Chevrolet Needs to Make the Colorado ZR2 Concept a Reality

YAHOO AUTOS

                    

By Keith Griffin            

 

 

 

At the LA Auto Show, Chevrolet introduced what we hope is a thinly disguised concept Colorado ZR2. America needs a midsize, off-road pickup with these capabilities. Like now.

What’s got us most excited is the new 2.8L Duramax turbodiesel four-cylinder engine with a variable-geometry turbocharger. It’s designed for optimal power and efficiency across the rpm band and a balance shaft for greater smoothness.

 

The turbodiesel has an estimated 181 horsepower at 3,400 rpm and 369 lb-ft of torque at 2,000 rpm. The latter’s going to provide all the grunt needed for tackling tough off-road conditions.

Also boosting the off-road credibility is a four-inch wider stance for better stability. Hey, take it from one who knows – the squatter the better when you head off the pavement.

 Other new features for the Colorado ZR2 include new front and rear fascias for better approach and departure angles and a two-inch lift and integral skid plates.

Other off-road enhancements include electronic-locking front and rear differentials, which distribute torque to 275/65R18 off-road tires mounted on custom 18-inch aluminum multi-spoke, bead-lock-style wheels. King mono-tube coil-over shock absorbers are designed for greater suspension travel and feature remote-mounted fluid reservoirs that add to the Colorado ZR2 concept’s capability.

Harking back to the days of the off-road-inspired Chevrolet S-10 BAJA from 1988 through 1991, the Colorado ZR2 sports a matching spare wheel/tire assembly, with a quick-release handle, mounted in the bed. It also features the protective spray-in bed liner available with production Colorado models, GearOn accessories and a 48-inch Hi-Lift jack..




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