Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, a burly belle of the ball
The Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Concept evidently missed its exit for the Baja 1,000 endurance race, which concluded in La Paz, Mexico, on 16 November.
That at least was the impression at the 2014 Los Angeles auto show.
Unveiling the Colorado ZR2 Concept in Los Angeles gave the brutish midi-truck a chance to stand out atop its meaty 275/65R18 Goodyear Wrangler tires. Its regal pose above the fray comes courtesy of the truck’s lifted suspension, which includes King coil-over shock absorbers with remote fluid reservoirs and burlier front suspension arms than those found on the stock Colorado.
Locking front and rear differentials provide extra traction when needed. Front and rear bumpers have been revised to avoid scrapes on rocks, and incorporate tow hooks and a winch for when things get squirrelly on the trail.
“The design of the ZR2 Concept is all about functionality,” said Tony Johnson, Colorado marketing manager, in a media statement. “It is inspired by the needs for traversing rock-strewn trails, as well as the aesthetics of competition-style vehicles such as pre-runners – with all elements contributing to safe, sustainable off-road driving.”
The Goodyears are secured to their rims via bead-lock wheels that prevent the tires from slipping off the rims when running low air pressures – the better to grip gravel and boulders.
Those tires are likely to throw up a good spray, and given the revised suspension is four inches wider than that of the production Colorado Z71 – introduced at the 2013 edition of the show – the concept wisely wears fender flares as well as skid plates and rocker guards for protection. Not coincidentally, these additions also lend the ZR2 a look of eminent capability, an impression augmented by the bed-mounted spare tire and jack.
The ZR2 Concept provides a peek at Chevy’s upcoming 2.8-litre four-cylinder Duramax diesel power plant, which is matched to a six-speed automatic transmission. The 181-horsepower engine produces a remarkable 369lb-ft of torque at just 2,000rpm, which is ideal for creeping up dunes or over rocks.
Whether the ZR2 finds its way to Baja next year – let alone to Chevy dealerships – is an open question.
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