How cool would it be to own a Chevy Colorado ZR2 off-road truck? It was shown in concept form last month at the 2014 LA Auto Show. Now, informed sources tell TFLtruck that the truck is green-lighted for production at least by GM of Canada. The source says that Canadian dealers will be able to start ordering the off-road truck for sale in 3-6 months from now.
The 2015 Chevy Colorado is already on sale in Canada and United States. If the ZR2 goes on sale in Canada, then why not the United States?
The ZR2 is powered by a 2.8-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder “mini Duramax” engine. This little guy is estimated to produce 180 horsepower and 365 lb-ft of torque. GM has already said that this engine will go into production Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon trucks near the end of calendar 2015 as 2016 model year. Engine certification and emissions standard regulations may affect the release timelines in different countries. However, the ZR2 could go on sale at the end of 2015 in the United States along with the other mini Duramax pickups.
The ZR2 is cool because it takes the Z71 Colorado and kicks it up a few levels. Literally, it’s lifted around two inches. It’s nearly four inches wider, and accommodates off-road shocks with remote reservoirs from King. It has redesigned from and rear bumpers to further improve approach and departure angles. The ZR2 concept sports front and rear locking differentials. Of course, there is also a winch and underbody protection. This truck has serious off-road potential.
Watch this TFLtruck insider Almost Everything You Ever Wanted to Know video about the Chevy Colorado ZR2 from the 2014 LA Auto Show.
Andre Smirnov is a life-long automotive enthusiast, writer, reporter, and software engineer. He has been a contributor at TFL since 2011.
