, Chevrolet unveiled the Colorado ZR2 concept at the Los Angeles Auto Show yesterday. The Colorado ZR2 concept is a rendering of the Colorado’s potential off-roading capabilities, and, if produced, could very well be the answer to Ford’s F-150 SVT Raptor, if GM could work […] "'Pin It")
Colorado ZR2 Concept Could Be Chevy’s Answer to the F-150 SVT Raptor
The Colorado ZR2 Concept
As we anticipated (thanks to an all-telling tweet from Chevy Trucks), Chevrolet unveiled the Colorado ZR2 concept at the Los Angeles Auto Show yesterday. The Colorado ZR2 concept is a rendering of the Colorado’s potential off-roading capabilities, and, if produced, could very well be the answer to Ford’s F-150 SVT Raptor, if GM could work out how to price it competitively.
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The ZR2 concept is based on the production Colorado Z71 while also paying homage to the ZR2 production models of years past. And fortunately, the concept looks much better in the flesh than it did in Chevy’s, uh, super fantastic bang-up Photoshop job…
This looks much better, right?
“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, the marketing manager for the Colorado. “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.”
The Colorado ZR2 concept on display in LA wears a Cyprus green paintjob with Henna Orange accents. It also features ZR2 identifiers on the grille, rear fenders, and tailgate.
Related: Chevrolet Shows Off Colorado Performance Concept at the SEMA Show
Chevy has offered a number of updates that allow the ZR2 concept to trek off the beaten path with ease. For instance, the stance of the concept is 4 inches wider than the Colorado Z71, and new front and rear fascias increase approach and departure angles from 25 to 30.7 degrees and 21 to 22.7 degrees, respectively. These fascias also boast integrated, flip-out aluminum tow hooks; the front one even has a built-in winch.
Chevy has also improved off-road traction with electronic-locking front and rear differentials. These send torque to 275/65R18 off-road tires, on 18-inch aluminum multi-spoke, bead-lock-style wheels. The concept also benefits from King mono-tube coil-over shock absorbers, which give the model greater suspension travel.
The exterior sports new headlamp housings and a totally new grille. It also has a power dome-style hood. The off-road style continues to the interior, where Chevy has added Chevrolet Accessories floor liners, as well as ZR2 logos on the headrests of the front seats. The logo also makes its way onto the instrument cluster. Most important, though, is the inclinometer that shows the degree of incline, both from front to back and from side to side.
Will the Colorado ZR2 concept make it into production? Hopefully. GM has a lot of momentum going for the Colorado (and the GMC Canyon). Now is as good as time as any to take on Ford’s Raptor—or die trying.
Photo Source: GM
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