By Zane Merva
Executive Editor, GM-Trucks.com
11/20/2014

The infamous ZR2 moniker has returned. Introduced at the 2014 LA Auto Show, the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Concept offers a first look at what a from-the-factory off-road Colorado might look like.

The first ZR2 pickup was produced in 1994 and was available as an option on the compact S-10. It added a beefed up rear axle, wider suspension track, larger BFG All-Terrrain KO tires, and four-wheel drive. Powered by a huge 4.3L V6, the ZR2 was unstoppable off-road. Unfortunately, when the S-10 was shelved in 2003, so was the ZR2.

Now, in 2014, it looks like it may return. Introduced last night in Los Angles, the Colorado ZR2 concept is modified extensively from a "stock" Chevrolet Colorado. Most dramatically, the ZR2 is four-inches wider than a factory Colorado. The ZR2 also has a 2-inch lift, unique front and rear fascias, flip out tow hooks, and electronic locking front/rear differentials.

Read here to see the official horsepower and torque figures for the 2.8L Duramax Engine

The Colorado ZR2 is all about off-road capability and is designed in the spirit of a pre-runner. New front control arms are paired with new shocks that have reserve reservoirs mounted in the front fascia. Approach and departure have been greatly improved over the stock Colorado's 25/21 degree angles. The ZR2 has a 30.7 degree approach angle and a 22.7 degree departure angle.

Main features of the Colorado ZR2 Concept

• Builds on Colorado Z71 as a platform
• Four inches wider than production Z71
• Two-inch lift kit
• Integrated skid plates
• 30.7-degree approach / 22.7-degree departure
• Flip-out aluminum tow hooks
• Front winch integrated with front fascia
• Mono-tune coil-over shock absorbers by King
• Electronic front/rear locking differentials
• 18-inch aluminum multi-spoke bead-lock rims
• Custom wheel flares
• All new grille and headlight housings
• New front and rear fascia
• Cyprus Green Exterior Color with Henna Orange accents
• ZR2 logos on exterior and interior
• 2.8L Duramax Diesel / 181-hp & 369 lb-ft

Chevrolet is giving strong signals that the ZR2 will be produced. See this quote; “Chevrolet has a heritage of the ZR2 representing the ultimate in production-based off-road capability and we’ll gauge the public’s interest in this concept as we continue to explore the possibilities for the all-new Colorado.”

As any current or prior ZR2 owner will attest, the idea that the RPO code could make a come back is exciting. Look for more details about the ZR2 in the future, tell Chevrolet you want one, and cross your fingers!

 

By Zane Merva
Executive Editor, GM-Trucks.com
11/20/2014


General Motor's 2.8L Duramax Diesel will produce 181-horsepower at 3,400-rpm & 369 lb-ft of torque at 2,000-rpm when it goes on sale next year as an optional engine for the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon..

The company released the official power figures at the LA Auto Show this week as part of the Colorado ZR2 Concept's unveiling. The smaller "baby" Duramax is rumored to be eventually paired with GM's new 8-speed transmission but may start attached to a 6-speed.

With close to 400 lb-ft of torque, the new mid-size Colorado and Canyon are expected to have full-size-pickup-like capacity when equipped with the new 2.8L diesel engine. GM-Trucks.com will have more information on the new diesel as it becomes available.