The full-on off-road ZR2 version of the Chevy Colorado is all but official. We know that California EPA (CA-ARB) has began certification of a Colorado ZR2 with a 3.6L gasoline V6 engine. We have seen other ZR2 prototypes and test mules testing in the wild. Finally, we expect the production version of the ZR2 pickup to be officially unveiled at the 2016 LA Auto Show in mid-November. Will the truck be only available with a gasoline V6, or will there be other engine options? Nathan and Andre caught this diesel-powered ZR2 test truck in the Rocky Mountains. If the ZR2 goes into production with two engine options, this is great news for off-road enthusiasts everywhere.
This 3.6L gasoline V6 engine will be mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain combination should satisfy many customers. However, if you require greater driving range and more low-end torque (369 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000 rpm), then the 2.8L turbo-diesel I4 Duramax will be very attractive.
How much will the ZR2 cost? Official prices have not yet been announced. The 2016 Chevy Colorado Z71 4×4 with the V6 gas motor starts around $36,000. The Z71 4×4 with the 2.8L Duramax diesel begins at around $40,000. You can expect the turbo-diesel ZR2 to be around $4,000 more than the gasser.
The ZR2 will compete against the 2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro. The gas V6-powered TRD Pro can be optioned at around $45,000. The ZR2 will have to be priced around the same level to compete. A fully loaded ZR2 Duramax could potentially approach the $50,000 mark.
Although the gas-powered ZR2 is labeled as a 2017 model by the CA-ARB, we think (if green-lighted) the diesel ZR2 will come at a later date, hence the 2018 model year label.
Check out the prototype hunt video here.
