General Motors has unveiled the all-new 2015 Chevrolet Colorado, which will offer midsize truck capabilities for folks who don’t need a full-size pickup truck, but want class-leading power, payload and trailer tow ratings. Forward collision alert and lane departure warnings will be segment firsts.
An economical 2.5L I-4 is standard, and a 3.6L V-6 is available (EPA estimates not yet available). The 2.5L is estimated at 193 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The 3.6L V6 is estimated at 302 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque.
Dual overhead cams and Variable Valve Timing (VVT) boost torque and power. Spark Ignition Direct Injection (SIDI) technology is utilized to optimize fuel mileage. Each is coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission, and 2WD and 4×4 will be available. Colorado will have the midsize segment’s only diesel for its second year; a Duramax 2.8L I-4 turbodiesel. Colorado is expected to offer class leading payload and a trailer towing capacity of more than 6,700 pounds.
Body styles include an extended cab with a 6-foot bed, crew cab with a 5-foot bed and a crew cab with a 6-foot bed. WT, LT and Z71 trims are available. Some of the available features include EZ Lift-and-Lower tailgate, factory-installed spray-in bed liner; 8-inch diagonal color touch screen and multiple USB drives, driver information screen, next-gen OnStar and MyLink with gesture recognition and natural language voice recognition and navigation.
StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with rollover mitigation, trailer sway control, hill start assist and hill descent control (Z71) increase safety. The Colorado has a short turning radius of about 41 feet, enabling easier turning or backing a trailer into a camping spot. Four-wheel disc brakes with four-piston front calipers are standard, with Duralife brake rotors which offer longer life. Other features include a G80 automatic locking rear differential, auto grade braking and a tow/haul mode. Colorado goes on sale in fall 2014 as a 2015 model.
