GM is killing two birds with one stone with its LA Auto Show Colorado concept truck that brings back the ZR2 badge while also introducing us to its new 2.8L Duramax diesel engine that will join the lineup next year.
The four-cylinder diesel unit produces an estimated 181 horsepower at 3,400 rpm and 369 lb-ft of torque at 2,000 rpm and is paired to a six-speed automatic transmission.
“This new Duramax diesel engine will take efficient capability to an entirely new plateau for the midsize truck segment,” said Colorado marketing manager, Tony Johnson. “Its broad torque band makes it very powerful at low rpm, while the turbocharged performance provides a confident feeling of immediate and smooth power on demand – attributes customers will appreciate when trailering.”
GM is also gauging the public’s interest for an extreme styling and off-road handling package with the ZR2 moniker.
The concept has a 4-inch wider body and wider tracks than the Colorado Z71 along with new front and rear fascias to increase approach and departure angles when driving off road (30.7 and 22.7 degrees, respectively, versus the Z71’s 25/21 degrees), a two-inch suspension lift, and integral skid plates.
It rides on 275/65R18 off-road tires mounted on custom 18-inch aluminum bead-lock-style wheel, and also gets wheel flares, a bespoke front grille, blacked out lights and a power-dome style hood.
On the inside, Chevy says the concept has a modified instrument cluster, a custom inclinometer and Jet Black leather-trimmed seats and panels.
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