinions of car collectors all over the world.
Continue after the jump to read the full story.
2018 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Midnight Edition and Dusk Edition
Chevrolet is now offering two new special editions for the high-performance off-road Colorado ZR2 mid-size pickup. The Midnight Edition brings an all-black theme with tons of dark accents and a ZR2-branded sports bar with LED off-road lights. The Dusk Edition brings all the same black accents and the sports bar but allows customers to choose any of the eight other paint colors available on the standard Colorado ZR2. Both the Midnight and Dusk Editions come with new five-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels painted in black.
The Colorado ZR2 is one of the hottest trucks on the market right now, and Chevy is hoping the added special editions will pour gasoline on the ZR2 fire. Obviously, special edition models tend to sell roughly twice as quickly as standard pickups, so it’s no doubt why Chevys bean counters are happy to offer the blacked-out packages.
According to Jim Campbell, Chevy’s U.S. VP of truck strategy, performance vehicles, and motorsports, “The Colorado ZR2 Midnight and Dusk Edition models offer customers even more personalization choices from the only company with three distinct trucks: midsize, full-size and full-size heavy-duty. Chevrolet offers more choices because the truck market is too diverse for a ‘one size fits most’ strategy.” Basically, it boils down to customers feeling exclusive when they buy and drive a special edition truck.
So what makes these special editions so… special? Keep reading for the details.
Continue reading for more on the Colorado ZR2 special editions.
2018 Chevrolet Silverado & Colorado Centennial Editions
Chevrolet marks its 100th year of building trucks in 2018, and as expected, the automaker will be throwing itself a celebration. To help commemorate building more than 85 million trucks over a century, Chevy is launching a special edition for the 2018 Silverado half-ton and Colorado mid-size pickups. Called the Centennial Edition, these one-year-only models come with several unique features that help Chevy express its accomplishment and its loyal customers show off their dedication to the blue-blooded American brand.
“The Chevy Trucks Centennial is a huge milestone for us, and is equally important to our customers,” said Sandor Piszar, Chevrolet Trucks Advertising and Marketing director. “That’s why we will be celebrating 100 years of Chevy Trucks over the course of the next 100 days. It’s important that we share this celebration with our loyal customers who have helped us achieve this accomplishment.” Mixed into Chevy’s celebration is the national launch of its Chevy Truck Legends program, which honors loyal customers. The iconic Chevy bowtie also gets a throwback makeover for 2018, recalling the first bowtie design introduced by Chevrolet co-founder William C. Durant in late 1913. The bowtie wears a throwback color called Centennial Blue, which matches the paint color found on early Chevy trucks. The dark blue hue is the paint color used on the Silverado and Colorado Centennial Editions. Of course, there is more than the paint color and badging, so keep reading what the Centennial Editions include.
Continue reading for more information.
Small Pickups Fall Short of IIHS’ Top Safety Pick Awards
Modern trucks are vastly safer than older vehicles, yet the Insurance Institutes for Highway Safety continues to move the bar. As such, four variants of the most popular mid-size pickups fail to meet the independent agency’s highest rating for crash survivability and headlight performance. Eight pickups were tested, including both extended and crew cab versions of the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, Toyota Tacoma, and Nissan Frontier.
Of the eight trucks tested, four did not earn the IIHS’ best rating of “Good” in the front small-overlap crash test. These are the extended cab version of the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon, along with both cab configurations of the aging Nissan Frontier. The GM twins both earned an Acceptable rating, while the Nissan only earned a Marginal. The Frontier continued to score low in both the structural category and in the possibility of the driver sustaining lower leg and foot injuries. That’s not surprising considering the Frontier is 12 years old, having last been redesigned for the 2005 model year. At the opposite end of the spectrum, the Toyota Tacoma Double Cab earned a Good overall rating and a Good rating in each sub-category except for an Acceptable rating in potential lower leg and foot injuries. Even still, the Tacoma lacks any front crash prevention systems, excluding it from the IIHS’ Top Safety awards. Only the GM twins offer any such system, and even it only alerts the driver rather than stopping the truck, earning it only a Basic rating. Lastly, not a single mid-size pickup scored better than a Poor rating in headlight performance. It is understandable, though, as the IIHS only began testing headlights for the 2017 model year.
Continue reading for charts of the IIHS ratings.
Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Makes Racing Debut At Best in the Desert
The Chevy Colorado ZR2 will finally have a chance to prove its off-road chops in a sanctioned race this weekend. Chad Hall of Hall Racing will drive a moderately modified 2017 Chevy Colorado ZR2 in the General Tire “Vegas to Reno” portion of the Best in the Desert racing series. The 550-mile, off-road race will trek through the Nevada desert starting at Las Vegas on Friday, August 19 and end in Reno on Sunday morning. More than 350 vehicles will compete in what’s regarded as the longest and most grueling off-road race within American borders.
But even folks who aren’t into racing should like this news: Chevy is working with Hall Racing and will closely monitor the Colorado ZR2 and its array of custom parts. Should they perform well, they have a potential to get bolted to a future version of the Colorado ZR2. Russ O’Blenes, the director of GM’s Performance Variants, Parts and Motorsports division said, “The components being tested on this truck are ultimately intended to take the already-exceptional off-road capability of the Colorado to the next level. Racing them allows us to quickly understand their performance attributes and reliability in the extreme environment of off-road racing, ensuring the highest performing components for Colorado customers.”
So, what parts are custom and how much of this ZR2 is stock? Keep reading to find out.
2017 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Now Arriving in Showrooms
Chevy’s highly anticipated Colorado ZR2 is finally arriving in dealership showrooms. The first shipment of ZR2s took place on Friday, April 28, headed from the Colorado’s assembly plant in Wentzville, Missouri. Sales of pre-ordered trucks begin early May. The Colorado ZR2 combines increased ground clearance, a wider track, and locking differentials with high-tech Spool Valve shock absorbers to overcome high-speed obstacles. The ZR2 is the first-ever application of Spool Valves in anything outside supercars and dedicated racecars.
