Continuing the ZR2 legacy.
The ZR2 nameplate is special in the Chevrolet lineup. The three characters adorned the S-10 and Blazer models in the mid-1990s and early 2000s, and gave them added all-terrain performance. With the introduction of the new Colorado, Chevrolet is looking to bring the name back with the ZR2 Concept. The new Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Concept truck is designed to push the limits of the truck’s capabilities and features all new body work, off road wheels, and the new 2.8-liter Duramax diesel engine.
“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,” said Tony Johnson, Colorado marketing manager. “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.”
The new Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Concept has a wide stance by four inches compared to the factory models, a larger ground clearance, and more. New front and rear fascias with reduced overhang help to gain better approach and departure angles. The two-inch lift, new off road wheels, and integrated skid plates work to give the concept truck more capability in harsher situations. The approach and departure angles have been improved to 30.7- and 22.7-degrees, respectively, up noticeably over the factory Z71 model. New flip-out aluminum tow hooks are featured at the front and rear while the former also sports a built-in winch that is controlled inside the cabin.
“The design of the ZR2 concept is all about functionality,” said Johnson. “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 suspension is beefed up considerably and sits a full two-inches higher compared to the factory models. Mono-tube coilover shocks from King allow for the off road wheels to travel more and utilize remote-mounted fluid reservoirs and new front control arms. The front reservoirs are mounted behind the front fascia and can be accessed if needed. Electronic front and rear differentials also help to distribute torque for better traction in any situation.
Making contact with whatever dares sit in their paths are new off road wheels with an 18-inch setup and 275/65 R18 all-terrain tires. The aluminum multi-spoke bead-lock wheels feature a raw aluminum look with black accent finish and orange-anodized aluminum bead lock cover. These new off road wheels sit beneath newly extended custom wheel flares at the front and rear axles.
A brilliant Cyprus Green pain covers much of the exterior and is contrasted by Henna Orange accents and ZR2 badging. Beneath the new power dome hood sits the new 2.8-liter turbodiesel Duramax engine that produces an impressive 181 horsepower at 3,400 RPM and 369 lb-ft. of torque from just 2,000 RPM.
Currently, Chevrolet has not confirmed or denied if the new Colorado ZR2 Concept will make it to production. The new Duramax engine will, thankfully, make it to production models soon.
Source: General Motors
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