After missing from the market for a few years, GM released the all new Colorado for the 2015 model year and in these couple years they managed to have the best selling compact truck on the US market. In order to keep their lead, the 2016 model was a small refresh with the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado receiving even more upgrades that make it a better deal than any other truck from its class. The new 2017 model comes with an upgraded powertrain, slight changes on the outside as well as different equipment groups.
All of these have been carefully thought in order to give people a better truck than last year, and so far it seems that GM might have just succeeded. Unfortunately, though, the truck is still a few months away from being available for sale. So far the price is unknown, and the EPA ratings haven’t been released.
Source: gmauthority.com
2017 Chevrolet Colorado Engine?
What is under the hood?
The base engine on the new 2017 Chevrolet Colorado is the older 2.5 liter naturally aspirated inline 4. This still makes 200 horsepower and 191 lb-ft of torque which is more than the direct competitors. The new 2.8 liters turbocharged diesel has been left unchanged as well. This continues to make 181 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque which is more than enough for those looking to tow large loads. Both of these engines can be had with rear or all-wheel drive and with a six-speed automatic gearbox. This is not going to change for the 2017 model.
The upgrade here consists out of the new V6 engine. The new Colorado has been fitted with the all new LGZ 3.6 liter naturally aspirated V6. This now makes 308 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque which is a small improvement over the older V6. It is the same engine as in the brand new Cadillac CTS, but it makes slightly less power. Despite that, it still offers the improved variable valve timing and direct injection as well as an active fuel management system. This will disable two-cylinder during light throttle which should improve its fuel efficiency. On top of that, unlike the other two which are available with a six-speed automatic, this gets a brand new eight-speed automatic gearbox.
This is similar in weight to the older six-speed unit while offering a much wider gear-ratio. So far the EPA ratings are not available, but it seems GM is expecting incremental upgrades over the older powertrain. On top of that, the maximum tow-rating might also be improved thanks to it. In any case, the new V6 will offer more power and torque as well as better fuel efficiency without actually costing more.
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The rumored ZR2 is expected to receive, as the base engine, the all new V6 powertrain while as an option it should get the 2.8-liter diesel. Some rumors suggested that this would receive the ten speed automatic that GM has been developing for some time. However, considering that the regular 2017 Chevrolet Colorado just received the eight-speed unit, we are positive that this will eventually be seen across all engines. Even though many people said that they wished for the ten speed, the eight-speed gearbox is still great at offering a lot more versatility than the six-speed box. It will provide a lower gear-ratio in the first gear while pushing less-rpm at highway speeds for improved fuel consumption.
Source: gmauthority.com
The platform
Like before, the new Colorado is using the same body-on-frame design and the same chassis. Even though it hasn’t received that many upgrades, the chassis is still as capable as ever. The 2017 model, while not official for now, is also expected to bring on the market an entirely new trim level but more on that later. The price is likely not going to change all that much, but it remains to be seen.
The exterior changes
Over the previous model, the new 2017 Chevrolet Colorado is set to come with a few differences. For starters, two color options have been removed as well as the Midnight special edition trim level. Also, the Z71 Trail Boss trim level has been removed which is a bit of a surprise for many. Some other features such as the bed protection package or the 18-inch 5-spoke wheels are gone as well. In their place, GM added a few new things. The two new colors are the Graphite Metallic and the Cajun Red Tincoat. There is a new Custom Special Edition which gets body-colored grille, door handles, mirrors, rear bumper and new 18 inch rims. A new stripe package has also been added to the range.
The largest upgrade though has to be the ZR2 model. So far this has not been confirmed by GM, but it has been spied testing numerous times so far and considering that the Z71 Trail Boss is gone, the ZR2 should replace it completely. This should get the upgraded suspension and wheels as well as the new front and rear bumpers. This model has been rumored ever since the concept debuted but so far not much has been known. The test mules were looking very similar to the original concept so expect to get a taller suspension system, more aggressive tires, a hood bulge as well as a lot of aftermarket parts to upgrade it.
Source: gmauthority.com
The cabin
Unlike its exterior, the interior of the new Colorado has been left pretty much untouched. This is very similar to the 2015 model, but the materials have been slightly improved over the years. On top of that, the old 4.2-inch color screen is gone. In its place, GM added the 7-inch touch-screen with MyLink as standard which is a massive upgrade for anyone. There is also a new teen-driver mode which should limit some of the truck’s functions.
The seats, upholstery as well as most of the other features have been left unchanged. At this point, it still is unclear what type of upgrades the ZR2 will receive, but it seems it might not be as impressive as some rumors suggested in the past.
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