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    Drew Dowdell

    LA Auto Show: 2015 Chevrolet Colorado Revealed

      Chevrolet unveils the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado


    November 20th, 2013

    Drew Dowdell

    Managing Editor - CheersandGears.com

    It is not a new Corvette Stingray or a Cadillac CTS-V, but but for truck guys, one of the more hotly anticipated debuts coming at the LA International Auto Show is the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado. The Colorado marks the return of the U.S. Domestic auto makers to the mid-size truck market after a few years absence.

    A redesign of the Colorado sold overseas, the 2015 Colorado for North America sports a new Chevrolet family face that will look familiar if you've seen a Chevy Malibu lately.

    The new Colorado comes standard with a 2.5 liter 4-cylinder sporting 193 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The optional V6 will be the familiar 3.6 liter direct injected unit tuned to produce 305 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. Chevy is also planning on offering a 2.8 liter I-4 Duramax Diesel for the 2016 model year. Properly configured, the Colorado will have up to a 6,700 lbs. trailering capacity.

    The Colorado will be available in 2WD or 4WD configuration across all three (WT, LT, and Z71) trims. Three body configurations will be available: Extended Cab + 6 foot bed, Crew Cab + 5 foot bed, and Crew Cab + 6 foot bed.

    The Z71 is the off-road look trim with a gunmetal grille surround, projector headlamps and special 17 inch aluminum wheels.

    As a weight saving and chassis balance measure, the Colorado features a segment first aluminum hood along with a segment only aero grille shutter.

    The Colorado goes on sale in the fall of 2014 as a 2015 model.

    Press Release on Page 2


    All-New 2015 Chevrolet Colorado Redefines Midsize Trucks

    • Midsize truck with the DNA of Chevy’s full-size trucks
    • Expected to deliver class-leading horsepower, payload and trailering
    • Rounds out the industry’s only three-truck portfolio to give customers more choices

    LOS ANGELES – Chevrolet today unveiled the all-new 2015 Chevrolet Colorado, which will redefine the midsize truck and offer real truck capability and versatility to customers who don’t require a full-size truck.

    The new Colorado is built with the DNA of a true Chevy truck, expected to deliver class-leading power, payload and trailering ratings. Colorado goes on sale in fall 2014 as a 2015 model.

    “Our strategy is simple: meet the needs of the broadest possible customer base, and let them choose precisely the right truck to meet their needs,” said Mark Reuss, General Motors executive vice president and president of GM North America. “The all-new Colorado benefits from the solid foundation established by the Silverado, and it reinvents the midsize truck while reinvigorating the segment at the same time.”

    The new Colorado was developed for the North American truck customer, with distinctive design, comfort and connectivity features, including segment firsts such as available forward collision alert and lane departure warning.

    Chevrolet expects Colorado to be the most powerful truck in the segment, allowing owners to haul and tow more. A 2.5L I-4 is standard, and a 3.6L V-6 is available. Each engine is tuned, tested and validated for truck use, and each features direct injection and variable valve timing to make the most of power and efficiency. Each is matched with a six-speed automatic transmission.

    When properly equipped, the Colorado is expected to offer class leading payload capacity and trailering capacity of more than 6,700 pounds (3,039 kg). That is more than enough capability to throw a weekend’s worth of camping gear in the bed and tow a boat to a favorite lake.

    Colorado will also offer the segment’s only diesel engine in its second year – a proven Duramax 2.8L I-4 turbodiesel already offered in global markets. The diesel engine will expand Colorado’s powertrain lineup to cover the broadest range of needs

    “We designed the Colorado to be the most versatile and most capable in its segment, bar none,” said Jeff Luke, executive engineer, GM Trucks. “Not everyone needs full-size capability, but they still deserve the strength and true-truck attributes that come in larger models. The Colorado delivers capability with confidence – and a fun-to-drive spirit that complements active lifestyles.”

    Designed with a zeal for adventure

    The Colorado’s North American design is unique, with a confident stance and a sporty demeanor. Taller bedsides, for example, are exclusive to North America and match the aggressive, raked belt line of the cab, creating a distinctive proportion that reinforces the truck’s athleticism while better securing items stored in the bed.

