Topic: 2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2

[OliverD]

Wow. 

NEW COLORADO ZR2 A “SEGMENT OF ONE” AMONG OFF-ROAD PICKUPS

New performance variant of the Chevrolet Colorado excels in tight two-tracks, technical rock-crawling, fast desert running and on pavement

LOS ANGELES — Just as introduction of the Chevrolet Colorado reset the bar for mid-size trucks, the new Colorado ZR2 is poised to reset expectations for off-road trucks. Chevy’s new performance halo for the Colorado lineup will feature more off-road technology than any other mid-size pickup when it goes on sale.

The ZR2 is effectively a segment of one, combining the nimbleness and maneuverability of a mid-size pickup with a host of new off-road features and the most off-road technology of any vehicle in its segment.

Compared to a standard Colorado, the ZR2 features a much wider track and a lifted suspension. Functional rockers have been added for better performance over rocks and obstacles, and the front and rear bumpers have been modified for better off-road clearance.

Class-exclusive features include front and rear electronic locking differentials, available diesel engine, and the first off-road application of Multimatic Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve (DSSVTM) damper technology.

As a result, the Colorado ZR2 delivers exceptional performance in a variety of scenarios – from technical rock crawling to tight two-track trails to high-speed desert running to daily driving.

“Our engineers have been incredibly successful developing Corvette and Camaro performance variants with broad performance envelopes,” said Mark Reuss, executive vice president, Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain. “The ZR2 applies that same philosophy to off-road performance. 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.”

First off-road application of Multimatic DSSV dampers
To achieve this unprecedented balance of on- and off-road performance, the Chevy engineering team turned to a surprising partner in creating the ZR2’s dampers, which are the heart of any off-road truck.

Multimatic Inc., based in Markham, Ontario, is a renowned maker of high-performance Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve (DSSV) dampers as used in championship-winning motorsport vehicles, including recent Formula One winners.

The first volume production vehicle to use DSSV dampers was the 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28. The 2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 will be the first application of Multimatic DSSV damper technology to an off-road vehicle.

“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.”

Compared to deflected-disk valving common on most dampers, the ZR2 employs spool valves that offer increased precision and manufacturing repeatability along with enhanced ride and handling performance both on- and off-road.

The Colorado ZR2’s DSSV dampers are position-sensitive. Their aluminum bodies each house two spool valves providing both compression and rebound damping optimized for everyday driving. During extreme off-road use, a third, piston-mounted spool valve delivers additional, uniquely tuned, compression damping. The front dampers also employ a separate rebound valve, which comes into play when the suspension approaches full extension.

“A traditional, deflected-disc damper only offers two force-velocity curves for tuning,” Dickens said. “The ZR2 dampers offer six tuning curves for the front, four at the rear. For the driver, this translates to greater confidence and control in a wider range of driving experiences.”

Design meets mud, sand and rock
Visually, the production version of the Colorado ZR2 closely resembles the concept shown at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show. Consumer response to that concept was so overwhelming, the team knew they needed to carry as much of the original design into production as possible.

“For both the concept and the production versions of ZR2, the exterior design was shaped by the desire to improve capability driving over mud, sand and rock,” said Rich Scheer, director of design for Chevrolet Truck. “The wider, more aggressive stance, modified front and rear bumpers, and even the bed-mounted, spare-tire carrier all improve performance driving over rough terrain.”

Compared to a Colorado Z71, the ZR2 has a more aggressive side profile, with the suspension lifted two inches for greater ground clearance. The steel-tube, functional rocker protectors will be standard equipment on the ZR2, and are strong enough to protect the body side while dragging the truck against a rock face.

The ZR2 also features 17 x 8 inch aluminum wheels, in a pattern exclusive to the ZR2, wrapped in 31-inch Goodyear Duratrac off-road tires for exceptional traction.