Among the first to receive their ZR2 will be Hall Racing. Owner and driver Chad Hall will compete in the upcoming 2017 Best in the Desert race series with a ZR2 modified to pass safety and tech inspections. Hall chose a Red Hot Crew Cab ZR2 fitted with the standard 3.6-liter V-6 and eight-speed automatic transmission. Optionally, the ZR2 is offered as an Extended Cab and with the 2.8-liter Duramax four-cylinder turbodiesel. Hall will compete in BITD’s Vegas to Reno leg sponsored by General Tire on August 18 and 19, along with the VT Construction Tonopah 250 presented by Polaris on October 19 through 22.
Continue reading for more on the 2017 Chevy Colorado ZR2.
2017 Chevrolet Colorado Redline Edition
The Chicago Auto Show has become the birthplace of special editions this year as a slew of automakers chose to debut “one-off” or “custom” vehicle editions. None, however, compete with Chevrolet, which debuted the Redline edition – a special trim line that spans almost all of Chevy’s vehicles. Each vehicle receives similar exterior styling treatments. Included in the mix are the Chevy Silverado 1500 and the mid-size Colorado pickup.
The Redline edition adds some specific touches designed to grab customers’ attention, while looking more menacing to onlookers. Each model, which includes the Cruze, Malibu, Camaro, Trax, Equinox, Traverse, and the two pickups, comes with black accents further accented by red hash marks. Those hash marks have a long history with Chevy – one that includes decades of racing.
The 2017 Chevy Colorado Redline edition specifically comes with a blacked out grille, a black bowtie front and rear, black wheels with those red hash marks, matching red tow hooks, and black badging on the doors with a red outline on each letter. It’s not the most detailed special edition package ever offered, but it definitely gives the Colorado a distinctive appearance.
Brian Sweeney, Chevy’s vice president, attributes special editions with helping drive interest on Silverados and Camaros. “Our special edition lineup has been popular with customers and dealers, alike” said Sweeney. “Since the introduction of special editions on vehicles the like Silverado and Camaro, vehicle average transaction prices have increased, time to turn has decreased, and conquest rates have risen, which has contributed to making Chevrolet the fastest-growing brand in the industry two years in a row.”
Undoubtedly, Sweeney and Chevrolet hope the Redline edition will do the same for the rest of Chevy’s lineup.
Continue reading to learn more about the Chevrolet Colorado Redline Edition.
Chevrolet Unveils Nine Redline Editions in Chicago
Chevrolet is taking the 2017 Chicago Auto Show by storm with no fewer than the nine cars under the Redline special-edition badge. First shown in concept form at the 2015 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, the Redline package found its way on nine cars, trucks, and crossovers.
The vehicles that benefit from the bundle and are on display in Chicago are the Cruze LT, Malibu LT, Camaro LT and SS Trax LT, Equinox LT, Traverse Premier, Colorado LT, Silverado Double Cab LT Z71, and Silverado Crew Cab LTZ Z71. The Cruze LT Redline is available in both sedan and hatchback versions, while the Camaro LT/SS Redline can be had both coupe and convertible body styles.
“Redline is another example of Chevrolet bringing SEMA concepts to showrooms,” said Brian Sweeney, U.S. vice president of Chevrolet. “The SEMA show has proven to be a great way to identify customization trends in the industry, and quickly apply those trends to our most popular Chevrolet models. Based on the strong interest Redline attracted at the show, we believe they will be very popular with customers looking for standout cars, trucks, and crossovers.”
All Redline models are fitted with black wheels with distinct red hash marks, black nameplates with a red outline, blacked-out grilles, and black Chevrolet "bowtie" logos. Customers can also opt for red tow hooks on Silverado and Colorado trucks and unique black hash marks above the front wheels on Camaro pony cars.
The Silverado Redline is already available for purchase, but you’ll have to wait a while longer for the rest of the lineup to become available. Chevrolet says that all Redline cars will be dealerships by the end of the 2017 calendar year. Pricing information is not yet available.
Continue reading to learn more about the Chevrolet Camaro Redline Edition.
2017 Colorado ZR2 vs 2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
These are exciting times for truck enthusiasts who also like off-roading. The 2017 Ford Raptor is out, launching the second generation of Ford’s halo F-150. Toyota has its new-for-2017 Tacoma TRD Pro that’s based on the new-for-2016 Tacoma. And Chevy comes late to the party with its Colorado ZR2 – a production truck based on the concept version from 2014. These three trucks represent the upper crust of the pickup segment. It’s a prestigious group that’s focused on going fast over rough terrain while still conquering the daily commute.
The Raptor might be the premiere pickup, having birthed this niche segment back in 2010, but the Toyota and Chevy new-comers aren’t slackers. In fact, thanks to their smaller sizes compared to the full-size Raptor, these mid-size pickups are more agile and can fit down narrower trails. The famed Rubicon train in California, for instance, is too narrow for the Raptor’s immensely wide track. The Tacoma TRD Pro and Colorado ZR2, however, should have no problem traversing the tight terrain.
The Toyota and Chevy are also less expensive (or rumored to be) than the Raptor. That puts them basically in a head-to-head fight for customers. Typical things like design, features, and brand loyalty goes a long way in choosing which truck is best, but a more objective comparison should be made. That’s especially true for someone who’s ready to pull the trigger on a purchase.
That’s where this article comes in. We’re going to dive deep into the features and specs of both the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro and the Chevy Colorado ZR2 in order to help you, the customer, make a better-informed decision.
Continue reading for more information.
2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2
Rumors, speculation, and spy shots have all been swirling around Chevy’s new Colorado ZR2 off-road pickup. Thankfully all that came to a head at the 2016 L.A. Auto Show as GM pulled the covers back, revealing a pickup designed to tackle the worst terrains on the planet while still being able to fit in your garage. Oh, it also fits down the Rubicon trail, as well – something not feasible with a larger truck that’s also built for dedicated off-roading.
