With the new Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500 pickup trucks substantially increasing in size (they now are as big as the outgoing HD models), the smaller next-generation, North American-spec Colorado and Canyon pickup trucks seem to be following suit in growing their dimensions.
Even though the trucks are “smaller” than the new line of full-sized trucks, these new “mid-sized” pickups aren’t too far from the full-sized models at all. Just look at those proportions. We would go as far as to say these new trucks are about as tall and as long as the outgoing Silverado and Sierra 1500, albeit a tad narrower. Their size is really amplified in crew cab form, as seen in the spy photo.
Speculation has it that these trucks will be powered by GM’s new 4.3L EcoTec3 V6, with maybe a surprise appearance from a 5.3L V8 and a light-duty diesel, like the ones featured in the international Colorado. And considering that the trucks are still at least another year out, an eight-speed transmission should be in the cards as well.
This size escalation also leaves us wondering if will we see the return of a true small truck down the road. We can certainly hope.
You can find a full gallery at Automobile Magazine.
Comments
What I can’t believe is that no one outside of GM has seen the uncamo-ed US spec production truck.
We had renderings of the C7 Vette that were 99% correct almost a full year before the car debuted.
And still we have no renderings or better pics of the truck?!?!
I want to see some renderings or better pics of the U.S. spec truck, dammit!!
Probably because more people globally cared about the C7 and the run up to it’s launch than what a rendering of the production Colorado may look like.
Not all test mules are worth photographing, not all are as interesting, not all are worth as much press, and not all are worth being brought to life in Photoshop.
I would have to agree with your remarks, to an extent I would detect that the appearance of this 2015 Colorado is not that far off from what was introduced overseas back in 2012, with the exception of a up-to-date front-end and prehapes modified tailamps, on a 50/50 note, it’s good that GM will try to get it right this time with this truck just as they did with the Chevy Cavalier and bringing out the Cruze, though it’s a shame it’s been over 12 years with basically no refinement; and now they feel the time is right to introduce a replacement. Let’s just hope the Canyon can get away form the Badge Engineering effect , and get it’s own since of identity.
Raymond — do you feel that the 2014 Sierra had its own “identity” compared to the 2014 Silverado?
The more I look at the new Sierra, the more I’m getting used to the styling, as far as simularities with the Silverado, yes, the Taillight application is very simular to the current generation Silverado and when viewed from the side with the fender flares, one would have to look closely to see slight destinctions with the lines, the biggest departure between the 2 would be the grill, bumper and headlight applications. GM has exercised the near look-alike approach many times with these trucks in the past but I wasn’t expecting it to come around again, overall I know that they will do we’ll as they always do with their competitors.
I like how the back wheels are sticking out a little – add some flares and bigger tires and we perhaps have a return of the ZR2 Highrider! Give it 7500# towing with the diesel (or maybe the 4.3?) and I’ll be ready for an order blank!
Going to look great with my dirt scooter in the bed and 2 seadoos trailering in behind. Crew cab 4×4 with hopefully a diesel!
There are some things in play we all need to consider.
#1 larger trucks have less CAFE issues as they are given more slack. Many MFG’s are looking to do larger full size trucks to save on the CAFE. This may mean the new full size norm may be a light 3/4 ton.
If this comes to pass the others can focus the 1/2 ton market on the slightly smaller trucks. GM has this one and Ford can bring in the Ranger any time it feels the need.
I was disapointed they did not go back to the smaller S10 size as I really miss my Sonoma.
I am not sure on my prediction but based on reading things and seeing what the MFGs are doing I just have a feeling there will be a shake up as to the norm with these vehicles. With the numbers they sell they can not afford to give up any sales but they also will have a hard time meeting the CAFE for the 1/2 tons in the future.
I will be shocked if the V8 is in the new Colorado as with everything getting down sized they do not want people to get used to the larger engine only to have it taken away in a couple years. Also the HP from the new 4.3 is more than enough for this truck with over 300 HP.
I would just keep watching as there is more in play here and in the future. The way we buy trucks may change in a few years.
As for photo’s I would not get too excited as the Global truck is about 98% what the NA truck will look like. We may have a few tire options and trim options not seen and the cargo hooks on the outside of the beds will be removed but not too much will suprise here. Just go to the Holden site and put your thumb over the Lion head in the grill and you will see pretty much what we will get.
Now on the other hand the GMC is still a mystery. I expect more squared off but how much is anyones guess.
Lets hope they butch this thing up a little bit.
If you look closely, the bed appears to be the bed off the current U.S. Colorado.
good eye – I see that in the tail lights. That would explain why the rear wheels stick out more than the fronts, and gives an idea of how much bigger the new truck is. I wish they’d release some info – kinda ready for a truck now, but if this is what I hope it turns out to be, I’ll wait!
I heard 2.5 4 cylinder is in the works isn’t it?
Wow that thing is big. I like my current Colorado because I want a pickup but don’t need something as big as a Silverado. I was hoping Chevy would keep it close to the current size.
If you do some math based on the last Colorado post about the truck being 90-95% the size of the Silverado and using the current dimentions the New Colorado will be about the same size as the GMT800 trucks (i.e. GMT800 Reg. Cab 119″ wheel base vs. 14/15 Colorado Reg. Cab 119.7″ wheel base). And the the 14 Silverados are bigger than the current generation the Colorado will be even bigger. I was hoping for a smaller truck but if the diesel version can get 30 mpg like the 14 Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel GM has sold a truck.
Are we growing into the Durango/T100 size of pick up truck. Kinda an 7/10s Silverado?
From what I read in the articles it looks like it will be at least T100 sized if not 90s C/K or 1st Generation Tundra size.
The 2014 Silverado and Sierra may have different nose jobs which are nice on both trucks but to me not enough to be that differintiating… The Colorado/Canyon trucks are very exciting to me and speak more to me as a consumer than the full sized trucks. It will be very exciting to see what other vehicles spawn from this, trailblazer please….
Hey what’s your take on the recent Escalade rendering?
Raymondj, I like the Escalade rendering…
I find it funny that Gm realeases spy photos of its own car ..Kinda like me taking spy photos of my car in the garage ;P
Hmmm, where did you get the idea GM released these photos? KGP Photography (who deals in automotive spy photos) are the original source.
Prehaps I was late on this issue ealrly on or didn’t pay attention to the fact that GM is now set to introduce the new Tahoe/Suburban and Yukon in early 2014 instead of mid to late 2013, I wonder if they had to go back to the Drawing Board and rethink on an innovative issue that would either make or brake the SUV’s reputation towards it’s competitors?, I recall the Camaro being delayed by 2 years before it was finally placed in the dealer showrooms.
If the Colorado comes with the diesel option, I will be first in line. Love my 2008 Colorado except for MPG
That powertrain option would be the biggest breakthrough for that truck ever since the truck was introduced to the public nearly 11 years ago. I would hopefully conclued that they would have engine 4 choices, a refined Inline-5 for the Base Level models, a V6 for the ZR-2 and Z71 option, a standard V8 for the Canyon Denali and Colorado Z-Q8 Sport Package and with the Z71 Off Road Package, and finaly the optional Diesel with the Z-R1 or Z71 Package.