One of the, if not this biggest announcement at the 2013 LA Auto Show has been Chevrolet’s parade of information regarding the all new Colorado truck. This is GM’s first foray back into the small truck world since dropping the same nameplate at the end of 2012. The new truck is very similar to the version that is sold all over the world with some tweaks to “Americanize” it for our market here in the USA. Optional engines include a four banger, which doesn’t do much to turn our crank, then a 320hp updated version of GM’s 3.6L “high feature” V6. The company has changed the cylinder head design for more horsepower and torque. Lastly, it was announced the other day that the 2.8L Duramax diesel which makes 200hp and 370 lb/ft of torque in lots of other markets all over the world right now. That engine was freshened up recently and the little turbo-diesel is set to become and optional plant for the Colorado shortly. We’re not sure on the exact dates of availability on these shores, but it definitely will be an optional choice and we cannot wait to drive one with that motor and all of that torque. Thus far the only transmission option mentioned has been a six-speed automatic. (Having recently had a little seat time in a Grand Cherokee diesel with the 8-speed automatic, we’re fans of as many gears as possible behind diesels to keep them in their happy torque place).
The engine is to be built at GM’s Flint Engine Operations plant, which is a boon for the workers there because it basically guarantees the factory employees a few years work at minimum. No word on where the diesel engine will be built but it won’t be the Flint facility. The plant was retooled a short time ago for these engines as their cylinder head design has apparently changed and that required some new assembly processes. The place is up and running now, cranking out engines as you read this.
The four cylinder engine is rated at 193hp and 184 lb/ft. As said above, the V6 is rated that 320hp and 270 lb/ft. Hook to the six speed transmission, that should make for a fun ride. We think that the truck is a looker as well. There’s a larger photos below to inspect. Click on it to enlarge. We’re going to pester the guys at GM to throw us the keys to one when they hit the streets in the not too distant future. Keep your eyes peeled for that!
With the Ranger dead, the Ram dead, and only import competitors to fight in the marketplace, we think that the Colorado stands to be a great success story for GM, if it is the truck that they have promised at the auto show and thorough a torrent of recent press released, photos, and information. This is a small truck with some attitude and suds…we dig it.
Baby diesel for the win! Bring on the little diesel wars!
They need to use a timing chain to reduce service work later.
Mike
“With the Ranger dead, the Ram dead”
What?!? The Dakota maybe?
Right! Not the RAM … right?
Hopefully GM prices is right. The first gen of Colorado pickups were priced so closely to the Silverado’s, the were practically pointless to buy one unless you really needed a smaller truck. Buy the time somebody optioned one out with a crew cab, Z-71 pkg, and 4 wheel drive, they were only a couple grand cheaper than what you could get a similarly equipped silverado. Mostly because of the big rebates associated with the silverado.
Totally agree on the pricing, these small trucks
I can’t help but say – way to freaking go Ford idiots! Kill the ranger while GM comes out with this and includes a diesel – could the two organizations have such different future projections to lead one to kill a program and the other to create an all new product? Puzzling.
Ford still makes and sells a completely newly designed (OK, 2012:) larger version of the Ranger in all markets EXCEPT North America….and it has a diesel engine available…..this may be just the wake-up call they need to make it available on this continent…….
http://www.trucktrend.com/roadtests/pickup/163_1304_2013_global_market_ford_ranger_first_drive/
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/trucks/1202_2012_global_market_ford_ranger_first_drive/
Import the Ranger from Australia, don’t even have to change it’s name.
I never understood why GM (and Ford for that matter) walked away from this category of vehicle. I remember when I was younger, myself and some of my friends buying S10’s as their first new vehicle. They were fun, affordable, rear drive platforms that were easily modified. These same people bought fullsize trucks, Camaros and other GM cars when they made more money. S10’s and Rangers were freaking everywhere!
Come and see me when they offer a single cab and a 6 foot bed. Not everyone wants a truck with 4 doors and a trunk without a deck lid.
Ford screwed up by killing the Ranger in the US, when I was overseas in 2006 there were scads of Rangers with CRD’s in them. But not here
I like the front end on this better than the huge by large scale of everything on the new Silverados.
As was said above, hopefully they will offer it with a regular 6′ short bed… and at least an extended cab that isn’t a 4 door. There’s something to be said about having room behind the seat to put your “stuff” even though you may never need to carry extra people.
The lack of a Manual Trans is a deal breaker for me.