    The 2015 Colorado’s configurations are an extended cab model with a 6-foot bed, a crew cab with a 5-foot bed and a crew cab with a 6-foot bed. With the tailgate down, the 6-foot bed allows hauling of 8-foot-long items.

    “The new Colorado’s design brings a youthful breath of fresh air to the midsize truck segment and puts a progressive spin on Chevrolet’s true-truck styling,” said Ken Parkinson, executive director of Chevrolet Design. “It’s like the younger, more eager brother of the Silverado – a Chevy truck through and through, with great zeal and a spirit of adventure.”

    WT, LT and Z71 trims are available, all in 2WD or 4WD. The off-road-inspired Z71 is the brawniest of the bunch. It also features a gunmetal grille surround – a change from the chrome standard on the other models – projector headlamps and unique 17-inch aluminum wheels.

    The Colorado features triple-sealed doors inlaid in the body sides, like the 2014 Silverado, for improved aerodynamic performance and a quieter interior.

    To help keep overall mass down and improve the front-to-rear weight balance, the Colorado features a segment-first aluminum hood. It also features the segment’s only active aero grille shutters, which close at certain highway speeds to enhance aerodynamics.

    And because it’s a true Chevy truck, the Colorado leaves nothing on the table when it comes to innovative solutions for hauling and accessing cargo:

    • Standard CornerStep rear bumper design pioneered on the 2014 Silverado
    • Available EZ Lift-and-Lower tailgate that uses an internal torsion bar to make raising the tailgate easier with one hand, and a damper for more-controlled lowering
    • Standard two-tier loading that allows a platform to effectively split the bed into upper and lower sections, making it easier to haul, store and conceal items such as tools
    • Thirteen standard tie-down locations throughout the bed for use with available, movable cargo tie-down rings
    • Standard bed rail and tailgate protectors
    • Available factory-installed spray-in bed liner.

    An interior for work, recreation and everyday comfort

    Blending cues from Silverado with a style all its own, the interior of the 2015 Colorado is designed to be comfortable, is cleverly equipped and well connected. A bold, upright instrument panel with large instruments and a central driver information center is similar to Silverado, while featuring a center console with a floor-mounted shifter similar to those found in midsize cars and crossovers.

    Colorado cabin designers paid exceptional attention to detail and premium appointments, including a sculpted headliner that enhances headroom, halo lighting on key controls for easier view and an open area at the front of the center console for easier phone charging. The Z71 model features exclusive color and trim details, including embossed seatbacks and contrast stitching.

    “We took the best attributes of full-size trucks and midsize cars to develop a passenger space that delivers a balance of unmatched functionality and comfort,” said Parkinson. “It’s designed to be as useful as possible, with storage compartments and clever features throughout, for owners who will use the Colorado as their daily driver and for weekend getaways.”

    Interior details include:

    • Sculpted door panels that make it easier to enter/exit the vehicle
    • Upper-instrument panel storage bin (when not equipped with the uplevel audio system) and large glove box
    • Standard center console with room to store a tablet
    • Rear under-seat storage.

    Dual-firmness foam helps Colorado’s seats wear for long-haul comfort with high-wear, stain-resistant cloth seating trim. Leather-appointed seating is available.

    Connectivity, control and safety technologies enhance Colorado’s driving experience

    The new Colorado’s technologies are aimed at complementing owners’ lifestyles with connectivity and other features that support their daily and recreational lives – and help keep them safe, including:

    • Eight-inch diagonal color touch screen (LT, Z71) and multiple USB drives
    • A 3.4-inch diagonal driver information screen in the instrument cluster
    • Available next-generation OnStar and MyLink enhancements with gesture recognition and natural language voice recognition
    • Available navigation

    Standard and available features designed to keep the Colorado’s occupants safe before, during and after a crash include:

    • Six standard air bags, including head side curtain air bags designed to help keep occupants from being ejected in a crash
    • Large rearview mirrors and standard rear-vision camera system for greater visibility
    • Available segment-first application of forward collision alert
    • Available segment-first application of lane departure warning
    • Standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with rollover mitigation, trailer sway control, hill start assist and hill descent control (Z71).

