Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 to Launch Spring 2017

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The Colorado ZR2, a performance variant of the Chevrolet Colorado that was designed to be a foot narrower and 500 pounds lighter than full-size, off-road trucks, will go on sale in North America next spring.

Compared to the standard Colorado truck, the ZR2 features a wider track and a lifted suspension. Functional rockers have also been added for better performance over rocks and obstacles, and the front and rear bumpers have been modified for better off-road clearance.

Class-exclusive features include front and rear electronic locking differentials, available diesel engine, and the first off-road application of Multimatic Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve damper technology.

“Our engineers have been incredibly successful developing Corvette and Camaro performance variants with broad performance envelopes,” says Mark Reuss, executive vice president of General Motors Co. “The ZR2 applies that same philosophy to off-road performance. You can go rock crawling on Saturday, desert running on Sunday, and comfortably drive to work on Monday.”

Steel-tube, functional rocker protectors, which are designed to shield the body side of the vehicle, will be standard equipment on the ZR2. The Colorado ZR2 also features aluminum wheels wrapped in 31-inch Goodyear Duratrac off-road tires for improved traction, as well as a bed mounted spare tire carrier.

In an effort to increase the tire clearance when approach obstacles, the front bumper of the vehicle has tapered ends, as well as an aluminum skid plate to protect the radiator and engine oil pan. Above the bumper, the ZR2 features a new grille and hood with a black insert.

The vehicle, has a four-wheel drive system, electronic-locking differentials in the front and rear, a new “Off-Road Mode” button, and more.

The ZR2 shares its powertrains with the 2017 Colorado, and it will be available with a gas or diesel engine.

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet does business in more than 115 countries and sells more than 4 million cars and trucks a year. For the development of the Colorado ZR2, Chevrolet created new off-road test areas at General Motors’ Proving Ground in Yuma, Ariz., which is located on 2,400 acres and features a range of tracks, laboratories, and courses.