The 2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 is GM’s newest halo vehicle and carries plenty of high-tech features and technology that makes it worthy of its position. For starters, the truck rides on spool valve shock absorbers from Multimatatic – the same company that supplies spool valve shocks to Formula One race teams, Aston Martin for use in its outrageous One-77, and Chevy’s fifth-generation Camaro Z/28 engineering team. This makes the ZR2 the first non supercar to use spool valve shocks. This is also the first time spool valve shocks have been used in an off-road application.
Chevy also gave the Colorado ZR2 a sophisticated software program that augments things like the ABS, traction control, and 4WD system to squeeze every last ounce of capability out of the truck.
Hardware wise, the Colorado ZR2 has a wider track for better high-speed stability, a two-inch suspension lift over the stock Colorado, beefed up control arms and leaf springs, and ZR2-specific bodywork that allows for greater approach and departure angles. The ZR2 even features rock sliders that protect the doors and rocker panels from damage.
Despite all the changes, Chevy kept the Colorado’s powertrain intact. The ZR2 comes standard with the familiar-yet-revised 3.6-liter, gasoline-powered V-6, but the 2.8-liter, Duramax, four-cylinder turbodiesel is available as an option.
This only scratches the surface of the 2017 Colorado ZR2, so keep reading for a deep dive into the truck’s looks, interior, powertrain, suspension, and competition.
Continue reading to learn more about the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2.
Chevy Colorado ZR2 Takes L.A. By Storm with Supercar Suspension
Previewed by a concept car launched in 2014 and spotted testing under heavy camouflage numerous times in 2016, the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 has finally made its official debut in production form at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The most extreme iteration of the Colorado to date, the ZR2 is highly capable on the unbeaten path, yet it can still pull campers, trailers, and other gear.
With its raised suspension and and more aggressive body lines, the ZR2 is unique not only among other Colorado trucks, but in its segment too. However, far more impressive than its looks is the Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve (DSSV) damper technology is uses. Developed by racing gear manufacturer Multimatic, these dampers are actually borrowed from high-profile supercars and race cars. Up until now, they have been fitted in the Aston Martin One-77, Mercedes-AMG GT, Ford GT, and even the Red Bull Formula One cars that won four championship titles from 2010 to 2013. The technology isn’t exactly new to Chevy, which uses similar dampers in the Camaro Z/28, but it’s a first for the pickup truck industry.
Chevy says that putting Multimatic DSSV dampers in the Colorado ZR2 gave the truck an unprecedented balance of on- and off-road performance, as well as exceptional performance in a variety of scenarios, from rock crawling and tight two-track trails to high-speed desert running.
Another ground-breaking feature in the Colorado ZR2 is the sophisticated four-wheel drive system, which includes class-exclusive electronic-locking differentials front and rear and the company’s AutoTrac transfer case. The ZR2 thus offers nine drive configurations, from simple 2WD to 4WD Lo with locked transfer case, and locked front and rear differentials.
More good news comes from the drivetrain department, as the ZR2 can be had with any of the standard Colorado engines, including the diesel, which makes it the only extreme production truck with an oil burner option. Both engines remain stock, meaning that the 3.6-liter V-6 comes with 308 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque on tap, while the Duramax diesel cranks out 181 horses and 369 pound-feet of twist. Despite the off-road upgrades, the ZR2 can still tow up to 5,000 pounds or carry 1,100 pounds of payload. Awesome!
Continue reading for the full story.
Who Remembers Chevy’s "Technology & Stuff" Flub at the 2014 World Series?
Well, the Cubs just won the 2016 World Series. Back To The Future was just a year off from predicting the end to the team’s 108-year losing streak and Chevy just gave Cubbies MVP Ben Zobrist a new 2016 Camaro SS 50th Anniversary Edition. All this baseball talk brings back memories of Chevy’s 2014 World Series MVP presentation and how it turned from they year’s most awkward live broadcast to an award-winning PR spin called “Technology and Stuff.”
You might recall the video – San Francisco MVP Madison Bumgarner on stage with Erin Andrews and Bud Selig, along with Chevy’s Regional Zone Manager Rick Wilde. Clearly nervous and short of breath, Wilde stumbles through the talking points on the then-new 2015 Chevrolet Colorado. It was an immensely important time for Chevy. This was a live broadcast to millions of sports fans and Wilde had less than 30 seconds to convey as much information as possible about the advancements and features of the Colorado. Instead, Wilde lost his composure and improvised, saying the truck “combines class leading, (gasp) leading, ya know, technology and stuff…(gasp).”
It was a disaster.
But Chevy’s quick thinking PR team, Commonwealth McCann, stepped in to save the day. Mere hours after the broadcast, Chevy began using the hashtag #TechnologyAndStuff while monitoring the hashtag #ChevyGuy. The following day, the Colorado’s website featured a modified masthead with #TechnologyAndStuff hashtag. Chevy then bought advertising space for TV commercials, newspaper ads, and even TNT’s broadcast of LeBron James’ return to the Cleveland Cavaliers. More impressively, the Colorado’s launch date was pushed forward a full 10 days to take advantage of the media hype.
After five days of milking the #TechnologyAndStuff phrase, the term was retired into marketing history. Somehow Chevy’s embarrassing flub was turned into an engaging and entertaining marketing save that kicked off the Colorado’s launch with a bang. It certainly makes the 2016 MVP award ceremony and Camaro presentation seem dull in comparison.
2016 Chevrolet Colorado Z71 Hurley Concept
Chevrolet is no stranger to making lifestyle vehicles. That’s exactly the case here with this Colorado Z71 Hurley Concept seen at the 2016 SEMA show. It combines the Colorado’s capability with several aftermarket goodies and concept parts designed to accommodate the surfing lifestyle.
