SCORE Journal - The Official Publication of SCORE Off-Road Racing
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1006877
2018 COLORADO ZR2 Chevy’s Mid-sized off-road muscle truck By Janaise Sanchez Photography courtesy Chevrolet Off-road enthusiasts everywhere are looking at the Chevy Colorado ZR2 pickup as Chevrolet’s ultimate go-anywhere workhorse vehicle. With reviews claiming exceptional performance in a variety of scenarios, from technical rock crawling and tight two-track trails, to high-speed desert running and daily driving, the Colorado ZR2 has proven to be a midsize truck to be reckoned with among its competition. With features such as two engine options, a wider front, and rear track, and a two-inch lifted suspension system, the Colorado ZR2 seamlessly integrates the dexterity and maneuverability of a midsize pickup while retaining the latest off-road technology. Available with either a 3.6L V6 or a 2.8L turbo-diesel engines, the Colorado ZR2 is ready to take on those high-speed desert runs, as well as everyday driving in the city. The 3.6L DOHC V6 with Direct Injection offers 308 hp and 275 lb.-ft. torque. It features dual-overhead camshafts with four valves per cylinder for continuous variable valve timing. The eight-speed automatic transmission comes standard and when combined with the high-pressure direct fuel injection, electronic throttle control, and other fuel-saving technology, the 3.6L delivers a class-competitive EPA rating of 16/18 mpg city/highway/combined. Compared to the V-6, the 2.8L I-4 Turbo-Diesel lacks the horsepower but makes it up in both torque and fuel economy. With 186 hp and 369 lb.-ft. torque, the I-4 Turbo-Diesel is EPA rated at 18/22 mpg and backed by a common rail direct fuel injection delivery. The valvetrain consists of dual-overhead camshafts with four valves per cylinder and comes mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. When it comes to towing, the Colorado ZR2 has your back. With a max towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, and a payload of 1,100 pounds for both the 6’2” extended cab box and the 5’2” crew cab box, standard trailering package and integrated trailer brake controller allow for safer towing. The new Colorado ZR2 has Multimatic’s famed Dynamic suspension system in-line with off-road adventure seekers in mind. The front suspension features an independent coil-over-shock with Multimatic Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve (DSSVtm) dampers and segment-exclusive front locking differential. The rear suspension includes a modified rear axle with a 3.42 ratio and rear locking differential, suspended by semi-elliptic two-stage multi-leaf springs. The rear suspension also uses the Multimatic Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve (DSSVtm) dampers. Electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering alongside a two-inch suspension lift and 3.5-inch-wider track, allows the Colorado ZR2 to run at high speeds in the desert. It also provides for superlative articulation when rock climbing, all while maintaining excellent ride quality and performance on the street. Exclusive cast iron control arms provide additional strength and supplementary body armor in the form of rock sliders, aluminum skid plates on the radiator, engine oil pan, and transfer case, make for a better performance and protection over rocks and obstacles. Furthermore, the front and rear bumpers on the Colorado ZR2 have been modified for better off-road clearance and to boost approach and departure angles. Distinguishing 17 x 8-inch aluminum wheels with 31-inch Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac off-road tires and power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes with Duralife™ long-life rotors, standard ABS with hill-descent control complete the Colorado off-road package. Safety features for the Colorado ZR2 include six standard airbags that include front, head-curtain side airbags for outboard passengers in all rows. Additional seat-mounted side airbags are there for the driver and front outboard passenger. Standard safety technology includes the StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover mitigation technology, trailer sway control, hill-start assist, and a rear-vision camera. Chevrolet has definitely listened to the needs of SCORE fans and off-road enthusiasts, by creating the ZR2 in response to what it believes is a better answer to the Toyota Tacoma. With a sophisticated shock system, aggressive appearance, and locking differentials, the Colorado ZR2 is on its way to becoming top dog in the mid-sized pickup market. SJ