'17 Colorado ZR2 - Dual lockers, diesel, + More

mrbadwrench · Nov 15, 2016

Unveiled today. Production version. Goes on sale soon.

NEW COLORADO ZR2 A “SEGMENT OF ONE” AMONG OFF-ROAD PICKUPS

New performance variant of the Chevrolet Colorado excels in tight two-tracks, technical rock-crawling, fast desert running and on pavement

LOS ANGELES — Just as introduction of the Chevrolet Colorado reset the bar for mid-size trucks, the new Colorado ZR2 is poised to reset expectations for off-road trucks. Chevy’s new performance halo for the Colorado lineup will feature more off-road technology than any other mid-size pickup when it goes on sale.

The ZR2 is effectively a segment of one, combining the nimbleness and maneuverability of a mid-size pickup with a host of new off-road features and the most off-road technology of any vehicle in its segment.

Compared to a standard Colorado, the ZR2 features a much wider track and a lifted suspension. Functional rockers have 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 (DSSVTM) damper technology.

As a result, the Colorado ZR2 delivers exceptional performance in a variety of scenarios – from technical rock crawling to tight two-track trails to high-speed desert running to daily driving.

“Our engineers have been incredibly successful developing Corvette and Camaro performance variants with broad performance envelopes,” said Mark Reuss, executive vice president, Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain. “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. This truck can do it all, and do it all well.”

First off-road application of Multimatic DSSV dampers
To achieve this unprecedented balance of on- and off-road performance, the Chevy engineering team turned to a surprising partner in creating the ZR2’s dampers, which are the heart of any off-road truck.

Multimatic Inc., based in Markham, Ontario, is a renowned maker of high-performance Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve (DSSV) dampers as used in championship-winning motorsport vehicles, including recent Formula One winners.

The first volume production vehicle to use DSSV dampers was the 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28. The 2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 will be the first application of Multimatic DSSV damper technology to an off-road vehicle.

“From our experience on Z/28, we knew the performance advantages offered by DSSV dampers, “ said Mark Dickens, executive director, Performance Variants, Performance Parts and Motorsports Engineering, Chevrolet. “We also know that Multimatic’s motorsport development mentality would allow us to bring a uniquely precise and repeatable custom damper to market even more quickly than a traditional damper system.”

Compared to deflected-disk valving common on most dampers, the ZR2 employs spool valves that offer increased precision and manufacturing repeatability along with enhanced ride and handling performance both on- and off-road.

The Colorado ZR2’s DSSV dampers are position-sensitive. Their aluminum bodies each house two spool valves providing both compression and rebound damping optimized for everyday driving. During extreme off-road use, a third, piston-mounted spool valve delivers additional, uniquely tuned, compression damping. The front dampers also employ a separate rebound valve, which comes into play when the suspension approaches full extension.

“A traditional, deflected-disc damper only offers two force-velocity curves for tuning,” Dickens said. “The ZR2 dampers offer six tuning curves for the front, four at the rear. For the driver, this translates to greater confidence and control in a wider range of driving experiences.”

Design meets mud, sand and rock
Visually, the production version of the Colorado ZR2 closely resembles the concept shown at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show. Consumer response to that concept was so overwhelming, the team knew they needed to carry as much of the original design into production as possible.

“For both the concept and the production versions of ZR2, the exterior design was shaped by the desire to improve capability driving over mud, sand and rock,” said Rich Scheer, director of design for Chevrolet Truck. “The wider, more aggressive stance, modified front and rear bumpers, and even the bed-mounted, spare-tire carrier all improve performance driving over rough terrain.”

Compared to a Colorado Z71, the ZR2 has a more aggressive side profile, with the suspension lifted two inches for greater ground clearance. The steel-tube, functional rocker protectors will be standard equipment on the ZR2, and are strong enough to protect the body side while dragging the truck against a rock face.

The ZR2 also features 17 x 8 inch aluminum wheels, in a pattern exclusive to the ZR2, wrapped in 31-inch Goodyear Duratrac off-road tires for exceptional traction.

