cars news 10: 2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Priced at $40,995

When the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 concept was revealed at the 2014 Los Angeles auto show, most never thought that the Bowtie brand would bring the diesel-powered, off-road-spec, midsize truck to market, at least not at an affordable price. The Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve (DSSV) dampers sourced from Toronto, Canada-based Multimatic alone cost almost as much as some small hatchbacks.

Well, the doubters were wrong. The production Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 was unveiled at the 2016 Los Angeles auto show and now we know how much one will cost when the model goes on sale in the spring: a mere $40,995 (including $940 destination charge), at least to start.

“Mere” you ask? Well, there are only two other factory desert runners on the market, the Ford Raptor and Ram Rebel. Getting into a Raptor, as supremely capable as it is, requires parting with at least $49,520, while getting the keys to the milder Rebel will set you back at least $46,315. Granted, both of those are a full size class above the midsize Colorado.

Here’s a list of everything you get standard: front and rear electronic locking differentials, the aforementioned DSSV dampers, new front and rear bumpers for better off-road obstacle clearance, ZR2 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels with 31-inch Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac tires, new cast iron control arms, an aluminum skidplate, Autotrac transfer case with shield, a unique grille and hood, 3.42 rear axle ratio, front and rear tracks widened 3.5 inches, 2-inch suspension lift, selectable off-road modes, four-wheel disc brakes, spray-in bedliner, a spare all-terrain tire, recovery hooks, and a host of other features.

Chevrolet will offer the Colorado ZR2 in crew and extended cab configurations and with a laundry list of available options that includes the 2.8-liter Duramax turbodiesel I-4, seven-speaker Bose audio system, a bed-mounted spare tire carrier, and a full-length black vinyl floor for easy cleaning.

The standard engine in the ZR2 is GM’s 3.6-liter DOHC V-6, which is tuned to produce 308 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque and mated to an eight-speed automatic. The diesel, which is mated to a six-speed automatic, offers 186 hp and 369 lb-ft, which makes for a slower dune runner but a more capable rock crawler.

“[The] ZR2 is truly a segment of one and does everything well — from traversing heavy two-track trails to high-speed desert running and full-on rock crawling,” said Sandor Piszar, Chevrolet Trucks marketing director, in a release. “Some vehicles that customers might cross-shop with ZR2 can spec out as much as $26,000 more than our truck. When you buy a ZR2 at the starting price of $40,995, you are getting all of the significant off-road technologies standard with the vehicle, as well as an eight-speed automatic transmission and a wealth of other features at no additional cost.”

The 2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 goes on sale this spring.

Source: Chevrolet