    Chevy truck DNA supports leading capabilities

    The Colorado delivers the capability expected of a Chevy truck – including segment-leading payload and trailering. Like the Silverado, the Colorado has a fully boxed perimeter frame, which provides the strength to support its capabilities, as well as a confident, smooth and quiet ride.

    A coil-over-type front suspension features aluminum knuckles that are low in mass and high in strength, contributing to a more responsive, immediate feel to driver inputs, as well as efficiency. Colorado also features the segment’s first application of electric power steering, which enhances efficiency by avoiding the energy used by what conventionally is an engine-driven feature.

    The Colorado has a short turning radius of about 41 feet (12.5 meters), enabling easier turning in tight areas such as city streets or backing a trailer into a camping spot.

    Four-wheel disc brakes, with four-piston front calipers, are standard and feature Duralife™ brake rotors – also pioneered on the 2014 Silverado. They offer up to double the service life, which can save money on maintenance.

    Another Chevy truck feature offered on the Colorado is the G80 automatic locking rear differential. Introduced by Chevy more than 40 years ago, it gives drivers a traction advantage when needed. It is standard on Z71 and available on WT and LT.

    Truck-tuned powertrains designed for work, efficiency

    The 2.5L and 3.6L engines offered in the Colorado are based on proven designs found in other Chevrolet vehicles, but tuned uniquely for truck duty – including more torque at lower rpm – for a more confident feeling of power when the Colorado is loaded or pulling a trailer.

    The 2.5L four is estimated at 193 horsepower (146 kW) and 184 lb-ft of torque (253 Nm), with approximately 90 percent of the peak torque available from 2,000 rpm to 6,200 rpm. The 3.6L engine is estimated at 302 horsepower (224 kW) and 270 lb-ft of torque (366 Nm). SAE certification of the power ratings is pending.

    Aluminum blocks and forged-steel crankshafts, along with dual-overhead camshafts with variable valve timing, direct injection and jet-spray piston cooling are features shared on both engines. A number of extended-life components can help reduce maintenance intervals and reduce the cost of ownership.

    All models are matched with a six-speed automatic that complements the truck-tuned engines with features that make hauling and trailering easier and more comfortable, including auto grade braking and a tow/haul mode.

    Chevrolet will continue to work on and develop the Colorado until the start of production in 2014. The content of this release is based on current GM testing and is subject to change.

    User Feedback

    Recommended Comments

    Wonder what the WT trim 4WD extended cab model will run? If you can take it home for under $18,000 and some change, I might actually be interested in it. It's a nice looking truck (and plenty big enough, considering it's supposed to be as large as the old GMT400 pickups).

    Edited by black-knight
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    Over all a very nice truck, Love the interior and it's clear connection to the full size trucks. Clean logical and well laid out. Very nice job.

    Excited to see the GMC version, this is a nice Chevy Family Truck, I want the Professional Grade! :P

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    Seems to be much better executed than the last Colorado. I hope the interior materials are vastly improved. Given that the Silverado is now outrageously priced, perhaps there will be a little breathing room for the Colorado to succeed.

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    Cool. From the video, you can see who they're targeting with this truck. If full-size trucks are all about work and trailering, mid-size trucks are about accommodating active lifestyles where having a truck bed would come in handy. Given its less intimidating size, I can see this being a midsize SUV alternative.

    Edited by pow
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    Waah, I didn't get everything I wanted on this... but I am still extremely pleased with the final result. I am looking at my next new vehicle. I am a huge proponent of diesel engines... but, if it costs too much over the 3.6, I won't wait for it. Extended cab 4X4 Z71 with 3.6 and spray-in bedliner. In blue, with that blue/gray interior in the photos. Done! :)

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    Capability wise it is a truck for people who do not need a full size one. It has diverse power train options, good looks, nice interior, and decent towing. Let us see how GM puts it price wise.

    A couple of reservations: 1) If no manual transmission, GM should have cleared the center console by putting a column shifter, 2) No manual transmission.

