Chevy hopes the new ZR2 model will convince truck buyers that its midsize model is a serious off-roader.
In the take-no-prisoners battle for midsize truck buyers, Chevrolet landed a strong punch with the return of the Colorado pickup a couple years back. But it has struggled to convince potential buyers that it has the chops for serious off-roading.
That’s about to change, or see Chevy hopes, with the launch of the Colorado ZR2, the production version of a diesel-powered, 2014 concept truck. Buyers will actually get the choice of gas or diesel, but the real news is that the ZR2 will be the first production off-road vehicle to use Multimatic Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve, or DSSV damper technology. That translates into a smooth, controlled ride both on-road and off.
Already found on the Chevrolet Corvette and Camaro models, and even on some Formula 1 race cars, Mark Reuss, executive vice president, Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain. “The ZR2 applies that same philosophy to off-road performance,” said Mark Reuss, General Motors global product development chief. “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.”
The dynamic damper system is arguably the most significant feature on the ZR2, but there are a number of other changes from a standard-issue Colorado. The off-roader gets a much wider track, for example, as well as a raised suspension. There are also functional rockers to help stand up to off-road obstacles. And both bumpers have been revised to ensure maximum off-road clearance, a new skid plate designed in up front.
The ZR2 gets both front and rear electronic locking differentials, and there’s a new Off-Road Mode button.
There aren’t many parts of the Colorado ZR2 that haven’t been fine-tuned, in fact. The off-roader gets both front and rear electronic locking differentials, and there’s a new Off-Road Mode button. Like the controls we’ve seen on a number of recent SUVs, this automatically adjusts a wide range of vehicle functions, including the gearbox, throttle and even electronic nanny features like ABS and Traction Control, revising settings to improve handling and control when, say, you’re crawling over big rocks.
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While we’ve yet to put the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 to the test, the DSSV system promises to be a game-changer. The technology was developed by Multimatic, a suburban Toronto supplier that has an impressive record in the motorsports world – it is, in fact, the Ford Motor Co. partner that builds that maker’s new GT supercar.
The damping system made its first volume production debut on the 2014 Camaro Z/28, and now goes into a relatively high-volume truck application.
“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.”
The ZR2 boasts a new 3.6-liter V-6 gas engine paired with an eight-speed automatic. It makes 308 horsepower and 285 pound-feet of torque.
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As for powertrains, ZR2 buyers will have two options:
- A new 3.6-liter V-6 gas engine paired with an eight-speed automatic. It makes 308 horsepower and 285 pound-feet of torque; or
- A 2.8-liter Duramax diesel turning out 181 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. It also is paired with that eight-speed gearbox.
To give you a sense of the ZR2’s impressive power, Chevy designed in a nice, black-accented power bulge on the hood.
Meanwhile, the Colorado ZR2 will be offered with an optional bed-mounted spare-tire carrier.
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The arrival of the ZR2 could up the stakes in the midsize truck segment, possibly giving full-size truck buyers a reason to think small, or at least smaller. But it will also better position Chevrolet to challenge rival Toyota’s long-dominant Tacoma, the model of choice, at least until now, for those wanting a serious off-roading midsize pickup.