At the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show, Chevrolet pulled the sheets off of a one hot truck. We’re pretty sure you remember it: the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2. We’ve heard nothing but positive things about a production Colorado ZR2 from General Motors over the past year and a half. So, what’s the wait?
The truck market is hotter than ever, gas and its oil-burning cousin, diesel, are at modern all time lows, and the aftermarket performance and accessories market for pickup trucks is on fire. Just take a stroll around the SEMA show the past few years. Americans love their trucks.
While Ford reaps the rewards from the F-150 Raptor, it’s quietly building a business case for a Ford Ranger Raptor, according to our sister publication, Ford Authority. Ford has all but confirmed the Ranger is returning to do battle with the Colorado and Canyon twins but, if Chevrolet wants to capitalize on the market, which it did by re-introducing the Colorado when it did, the ZR2 needs to come first before Ford basks in the limelight again.
But, it’s not only Ford. Fiat-Chrysler is scrambling to launch its Jeep Wrangler pickup, and there’s no doubt it will be very trail rated; something the Z71 package just isn’t up to snuff with.
GM product chief, Mark Reuss, has already said the automaker has little interest in building an F-150 Raptor rival, and is much more interested in a production ZR2.
Yes, we know, capital isn’t endless blah, blah, blah. But, it’s a perfect storm, due to the conditions listed above. The time is now, and we’re ready for a true, off-road Chevrolet Colorado.
Comments
Hopefully GM was just waiting to see what the new 2016 Tacoma TRD Off-Road truck would be offering so they can produce a truck with better technology and better off-road options.
GM proved the critics wrong when the Canyon and Colorado came to market.
So GM, you just came off a profitable year . You have to know that the ZR2 would sell .
Build it for the American market . Not everything has to fit into your global plans .
GM is seriously dropping the ball here. It’s more than just building the truck. I see Raptor toys for kids everywhere, non-truck owners talk about them and even people who can’t afford a Raptor might buy a Ford anyway just because they like Raptor. The toy sales help secure a future as a young kids first truck toys might have an affect 15 years later. Delaying these special vehicles only makes the other truck makers more money. Let’s go GM and get with the program.
Well they are not dropping the ball as they are already having a hard time keeping up with production now with three shifts and skipping lunch.
Adding a new model now would not be adding to production.
Now when things slow up and the line needs a new shot in the arm you add more and interesting models in the 3+4th year. Or when Ford brings the new Ranger you counter with the new ZR2.
You don’t play your trump card till the pot is full.
It is pure Marketing. Just because some of you want it now does not mean the time is right to release it yet. You always need to hold back a little for when you need it. I suspect this and a sport suspension may be in the wings ready to drive sales when they slow a bit.
They need to put the 8 speed transmission in it, make it crew cab only, and sell the bejeesus out of it.
Agree that there are production constraints at the plant producing the mid-size trucks but this seems very typical of GM when it comes to new models or being first to market. They seem to always be DLDS, day late and a dollar short.
ZR2 looks great. seen it at last years car show. Wider than the regular Colorado.
I wish they would make this. Have the 3.6 supercharged or have the 2.8 diesel option and a crew cab I would get one in a heartbeat wouldnt care if it costed 50 grand
Also to the above post about a new Ranger or sma truck from Ford I doubt they will make one. All the other makes will have their new models soon and Ford will have waited too long
Unfortunately, Chevy will NEVER make the ZR2. The bean counters at Chevy will never let that happen. If they do decide to get into the market, it will be way too late and most likely years after the interest has passed or waned, i.e. their “blacked-out” versions of there trucks available now with “bigger, bolder Z71 badging”. Pathetic… just sad and pathetic. Don’t get me wrong, I grew up in chevys and I currently drive a 2007 NNBS CCSB Silverado LTZ Z-71, but it will be my last chevy. My next truck will be a Ford or Toyota because they are interesting and are willing to invest in “special” vehicles. That tells me that they are not afraid to take chances (very lucrative ones) and are innovators not imitators. Stay BORING Chevy. Never change. The American people won’t be there to bail you out next time. Did anyone see Ford or Toyota take money in the bailout?