    Overall execution a 9.3 of 10.0.

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    Waah, I didn't get everything I wanted on this... but I am still extremely pleased with the final result. I am looking at my next new vehicle. I am a huge proponent of diesel engines... but, if it costs too much over the 3.6, I won't wait for it. Extended cab 4X4 Z71 with 3.6 and spray-in bedliner. In blue, with that blue/gray interior in the photos. Done! :)

    Wait for the Diesel, you will be kicking yourself if you do not. My gut tells me it will be only 3-6 months after production starts and they will have the diesel out. I know emotion is go grab it and trade in that bug for a Butch ride, but hold off and use logic, not emotion as you will be so mucho happier with the Diesel Version. :D You know I am right! :yes:

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    Now release the GMC Canyon!!! Don't make us GMC enthusiasts wait another two months GM :banghead:

    I'm really surprised the twins weren't shown together in LA - like they did with the full-size pickups last December. I like the Colorado and it's definitely captured my interest in this size offering - but I wouldn't go for it (I'm a GMC guy afterall). But I need to know as soon as possible whether to plan for a Sierra or Canyon purchase next year - can't do that until I see what the Canyon looks like :smilewide:

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    GM stated in the press release the the N/A Colorado and the Global Colorado only share the roof and some nuts/bolts. I assume by their meaning of "roof" they mean cab & doors, as Cubical's post above shows how they are the same design in this area (the global Colorado has added trim on the lower door that the N/A version does not).

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    60 days and counting till GMC Canyon Fest Love ya'll!! :D:wub:

    I'm really hoping GMC gives it's fans an early Christmas present and doesn't make us wait for the NAIAS. That would give Ford or RAM a chance to steal their thunder.

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    I just want to note that Chevy is really on their game when it comes to updating their website lately. What used to be a game of wait and see, is now a game of... well, you're better off going to their website for info rather than the likes of Autoblog, etc. A nearly-full configuration is already available with bed-lengths, cabs, colors, trims, wheels, and interior options.

    Also, the new Colorado looks great. Hopefully, the diesel will be available with a stick. It seems odd to enter into the midsize truck segment sans any stick what-so-ever.

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    The quick acting mini configurator rocks my socks! Not sure if Z71 has a higher ride height v. the LT. Both ride on 17 inch wheels. Although the ultimate would be a Rain Forest Green Z71 ext cab, an LT looks very nearly as good, except for the low-dragging air dam - the Z71 doesn't have that handicap. Even the WT (especially with the alloys/deluxe trim package) looks good. I am impressed.

    I really like Rain Forest Green on the Cruze, and it would be like deja vu, since my '04 Colorado Z71 was dark green, too. :)

    I hear ya, Mr. Dfelt. That decision will be made when I hear how much the price difference will be between the V6 and the diesel... not to mention the extra waiting time.

    Who knows, after seeing the Canyon... and since I work for a GMC dealer... I might end up with a GMC instead.

    Although... I've always liked Cyber Gray. Not to mention, the green is a $325 option on the Cruze. Listen to me... babbling like a schoolboy over this. Can ya tell this coming year will be a long one... waiting? ;)

    Edited by ocnblu
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    Fall of next year seems so far away. I don't know if I could wait around for this truck. But I really like the prospect of it; fuel efficient, attractive, probably handles better than the old Colorado (then again, what would handle worse?), plenty of aftermarket options soon after rollout, rugged and would be plenty capable in most off-road situations. Hopefully, the WT model will sticker for about what I said earlier (considering a base Silverado regular cab is supposed to sticker for around $25k if I remember right). These are all traits I've been looking for in whatever will replace both the XJ and the Charger, it just sucks it's not on the market right now.

    Edited by black-knight
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    One thing with the new Colorado that hasn't appealed to me is the 'tiny' tires. I understand 17" rims are being used, but the tires look lost on the bigger body. Chevy has these photos on the GM News (media) site that while I'm not a fan of the exterior finish (Lifeguard) I am in love with the look of the BF Goodrich All Terrain T/A LT265/65R17 tires it uses:

    post-418-0-83282800-1385059017_thumb.jpg

    post-418-0-09936300-1385059022_thumb.jpg

    I could definitely see me needing a set of tires like that from Day 1 of ownership.

