This week: Chevrolet reveals first new Colorado since 2014, Ferrari 296 goes GT3 racing starting next year, new Mustang will debut at Detroit this year, and Cadillac celebrates famous tracks on IMSA schedule with special edition CT4-V Blackwing – plus your news for the week.
Chevrolet is the latest manufacturer to realize that interest in midsize trucks is high enough to finally replace an aging model. The Chevy Colorado on sale now first debuted in 2014. With a new Nissan Frontier on sale and the new Ford Ranger incoming, Chevrolet has given their competitor some much-needed attention and upgrades.
Five trim levels are being offered, three of which have a focus on off-road performance to a varying degree. The Work Truck (WT), LT, Z71, and ZR2 trims return while a Trail Boss variant joining the party. It needs to be said – Trail Boss is probably the dumbest name ever applied to a trim level. In any event, each model carries the same 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gas engine but with different outputs depending on the trim. The WT and LT trims make do with 237 horsepower and 259 lb.-ft. of torque, the Z71 and Trail Boss get 310 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft., and the ZR2 gets the full 310 horsepower and 430 lb.-ft. WT and LT models can upgrade to the 2nd most powerful engine output as an option. Towing is rated at 3,500 lbs for the lowest engine output, 7,700 lbs for the middle option, and 6,000 lbs in the more powerful ZR2 (because off road suspension). An eight-speed automatic is standard across all models.
Interior materials and features will vary by each model of course, but a generally sporty-looking design seemingly inspired by the Camaro, 11.3″ touchscreen, and a new friction hinge on the center console lid to ensure it stays open at any angle (!!!!!!!) are applied across the range. Probably the best new feature on the whole truck is the built-in storage compartment in the tailgate. When the tailgate is down a lockable and watertight lid opens up to a 45″ wide and 4″ deep compartment. Just in case water does get in, there’s a drain too. Of all the tailgate gimmicks GM has tried to sell us lately, this one is easily the best.
They also took notice of the Ford Maverick’s numerous bed configuration options and added numerous bed pockets for custom storage solutions, the ability to close the tailgate halfway for extended loads, and an available 110-volt power outlet. It even has two motorcycle/bicycle tire grooves in the front bed wall.
The chassis is brand new and has a 3.1″ longer wheelbase than the outgoing model and a shorter front overhang. WT, LT, and Z71 trims have a “standard” suspension setup that is more balanced between on and off-road performance and comfort. The Trail Boss features a 2″ lift and a wider stance while the ZR2 benefits from a 3″ lift, wide stance, and its party trick – Multimatic DSSV dampers. The differences between Z71, Trail Balls, and ZR2 trims is visual and mechanical.
Z71 appears to be a very mild “I occasionally go off road” sort of truck with 18″ wheels and generic truck tires. Trail Boss is a middle ground with 18″ wheels and 32″ all-terrain tires for buyers that may go off roading more frequently, but not enough to justify a ZR2. And of course the ZR2 with its 17″ wheels and 33″ mud/terrain tires is for serious enthusiasts who are willing to make more sacrifices to refinement for the thrill of adventure. Chevy doesn’t really go into specifics about the rest of the differences in each model, but you get the idea.
For the first time, there will be a version above the ZR2. But not for long. A special-edition ZR2 Desert Boss package (still a dumb name) takes inspiration from the Colorado’s success in desert racing to go even further with the already very capable ZR2. 17″ beadlock-capable wheels, off-road bumper, sports bar, roof-mounted light bar, underbody camera, and the essential graphics will set this one apart in parking lots at Bass Pro Shops and southeastern high schools.
Pricing and launch date info is not available yet.
[Source: Chevrolet] Article Courtesy of https://hooniverse.com/