You have questions and we have answers. Today’s Ask TFLTruck questions comes from Chris Gregson:
Hey guys,
Love your shows, and the website too!
I am waiting to buy a new Colorado / Canyon, and want to at least wait for the diesel option to see the specs and price. With the ZR2 “concept” out there, I am curious to know what your thoughts are on that becoming reality, in a scale of 1-10.
What a great question Chris and that’s a question that we asked GM. But before we give you the answer let’s recap. At last year’s LA Auto Show GM debuted this crazy cool truck concept (see video below). It’s positioned between the Ford F150 SVT Raptor and the upcoming Chevrolet Colorado diesel. The Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Concept is fitted with a 181 horsepower, 2.8-liter Duramax turbo-diesel, it cranks out 369 lbs-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is the only transmission available.
Will GM build it? When we asked GM this question our GM contact said he would love to build it. Unfortunately, it’s not up to the PR department so the official answer is we don’t know. We do know that the diesel powered Colorado will be in the Chevy dealerships this fall. We suspect it will depend on how well (or not) the truck sells. If you guys buy them, it will be a much easier for GM to justify the cost and company resources that it will take to actually build and sell the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2.
Also, I have read on the internet, so it must be true, that GMC is working on a Jeep fighter…
I am definitely willing to wait longer, IF a GMC Jeep fighter comes out. But as we all know, rumors are just that… RUMORS, until we see a test mule or spy shot, or even a concept at a show.
What would you say about these scenarios and the desire to own some kind of smaller GM truck with off road capabilities???
Would you have any insight into these possibilities and if so, timeframes for future plans from GM?
Thanks for any help on this “problem” !
Another great question Chris.
We have no confirmation from GM that they are back in the Hummer business. But Jeep is selling crossovers and specifically Jeep Wranglers as fast as they can built them. In fact, for the first time last year Jeep sold in excess of 1 million units. That’s a lot of Jeeps and a lot of profit for the darling of the FCA brands. We can’t imagine that other car manufactures have not taken note of the current off-road AWD vehicle craze. There is just too much profit on the table for car manufacturers like GM and perhaps even Ford with a new Bronco (even though Ford continues to deny new Bronco rumors) to not get in the serious off-road vehicle game.
We suspect that at the next LA Auto Show we’ll see a concept or two from large car manufacturers that will take the Wrangler head on for off-pavement worthiness. But keep in mind that from concept to showroom floor is a very long road. Don’t look for new Hummer or Bronco like vehicles at your GMC or Ford dealership for at least a couple of years…if not longer.
