Holden Colorado Z71 Xtreme Goes Hunting For Ford Raptors Down Under

With the shutdown of its manufacturing operations, Holden may be consigned to importing other GM products from overseas and marketing them under its own name.

But that doesn’t mean it can’t upgrade them in the process – and that’s just what it’s done with the new Colorado Z71 Xtreme.

Previewed by the concept first shown (by Chevy) in Bangkok two years ago, the Holden Colorado Z71 Xtreme is just what the General’s Australian division needs to take on the Ford Ranger Raptor.

Even more extreme (as the name will tell you) than the existing Z71, the new version boasts an upgraded front suspension, all-terrain tires, flared fenders, black grille, hood bulge, roof rack, tubular side steps, recovery hooks, LED auxiliary lighting, and a 10,000-pound winch with a 30-meter (nearly 100-foot) synthetic tow line.

It’s powered by a 2.8-liter Duramax turbodiesel that produces 197 horsepower (147 kW). That’s down on the Ranger Raptor’s 210 hp (157 kW), but it boasts the same 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque that’s channeled through the six-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels.

“The Colorado Xtreme was a concept car that resonated with our customers, and to not only put it into production, but elevate it, is very exciting,” said Holden’s Product Marketing Manager, Andre Scott.

“As a base vehicle, the Colorado Z71 is already very capable, so we’ve expanded our Genuine Accessories range for additional off-road capability. Cue the Holden Winch system, the Xtreme’s hero accessory, which is a game-changer. Backed up with a long list of accessories, customers can have confidence that their ute will not only look rugged but will be able to perform in the harshest of environments.”