The 2017 Chevrolet Colorado is getting a powertrain reset of sorts, as Chevy has just announced that its 2017 model year midsize pickup truck 2017 will be the lucky recipient of a new V6 gasoline engine and a segment-exclusive eight-speed automatic transmission. It feels good to have (at least some of) the updates we predicted for the 2017 Colorado be confirmed.
About the engine: the new 3.6L V-6 LGZ (a variant of the 3.6L V-6 LGX) replaces the last-generation 3.6L V-6 LFX. The new six-banger delivers three more horsepower and six more pound-feet of twist over its predecessor. However, the biggest benefits of the new mill aren’t in overall power outputs, but rather in overall drivability and refinement.
Like all members of GM’s second-generation DOHC V-6 engine family, the 3.6L LGZ features improved aspiration and direct injection, as well as Active Fuel Management, which shuts down two cylinders during operation when deemed appropriate.
Meanwhile, the new eight-speed 8L45 automatic transmission offers a wider overall gear ratio than the six-speed 6L50 it replaces, enabling the 2017 Colorado a more purposeful and sure-footed scoot. The powertrain combo is said to particularly shine when carrying a heavy load or when trailering. Chevrolet has not yet provided fuel economy ratings for the new engine and transmission combination.
“Customers made the Colorado an overnight success and it remains one of the industry’s hottest-selling products,” said Anita Burke, Colorado chief engineer. “That fast success has justified our continued investment in midsize pickups, introducing new features for our customers such as the class-exclusive diesel engine, advanced technologies like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and now a class-leading V-6 and eight-speed automatic powertrain combination.”
Besides the new V-6 motor and 8-speed automatic, the 2017 Colorado also sees various other updates, changes and new features that you can see at this link: 2017 Chevrolet Colorado updates and changes.
The 2017 Chevy Colorado, including models with the new V6 engine and eight-speed automatic transmission, will arrive in the fourth quarter of 2016.
More 2017 Chevrolet Colorado Information
- General 2017 Chevrolet Colorado info
Comments
That is a great move ! Now bring the ZR2 . I love my 2015 Colorado !
Think the 8 speed will make it behind the baby max diesel?
Don’t forget about the ZQ8 !! Hey, I can dream, can’t I ??
Great news, was hoping for the 4.3 or V8 but at least we are getting upgrades to make an already good truck even better!
My patience is paying off, hopefully we get more color choices to!
4.3 and a V8 options are for the fullsize and fullsize alone. It’s more likely a 2.0T or 2.5T will find it’s way into the midsizers
2.5T?
Haven’t heard of this engine for NA.
Fantastic news, will make vehicle much more appealing to those with a little heavier foot.
Will help separate itself from competition which is what it is all about!
I have not seen the numbers but it appears they added more torque. That will help towing and feel of drivability.
As for the V8 I would let that go. The whole idea was to get people to down size truck and engines. Also the V8 based on what I have seen may not even fit in this one. The 90 Degree 4.3 might also be a tight fit too.
Now they are offering a sun roof this is for sure on my list now.
scott3,
Torque has increased by six pound-feet. Nothing substantial, but the LGX is a far better engine than the LFX in terms of refinement.
Cheers,
-Sean
Update: it would appear that GM assigned RPO code LGZ to the 3.6L V-6 in the 2017 Colorado. It’s the same engine as the 3.6L V-6 LGX, albeit with a seemingly different tune. Stay tuned as we find out more.
I know of one owner who put a LS in a Colorado, so yes the V8 will fit in the Twins.
The V8 in the (2nd gen) is my wish/dream, we all know that it will probably never happen. Until the truck is either remodled (gen 3) or discontinued the possibility is still there. The V8 will fit in the gen 2, serch coloradofan.com ( sorry GMA) for ( 680 miles too many… time for the V8 ) and it fit in the gen 1 didn’t it?
Y’all need to quit with the let goes or give up on’s, if enough people requested it you never know.
Maybe they have the ZR2 with a 4.10 axle ratio for use with the bigger tires. This truck will be sweet!
I’ve heard the ZR2 WILL be released in early 2017 as part of the Colorado Line up.
Let’s hope so!
So this is the only upgrade? No other features or content?
Cam — this is just part of the announcement. We will know about the complete list of updates later this month or in September/October.
My Z71 Colorado has never given me any trouble, except for the fancy step rail coming
Apart. I like this truck.
Like all members of GM’s second-generation DOHC V-6 engine family, the 3.6L LGZ features improved aspiration and direct injection, as well as Active Fuel Management, which shuts down two cylinders during operation when deemed appropriate.
Put in a CD Player, move the gear shifter to the steering column.
Will the V6 and 8 speed trans also be available in the GMC Canyon?
Ron
Good news for an already good vehicle! A shark fin antenna would also be a nice touch.
They already have a fin-esque antenna. And although the Colorado isnt as tall, having the old school wire antenna on my Silverado is handy as it’s 2″ higher than my roofline, good indicator for parking garages.
Oh, thanks for that. Same with my Silverdo.
Thought the photo showed wire antenna mounted to roof of the Colorado…unlike mounted to fender of Silverado.
Scott 3 my friend don’t be negative about Chevy giving the Colorado A V8 and it will fit ! If a 4.3 fit in the S10 ,It will fit in the larger Mid size Colorado !!
This engine is advertised as the same displacement, but it has increased to 3649cm2 from 3564cm2. This is a nice displacement increase that will be appreciated. It is also designed for a faster warmup. Sounds like a sweet engine.
I love my 2015 truck too. I just wish they had put an assist grip overhead so I could get in easier on driver’s side as I am a short lady. This is my second Colorado. Great truck.
I would like to see an LTZ Colorado with interior refinements. much like the silverado LTZ
In Oct. 2016 I traded in my 2014 Silverado LT Regular cab RWD for a fully loaded 2014 Volt Premium and really like it. I have an old 1989 Chevy 1500 RWD for when I need to haul or tow big stuff but would really like to see the Volt powertrain installed in a Colorado 4X4. 😀 I know VIA is doing this with the Silverado.
Now if GM can only design an 8 speed transmission that doesn’t self destruct in 30k miles.
nice one