The front and rear track has been widened by three-and-a-half inches, with new cast-iron control arms for greater durability in off-road situations. As a result, the ZR2 offers greater wheel travel and stability while traversing steep grades.

The front bumper of the ZR2 has tapered ends, to increase the tire clearance when approaching obstacles. The bumper also integrates a thick, aluminum skid plate protecting the radiator and engine oil pan, while the transfer case is protected by an additional shield. Above the bumper, the ZR2 features a more aggressive grille and hood – with black insert – to complement the other exterior changes.

A bed-mounted spare tire carrier, seen on reveal vehicles at the Los Angeles Auto Show, will be available as an accessory. “The bed-mounted spare tire adds a rugged look to ZR2, and serves a functional purpose. By relocating the spare to the bed, ZR2’s departure is improved and prevents any damage to the spare when you’re crawling over obstacles,” said Scheer.

Class-exclusive electronic lockers, available diesel engine
The ZR2 also features the most sophisticated four-wheel drive system in the segment. With class-exclusive, electronic-locking differentials front and rear and Chevrolet’s AutoTrac transfer case, the ZR2 offers nine drive configurations:

2WD
2WD, locked rear differential
Auto 4WD
Auto 4WD, locked rear differential
4WD Hi, locked transfer case
4WD Hi, locked transfer case and locked rear differential
4WD Lo, locked transfer case
4WD Lo, locked transfer case and locked rear differential
4WD Lo, locked transfer case, locked front and rear differentials

Extensive work was done to integrate the electronic lockers and allow them to seamlessly interact with the traction control, stability control, and hill-descent control. In addition, a new “Off-Road Mode” button, in combination with the traction control switch, allows the anti-lock brakes, traction control, and stability control calibrations to be tailored to different driving conditions. Off-road Mode also alters the throttle progression and shifts calibrations to give the driver better control and responsiveness.

The ZR2 shares its powertrains with the 2017 Colorado, and it will be the only extreme production off-road truck to offer the choice of gas or diesel engines.

The all-new 3.6L V-6, mated to a class-exclusive Hydra-Matic 8L45 8-speed automatic transmission, yields 308 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque, while the class-exclusive Duramax diesel engine produces 181 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque and will provide excellent range to overland drivers.

Even with all of the off-roading upgrades over the base truck, the ZR2 can still tow up to 5,000 lbs. – enough to pull a camper, trailer dirt bikes, jet skis, snow mobiles and other toys – or carry 1,100 lbs. of payload.

As such, the Colorado ZR2 offers a distinct position in the market: Compared to other midsize trucks, the Colorado offers an unrivaled suite of powertrain technologies; compared to full-size off-road trucks, the ZR2 is about a foot narrower and 500 pounds lighter, enabling greater agility over obstacles and better trail access.

“It’s amazing what a difference a foot of width makes off road,” said Dickens. “The smaller size of the Colorado is a huge enabler for taking the ZR2 more places, and getting it through tighter spots than you could access with a full-size truck.”

New, off-road development track at GM’s Yuma Proving Ground

For the development of the Colorado ZR2, Chevrolet developed new off-road test areas at General Motors’ Yuma, Arizona Proving Ground.

The Yuma Proving Ground is located on 2,400 acres of land in southeastern Arizona. Opened in 2009, Yuma features a range of tracks, laboratories and courses.

The new off-road facility features a multitude of off-road simulations, including high-speed desert sand trails; low-speed, loose river rock crossings; and steep, technical hill climbs and descents.

Yuma Proving Ground’s new off-road course allowed the team to test multiple iterations of components on the ZR2 is a single day. These components were then tested a real-world facilities like Moab, Johnson Valley, and Rubicon to ensure the ZR2 is trail-ready right from the factory.

[mrthompson]

It's cool to see the ZR2 package return.

[Gurgie]

That's a pretty wicked factory off road package!

[Fobroader]

Actual honest to god lockers front and rear, this is a proper offroad package. Have to put an actual front bumper on it as that flimsy plastic thing wouldn't last very far from the trailhead, but damn, thats sounds Wrangler Rubicon levels of showroom capable.

