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  • William Maley
    William Maley

    2017 Chevrolet Colorado Looks To Give Toyota's Tacoma TRD Pro A Run For the Money

      A New Challenger Appears!


    It was three years ago that Chevrolet showed off the Colorado ZR2 concept at the LA Auto Show. It was a mean looker with an aggressive look, raised suspension, and meaty off-road tires. Imagine our surprise when Chevrolet revealed the production version tonight in Los Angeles.

    The 2017 Colorado ZR2 keeps the mean look of the concept with a new front end treatment, raised hood, skid plates, 31-inch Goodyear Duratrac tires mounted on 17-inch wheels, and an optional spare tire carrier in the bed.

    But under the skin is where the juicy changes are. Chevrolet has widened the track by 3.5-inches, raised the suspension by 2-inches and equipped it with unique spool-valve dampers from Multimatic - yes the same folks who are being tasked with building the upcoming Ford GT. The dampers first used on the Camaro Z/28, come with six different tuning curves up front, and four in the rear to provide better ride and handling characteristics over different terrains. 

    Engine choices include the 3.6L V6 (308 horsepower, 275 pound-feet) and 2.8L Duramax Turbodiesel (181 horsepower, 369 pound-feet). The four-wheel drive system features a set of electronic-locking differentials for the front and rear axles.

    No word on pricing on when the Colorado ZR2 will arrive at dealers.

    Source: Chevrolet
    Press Release is on Page 2


    New Colorado ZR2 A "Segment of One" Among Off-Road Pickups

    • New performance variant of the Chevrolet Colorado excels in tight two-tracks, technical rock-crawling, fast desert running and on pavement

    LOS ANGELES — Just as introduction of the Chevrolet Colorado reset the bar for mid-size trucks, the new Colorado ZR2 is poised to reset expectations for off-road trucks. Chevy’s new performance halo for the Colorado lineup will feature more off-road technology than any other mid-size pickup when it goes on sale.

    The ZR2 is effectively a segment of one, combining the nimbleness and maneuverability of a mid-size pickup with a host of new off-road features and the most off-road technology of any vehicle in its segment.

    Compared to a standard Colorado, the ZR2 features a much wider track and a lifted suspension. Functional rockers have been added for better performance over rocks and obstacles, and the front and rear bumpers have been modified for better off-road clearance.

    Class-exclusive features include front and rear electronic locking differentials, available diesel engine, and the first off-road application of Multimatic Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve (DSSVTM) damper technology.

    As a result, the Colorado ZR2 delivers exceptional performance in a variety of scenarios – from technical rock crawling to tight two-track trails to high-speed desert running to daily driving.

    “Our engineers have been incredibly successful developing Corvette and Camaro performance variants with broad performance envelopes,” said Mark Reuss, executive vice president, Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain. “The ZR2 applies that same philosophy to off-road performance. You can go rock crawling on Saturday, desert running on Sunday, and comfortably drive to work on Monday. This truck can do it all, and do it all well.”

    First off-road application of Multimatic DSSV dampers
    To achieve this unprecedented balance of on- and off-road performance, the Chevy engineering team turned to a surprising partner in creating the ZR2’s dampers, which are the heart of any off-road truck.

    Multimatic Inc., based in Markham, Ontario, is a renowned maker of high-performance Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve (DSSV) dampers as used in championship-winning motorsport vehicles, including recent Formula One winners.

    The first volume production vehicle to use DSSV dampers was the 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28. The 2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 will be the first application of Multimatic DSSV damper technology to an off-road vehicle.

    “From our experience on Z/28, we knew the performance advantages offered by DSSV dampers, “ said Mark Dickens, executive director, Performance Variants, Performance Parts and Motorsports Engineering, Chevrolet. “We also know that Multimatic’s motorsport development mentality would allow us to bring a uniquely precise and repeatable custom damper to market even more quickly than a traditional damper system.”