“Colorado is a lifestyle enabler and the Hurley concept demonstrates the personalization possibilities for one of the most thrilling sports,” said Jessica Rogers, Colorado marketing manager. “With Chevrolet Accessories parts, the sky — and the surf — is the limit when it comes to tailoring the Colorado to your work or recreation interests.”
The truck features several key parts that make it a surfer’s dream, including the covered bed with overhead surf board rack, in-bed storage rack, waterproof ventiprene-covered seats, and a suspension lift.
“This concept is all about functionality,” said Ryan Hurley, creative director for Hurley. “When we discussed the project with Chevrolet, we didn’t want just a truck with our logo on it. It had to offer solutions for the challenges surfers face at remote locations and that’s exactly what it delivers.”
Marketing speak aside, the truck offers a really cool base for ideas and further personalization that regular customers can do with their Colorado pickups. Several of these parts are available through Chevrolet or other aftermarket suppliers. Technically, anyone can build this truck given enough resources.
Continue reading to learn more about the Chevrolet Colorado Z71 Hurley Concept.
2016 Chevrolet Colorado ZH2
Nearly a month ago, we told you about General Motors’ partnership with the U.S. Military’s Army Tank Automotive Research, Development, and Engineering Center to build and test a fuel cell vehicle for use in military operations. Well, GM has debuted its hydrogen-powered pickup and it’s called the Colorado ZH2.
As you can imagine, the truck is based on the Chevrolet Colorado. The ZH2 nomenclature is a play off the Colorado’s (or more historically, the S-10’s) off-road package, the ZR2. With its R swapped for an H, this hydrogen-powered truck is designed to test the capabilities and limits of a fuel-cell vehicle in off-road, wartime-style environments.
“Fuel cells have the potential to expand the capabilities of Army vehicles significantly through quiet operation, exportable power and solid torque performance, all advances that drove us to investigate this technology further,” said Paul Rogers, director of TARDEC. “Fuel cells have the potential to expand the capabilities of Army vehicles significantly through quiet operation, exportable power and solid torque performance, all advances that drove us to investigate this technology further.”
The speed Rogers is referring to is the time TARDEC gave GM to come up with this truck. From contract to concept, the project has happened in less than a year. That’s nearly light speed when it comes to government operations. From this point, the Colorado ZH2 will undergo a year’s worth of evaluation and demanding rigors to determine if hydrogen fuel cell vehicles have a future on the battlefield.
So what’s the big deal about fuel cell technology, you might ask? This propulsion system is nearly silent in operation, it offers a reduced thermal signature, has high torque thanks to its electric drive, offers low fuel consumption, and even creates water, which can be utilized in the field by soldiers.
There’s plenty to talk about here, so keep reading for the full run-down.
Continue reading for the full review.
Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Will Get Camaro Z/28’s Trick Shocks
Spy photographers just nabbed telling shots of the upcoming Chevrolet Colorado ZR2’s suspension. This off-road oriented midsize pickup appears to be testing dynamic spool valve dampers, a high-performance shock absorber normally reserved for high-end supercars with track-focused suspensions. In fact, the last General Motors vehicle to use spool valve dampers was the fifth-generation Camaro Z/28. The Aston Martin One-77 also rides on spool valves.
Unlike the Ford F-150 Raptor with its external bypass shocks from Fox Racing, the Colorado ZR2’s spool valve dampers make use of a design that alleviates nearly all heat build-up, making the shock run cooler no matter what terrain it encounters. This makes the shock’s behavior very predictable, whether it’s been driven one mile or 100 miles.
The damper is also precisely controllable, allowing engineers to dial in exactly the amount of compression and rebound the shock exerts. Likewise, both the compression and rebound stokes can be dialed in separately, allowing the shock to behave differently depending on which direction the internal piston, or spool, is moving.
This allows GM to spec thicker coil springs within the MacPherson struck design on the front suspension. Despite the springs’ size, the truck should drive rather smoothly on normal pavement. Out back, the Colorado’s traditional leaf springs are matched with spool valve dampers placed on opposing sides of the solid axle.
It’s clear GM is still deep in the developmental stages with the Colorado ZR2, but we do expect the truck to break cover in the coming months. Out bet is on the 2017 North American International Auto Show in Detroit come January. The truck will then likely go on sale come the fall of 2017 as a 2018 model. Pricing will surely come at a premium over the standard Colorado, but expect it to drastically undercut the F-150 Raptor’s pricing, making it more affordable.
For the full gallery of photos taken by the spy photographer, check out Autoblog’s coverage here. For more information and speculation of the Colorado ZR2, click “Continue Reading.”
Continue reading for the full story.
Chevrolet Colorado-Based Fuel Cell Vehicle Will Be Revealed In October
General Motors is partnering with the U.S. Military’s Army Tank Automotive Research, Development, and Engineering Center to build and test a
powered pickup for use in a military application. The pickup of choice, the Chevrolet Colorado, is currently under development and will be revealed sometime in October of 2016.
“Hydrogen fuel cells as a power source have the potential to bring to the force incredibly valuable capabilities,” said TARDEC Director Paul Rogers. “We expect the vehicle to be quiet in operation and ready to provide electricity generation for needs away from the vehicle. With fuel cell technology advancing, it’s an ideal time to investigate its viability in extreme military-use conditions.”
The joint project is designed to leverage innovation and next-generation technologies in the commercial sector at the request of the Department of Defense. Not only does the project help the military, it gives GM an investor to help fund its R&D on hydrogen fuel cell technology, which could eventually be used in passenger vehicles.
As for the military, a hydrogen fuel cell powertrain offers a number of benefits. For one, a fuel cell is far more efficient than gasoline and diesel internal combustion engines. Fuel cells are also inherently quite in operation, allowing for covert operations without noisy exhaust rumbles.
“This project is another example of how fuel cell propulsion can play a role in non-traditional applications,” said Charlie Freese, executive director of GM’s Global Fuel Cell Activities. “We need to continue pursuing these opportunities along with our plans for production of a commercial fuel cell system in the 2020 time frame.”
