2015 Chevrolet Colorado at Los Angeles Auto Show Photo: Eric Novak
(LOS ANGELES, CA) The 106th edition of the Los Angeles Auto Show kicked off it’s Media Days today and Chevrolet was one of the first off the block to present an all new vehicle to the thousands of accredited journalists on hand.
Seeking to firmly establish themselves as the automaker with the most diversified line up of pick up trucks, Chevrolet returned once again to the mid-sized truck segment with the launch of the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado.
“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.”
With the launch of the Colorado, General Motors has now launched 3 new pick up trucks in the past year. Earlier this year a new Silverado full size pick up was launched, and in September a Silverado HD made it’s debut.
The Colorado will initially have 2 engine options available. A 2.5 litre 4-cylinder engine and a 3.6 litre 6-cylinder will be available immediately upon release with a Duramax 2.8 L 4-cylinder turbodiesel being launched in the Colorado’s 2nd year.
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.
Photo: General Motors
Photo: General Motors
Photo: General Motors
“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.”
Fuel efficiency seems to have been considered as well when designing the Colorado. 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.
It appears as though Chevrolet sees an untapped market for pick ups with the design of the Colorado. Full sized pick ups often don’t meet the functionality and practicality of those who like pick up trucks, so the Colorado is targeting adventure-minded individuals who up to this point may have seen a mid sized SUV as their vehicle of choice.
The Colorado will be available in 2014. Neither pricing nor fuel efficiency numbers have been released at this time.
Leave a Reply