To the dismay of many GM, Chevy, and GMC enthusiasts, there currently exists only one choice when it comes to truly capable offroad-oriented pickup trucks from the factory: the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor. As The Blue Oval’s mean-looking dune jumper has won the hearts and minds of fans, as well as those who are not even remotely interested in cars, The General is sitting on the sidelines without an offering of its own. Sure, there’s been talk that a Silverado ZR2 will take the fight to the Raptor, but for now, those rumors have yet to materialize.
However, a few months ago, we were first to report that GM was working on an off-road variant of the new Chevy Colorado. Though we don’t have many concrete details on the vehicle just yet, a tuned variant of the new midsize pickup truck would make one highly-potent offroader. That is the inspiration behind this rendering of the Colorado ZR2.
From the outside, you’ll immediately notice the higher ground clearance, new front fascia with toe hooks, and large tires, all of which make the Colorado ZR2 a more capable machine. And though you can’t see them in the rendering, such a vehicle should also have a very competent suspension setup that not only carries the vehicle higher off the ground, but is also capable, whether on or off the road.
What do you think of our take on the possible Colorado ZR2 — yay or nay? Sound off in the comments.
Comments
An actual useful offroader unlike all the jacked up bro dozers out there.(which helps 0 for off road capacity and only makes it dangerous for themselves and everyone else on the road). I like it .
I like it ! Wonder what a GMC Canyon would look like ?!
I like it!! but if you remember the ZR2 was beefed up all around, it had bigger stronger Ring Gear wide stance, it was a heavy duty little truck.
I like it. Style, toughness and capability all in one package. Now do it with the Diesel GM.
Gee that took a lot of imagination…..
If you are going to dream so something outside the box and let them know we want more than just bigger tires and a blacked out grill.
If they are going to do this I am expecting a little more than this. Based on the Raptor and the past ZR2 I would be looking for fender flairs, no white letter tires on stronger wheels with less flash, A real shock package, Wider stance and a of other things under the body. Price will always be a consideration but they need to at least follow the pattern the Raptor has set if they want it to be taken seriously and this time I expect GM will get it right.
If GM is to do this they need to step up and do it right and make something that is more than a decal package or just a more butch version of what they have now.
Oh Is that a decal on the bed. Please be more than just that.
The S10 ZR2 was looked awesome, hope to see a return!
Yay.
A practical off road truck like this makes a lot more sense than cab in the clouds monsters wearing earthmover tires that guzzle 10 or 12 miles per gallon. The Raptor is a whale, oversized, overpriced and overweight. Build an off roader such as proposed by GM, and I will buy it.
YAH
Actually the Raptor is not a whale and I have found are now often being used as work trucks. Even last season on Ice Road Truckers the one road crew super was using one as his work truck. I see it here with many of the drilling crews too.
The price is about in line with most other full size trucks too.
Now I do believe GM is smart to do this on the smaller truck as this is good planning for the future. The Colorado and Canyon are very important to the future of the GM truck market and making the MPG levels needed. Ford is not going to make it all in the future on just Aluminum as the total mass is still too great. All the MFG will go to a smaller line at some point and use the Aluminum on the 3/4 and 1 ton trucks.
I see them all trying to get buyers from the half ton to the smaller trucks or the 3/4 trucks to get the better MPG they need for the future. The government regs have the 1/2 ton segment in a head lock. GM and the others will do much wit pricing to help get people to other models that help them meet the CAFE. This is why a Half ton crew is not about $50K right now.
I do not need the larger truck and miss my smaller Sonoma’s. This is playing into the area were I will go back to a truck again. I love the full size but I have no need for one.
I am glad this truck is finally coming this fall. I miss my ’06 Z71. I look forward to purchasing my own. The one I had was just the perfect size for my body, gardening work and style! I am very excited to see and read more about the truck. It is functional, stylish, seems comfortable in side and well engineered.
I want this truck for my stables!
It looks good!
Thanks
I love my 2003 ZR2 pickup (5sp. 4.3l) However, the plastics are breaking and its getting harder to find oem parts. Also, getting 17mpg at best is not great. I would LOVE to upgrade to a new ZR2!
I owned a 2000 s10 zr2. I loved the aggressive, stock look. And the smaller frame made it a very nimble off-roader. I only wished it had more power. After 10+ years things starting breaking, so I sold it. I’ve been looking for my next ZR2 ever since. This may be it, but I want a diesel option.
I still have my 2002 S10 ZR2 which I bought new in Dec ’01. The first gen Colorado left a lot to be desired and was definitely NOT an upgrade over my ZR2. This 2nd generation of Colorado’s is definitely much improved and if Chevy makes a ZR2 Offroad model I will DEFINITELY buy one.
BUT PLEASE have the following OPTIONS available:
– extended cab
– manual transmission with V6 and 4×4.
– 3.73 gears
That would truly make it PERFECT.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e24/TexZR2/GrandTetons.jpg
Yes,Yes,Yes please build this.
Would love to see the gmc Canyon zr2 with a 6.0 version 600 hp 545 torque the ultimate offroad right off the assembly line.
I have high hopes that GM will produce the Colorado ZR2.
Absolutely… Build it.
I’ve commented before and my enthusiasm hasn’t wained. Earlier this year Trailer Life Magazine road tested a Colorado diesel 4×4 towing a trailer slightly heavier than the one I own with great results. My desire is to own a 4×4 that will tow my trailer economically to places like the Sierra’s unhitch, camp in comfort, then negotiate great trails like Deuce-Earshim (hopefully I spelled that correctly). These are high expectations!
I got mine last year from Lindsey here in Northern Virginia and I love it! It is good on fuel, comfort and power. It is a great truck!