We’ll bring you all the detailed information once GM debuts this Colorado Fuel Cell prototype in October.
Continue reading for the full story.
2017 Chevrolet Colorado
Chevrolet introduced the second-generation Colorado for the 2015 model year, along with its GMC corporate counterpart, the Canyon. Both trucks have remained unchanged since then, besides the introduction of the 2.8-liter Duramax four-cylinder turbodiesel in 2016. But now for the 2017 model year, the Colorado is getting a heavily revised gasoline V-6 and GM’s eight-speed automatic transmission.
As we detailed in a news piece, the upgraded V-6 and eight-speed automatic bring more power, better off-the-line acceleration, and improved fuel economy. The rest of the Colorado remains unchanged for the 2017 model year. That’s not a bad thing as the pickup’s design still looks fresh.
The Colorado comes in both extended and crew cab configurations, with both short and long bed sizes. Three trim levels appeal to a wide range of buyers and budgets – from the base WT to the mid-grade LT and to the off-road oriented Z71. Three engines are available, as well, giving customers plenty of options.
The base powertrain is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder making 200 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque. It can be mated to a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission. Customers who drive long highway distances or regularly tow or haul will love the 2.8-liter Duramax with its 181 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Optioned in a 2WD Colorado, and the Duramax will return 31 mpg on the highway. The volume-leading engine is the 3.6-liter V-6. We’ll dive into that engine below.
Chevrolet has not released pricing details for the 2017 Colorado, but we expect a slight increase to the truck’s pricing scale.
Continue reading for the full run-down of the 2017 Chevy Colorado.
2017 Chevrolet Colorado Gets New V-6 & Eight-Speed Auto
After only two years on the market, Chevy is giving is midsize Colorado a new gasoline powertrain. The new V-6 engine keeps the familiar 3.6-liter displacement, but now comes with a host of upgrades designed at making more power with better fuel efficiency.
The mechanical changes to the V-6 include an updated variable valve timing system for both the intake and exhaust sides, an improved direct injection fuel system, and the introduction of GM’s Active Fuel Management system. Power levels modestly increase to 308 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 275 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. That’s up from 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque in the previous-generation engine.
Additionally, the V-6 is now complemented by GM’s new Hydra-Matic 8L45 eight-speed automatic transmission. Engineers gave the transmission a lower first gear to help with acceleration and towing. A taller gear ratio in the rear differential, combined with the transmission’s two extra gears, allows for better fuel economy. Paired with the Active Fuel Management’s cylinder deactivation, the gas-powered Colorado’s EPA fuel economy numbers should see a marked improvement. Those numbers haven’t been assessed at this point, however.
“We focused on improving everyday driving performance,” says Stan Ludlow, chief engineer for the 2017 Colorado. ”Drivers will immediately notice that it pulls harder when accelerating from a stop or passing on the highway; it is more confident pulling a trailer up a steep grade and it is more refined cruising at a constant highway speed.”
Chevy says the 8L45 transmission is no heavier than the outgoing 6L80 six-speed automatic thanks to extensive use of aluminum and magnesium. The two gearboxes are similar in size, as well.
The 2017 Colorado will arrive in dealerships in Q4 2016. Pricing has not been announced, but a slight increase is expected. Finally, these same updates will transfer to the Colorado’s corporate cousin, the 2017 GMC Canyon.
Continue reading for more information.
Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Spied in the Desert!
The clatter and hubbub surrounding the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 off-road pickup has died down since Chevy debuted a concept of the pickup at 2014 LA Auto Show. However, it seems the noise is about to pick up. Our friends over at TruckTrend just spotted this camouflaged Colorado running around the desert. The truck appears to have a suspension lift and a more aggressive front end. Mud terrain tires and fender flairs closing resembling those on the ZR2 concept are clearly seen.
So is this the Colorado ZR2? There’s no way to be completely sure.
Still, the Colorado is well past its introductory phase and it’s likely GM is ready to inject some life back in to the pickup. A purpose-built off-roader would certainly put GM on better ground with customers considering a Ford Raptor, Ram 1500 Rebel, or one of the Toyota TRD Pro products.
Through the camo we can see this test mule is missing the built-in recovery winch that made headlines in 2014. It’s very possible the winch won’t make production, but we’re hoping it was simply left off this truck. Perhaps it will be an option. Also not present is the pre-runner style rear bumper and rocker panel guards.
One thing not missing is ground clearance. Just look at the air under this Colorado! There’s also no low-hanging air dam just begging to be ripped off. Underneath, skid plating and beefy control arms are easily spotted.
GM will likely offer both the 3.6-liter gasoline V-6 and 2.8-liter Duramax four-cylinder turbodiesel as engine options. In either case, expect the current six-speed automatic to handle shifting duties. Then again, if GM is really serious about making the ZR2 a Raptor fighter, the new 10-speed automatic could make its appearance. We’d also love to see GM shoehorn the 5.3-liter V-8 into the ZR2. You know, for a little something extra. We seriously doubt GM would be that adventurous, though. Regardless, 4WD should come as standard equipment with the ZR2, making it a formidable truck off the beaten path.
If GM green lights the project, we’d expect the Colorado ZR2 to debut sometime before the end of 2016 as a 2017 model. The ZR2 would be the range-topping model for the Colorado, with prices reflecting that accordingly.
Continue reading for more information.
2016 Chevrolet Colorado Xtreme
Chevrolet’s Thailand division recently rolled out an off-road concept version of the global Colorado pickup truck. Called the Colorado Xtreme, the pickup offers a one-off look with plenty of upgraded parts built to tackle any the outdoors. Though this exact truck isn’t heading to production, GM says this hints Chevy’s future design direction.
“These show vehicles were created to inject excitement and passion into the critical pickup truck and SUV segments, and reinforce Chevrolet’s commitment to the Thai market,” says GM Thailand and Chevrolet Sales Thailand Managing Director Marcos Purty.
