There’s no denying that the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 is a very capable machine, both on and off road. However, there’s always room for improvement, as this video from Driving Line shows.
In the video we meet Kyle Bickley, the owner of this customized 2018 Colorado ZR2. He explains that the idea of Chevrolet offering a mid-size pickup to compete with other trucks on the market, like the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro, was really enticing, and once he saw the real deal, and the fact that the ZR2 offers the optional Duramax diesel, he had to have it.
Bickley further elaborates that the company he works for, Off Road Power Products, was offering a variety of modifications that fit his ride, resulting in some no-brainer upgrades, all while resulting in a bad ass overlanding rig.
In making the mods, Bickley didn’t go overboard, choosing to preserve items like the ZR2-specific suspension that make this Colorado so special. So, the Colorado ZR2 retains its Multimatic DSSV shocks, but does get a 1.25-inch front end leveling kit. When paired with the custom front bumper, the kit considerably improves the truck’s approach angle. Tucked behind that front bumper is a winch setup, which is all kinds of neat.
The body work didn’t end there, as Bickley wanted 35-inch tires on the Colorado ZR2. That was just a bit more than even the truck’s sweet fender flares could handle, so he sent the rig to the body shop, where the fenders were cut and massaged to make just enough room.
From there, a set of 4.56 gears help the Colorado ZR2’s diesel powertrain to spin those big rollers. Power should not be an issue with this particular ZR2, as it has been fitted with an upgraded air intake and emissions-friendly ECU tune, which bumps the power to a claimed 217 whp. Bickley claims the setup is about as fuel efficient as the standard truck, offering around 16 MPG while towing and 20 MPG, overall.
But it’s not a real overland build until we see what’s in the bed, and Bickley’s Colorado ZR2 does not disappoint. A configurable cargo rack stows a spare 35-inch tire, fuel canisters, canteens and a large tent with an annex for Bickley’s family of four to go camping in.
It’s a sweet ride, and an excellent reminder of why Chevrolet builds vehicles like the Colorado ZR2, so people can go out and really enjoy them.
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Comments
Chevrolet may build it, but they refuse to build what I really want…a 6 speed manual transmission, a sunroof option, and more color choices, both exterior and interior! I am sure we are not too far away from the extinction of the extended cab and regular cab trucks as well, since dealers must be instructed by Chevrolet to only order crew cabs for stock. That way Chevy can say that crew cabs make up 90% of sales and discontinue the others. Just like the black interior as the only option. Wasn’t it Henry Ford that said you can have any color you want, as long as it is black? Very disappointing, I would buy one tomorrow if I could get what I want.
I have extended cads at all my area dealers in stock. Extended cab is not going away.
I do agree with better interior colors. But they have many ever changing exterior colors.
Sorry but no manual will be coming as it is just getting too hard to sell them and emissions are difficult to meet.
What did you do about the outside of the front tire rubbing the frame at full turn?