2015 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Concept - with Diesel!

Clutch

<---Pass
If its a V8 Duramax, there is some heavy weight in the front end.

"Most notably, the 2.8 Duramax diesel engine that powers the concept previews what we expect to see in the Colorado lineup next year. This all-new turbodiesel four-banger delivers a modest 181 hp -- less than the standard 200 hp on the base Colorado's 2.5-liter gas I-4 -- but a whopping 369 lb-ft of torque should provide plenty of twisting force at low rpm."
 

Larry

Bigassgas Explorer
Makes the Tacoma look even more dated.

"Makes the Tacoma look even more dated."

Don't forget the Frontier which is also getting long in the tooth. The current generation hasn't had a major update since 05. This truck definitely looks like a winner......

Just out of curiosity, what is it about the new Colorado that makes you feel the Tacoma and Frontier look so dated? I'm not disputing, just wondering. Powertrain is obvious but is there anything else?

IMHO, the Taco and Frontier have aged very well and still look highly competitive to me even with their current platforms going on 10 years old. I've always preferred the looks of the Frontier over the Taco myself and may still even feel the Frontier is still more aesthetically appealing over the new Colly to certain degree. As an example, when we all first saw the new 2014 Silverado over the 2007-2013 Silverado comparisons, there were obvious body cues that brought to light just out dated the 07-13 really was. The most obvious was the change from over-layed doors to inlayed doors. I don't really see that too much with body cues on the Colorado vs. the Taco and Frontier where the new entry makes the old faithfuls look dated outside of the fact our eyes have grown tired of seeing the same ole thing from Toyota and Nissan.
 

Clutch

<---Pass
Just out of curiosity, what is it about the new Colorado that makes you feel the Tacoma and Frontier look so dated? I'm not disputing, just wondering. Powertrain is obvious but is there anything else?
.

Perhaps I should rephrase mine...makes the Taco's power train look dated (especially with the diesel coming, not that I want a diesel...)...not the way the body is styled. The Taco's current interior is nice and modern feeling, the Frontier's looks dated and feels cheap. Body styling isn't bad. Thought the new Navara is much better. It does look like the Colorado...what, do the all manufactures higher the same design firm? ;)

The Colorado's rear shock placement is dated though...tuck those suckers on the outside of the spring pack...c'mon GM, for cripes sake...what is up with that!?

Nothing really earth shattering with the Colorado though, still a basic truck with a live axle in the rear and IFS up front...truck manufactures have been using that basic design for decades. Styling-wise, I like it...nothing too over the top...actually like it better than the Silverado. Find the GMC version a bit much. What is up with these codpiece grills anymore?

I am probably in the very low minority here, would like to see IRS in the mid-size segment...or at least link it like the Ram...who would of thunk Ram would have that and a diesel before everyone else. Manual transmissions are about dead...(about given up on them) so I would like to see at least a 6-8 speed tranny with paddle shifters.

Real curious to see what the 2016 Honda Ridgeline is going to be. It already has IRS...the sketches has it looking more truck like, it may come with a diesel.

Now for body styling on the Tacoma...I am getting bored with it. I like the current HiLux better. Looks GM kinda got their styling cues from the HiLux...though this day and
age everything looks the same.

csm_hiluxxc_2_1028x683px_8e15f21f1d.jpg2015-Chevrolet-Colorado-Z71-Black-720x340.jpgnissan-np300-navara-12th-gen-king-cab-front-side-view.jpg
 
Last edited:

jeep-N-montero

Expedition Leader
It's been quite a long time since I saw anything out of GM that got me excited. If they build this, it would do it.
.
Diesel powered, F/R locked off-road oriented Colorado. Specs look pretty similar to the Alpha package of the now-dead H3, but in a pickup platform.
.
I like it, though to be honest as much as I like oil-burners, I'd probably not tick the box for the diesel option. With fuel prices and new emission regulations killing much of the old fuel economy advantage I just couldn't justify the extra $5k it will likely add to the price.
.
Here's a link to the Motor Trend story.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/134691-2015-Colorado-Any-plans-for-a-review
 

calicamper

Expedition Leader
The diesel pump price and dropping gas pump price vs the mandated EPA fleet average mileage issue no doubt has GM's nickers in a bunch. The diesel pump prices need to be brought down in line with gas prices probably via legislation given Auto makers will fail to meet EPA mileage numbers if they cant sell light diesel. As for me diesel does not represent cost savings. It represents added range and really nice proper grunt in a vehicle that can use that nice low speed grunt. The reviews on the gas v6 you need to really get on it to get the grunt the diesel gives you just above idle.
 

Clutch

<---Pass
The diesel pump price and dropping gas pump price vs the mandated EPA fleet average mileage issue no doubt has GM's nickers in a bunch. The diesel pump prices need to be brought down in line with gas prices probably via legislation given Auto makers will fail to meet EPA mileage numbers if they cant sell light diesel. As for me diesel does not represent cost savings. It represents added range and really nice proper grunt in a vehicle that can use that nice low speed grunt. The reviews on the gas v6 you need to really get on it to get the grunt the diesel gives you just above idle.

I would worry about maintenance when it starts getting long in the tooth, I generally put on 18,000 miles a year, I rack the miles up quick...might be having to replace those spendy injectors at 100K miles, where in a gasser you just do the plugs...and the DEF system, how long will that thing go before it needs attention? ..yeah I know everything is getting waaay complicated...the diesel seems like you would be fussing with it more. Not sure if range and torque is enough to win me over.

Range is an easy cheap fix, either with Jerry Cans or a bigger tank. Today's V6 gassers feel plenty powerful to me...I drove 4 slug Toyotas for years, for an example the 4Runner of today is more than enough power. Why they don't put that engine in the Tacoma is beyond me. The 4Runner 4.0 makes more power than the 4.0 in the Tacoma.

Diesel does transport and store better, but in all my years of driving...never felt inconvenienced with gas. Gas is a little nice to handle IMO, diesel seems to get everywhere and stays...I always used my "diesel gloves" for filling up our construction equipment. Gas... I don't use gloves.
 
Last edited:

jpat30

Adventurer
Larry,

I owned a 2008 Nissan Frontier CC LB and for the most part loved the vehicle. That being said, I thought the truck would have benefited from a 6spd auto vs the 5spd auto, the funky small bolt pattern that it shared with almost nothing else on the road was also well below average. The interior utilized alot of hard plastics that scratched way too easy. Nit picky; yes I agree. Would I buy another? More than likely. All that to say that I for one am glad that General Motors is bringing this truck back in whatever configuration. It will force Nissan and Toyota to take notice and bring their own standards up. Hopefully Ford will also see this and decide that the time is ripe to bring back the ranger. I love mid size trucks and will always have a soft spot in my heart for them and if GM builds the ZR2 I will probably have one in my driveway:sombrero:
 

E.Roy

Aspiring Explorer
I saw the ZR-2 Concept and 2.8 Duramax at the LA Auto show, it was very attractive. The truck looks great. The Diesel engine has a timing BELT, which surprised me. I think this engine will achieve 30mpg, which excites me, and might actually be able to break even on initial cost. I like the idea of big V8 torque at low engine speeds, whereas the 3.6 v6 has less torque and peaks at very high rpm for a truck. I know it's not for some, but I say well done GM for making the jump. The product rep couldn't confirm a manual Trans, which is stupid if they don't give the option.
 
Last edited:

Forum statistics

Threads
189,835
Messages
2,921,407
Members
233,029
Latest member
Houie
Top