Vanchana Unakul, general director of Engineering for GM Thailand and Southeast Asia, followed up by saying, “The two vehicles have the same platform but completely different personalities. The show trucks are an exploration into the platform’s significant potential and versatility.”
While the U.S. might not see get the Colorado Xtreme, rumors are still swirling about Chevy offering a hard-core ZR2 off-road package for the Colorado. Such a truck – if built correctly – would compete with the Ford F-150 Raptor. So in anticipation of the Colorado ZR2, let’s take a look at Thailand’s version of the Colorado Xtreme. Perhaps GM will share some of the design elements.
Continue reading to learn more about the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado Xtreme.
2016 Chevrolet Colorado Z71 Midnight Edition
Chevrolet is no stranger to special editions. It seems like nearly every one of its models can be had with some sort of special option package or unique edition. The tradition continues at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show as Chevy debuts the 2016 Colorado Z71 Midnight Edition.
Chevrolet actually debuted a Midnight Edition for the 2016 Colorado back in August of 2015, though it was limited to the LT trim levels. Now customers can choose the Midnight Edition on their Z71-trimmed Colorado – a truck that is built for off-roading.
Like the “standard” Midnight Edition, the Colorado Z71 Midnight Edition comes with blacked-out everything. Save for the headlights, fog lights, and a handful of chrome accents, the truck is black. In keeping with its Z71 trim, the 17-inch, five-spoke wheels are wrapped in Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires for all-terrain traction. The Eaton G80 locking rear differential is standard while 4WD is optional. Tow hooks and skid plates finish off the Z71’s rugged image.
The Z71 Colorado is available with either the 3.6-liter V-6 or the 2.8-liter Duramax four-cylinder turbodiesel. Both engines are unchanged by addition of the Midnight Edition package, and come mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
Keep reading for more details.
Updated 02/12/2016: We added a series of new images of the new Colorado Z71 Midnight Edition taken during its official unveiling at the 216 Chicago Auto Show. Check them out in the "Pictures" tab.
Continue reading to learn more about the Chevrolet Colorado Z71 Midnight Special Edition.
After a year-long wait for GM to release the 2.8-liter Duramax four-cylinder turbodiesel in its Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon mid-sized pickups for the 2016 model year, followed by a delay in shipment, the diesel-powered trucks are finally headed to dealerships. That’s according to a GMC spokesperson Kelly Wysocki who confirmed the news to The Detroit News.
First announced in 2014 ahead of the 2015 Colorado and Canyon’s debut in the market, the “baby Duramax” has led headlines for the mid-sized twins. Now as the 2016 model year rolls into full swing, the diesel engine is finally available as promised. Stacked atop the wait for the 2016 model year, GM withheld shipment of diesel models for a still-unknown reason.
Ironically, the logical reason is likely not the answer. It is unlikely the trucks were held up due to the fallout from the Volkswagen emission scandal. Soon after the Dieselgate news broke in September of 2015, the EPA ordered more stringent on-road testing for diesel-powered vehicles. The 2.8-liter Duramax passed those tests without issue.
Regardless of whatever reason GM delayed shipment, the Duramax-powered GM twins can now be found in showrooms. The trucks represent a major leap in fuel economy for pickup trucks, with 2WD models achieving up to 31 mpg highway and 22 mpg in the city. Opting for a 4WD model slightly decreases the fuel economy to 20 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.
Prices for the diesel-power trucks start around $35,000, with the Crew Cab, short box, LT trimmed Colorado in 2WD being the least expensive option. Unfortunately for fleet buyers, the Duramax is currently not offered in the base trim on either truck.
Continue reading for more information
After a year-long wait for GM to release the 2.8-liter Duramax four-cylinder turbodiesel in its Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon mid-sized pickups for the 2016 model year, followed by a delay in shipment, the diesel-powered trucks are finally headed to dealerships. That’s according to a GMC spokesperson Kelly Wysocki who confirmed the news to The Detroit News.
First announced in 2014 ahead of the 2015 Colorado and Canyon’s debut in the market, the “baby Duramax” has led headlines for the mid-sized twins. Now as the 2016 model year rolls into full swing, the diesel engine is finally available as promised. Stacked atop the wait for the 2016 model year, GM withheld shipment of diesel models for a still-unknown reason.
Ironically, the logical reason is likely not the answer. It is unlikely the trucks were held up due to the fallout from the Volkswagen emission scandal. Soon after the Dieselgate news broke in September of 2015, the EPA ordered more stringent on-road testing for diesel-powered vehicles. The 2.8-liter Duramax passed those tests without issue.
Regardless of whatever reason GM delayed shipment, the Duramax-powered GM twins can now be found in showrooms. The trucks represent a major leap in fuel economy for pickup trucks, with 2WD models achieving up to 31 mpg highway and 22 mpg in the city. Opting for a 4WD model slightly decreases the fuel economy to 20 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.
Prices for the diesel-power trucks start around $35,000, with the Crew Cab, short box, LT trimmed Colorado in 2WD being the least expensive option. Unfortunately for fleet buyers, the Duramax is currently not offered in the base trim on either truck.
Continue reading for more information
Chevrolet has been beating the war drums of the midsize truck class ever since the new 2015 Chevrolet Colorado hit the market for 2015. Now almost a year into production, the Bowtie Boys have launched a massive campaign of special editions and “bespoke” features to the Colorado lineup. This one is called the Midnight Edition.
Obviously playing off its name, the Midnight Edition is a monotone, black-on-black truck with upgraded wheels, black badging and... that’s about it. Well, it does come with a spray-in bed liner (which is also black) and a folding soft tonneau cover (also black) and sill plates embossed with the Chevy logo. Beyond that, the truck has the same features as a standard Colorado.
Chevy also offers the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado Z71 Trail Boss edition, which is also new for 2016 and was launched alongside the Midnight Edition. The Trail Boss takes a more macho approach and comes with beefy tires, side steps, and a bed-mounted “sports bar” known in the south as a roll bar.
