Chevrolet’s Colorado lineup has just welcomed a new performance halo model, dubbed the ZR2 and set to debut at Los Angeles Auto Show.

Although the Colorado ZR2 is based around the standard Colorado, it incorporates a plethora of changes, including a significantly wider track as well as lifted suspension. This new suspension setup consists of Multimatic Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve damper technology and is the first time Multimatic’s DSSV suspension system has been used for off-road purposes.

The DSSV dampers were first used by the 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 and offer a number of performance advantages, according to Chevrolet. In particular, the dampers offer supreme ride comfort and handling performance both on- and off-road when compared to typical dampers.

For the Colorado ZR2, they include aluminium bodies each of which houses two spool valves providing compression and rebound damping. Meanwhile there is also a third spool valve, mounted on a piston, which is activated during off-road use to offer excellent damping.

Beyond its suspension setup, the ZR2 bears a striking visual resemblance to the concept variant first shown at the LA Auto Show two years ago. Key differences between the ZR2 and other Colorado models include the aggressive new side profile, steel-tube rocker protectors, 17×8 inch aluminium wheels and 31-inch Goodyear Duratrac off-road tires. The front and rear track have also been widened by three and a half inches.

Additional components exclusive to the ZR2 include an aluminium skid plate incorporated into the front bumper, a shield protecting the transfer case, a new front grille and a bed-mounted spare tire carrier.

Helping to make the Colorado ZR2 so capable off the beaten path is the option of nine drive configurations for the advanced four-wheel drive system. Drivers can opt for a pure two-wheel drive experience, 2WD with a locked rear differential, auto 4WD, auto 4WD with locked rear diff, 4WD Hi with locked transfer case, 4WD Hi with locked transfer case and locked rear diff, 4WD Lo with locked transfer case, 4WD Lo with locked transfer case and rear diff and finally, 4WD Lo with a locked transfer case and locked front and rear differentials.

In laymens terms, this essentially means the ZR2 will be able to handle all manner of difficult off-road terrain with a simple change of the drive selector.

Power for the model comes courtesy of a 3.6-liter V6 engine delivering 308 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque and mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. A Duramax diesel with 181 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque is also available.

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