Chevy has used the ZR2 badge since 1994.
While most pickup owners are likely to experience nothing rougher than a worksite, or perhaps a gravel path to their summer cottage, there are those who love to test the mettle of their trucks with some serious off-roading. And that’s what Chevrolet is targeting with the Colorado ZR2 Concept making its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
Riding higher, and getting four inches of added width compared to the production Colorado Z71, the show car also serves as a showcase for the new Duramax diesel engine Chevy will add to its midsize pickup line next year.
“From the bold stance to the trail-ready special equipment, the Colorado ZR2 is all about the fun of driving where the pavement ends – and doing it in characteristic Chevy style,” said Tony Johnson, Colorado marketing manager. “Chevrolet has a heritage of the ZR2 representing the ultimate in production-based off-road capability and we’ll gauge the public’s interest in this concept as we continue to explore the possibilities for the all-new Colorado.”
Chevy and sibling brand GMC seemingly abandoned the midsize truck segment several years ago. They returned only recently with a pair of near-twin trucks that have shown signs of pumping new life into a once-popular market segment that had all but dried up in recent years.
The ZR2 features the new four-cylinder Duramax diesel that will debut in the Colorado line next year.
Sales have exceeded expectations, according to General Motors’ global product chief Mark Reuss. And even key competitors have reportedly begun rethinking the potential for a midsize truck revival.
But Chevy – and GMC – officials are well aware that the midsize pickup market lost momentum, in large part, due to a dearth of fresh product. And that means they need to keep fresh variants coming on a regular schedule. The Colorado ZR2 very well could be one of the first.
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The show car is four inches wider and rides about two inches higher than a production Colorado Z71, thanks to two-inch lift and integral skid plates. It also boasts greater approach and departure angles by the use of unique front and rear fascia that reduce the current truck’s overhangs.
Meanwhile, monotube shocks allow for greater suspension travel.
There are electronic-locking front and rear differentials to enhance traction, with the Colorado ZR2 concept shod in grippy 275/65R18 off-road.
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Other unique touches include flip-out tow hooks and a winch up front. And there are oversized wheel flares – the better to accommodate those big tires – and customer rocker guards. The special ZR2 grille and headlamp housings are finished with blackout accents.
The interior has special off-road details, including an inclinometer and a piano key switch bank to operate the diff locks and winch.
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While it’s yet to be seen if the Colorado ZR2 will make it into production, Chevy does have big plans for the 2.8-liter Duramax diesel. It produces 181 horsepower and a whopping 369 pounds of stump-pulling torque. While fuel economy numbers have yet to be locked down for the turbo-four, product czar Reuss recently hinted that GM is hoping to see a highway number at, or above, 30 mpg.
The use of the ZR2 badge would seem to suggest GM has serious intent for the Colorado concept. That nameplate was first used on an S-10 pickup back in 1994 and resurfaced on a range of pickup and SUV models since then.