Both special editions are designed to attract buyers to the Colorado in the midst of the midsized truck revival. Now with the 2016 Toyota Tacoma on the scene, the Colorado has to up its game in order to win over a buyers’ hearts and pocketbooks.
Continue reading for the full story.
Meet Chevrolet’s most formidable off-roader, the 2016 Colorado Z71 Trail Boss. Of course by now that name should sound familiar to truck enthusiasts who frequent TopSpeed. We first reported on the Trail Boss name back in January 2015 when GM filed for a trademark. The big news came the following March when Chevrolet debuted the truck at the Cleveland Auto Show – unveiling what boiled down to be a Colorado Z71 with upgraded tires and a few visual add-ons.
Sadly not much has changed since then. Now GM is announcing the Z71 Trail Boss is headed to dealerships, though one change did slip through. The Z71 Trail Boss now comes with a “sport bar” (or roll bar if you grew up in the south) fitted with LED off-road lights. Admittedly, that is pretty cool, but the rest of the truck remains a mere appearance package with some meatier tires.
Yep, the “Trail Boss” carries the same Z71 suspension, 8.4-inches of ground clearance, two-speed transfer case, locking rear differential, and all three powertrain options. The only mechanical difference – if you can call it that – is the addition of Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac all-terrain tires.
Still, the Z71 Trail Boss is an appealing package that slots nicely above the standard Z71, giving customers more choices at the dealership. The Trail Boss might not be the hard-core off-roader we expected, but it works nonetheless. Plus, Chevy still has the 2014 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 concept that could eventually make production, competing with the likes of the 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor, 2014 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro, and the 2015 Ram 1500 Rebel.
Continue reading to learn more about the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado Z71 Trail Boss.
The time has finally come for General Motors to release the long-promised 2.8-liter four-cylinder Duramax turbodiesel in its Colorado and Canyon midsized pickup trucks. The engine has been on the books for production for the 2016 model year ever since GM debuted the trucks back in 2014.
Until now, the two trucks have utilized the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder and previously range-topping 3.6-liter V-6 gasoline engines as the only options. With the introduction of the “baby” Duramax, customers demanding higher towing, payload, and fuel efficiency numbers can opt for the new engine.
Chevrolet has set the diesel upgrade price at $3,730 more than the 3.6-liter V-6. The price includes some add-ons as well, making the cost seem more reasonable. A new six-speed automatic comes standard while 4WD models use a new transfer case. All Duramax Colorados get a diesel-exclusive exhaust brake and integrated trailer brake controller, along with all the emissions equipment that allow the engine to pass EPA standards.
Those trailering aids help boost the Colorado’s max towing capacity by 700 pounds to 7,700 pounds on 2WD models. Those equipped with 4WD can tow a maximum of 7,600 pounds. In keeping with the theme, a frame-mounted two-inch receiver hitch comes standard with the Duramax.
Chevrolet says the new Duramax won’t sacrifice comfort for capability. The transmission includes a new style of torque converter called a Centrifugal Pendulum Vibration Absorber. Long story short, the CPVA keeps excessive vibrations out of the driveline and therefore out of the cabin.
The EPA fuel economy estimates have not been released yet, but expect the Duramax Colorado to achieve better than 30 mpg on the highway. Sales should begin by late summer 2015.
Continue reading to learn more about the Chevrolet Colorado Duramax Diesel.
General Motors has announced the 2.8-liter Duramax inline four-cylinder turbodiesel slotted for the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon has started production in GM’s Thailand assembly plant.
Details are still sparse on the engine’s output specs and fuel economy ratings, but GM estimates the engine will be fine-tuned to produce 181 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy should be respectable, with its highway average hovering in the mid 30’s mpg. The Duramax is also expected to help increase the Colorado and Canyon’s towing capacity past its current 7,000-pound maximum.
The baby Duramax, as it’s been lovingly coined by industry analysts, uses a water-cooled, variable-geometry turbocharger and a high-pressure, common-rail fuel system pushing diesel at 29,000 psi. Also in the mix is a balance shaft that counter-rotates to quell vibrations.
The 2.8-liter I-4 is designed to pass all Euro-4 emissions regulations and can be upgraded to pass Euro-5 and Euro-6 regulations if GM were to make the Duramax available in Europe.
The engine will be shipped to North America and will enter production trucks beginning in the third quarter of 2015, with sales of the diesel-equipped Colorado and Canyon starting in sometime in the fourth quarter. Once at dealers, General Motors is sure to sell a handsome number of Duramax-equipped trucks, thanks to their outstanding capabilities and expected fuel economy. There is still no word on what GM will charge to upgrade from the 3.6-liter V-6 to the baby Duramax.
Continue reading for the full story.
General Motors is again issuing yet another recall – this time for 14,838 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon mid-sized pickup trucks. The safety recall centers on the brakes of the 2015 model year trucks, as the front brake calipers might leak brake fluid, compromising the truck’s braking performance.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says the trucks involved in the recall were built from January 6, 2014 to December 24, 2014 – or basically the entire year. The issue stems from imperfections inside the metal caliper body that lead to air pockets forming in the brake fluid. Over time this can lead to fluid leaking from the caliper body.
Obviously a decreased volume of brake fluid leads to poor braking performance, which could potentially lead to a wreck due to extended stopping distances.
Like with all recalls, the automaker will inspect the effected parts and replace them if necessary, free of charge to the customer. In GM’s case, it will begin notifying customers of the effected vehicles July 10, 2015. For customers who want more information on the recall, they can contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC at 1-800-462-8782, specifying recall number 14888.
Continue reading for the full story.
General Motors is recalling nearly 53,000 Colorado and Canyon mid-sized trucks over issues with loose seats that could result in injuries during a crash.
