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Here’s When 2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Production Will Start

GM unveiled the 2023 Chevy Colorado late this past July, introducing an all-new third generation complete with new exterior styling, a totally overhauled interior space, and a new powertrain to boot. Now, GM Authority has learned when production of the 2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2 is set to begin.

According to sources familiar with the matter, production of the 2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2 will kick off in April of the 2023 calendar year. This date is a little later than the production start for other variants of the third-gen Chevy Colorado, which will begin rolling off the line on January 25th, 2023, per previous GM Authority coverage.

As is the case for the current second-gen Chevy Colorado, production of the third-gen 2023 Chevy Colorado will once again take place at the GM Wentzville plant in Missouri. The Wentzville plant is the same facility that produces the GMC Canyon, Chevy Express, and GMC Savana.

The 2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2 is once again offered as the “Desert Runner” of the lineup, and features 17-inch Aluminum wheels shod in 33-inch OD MT tires. To complement the updated 2023 Chevy Colorado exterior, the ZR2 also includes a unique MIC Black grille, Flowtie badge, and a Black finish for the sideview mirrors, hood applique, window surrounds, rear bumper, and grille bar.

With regard to off-roading goodies, the 2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2 runs Multimatic DSSV dampers, trim-level specific chassis upgrades, and aluminum skid plates. The new ZR2 Desert Boss package is also available.

Under the hood, the third-gen Chevy Colorado is offered with a single powertrain, specifically the turbocharged 2.7L I4 L3B gasoline engine. The L3B is available in three states of tune depending on the trim level selected, with the 2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2 running the top 2.7L Turbo High-Output tune as standard, rated at 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque.

Four-wheel drive is also standard, as is the updated GM 8-speed automatic transmission. Under the skin is an updated version of the GMT 31XX platform.

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Jonathan is an automotive journalist based out of Southern California. He loves anything and everything on four wheels.

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Comments

  1. At this point u might as well wait for a 24 model. And hopefully they will have a bigger box by then.

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  2. Look forward to building one online so I can decide if I want this or not, same for the Canyon.

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  3. With things as they are and restrictions on builds, etc., etc., what’s the point.

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  4. Needs a V8 option. Pass.

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    1. No one has a V8 option for a midsize truck you dingus.

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  5. Hopefully someone makes a delete for that thing on the front. That and the light bar just doesn’t look good. Any news if AEV will have a Bison version?

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    1. That’s only a option for the Dessert runner. Regular ZR2 won’t have that front brush bar, I don’t like it either. Don’t like the one on the canyon either.

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  6. Hello everyone, I’m sitting here on vacation looking at the pictures of all the new GM midsize trucks that are supposed to be coming out next year. With all honesty, I think I like the new GMC Canyon more than the Chevy Colorado. I’m sure they will drive the same, but the gmc just looks better in my opinion.
    That being all said, I also read from other folks on this forum how gm should build this truck with a big v8 and special suspension with a huge lift. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I can’t help but think, how much will this cost and how will this make my simple beer-run better? Poof! It’s over that fast, Nobody but a handful of rich “manboys “ are going to buy these things. The average midsize truck buyer is not interested in $65000 trucks! The aftermarket truck parts suppliers will make all your dreams come true if you just ask them. This would be my answer for those folks who want a truly special off-road monster!
    GM is on the right path as far as the small truck market offering is concerned. At the end of the day, you have to make a profit! You can not stay in business if you don’t make money, and anything that doesn’t work towards this goal is pure waste of money and time. The next big thing is electric trucks and solid state batteries. Whoever comes to market first with a reliable and affordable one of these, is going to own the market! Tesla thinks they are going to own it, but they are not wrong. GM has an established dealer network that’s second to none, I hope they don’t screw it up. The buyers are not loyal to a brand as much, as they are value and ease of ownership. I can’t stand crappy customer service after the sale!
    I stopped buying GM for 25 years because of poor service, so I hope you’re paying attention GM.
    I get long winded sometimes, but I don’t hold nothing back, if I’m thinking it, you will hear it!

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    1. Solid state batteries…here we go again. Yawn.

      The EPA is putting aftermarket companies out of business. And at this rate of inflation, in a few years $65K trucks will be a bargain.

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  7. I like both of the midsize offerings for 23. had my mind set on a Z71 Chevy , but may opt for the Canyon AT4 base addition.
    Will need to see both in person and a test drive . Really like what i am seeing and am anxious to place my order. As soon as the ’24 orders open, usually in June of next year, I will place my order
    GM is very much on the right track with these offerings.
    Ford is the king of recalls , the new Maverick has 5 so far, Ford is rushing product to market but the quality is far from good , problems with the Maverick, Lightening , new Bronco engine failures etc.
    Chevy launches the Trail Blazer as a 21 and in the model year , it was one of the most trouble free vehicles sold in America , better than Toyota , Honda , Ford etc . and it was a first year production! This is the way to deliver a new product
    Go ahead and buy your Ford , and let it set in the dealer’s lot waiting for parts and repairs,
    No Thanks , I will stick with GM

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  8. What a great looking truck! Maybe another powertrain option later but that’s a good start.The ZR2 was already a good looking truck but the refinements are spot on,way to go Chevy!

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  9. I have had two Colorado which have been great trucks however, without the 6 foot bed option I will be looking to buy the Toyota Tacoma or Nissan Frontier.

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  10. When will we be able to build the 2023 Colorado on line

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  11. did they redesign the seats? My 2016 Colorado are like sitting on rocks.

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  12. I love my 2011 Colorado Z71 V8 engine. It is still running great under 100mi. I have been waiting for a new design cause I wasn’t happy with the recent rounded design. I will finally get to check out this new model, but we’ll see. I was hoping they keep the V8 or the diesel as an option.

    Reply

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