[SaskSpecV]

Interesting package, I call BS on the "it's about a foot narrower than the full-size offroad truck" argument, however.

The Colorado is about 74" wide IIRC, and the regular half-ton trucks are all 79 - 80" wide.  So no more than 6" difference in width.  That's still a significant difference - and if feasible I'd prefer to drive the smaller truck.  But it's not even close to a foot narrower.

Unless they are including the width of giant side mirrors on some full size trucks?  Or is the Raptor 6" wider than a normal F150?

[Cord]

Or is the Raptor 6" wider than a normal F150?

Yes, it is.

[SaskSpecV]

Or is the Raptor 6" wider than a normal F150?

Yes, it is.

Alright, I take back my critique then!  The Raptor must be a beast to park...  Where does the extra width come from?  How much is due to a widened frame, and how much due to wider tires/mirrors?

[Fobroader]

Or is the Raptor 6" wider than a normal F150?

Yes, it is.

Alright, I take back my critique then!  The Raptor must be a beast to park...  Where does the extra width come from?  How much is due to a widened frame, and how much due to wider tires/mirrors?

Much of is it the front suspension arms that are longer to allow more travel/articulation. Plus wide tires and rims.

[Cord]

Or is the Raptor 6" wider than a normal F150?

Yes, it is.

Alright, I take back my critique then!  The Raptor must be a beast to park...  Where does the extra width come from?  How much is due to a widened frame, and how much due to wider tires/mirrors?

AFAIK, frame dimensions are the same. The front and rear tracks are wider requiring wider bodywork to cover the tires. Width dimensions generaly don't include mirrors.

[PlanB]

I know one is more oriented to 'desert-runner' while the other is more of a 'rock-crawler', but I'd still go with the Tacoma TRD-Pro.  The Tacoma is legendary for it's reliability and robust build quality (new gen issues notwithstanding) while the long-term verdict isn't yet in for the Chev/GMC twins. 

[Ex-airbalancer]

The Tacoma is legendary for it's reliability and robust build quality
And they look way cooler 

[Sir Osis of Liver]

^ Someone's been paying attention. 

[Triple Bob]

LOL

[Solstice2006]

Took less than 10 posts to bring up the damn Tacoma.  Big Kudos to Chevy for making the Colorado more competitive with this off-road package.  Often when reading comparo's against the Tacoma, the Tacoma would get better marks on this.  Not now! 

Cost will be interesting. 

[PlanB]

The Tacoma is legendary for it's reliability and robust build quality
And they look way cooler 

True, they've had frame issues, but this many people aren't choosing the Tacoma over everything else in the market segment because they're stupid and the product isn't quality: 

[Solstice2006]

Obviously it was a joke.  We know it's reliable and capable vehicle.  And Toyota did a decent job with the settlement on that issue.  Just glad that GM is making the twins competitive.  Much better than the previous gen twins.  Sales are awesome.  Not passing Toyotas, but not far either.  Suspect many people who go in looking to get a Colorado, drive out with a Silverado with cash on the hood...

[Ex-airbalancer]

I had to get that picture posted before Sir O 

[Sir Osis of Liver]

The Tacoma is legendary for it's reliability and robust build quality
And they look way cooler 

True, they've had frame issues, but this many people aren't choosing the Tacoma over everything else in the market segment because they're stupid and the product isn't quality: 

For context.

[PlanB]

Obviously it was a joke.  We know it's reliable and capable vehicle.  And Toyota did a decent job with the settlement on that issue.  Just glad that GM is making the twins competitive.  Much better than the previous gen twins.  Sales are awesome.  Not passing Toyotas, but not far either.  Suspect many people who go in looking to get a Colorado, drive out with a Silverado with cash on the hood...

Competition is generally good for the consumer, on that I think we can all agree - and perhaps benefit from.