New Chevy Colorado mega-thread

^http://wardsauto.com/industry/gm-scratches-out-more-midsize-pickup-capacity

236,537 total production in 2015 is about on par with Toyota's San Antonio plant actually. The full-size vans continue to sell in decent numbers, which eats up capacity.

Note there's a lag between production numbers and sales numbers. The plant produced 136,616 of the twins in 2015. GM sold 114,507. That number is higher than Tacoma's sales in 2009, 2010, or 2011.

The Wentzville plant employs 3700 people. Toyota's San Antonio plant employs 2500. Number of vehicles produced are about the same. Gives you an idea of the differences in efficiencies/automation.

 

Wow, yeah, that's brutal. Given that employee wages often eat up a large chunk of operating costs it's no wonder that GM hasn't been able to sewer Toyota by pricing under them with the twins.

I still think 99% of this "GM is expanding/struggling/working harder every day to push out more Colorado's," is more image spin rather than truth. If GM wanted to make more twins they'd just move production to Mexico like they did with all of the larger trucks expanded production.

 

I sat in one of these at the North East Auto show. Feels smaller and cramped compared to the Tacoma.

 

I still think 99% of this "GM is expanding/struggling/working harder every day to push out more Colorado's," is more image spin rather than truth. If GM wanted to make more twins they'd just move production to Mexico like they did with all of the larger trucks expanded production.[/QUOTE]


I agree. It sounds like a propaganda driven demand. The old scarcity; you better order now routine.

 

The ZR2 version was caught testing. Seems like most of the suspension lift went to the rear. As if the existing trims didn't have enough rake already. http://www.trucktrend.com/future-trucks/1602-2017-chevrolet-colorado-zr2-caught-testing/

Are those OEM sliders?

 

So is this the main competition to the Pro?

 

^Knowing GM, they'll probably cheap out on the shocks, so don't expect 2.5" Fox coilovers. Wouldn't stop GM from trying to market it as a competitor to the Pro, though.

The amount of rake on this truck is getting stupid. Look at the belt line versus the wheel centerline:

 

For all those heavy loads people use them for

 

Just like the Midnight Editions that they just came out with haha.

If GM is serious about competing with the Tacoma why not come out with the Reaper.

 

This was their design inspiration:

 

The concept had Kings...

Tyler

 

^The concept also had long-travel suspension and cut/welded fenders to accommodate the extra 4"+ track width, none of which are present in the test vehicle. Don't expect the Kings from the concept to make it to production.

Looks like GM will at least offer a pussified version of the concept's high-clearance front bumper, which is better than stock.

 

^ You can see the wider track which also adds to the travel. The position of the shocks and reservoir most likely won't make production. Brand is TBD but we don't know for sure other than what is on the concept. If they are targeting the TRD PRO they will add something somewhat good. Those commenting about cheapening out on the shocks, what will they say if they step down from king to fox's 2.5 shocks?

Curious to see the production version, hopefully it makes a good comparison with the TRD and lives up to the old ZR2 nameplate.

Tyler

 

Fox 2.5" coilovers for the Taco actually cost $200 more than Kings: The old S10 ZR2 was less capable than the 1st gen TRD Off Road. I hope I'm wrong (prefer to see more pickups offered with real off-roadworthy hardware), but I am not optimistic with GM.

 

2.8L Duramax engine assembly at the Thai plant:

 

The foreign-market Colorado is getting a facelift to look more like the US version:

 

"Trail Boss" edition plowing sand

 

Minus stupid plastic on the front, and crazy difference between front and rear height... it looks great, especially if you can get one with diesel.

 

Price doesn't equal better, most in the serious off road world say King > Fox.

ZR2's had tons of upgrades over the standard truck (more so than Tacoma) 4 inch wider track, 3 inch lift, larger rear axle (doesn't the non TRD Gen 1 have a stronger axle than the TRD with the locker?), stronger CV axles and wheel bearings, rear locker, disc brakes, actual AT tires on the S10. Pretty much a dead heat in terms of approach, departure and ground clearance. They are about equal overall, if anything the ZR2 is more capable.

I agree, the more off road choices from the factory the better. Not sure how I feel about the Ram Rebel, needs a locker at least.

Tyler

 

It also got an "Xtreme" concept similar in prinicipal to the ZR2 concept (click for full-size pic):