GM says the seat frame attachment hooks in the 2015 model year trucks may not have been properly attached to the truck’s body during assembly, potentially allowing the front seat to break free during a crash.
Dealerships will inspect the trucks and replace any necessary parts if needed, all free of charge to the customer. GM will be contacting those customers in the near future.
Of the 52,930 trucks affected by the recall, 48,309 of them are in the U.S. with 4,620 in Canada. Roughly 13,000 of those are still on dealership lots and will be inspected and repaired before being sold.
Thankfully, there are no reports of crashes, injuries, or fatalities as a result of the issue.
Continue reading for more information
General Motors has been offering an automatic locking rear differential in its Chevy and GMC trucks for more than 40 years. Today, its prevalence has grown to include every body-on-frame, rear-drive vehicle in GM’s lineup – from the Colorado WT up through the leather-lined Cadillac Escalade. And thanks to its order code, most folks know the mechanical locker as the Eaton G80. Here’s how it works.
We now have an answer to General Motors’ mysterious “Z71 Trail Boss” trademark filing back in January. Here it is – debuted at the Cleveland Auto Show of all places – an up-fitted Colorado. This bad boy has some meaty Goodyear DuraTrac all-terrain tires and… that’s about it. Yep, the “Trail Boss” is basically a $3,320 tire upgrade.
We now have an answer to General Motors’ mysterious “Z71 Trail Boss” trademark filing back in January. Here it is – debuted at the Cleveland Auto Show of all places – an up-fitted Colorado. This bad boy has some meaty Goodyear DuraTrac all-terrain tires and… that’s about it. Yep, the “Trail Boss” is basically a $3,320 tire upgrade.
Ok, the truck does come with other upgrades, but the tires are the only mechanical difference between the standard Z71 and the Z71 Trail Boss – if you consider tires a mechanical upgrade. Beyond that, the truck rides on the same Z71 suspension, uses the same part-time, two-speed transfer case, and sports the same 8.4-inches of ground clearance. Best of all (and just like the standard Z71) you can order a Z71 Trail Boss in 2WD! What a machine!
To say I expected more would be an understatement, especially since Ford, Ram, and Toyota offer much-improved off-road versions of their trucks. Granted, Chevy still has that Colorado ZR2 concept floating around, so that leaves possibilities open. Until then, the Z71 Trail Boss (barely) stands as king of the off-road hill for GM.
Continue to read more about the Chevrolet Colorado Z71 Trail Boss Edition.
The leather-lined luxo trucks of today are a far cry from what pickup trucks used to be; hard-working tools designed to get the job done with little in the way of creature comforts. Well, Chevrolet has just announced it is now offering a workin’ man’s edition to the 2015 Colorado midsize truck. The new box delete option does what its name promises by removing the pickup box in order for customers to install the utility box or flat bed of their choice.
The leather-lined luxo trucks of today are a far cry from what pickup trucks used to be; hard-working tools designed to get the job done with little in the way of creature comforts. Well, Chevrolet has just announced it is now offering a workin’ man’s edition to the 2015 Colorado midsize truck. The new box delete option does what its name promises by removing the pickup box in order for customers to install the utility box or flat bed of their choice.
Aimed directly at fleet buyers such as local governments, utility companies, or contractors, the truck offers free reign over how the rear frame rails are used. Chevy’s box delete option code is ZW9 and only available with the Work Truck trim level on extended cab Colorados fitted with the 3.6-liter V-6 engine and 2WD.
Checking the ZW9 option box adds a few work-relate items to the truck, along with a $300 credit off the truck’s MSRP. While it might not be glamorous, the Colorado ZW9 is ready for work, no matter what aftermarket additions are attached to the frame.
Continue reading to learn more about the Chevrolet Colorado Box Delete Package.
The covers have finally been pulled off the last new member of the Chevrolet truck lineup and we couldn’t be more excited. The 2015 Chevy Colorado debuted today at the LA Auto show joining the still fresh Silverado and Silverado HD.
The Colorado is based on the global truck platform, but is highly ‘Americanized’ with many key components swapped out for heavier duty items based on the new Silverado. The Colorado rides on a fully-boxed, hydroformed steel frame giving it a sturdy platform for hauling and towing. Initially the Colorado will come with two gasoline engine options with a diesel debuting the following year.
The base powerplant is a 2.5-liter four cylinder with an optional 3.6-liter V-6 engine. Both feature the latest suite of GM technology like Variable Valve Timing and Direct Injection. They share similar construction materials with aluminum blocks, forged-steel crankshafts, and oil jet-spray piston coolers. A Six-speed automatic transmission is standard across the board and features tow/haul mode and auto grade braking.
Exterior features include Chevy’s clever bumper CornerStep and bed rail hand-grabs, an EZ lift tailgate, two-tier loading capabilities within the bed, and no less than 13 tie-downs for securing payload. Available projector beam headlamps light the way while front bumper tow hooks provide a means of recovery if the going ever gets too muddy. Silverado-derived inlaid doors with triple seals keeps wind noise to a minimum while active aero grille shutters open and close to maximize aerodynamics and cooling efficiency.
Interior accoutrements are similar to the Silverado with a large, pronounced center stack with similar knobs and buttons. An available eight-inch color touch screen inhabits the prime real estate up top while multiple USB ports down low live in a specially designed front compartment for charging personal electronics. A center console-mounted gear shifter splits the front bucket seats and gives plenty of storage options big enough for hiding a tablet safely out of sight. GM’s next-generation OnStar and MyLink are also present, along with a standard rear-view backup camera.
The folks at General Motors say the new Colorado is designed for customers who want the extra capabilities a truck offers like hauling and off-road agility, but don’t need the size and expense of a full-side truck. GM is now the first manufacturer in quite a while to offer a full plethora of mid-sized, full-sized, and heavy-duty trucks. Our hats are especially off to the fact that GM revamped its entire truck lineup within a two year model cycle.
Click past the jump for photos and details of the all-new 2015 Chevy Colorado