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Chevrolet Colorado ZR2
The ZR2 is rumored to be an upcoming variant of the Chevrolet Colorado midsize pickup truck designed for superior off-road capability.
Timeframe
Though we initially believed that Colorado ZR2 would launch for the 2016 model year, GM Authority now firmly believes that the truck will debut in 2016 as a 2017 model year vehicle. Its debut could take place at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2016.
More information on the 2017 Colorado ZR2.
Features & Equipment
We expect the 2017 Colorado ZR2 to have the following features and equipment:
Exterior:
- Higher ground clearance than the non-ZR2 Colorado
- More extreme approach and departure angles, with the ZR2 Concept having 30.7 and 22.7 degrees, respectively. By comparison, the 2015 Colorado Z71 has 25 degree approach and 21 degree departure angles.
- New front and rear fascias, including integrated flip-out aluminum tow hooks, with a built-in winch in the front and the removal of the CornerStep feature in the rear bumper for a better departure angle.
- Possible flared wheel wells
- Custom bead-lock wheels
- Capable road/off-road tires; the ZR2 concept featured 275/65R18 off-road tires.
- Full-size matching spare wheel/tire assembly mounted in the bed with a quick-release handle.
- Protective spray-in bed liner
- Available GearOn accessories
- 48-inch Hi-Lift jack
- ZR2 badges
- Unique hood insert similar to those of GM’s Heavy Duty trucks
Chassis & Suspension:
- Upgraded shock absorbers. The ZR2 concept featured King Off-Road Racing mono-tube coil-over shocks designed for greater suspension travel.
- ZR2-specific front control arms
- Electronic-locking front and rear differentials
Powertrain:
- A choice of 3.6L V-6 LFX gasoline or 2.8L Duramax Turbo-Diesel I-4 LWN engines
- Six-speed or eight-speed automatic transmission
Interior:
- Special interior color combination and stitching possible
- Four additional toggle switches: two for winch in and winch out operation; and two for the electronic front- and rear-locking differentials.
A concept version of the vehicle was revealed at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2014.
More information on the Chevy Colorado ZR2 Concept.
Spy Shots
Since the reveal of the Colorado ZR2 Concept, prototypes of the production-intent Colorado ZR2 have been spotted on various occasions, including:
- Undergoing testing in February 2016
- Undergoing desert testing in July 2016 (Crew Cab version)
- Undergoing testing in May 2016 (Extended Cab version)
Trademark
In addition, General Motors filed a trademark application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for the term ZR2 in August of 2012. The automaker has continued to pursue the ZR2 trademark into 2013, 2014, and 2015.
