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A new generation of Chevy Colorado is reported to be in the making. Here’s what is currently known about the 2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2.
The Chevy Colorado series, which currently presents as a part of a mid-size pickup lineup from General Motors, is reported to make a comeback in 2023 with a new powertrain and upgraded designs. Its prototype was spotted for testing in May 2021 for the first time, with the following sights in September and then November of the same year. Read further about the predictions of this vehicle model, especially for the particular trim of the 2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2 in the following post.
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The Colorado ZR2 Overview
Having debuted as a compact-sized pickup truck, the Chevrolet Colorado was progressed into the mid-size segment later in its life. The General Motor-manufactured vehicle was first introduced as a replacement for the GMC S-15/Sonoma and Chevrolet S-10 in 2004 with a nameplate inspired by one of the states in the United States.
The prototype form of the 2nd generation of Colorado was revealed back in 2011 during Bangkok International Motor Show. It sported various upgrades, including technologically advanced features and rear access systems.
The ZR2 trim, specifically, was getting its concept publicized for the first time during the LA Auto Show in 2014. Receiving primarily favorable reactions, the production-ready form was revealed a couple of years later during the LA Auto Show in 2016 as a 2017 model year.
In general, most amenities of the Colorado ZR2 are similar to its sibling the Colorado Z71, albeit being tailored more for performance-oriented users. Its distinguishing features are the 2” suspension lift, front and rear powered lockers, high-clearance front fascia, and wider tracks. This trim provides two configurations options: a 5 ft. cargo bed for the crew cab version or the 6 ft. cargo bed of the extended-cab version. It also offers two powertrain alternatives.
Even though Colorado is a widely liked truck model, the lacks of premium interior quality and modern driver assistant features leave room to be desired. This is where the ZR2, despite being the most expensive trim grade of the range, comes as a solution, with its escalated body design and a set of exclusive features.
New Powertrain According to the Rumors
As mentioned previously, there are two powertrain options offered by Colorado, which are most likely to be retained by the 2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2. There’s a 308 horsepower 3.6L 4-cylinder V6 engine paired with 6-speed auto transmission and a 369 lb-ft of torque 2.8L 4-cylinder diesel engine. The latter version provides improved towing capability, fuel efficiency, and off-road performance.
To unlock the optimum towing capacity of Colorado ZR2 trim which comes at 7,000 lbs for the V6 engine 7,700 lbs for the diesel engine, you need to boost it with the Trailering Equipment package. Otherwise, the maximum towing capacity for the base level is 3,500 lbs.
Moving to the 2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2, the newest rumor reports that these motor options won’t return in the upcoming model year. Instead, the mid-size pickup truck model will come with a new powertrain that’s currently powered by the GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevy Silverado 1500, which is the 2.7L L3B I-4 turbo engine. If the rumor is true, then it will increase the torque number to 420 lb-ft, similar to its two mentioned brothers.
Currently Known Exterior and Interior Upgrades
In terms of the 2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2 design, according to the spy photos, it will still sport its current trim-specific exterior features. Not much is known yet about the interior side, but it’s most likely to maintain the roomy cockpit that makes any full-size truck user familiar with the downgraded size of Colorado. The back seat of the crew cab version simply gives enough space for two passengers. That being said, hopefully, the interior materials used will be improved, as they are identical to the ones used in the 1994 Chevrolet S10 with a rather cheap-looking appearance.
New Platform But The Same Assembling Factory
Upcoming Colorado is going to migrate to the new GM Global B electrical architecture. Also referred to as VIP (Vehicle Intelligence Platform), it provides room for the most recent technological advance in infotainment and safety features to be included. While it does provide plenty of benefits, a lot of experts in the industry have made comments about the tuning difficult as one major drawback of the Global B.
All in all, the new 2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2 is going to be assembled at GM’s Missouri-located Wentzville plant. A previous report says that the manufacturer invested $1 billion into this facility that particularly serves new mid-size truck constructions.