    Compared to deflected-disk valving common on most dampers, the ZR2 employs spool valves that offer increased precision and manufacturing repeatability along with enhanced ride and handling performance both on- and off-road.

    The Colorado ZR2’s DSSV dampers are position-sensitive. Their aluminum bodies each house two spool valves providing both compression and rebound damping optimized for everyday driving. During extreme off-road use, a third, piston-mounted spool valve delivers additional, uniquely tuned, compression damping. The front dampers also employ a separate rebound valve, which comes into play when the suspension approaches full extension.

    “A traditional, deflected-disc damper only offers two force-velocity curves for tuning,” Dickens said. “The ZR2 dampers offer six tuning curves for the front, four at the rear. For the driver, this translates to greater confidence and control in a wider range of driving experiences.”

    Design meets mud, sand and rock
    Visually, the production version of the Colorado ZR2 closely resembles the concept shown at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show. Consumer response to that concept was so overwhelming, the team knew they needed to carry as much of the original design into production as possible.

    “For both the concept and the production versions of ZR2, the exterior design was shaped by the desire to improve capability driving over mud, sand and rock,” said Rich Scheer, director of design for Chevrolet Truck. “The wider, more aggressive stance, modified front and rear bumpers, and even the bed-mounted, spare-tire carrier all improve performance driving over rough terrain.”

    Compared to a Colorado Z71, the ZR2 has a more aggressive side profile, with the suspension lifted two inches for greater ground clearance. The steel-tube, functional rocker protectors will be standard equipment on the ZR2, and are strong enough to protect the body side while dragging the truck against a rock face.

    The ZR2 also features 17 x 8 inch aluminum wheels, in a pattern exclusive to the ZR2, wrapped in 31-inch Goodyear Duratrac off-road tires for exceptional traction. 

    The front and rear track has been widened by three-and-a-half inches, with new cast-iron control arms for greater durability in off-road situations. As a result, the ZR2 offers greater wheel travel and stability while traversing steep grades.

    The front bumper of the ZR2 has tapered ends, to increase the tire clearance when approaching obstacles. The bumper also integrates a thick, aluminum skid plate protecting the radiator and engine oil pan, while the transfer case is protected by an additional shield. Above the bumper, the ZR2 features a more aggressive grille and hood – with black insert – to complement the other exterior changes.

    A bed-mounted spare tire carrier, seen on reveal vehicles at the Los Angeles Auto Show, will be available as an accessory. “The bed-mounted spare tire adds a rugged look to ZR2, and serves a functional purpose. By relocating the spare to the bed, ZR2’s departure is improved and prevents any damage to the spare when you’re crawling over obstacles,” said Scheer.

    Class-exclusive electronic lockers, available diesel engine
    The ZR2 also features the most sophisticated four-wheel drive system in the segment. With class-exclusive, electronic-locking differentials front and rear and Chevrolet’s AutoTrac transfer case, the ZR2 offers nine drive configurations:

    • 2WD
    • 2WD, locked rear differential
    • Auto 4WD
    • Auto 4WD, locked rear differential
    • 4WD Hi, locked transfer case
    • 4WD Hi, locked transfer case and locked rear differential
    • 4WD Lo, locked transfer case
    • 4WD Lo, locked transfer case and locked rear differential
    • 4WD Lo, locked transfer case, locked front and rear differentials

    Extensive work was done to integrate the electronic lockers and allow them to seamlessly interact with the traction control, stability control, and hill-descent control. In addition, a new “Off-Road Mode” button, in combination with the traction control switch, allows the anti-lock brakes, traction control, and stability control calibrations to be tailored to different driving conditions. Off-road Mode also alters the throttle progression and shifts calibrations to give the driver better control and responsiveness.

    The ZR2 shares its powertrains with the 2017 Colorado, and it will be the only extreme production off-road truck to offer the choice of gas or diesel engines.

    The all-new 3.6L V-6, mated to a class-exclusive Hydra-Matic 8L45 8-speed automatic transmission, yields 308 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque, while the class-exclusive Duramax diesel engine produces 181 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque and will provide excellent range to overland drivers.