The front and rear track has been widened by three-and-a-half inches, with new cast-iron control arms for greater durability in off-road situations. As a result, the ZR2 offers greater wheel travel and stability while traversing steep grades.

The front bumper of the ZR2 has tapered ends, to increase the tire clearance when approaching obstacles. The bumper also integrates a thick, aluminum skid plate protecting the radiator and engine oil pan, while the transfer case is protected by an additional shield. Above the bumper, the ZR2 features a more aggressive grille and hood – with black insert – to complement the other exterior changes.

A bed-mounted spare tire carrier, seen on reveal vehicles at the Los Angeles Auto Show, will be available as an accessory. “The bed-mounted spare tire adds a rugged look to ZR2, and serves a functional purpose. By relocating the spare to the bed, ZR2’s departure is improved and prevents any damage to the spare when you’re crawling over obstacles,” said Scheer.

Class-exclusive electronic lockers, available diesel engine
The ZR2 also features the most sophisticated four-wheel drive system in the segment. With class-exclusive, electronic-locking differentials front and rear and Chevrolet’s AutoTrac transfer case, the ZR2 offers nine drive configurations:

2WD
2WD, locked rear differential
Auto 4WD
Auto 4WD, locked rear differential
4WD Hi, locked transfer case
4WD Hi, locked transfer case and locked rear differential
4WD Lo, locked transfer case
4WD Lo, locked transfer case and locked rear differential
4WD Lo, locked transfer case, locked front and rear differentials

Extensive work was done to integrate the electronic lockers and allow them to seamlessly interact with the traction control, stability control, and hill-descent control. In addition, a new “Off-Road Mode” button, in combination with the traction control switch, allows the anti-lock brakes, traction control, and stability control calibrations to be tailored to different driving conditions. Off-road Mode also alters the throttle progression and shifts calibrations to give the driver better control and responsiveness.

The ZR2 shares its powertrains with the 2017 Colorado, and it will be the only extreme production off-road truck to offer the choice of gas or diesel engines.

The all-new 3.6L V-6, mated to a class-exclusive Hydra-Matic 8L45 8-speed automatic transmission, yields 308 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque, while the class-exclusive Duramax diesel engine produces 181 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque and will provide excellent range to overland drivers.

Even with all of the off-roading upgrades over the base truck, the ZR2 can still tow up to 5,000 lbs. – enough to pull a camper, trailer dirt bikes, jet skis, snow mobiles and other toys – or carry 1,100 lbs. of payload.

As such, the Colorado ZR2 offers a distinct position in the market: Compared to other midsize trucks, the Colorado offers an unrivaled suite of powertrain technologies; compared to full-size off-road trucks, the ZR2 is about a foot narrower and 500 pounds lighter, enabling greater agility over obstacles and better trail access.

“It’s amazing what a difference a foot of width makes off road,” said Dickens. “The smaller size of the Colorado is a huge enabler for taking the ZR2 more places, and getting it through tighter spots than you could access with a full-size truck.”

New, off-road development track at GM’s Yuma Proving Ground

For the development of the Colorado ZR2, Chevrolet developed new off-road test areas at General Motors’ Yuma, Arizona Proving Ground.

The Yuma Proving Ground is located on 2,400 acres of land in southeastern Arizona. Opened in 2009, Yuma features a range of tracks, laboratories and courses.

The new off-road facility features a multitude of off-road simulations, including high-speed desert sand trails; low-speed, loose river rock crossings; and steep, technical hill climbs and descents.

Yuma Proving Ground’s new off-road course allowed the team to test multiple iterations of components on the ZR2 is a single day. These components were then tested a real-world facilities like Moab, Johnson Valley, and Rubicon to ensure the ZR2 is trail-ready right from the factory.
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Northern Taco · Nov 17, 2016

I'm glad GM built this truck. Competition is always good. This truck has a lot of nice features and will be a serious competitor for the taco. Front locker, 2 engine choices, innovative suspension.
Unless your brand loyal you have to admit it's a very nice truck.

