2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Aims To Be An Off-Road Renaissance Man
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You asked for it, and Chevrolet has delivered. This is the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 in all its off-road glory. The brand took to a private event in Los Angeles to introduce what it thinks will be a “segment of one” when it comes to the Colorado ZR2’s capabilities.
To start, the Colorado ZR2 gains a much wider track (wider by three and a half inches) and a lifted suspension but adds multiple details to up its off-road credentials little by little, including the first application of Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve (DSSV) dampers.
These dampers were most recently used on the fifth-generation Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 and are position sensitive, optimized for everyday driving. However, when the not so beaten path calls, a third, piston-mounted spool valve delivers additional, uniquely tuned, compression damping. The front dampers also employ a separate rebound valve, which comes into play when the suspension approaches full extension.
The 2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 adds electronic locking differentials at the front and rear, plus an AutoTrac transfer case, which the brand says is a segment exclusive.
Extensive work has been done to ensure the differentials operate seamlessly with the traction control, stability control and hill-descent control. Complimenting this all is a new “Off-Road Mode” button. In combination with the traction control switch, it allows the anti-lock brakes, traction control, and stability control calibrations to be tailored to different driving conditions.
As for power, yes, there will be an available diesel engine. Chevrolet didn’t provide many details on the oil burner, but did state the 3.6-liter LGZ V6 will serve as a standard engine. The gasoline V6, good for 308 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque, will be mated to GM’s eight-speed automatic transmission.
In the design department, Chevrolet has kept much of the concept vehicle’s tough looks and help them transgress into production. The brand states public response was so overwhelmingly positive that it knew it must keep the final design true to its concept form. We’d have to agree, the Colorado ZR2 looks quite good.
And, even with combined looks and capability, the 2017 Colorado ZR2 will still have no issue towing up to 5,000 pounds.
We say the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 could be a renaissance man because of the brand’s high hopes. Chevy thinks this is the truck you can off road on Saturday, rock crawl and Sunday and take to work on Monday. We shall see, but this looks promising.
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Job well done! Would like to see a little more power tough.
As it is this one has the right parts but be prepared it will not be cheap. But if you want better and more than just a sticker package you have to pay for it.
The Diesel will have the torque when you need it down low off-road and the fuel mileage for the drive home. 90% of people using it offroad will be on some slow moving trail, not everybody lives near Pismo Beach to go blasting over dunes and bending frames.
Most people will not be doing major off off Road. they will do a trail or field now and then but only a small number will do real major off road. Kind of like Corvette too few enjoy real track time.
As for Diesel. They will be a small part of production as most people will opt for the gas engine. Just easier to find and cheaper to buy. Yes they get more MPG but many have a phobia for paying for more per gallon.
Not saying it Is right but just the way it is.
We already see too may polished Raptors in parking decks vs. trails.
Great job, thank-you Chevrolet! ZR2 marks the Renaissance of Chevy trucks!!
Thank goodness Chevrolet finally dlivered a true off road truck now can we please get a Silverado zr2
Thank you GM…wow front locking diff!
This thing will pack a punch…just be prepared to pay for it. Perhaps ~$50k for a mid-size pickup? Let’s hope not. Very, very sharp!
I expect it to start no less than $49K and optioned up it will have to be mid $50’s at best.
The Z71 loaded now can go almost for $50K as it is now. Gas models are on lots at $47-48K.
The question will be will people pay the price for the model we are getting. It is a step up like the Z/28 is over the SS. In other words a big step up but will people pay and how many.
I hope they do so we get more models like this and many of the parts will trickle down to the other models over time making them better and less decal models.
Hell’s to the YES, that is one sweet truck. It will be interesting to see how well the shocks work, wonder if they will be tunable on the fly? That would be good!
Looks great.
Now where is the ZQ8?
FINALLY! GM brings a coveted concept to reality.
If this sells good, they should offer a ZR2 Alpha, with a 6.2 V8.
I hope these DSSV dampers are all they’re hyped up to be, if they are then GM should improve all Z71 models with these shocks.
Not sure the V8 would fit easily or with out additional structural changes that would make them recrash test the platform.
The intent of this truck was to get people out of full size trucks with V8 engine in the first place. More power to the V6 could be done more easily.
The dampers are better than the Hype. Not cheap but much better than the Hype.
The reason they will not be on the Z71 comes down to price. That is why they are not on the SS or ZL1.
In the auto industry every move has a consequence.
@ scott3
Oh, the 6.2 will fit, If Toyota put a DOHC 4.7 V8 in a little Tacoma, GM can fit a SBC in a Colorado. http://www.motor1.com/news/12036/toyota-tacoma-v8-incross-concept-at-sema-2008/
So what if hey do crash retests, they did with the H3 Alpha (yeah I know “and where’s the H3 now?”),
not knocking the 3.6, I think it’s also a good choice for this truck, I doubt GM would put the 6.2 in the Colorado but it would be a BEASTLY option.
How do you know they’re better than the hype, have you tested a ZR2? I hope you’re right.
If these shocks are that good I’d like some for my 08 Silverado (tuned specifically for the Silvy of course).
The V6 Twin Turbo from the caddy ATS-V would fit nicely. Since the turbo’s are mounted direct to the cylinder heads now, make space packaging and less weight a benefit.
First you have no clue on development cost. The ZR2 is only expected to 5% of all sales and a much higher priced v8 while a nice idea would only be 2% of total volume at best. This is one of those things you just have to have a clue about to fully understand.
As for the shocks I am familiar with this style since I have worked with this style before. I work in the racing industry where disc shocks are not a new item.
Just by a Mallet supercharger kit and you will have plenty of power. And GM will not lose money. Yes it will not void the warranty.
Also this is more of a rock climber and technical level 4 trail truck so it has more than enough power for that.
Because of the price many will buy it now that will not buy at $50k. I will have one in about 3 months once it is built and price was a very important thing. The truck is a value where it is now raise the price and then you may as well buy a Raptor.
It’s nice to see this make a comeback and also as a worthy successor to the previous one.
The wheels are hideous