    Even with all of the off-roading upgrades over the base truck, the ZR2 can still tow up to 5,000 lbs. – enough to pull a camper, trailer dirt bikes, jet skis, snow mobiles and other toys – or carry 1,100 lbs. of payload.

    As such, the Colorado ZR2 offers a distinct position in the market: Compared to other midsize trucks, the Colorado offers an unrivaled suite of powertrain technologies; compared to full-size off-road trucks, the ZR2 is about a foot narrower and 500 pounds lighter, enabling greater agility over obstacles and better trail access.

    “It’s amazing what a difference a foot of width makes off road,” said Dickens. “The smaller size of the Colorado is a huge enabler for taking the ZR2 more places, and getting it through tighter spots than you could access with a full-size truck.”

    New, off-road development track at GM’s Yuma Proving Ground
    For the development of the Colorado ZR2, Chevrolet developed new off-road test areas at General Motors’ Yuma, Arizona Proving Ground.

    The Yuma Proving Ground is located on 2,400 acres of land in southeastern Arizona. Opened in 2009, Yuma features a range of tracks, laboratories and courses. 

    The new off-road facility features a multitude of off-road simulations, including high-speed desert sand trails; low-speed, loose river rock crossings; and steep, technical hill climbs and descents.

    Yuma Proving Ground’s new off-road course allowed the team to test multiple iterations of components on the ZR2 is a single day. These components were then tested a real-world facilities like Moab, Johnson Valley, and Rubicon to ensure the ZR2 is trail-ready right from the factory.

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    6 minutes ago, hyperv6 said:

    I think you are correct.

    The Gas Z71 fully loaded up can be found up to $47-48K sticker price easy.

    I expect this truck to be starting at $49K and going up from there. The shocks alone are a major price not counting the larger wheel base items, locking diffs and added content that is not available on the other trucks.

    This is the Z/28 of the Colorado. I have warned many that this will be a $50K plus truck easy if they did what I thought they would do and they even exceeded it in all areas but the engine. I had hoped for a little more V6 power.

    Nice truck but nothing I would pay over $50K for. Maybe if they discount them like they did the old Z/28 models it would make a killer deal. I do not expect that though.

    There is obviously a market for products like these, local Chevrolet dealers seem to have no shortage of Z28 and other specialty models on hand.

    Would rather actually own this than a lot of the specialty passenger cars GM and others build. this product has a ton of appeal. 

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    4 minutes ago, A Horse With No Name said:

    local Chevrolet dealers seem to have no shortage of Z28 and other specialty models on hand.

    That isn't a good thing.. They've been out of production for like 2 years at this point.. Weren't they only 2014's?

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    Just now, ccap41 said:

    That isn't a good thing.. They've been out of production for like 2 years at this point.. Weren't they only 2014's?

    Let me re phrase that....local Chevrolet dealers seem to sell a lot of specialty stock.

    I was insinuating the market is ripe for a product like this.

    Sorry that I was as clear as mud.

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    Just now, A Horse With No Name said:

    There is obviously a market for products like these, local Chevrolet dealers seem to have no shortage of Z28 and other specialty models on hand.

    Would rather actually own this than a lot of the specialty passenger cars GM and others build. this product has a ton of appeal. 

    Well last year they had to discount the Z/28 even as good as it was to move the old models. they were a hell of a buy at $50K.

    There is a market but there may be limits too. But if the waters are not tested here in the mid size segment you will never know.

    The fact this is not just another decal and paint package is nice and the fact they used really good hardware is great now lets hope it does not run off potential buyers to a larger truck model.

    3 minutes ago, A Horse With No Name said:

    Let me re phrase that....local Chevrolet dealers seem to sell a lot of specialty stock.

    I was insinuating the market is ripe for a product like this.

