Arguably the single biggest topic on the minds of Chevy Colorado fans and enthusiasts involves the long-awaited Colorado refresh, otherwise known as an update, facelift, or mid-cycle enhancement (MCE). As luck would have it, the most recent spy shots of the rumored Colorado ZR2 Bison seem to provide some clues about the highly-anticipated update.
Spy shots of the Colorado ZR2 Bison (left) appear to be hiding a mid-cycle refresh of the current Colorado ZR2 (right)
The biggest clue that the snorkel-wielding ZR2 Bison prototype is, in fact, hiding the upcoming Colorado refresh involves the vast amounts of camouflage on the front end. The logic here is quite simple: had the ZR2 Bison been a simple suspension upgrade and snorkel package for the Colorado, it probably would not be wearing so much camo.
Curious Front End
Looking closely at the camouflage of the prototype seems to reveal a front grille treatment similar to that introduced on the Colorado ZR2 AEV concept, which features “CHEVROLET” written out across the front grille. In addition, the camouflaged prototype seems to feature a revised headlight design along with a front bumper treatment similar to that on the ZR2 AEV concept. Notably, the new front bumper seems to reach slightly lower than on the current Colorado ZR2, while not sacrificing the model’s very capable approach angle.
Colorado ZR2 AEV Concept
Spy shots of a camouflaged Chevy Colorado ZR2 prototype, potentially called ZR2 Bison, rumored to be hiding the Colorado facelift
Revised Rear End
There’s also a significant amount of camouflage covering up the rear end, including the box and the rear bumper, making us believe that what we’re looking at is the Colorado refresh, which will also launch the Colorado ZR2 Bison variant.
Colorado Refresh Overview
The Colorado refresh has been on the minds of many Colorado owners and those generally interested in Chevy’s midsize truck. A significant amount of interest surrounds whether the facelift, which will likely launch for the 2020 model year, will address various points of contention with the current truck, such as the lack of a sunroof, push-button start, or a range-topping LTZ/High Country trim.
Some are also anticipating the Colorado refresh to introduce the Colorado ZR2 Bison, which is rumored to be a more capable variant of the already-competent Colorado ZR2, with an even even more capable suspension system, among other upgrades when compared to the “regular” Colorado ZR2.
Discussion
Discuss the 2020 Colorado refresh and Colorado ZR2 Bison in our Chevrolet forum.
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Comments
We covered this ground in the last post of the same photos.
It is padded but this should hold the 2020 refresh. No major changes but a new nose and tailgate.
The mule has the Bison grill with Chevrolet on it. Will this be the new cooperate nose? The Full size has a similar one on the 2019.
Note the nose is more rounded due to padding but that is hiding the new lines.
Changes will be noticeable but not extensive as the truck will be replaced in a couple years.
Hopefully we see some more power from the 3.6L similar to that of the Camaros 335hp
We hope so, the Colorado is best midsize pickup on the market. But GM doesnt know it yet.
I’m still hoping the front gets refreshed to look more like the front of the Colorado ZH2 Military concept. I think that the more aggressive and rugged look would really fit this truck well while increasing demand.
GM, you’re making it too difficult, here let me simplify it. Bring the Trailblazer back on the colorado frame, drop a couple of high output LT1 V8 engines under the hood, give them magnetic ride, brembo brakes, active dual exhaust systems, lowered suspensions, SS badges, etc. Take the ZR2 packages, drop in the twin turbo 420hp 3.6L V6 engines and call it a day.
A couple of high output LT1 V8 engines under the hood. There’s no way that would work. You can get one under the hood but two will not fit.
…and all of (4) people would buy one and the idea would lose incredible money. Usually, the ones who spout for these ideas are always the ones who couldn’t afford it if it WAS made, or would never buy one anyway.
Nobody is going to buy a $70,000 Colorado no matter how much HP it has. Nobody in bulk that is, and GM deals in the hundreds of thousands sold with a model, not a few boutique purchases.
They should give it another snorkel on the other side; so they look like bison horns.
What would the other snorkel feed other than highway wind noise and drag?
Absolutely nothing, like 99% of the snorkels on the road right now. Also make it “look like bison horns”. Read more critically.
The Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison would be an ideal candidate to get the 310 horsepower L3B 2.7L DOHC-4V 4-cyl Turbo as it’ll be the best of both worlds, performance without sacrificing fuel eocnomy.