Sig45 · Nov 17, 2016

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/chevy-colorado-zr2.460750/

Midknight · Nov 20, 2016

Looks pretty bad ass. Nice to see them put some aggressive tires on from factory.

CaliTaco007 · Jan 26, 2017

looks like a great truck, but i could never shy away from toyota.

Northern Taco · Apr 14, 2017

Didn't know where to put this, but for a ZR2 crew cab, 8speed auto with the gas 3.6L V6, I'm looking at $8,300 cheaper than a trd pro here in Canada. That's msrp vs msrp.

I love Toyota, but that's a huge amount of money IMO for a more capable, feature filled truck(ZR2). Not trying to start a pissing match, just stating what I think.

smitty99 · Apr 19, 2017

Northern Taco said: ↑

Didn't know where to put this, but for a ZR2 crew cab, 8speed auto with the gas 3.6L V6, I'm looking at $8,300 cheaper than a trd pro here in Canada. That's msrp vs msrp.

I love Toyota, but that's a huge amount of money IMO for a more capable, feature filled truck(ZR2). Not trying to start a pissing match, just stating what I think.
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Common sense. Just buy the extended warranty if you're worried about it... shit that still puts you miles ahead price wise.

Northern Taco · Apr 19, 2017

To add to the $8,300, 84 month finance rate is 2.49% on ZR2 and 6.74% on the Taco. Rough numbers; total interest paid on ZR2 $4,200, Taco $13,800. Theres another $9,600.

That's dam near $18,000 more money after its paid for (assuming 7 years) So ya, maybe the Tacoma will hold its value better, but i'd bet the farm in 7 years it's not going to fetch $18,000 more than a zr2. As far as reliability goes, i'm not sold on Toyota being all that superior.

I guess i'm talking price because that's the main reason I drive Toyota, they hold their value like crazy, but if it costs that much more to begin with, then I don't see the benefit. But that's just me

cosmicfires · Apr 19, 2017

Northern Taco said: ↑

I'm glad GM built this truck. Competition is always good. This truck has a lot of nice features and will be a serious competitor for the taco. Front locker, 2 engine choices, innovative suspension.
Unless your brand loyal you have to admit it's a very nice truck.
Click to expand...

Nice truck until the warranty runs out.

CWMcTaco · Apr 19, 2017

I've had a 99, 2011 & 2013 Taco. All good, but a bit unrefined compared to the new Colorado. I agree with the reliability of the Toyota and resale being very good. I have friends with GM Arcadia & Trucks, all seem to have some issues you just don't see (as much) with Toyota. Bad alternator or PS pump various components.
However...I've driven a 2017 Colorado Z71 4WD, V6 (308 hp) 8 speed. It kicks my Tacoma's ass all over the place. After driving one, I got back in my truck and it felt pretty raw, noisy and loose. Sure I have 80K on my truck, but it definitely has me considering switching. Oh, and check the prices of the 2015 Colorado, it's holding it's value.

smitty99 · Apr 19, 2017

CWMcTaco said: ↑

I've had a 99, 2011 & 2013 Taco. All good, but a bit unrefined compared to the new Colorado. I agree with the reliability of the Toyota and resale being very good. I have friends with GM Arcadia & Trucks, all seem to have some issues you just don't see (as much) with Toyota. Bad alternator or PS pump various components.
However...I've driven a 2017 Colorado Z71 4WD, V6 (308 hp) 8 speed. It kicks my Tacoma's ass all over the place. After driving one, I got back in my truck and it felt pretty raw, noisy and loose. Sure I have 80K on my truck, but it definitely has me considering switching. Oh, and check the prices of the 2015 Colorado, it's holding it's value.
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I'll definitely be test driving the ZR2 Diesel for kicks and giggles if nothing else

Northern Taco · Apr 19, 2017

cosmicfires said: ↑

Nice truck until the warranty runs out.
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Same goes for my Tacoma.

amxguy1970 · Apr 20, 2017

cosmicfires said: ↑

Nice truck until the warranty runs out.
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Then what happens? Do the doors fall off and magically the engine grenades?

Same can be said about the Toyota these days...

Tyler

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