2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 for hardcore off-roaders
General Motors just unveiled a new version of their midsize Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck at the Los Angeles Auto Show. According to the automaker, the ZR2 will be packed with the most off-road technology than any other midsize pickup, and will rival the likes of the Nissan Frontier PRO-4X and the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro.
The Colorado ZR2 benefits from a suspension lift and a track widened by three and a half inches, while the front and rear bumpers have been redesigned to maximise approach and departure angles. The pickup gets locking front and rear differentials as well as Multimatic Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve damper technology.
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Developed by Multimatic, a company based on Markham, Ontario, the DSSV dampers provide an “unprecedented balance of on- and off-road performance.” This technology has been used in the 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 as well as in various motorsports vehicles, including Formula One cars.
After receiving positive feedback from the public that saw the Colorado ZR2 Concept at the 2014 L.A. Auto Show, the brand’s stylists kept as many design elements as they possibly could for the production version. The truck also benefits from steel-tube rocker protectors, skid plates, a bed-mounted spare-tire carrier as well as 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 31-inch Goodyear Duratrac off-road rubber.
The 2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 will be available with either a 308-horsepower, 3.6-litre V6 or a 2.8-litre, turbo-diesel four that produces 181 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The truck’s AutoTrac transfer case will offer nine drive configurations. Despite the off-road suspension, the ZR2 will still be able to tow up to 2268 kilograms (5000 lbs.).
The exact on-sale date and pricing have not yet been announced.