    Sorry that I was as clear as mud.

    keep in mind the Camaro was a slow mover till they put incentives on the SS and now it is doing much better. I think they found their limits.

    the fact is all vehicles are over priced today and some will hit a wall at some point the question is where just is that wall that will stop people from buying. Once you get to a certain point there are many other models to consider over a Chevy or even a Ford. At least in trucks the offerings are slimmer than the cars.

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    IMHO, you have to look at the base Z71 with a V6 which is roughly 32k.  I in all reality believe this will start at 42-45k.  Some sources are saying 40k, but I believe that is a bit low.  The Z28 was FAR more than the shocks.  The weight loss, the full suspension, lighter wheels, the brakes, aero add-ons, the hand built LS7 was a MAJOR part of the Z28s price.  In reality you cannot guage the price of this by the Z28 and you don't just tack on the price of the new stuff, but remove the price of whatever is being removed. 

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    1 hour ago, A Horse With No Name said:

    Let me re phrase that....local Chevrolet dealers seem to sell a lot of specialty stock.

    I was insinuating the market is ripe for a product like this.

    Sorry that I was as clear as mud.

    lol all good brother

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    1 hour ago, Frisky Dingo said:

    This truck won't start anywhere near 50K. That's an absurd suggestion.

    Want to make a wager?

    Price a Z71 with a Diesel LT2 and just see how much it can go with out the fancy shocks, locking diffs and all the special body parts.

    I am looking to buy a Colorado or Canyon and my prices are coming up over $45K 

    Now keep in mind when I say starting price that is a package that will have many things standard as you will not be able to buy this model less all the LT2 parts. The ZR2 will just take the Z71 LT2 package to the next level.

    You just need to price the shocks and you would not have posted what you just did.

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    1 hour ago, Frisky Dingo said:

    This truck won't start anywhere near 50K. That's an absurd suggestion.

    Just looking at where a Z71 can go with the 2.8 I don't think it is near as absurd as you think it is. All new body panels and these PRICEY shocks on all four corners along with the 4WD system.. makes things escalate pretty quickly. 

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    The diesel isn't the only engine option.  The standard 3.6 will come in at least a few grand cheaper. than a diesel PLUS with he V6 you aren't required to get the crewcab, but can get the standard extended cab.  Also, it simple isn't going to c0ome fully loaded, no other off-road package does.  They will not make it more expensive than the TRD Pro either, which also has trick shocks. 

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    v6 Z71, which is the top level Colorado BTW, starts at under 34k for he 4x4/v6.  This includes the Z71 suspension, touch screen, power seat, locking rear, off-road tires, etc, etc, etc.  With the differences I honestly do not see this being more than 8-10 rand more dear. 

     

    you can't use the Trail boss package as a comparable either since it includes mostly design stuff like the roll bar, spray in bedliner, fender flares, and the of-road assist steps. 

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    I repeat, this truck will not start- with an Ext Cab and 3.6 V6- ANYWHERE NEAR 50K. THAT IS AN ABSURD SUGGESTION.

     

    I foresee the Crew 3.6 starting around 46K, and change maybe. The Ext Cab will be a good 2K less. I think that is worst-case.

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    2 hours ago, Stew said:

    you can't use the Trail boss package as a comparable either since it includes mostly design stuff like the roll bar, spray in bedliner, fender flares, and the of-road assist steps. 

    Why can't you? Yes it's 99% cosmetic but think if the additional costs ON TOP of making the cosmetic changes like real shocks and body work. 

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    1 hour ago, ccap41 said:

    Why can't you? Yes it's 99% cosmetic but think if the additional costs ON TOP of making the cosmetic changes like real shocks and body work. 

    Because the ZR2 does not have the roll bar, the LEDS, the side steps, the bed liner, etc, etc so you can't simply stack on top of the trailers because they are 2 totally different packages.

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    14 hours ago, FordCosworth said:

    Base mdl ZR2 with no option has a payload off 1100lbs ( my old 2001 Ranger SC had a payload of just over 1500lbs and 5600lbs tow rating ) and tow rating of 5000lbs....Add crew Cab and options and both those plummet.