    Also, it seems the rumors of the Canyon being revealed in Detroit in January (NAIAS) are becoming more prevalent. B U M M E R :(

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    Yeah, but... Roger, we don't know what type of tire will be on the production Z71... the photo galleries show various tires on it... and the red one @ L.A. has BFG All-Terrain T/As on it, as well as in some of the gallery photos.

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    I've read that the press release has been updated to indicate that a manual transmission will now be offered, but only on the WT-trimmed 2.5L 4cyl 2WD Colorado.

    GM at its perennial best. :rolleyes:

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    I've read that the press release has been updated to indicate that a manual transmission will now be offered, but only on the WT-trimmed 2.5L 4cyl 2WD Colorado.

    GM at its perennial best. :rolleyes:

    At least they are reacting faster than they normally would before the bankruptcy. :P

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    Next munt they'll change the press release to say that a manual transmission will be available on the diesel models, 2 and 4WD.

    Then in January, they'll change it again to say that a manual will be available on the 4WD 2.5, and the 2 and 4WD 3.6L models./dream

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    Ok, so they corrected the manual transmission mistake, now where is the standard cab? I know most buyers won't opt for one, but for commercial applications such as parts runners and DOT's who needs the extra room?

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    I would choose a regular cab 7 days a week... but if the "rear seat delete" option that has been mentioned is available on the Z71 ext cab, I would "settle" for that, since the back seats are useless anyway.

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    Ok, so they corrected the manual transmission mistake, now where is the standard cab? I know most buyers won't opt for one, but for commercial applications such as parts runners and DOT's who needs the extra room?

    Hmmm...I wonder if they are going to bother with one? The Asian Colorados don't have one, I believe.

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    Ok, so they corrected the manual transmission mistake, now where is the standard cab? I know most buyers won't opt for one, but for commercial applications such as parts runners and DOT's who needs the extra room?

    Hmmm...I wonder if they are going to bother with one? The Asian Colorados don't have one, I believe.

    What?

    Colorado_01.jpg

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    Ok, so they corrected the manual transmission mistake, now where is the standard cab? I know most buyers won't opt for one, but for commercial applications such as parts runners and DOT's who needs the extra room?

    Hmmm...I wonder if they are going to bother with one? The Asian Colorados don't have one, I believe.

    What?

    Interesting..for some reason, I thought they didn't have one. Haven't heard anything yet about a US one.

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    GM's strategy is that the mid-size pickups will go after the lifestyle pickup owners, those that need a truck for their active lifestyle (needing space to haul, i.e. extended or crew cab). Those seek work-based regular cabs are being directed over to the full-size pickups. This is another reason I've read on why the 4.3L V6 is staying with the full-size and not being offered in the mid-size trucks.

    It would be awesome to see the time and effort put into the H3 frame for off-roading come to fuition in the new Canyon/Colorado pickups. Rumor back in 2008/2009 was that GM was testing the Hummer frames/suspension underneath Canyon & Colorado bodies. Not sure if that was for H3T testing or for proposing the return of the ZR2/Highrider option. Since I can't get a new H3T, I'd definitely consider a beefed up All Terrain GMC Canyon with the longer bed option :AH-HA:

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    You guys might get your wish. I understand a new ZR2/Highrider is in development.

    I liked my '98 ZR2, and I still see a lot of these around. They also bring good prices, ten years out of production.

    I think this time around a Z71 will be plenty of beef for me, especially if they're available with the BFG tire we've seen on them, unless these trucks are astoundingly inexpensive... which I doubt, as they already jacked up the price of the half tons... hopefully, that wasn't a move to "give pricing room" for the Colorado/Canyon to move up right behind them.

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    Great news for 2015 Colorado fans! Two new colors have shown up on the Chevy website: Laser Blue and Rally Yellow!

    So now they are showing TEN available exterior colors for the new truck. A good sign that GM is waking up to the fact that people like a lot of color choices.

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