2015 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Previews Possible Off-road Model

2015 chevy colorado zr2

Although the brand-new 2015 Chevrolet Colorado was just named Motor Trend's Truck of the Year, you can be sure that Bowtie brand engineers are already at work on helping the midsize pickup avoid a sophomore slump. In fact, folks got a pretty good look at what's on the horizon for the Colorado at the Los Angeles Auto Show, where Chevy introduced the Colorado ZR2 concept.

The new truck builds on the legacy of past ZR2 models from the Chevy lineup, but brings that off-road prowess into the 21st century by also building on the same next-gen platform used for the award-winning 2015 Chevrolet Colorado production model. From there, engineers added the currently available Z71 off-road package, widened the truck's track by 4 inches, and deployed new front and rear fascias that were specifically designed to allow for improved approach and departure angles. Those fascias feature some hidden functionality, too, thanks to hidden aluminum tow hooks that can be flipped-out and into place when necessary; the front fascia has an integrated winch as well.

Also in the mix here are goodies like a two-inch lift kit, skid plates, King monotube coil-over shocks, electronic locking front and rear differentials, 18-in. bead-lock-style wheels wrapped in 275/65R18 off-road rubber, and a power-dome hood. Speaking of which, there's a surprise under that hood, in the form of an all-new 2.8-liter Duramax turbodiesel engine that makes 181 hp and a steep 369 lb.-ft. of torque.

Said Tony Johnson, marketing manager for the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado: “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. 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.”

Just note that the gauging is complete on that Duramax powerplant, and while it won't be offered in the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado, it is expected to be available in the truck for the 2016 model year.