    Yikes.

    Pretty sure no one plans to tow with this thing anyways....

     

    Still....:wub:

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    8 hours ago, daves87rs said:

    Pretty sure no one plans to tow with this thing anyways....

     

    Still....:wub:

    Gonna have to disagree with you Daves. I see trucks like this towing plenty in Washington state. People use these types of trucks to launch their boats, pull their trailers with snowmobiles and especially pulling RV trailers to the pass when they go for the weekend to ski.

    Yes they then unhook and drive them off-road too, but these trucks still need to keep a proper payload for the bed and and trailering amount to be valid. 

    If all the person wants is a Baha racer / off-road toy, then fine, but hauling and trailering should not be lost for a truck like this.

    I agree with you I still do :wub: too! :P

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    7 minutes ago, dfelt said:

    Gonna have to disagree with you Daves. I see trucks like this towing plenty in Washington state. People use these types of trucks to launch their boats, pull their trailers with snowmobiles and especially pulling RV trailers to the pass when they go for the weekend to ski.

    Yes they then unhook and drive them off-road too, but these trucks still need to keep a proper payload for the bed and and trailering amount to be valid. 

    If all the person wants is a Baha racer / off-road toy, then fine, but hauling and trailering should not be lost for a truck like this.

    I agree with you I still do :wub: too! :P

    It is a matter of suspension and ground clearance.  These trucks have to be sprung softer to handle the rigors of driving quickly over unpaved surfaces.  This is why the payload on the Raptor depending on cab is slightly worse or only slightly better in the payload department.  Towing on the supercab Raptor is only 500 more pounds than the ZR2 as well. 

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    12 hours ago, Stew said:

    Because the ZR2 does not have the roll bar, the LEDS, the side steps, the bed liner, etc, etc so you can't simply stack on top of the trailers because they are 2 totally different packages.

    That's all cheap crap compared to the ZR2. COMPLETELY different packages, you are correct. But the fun, good pieces on the ZR that make it as badass as it will be are the pricey bits.

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    Just now, ccap41 said:

    That's all cheap crap compared to the ZR2. COMPLETELY different packages, you are correct. But the fun, good pieces on the ZR that make it as badass as it will be are the pricey bits.

    True and considering you can get a Z71 Trailboss 4x4 V6 for just under 40 grand, I still stand by my roughly 45k starting price :D

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    12 hours ago, Frisky Dingo said:

    @ccap41-

    You're close to me, want to put bar tabs  on it?  :lol:

    Uh oh... lol That's actually a good wager

    In all fairness, I have been talking about the crew cab with the 2.8 this whole time. Which, I realize isn't the base trim(I didn't realize until I looked back at the article that it is offered with the regular extended cab) so those two alone are about 6-7k? So from my 48ish-k price one could cut 6-7k from that for the smaller cab and 3.6.

    Man, that Duramax is awesome but holy balls as a 4k option it's pricey.

    6 minutes ago, Stew said:

    True and considering you can get a Z71 Trailboss 4x4 V6 for just under 40 grand, I still stand by my roughly 45k starting price :D

    I just built a 4x4, extended cab, Z71 with the 3.6 and it was just a tad over 40k. $40,690. I don't know how it could be built less than that.

    45k starting sounds about right for the 3.6. This whole time I had the Duramax stuck in my head as if that was the only option for some reason.

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    19 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

    Uh oh... lol That's actually a good wager

    In all fairness, I have been talking about the crew cab with the 2.8 this whole time. Which, I realize isn't the base trim(I didn't realize until I looked back at the article that it is offered with the regular extended cab) so those two alone are about 6-7k? So from my 48ish-k price one could cut 6-7k from that for the smaller cab and 3.6.

    Man, that Duramax is awesome but holy balls as a 4k option it's pricey.

    I just built a 4x4, extended cab, Z71 with the 3.6 and it was just a tad over 40k. $40,690. I don't know how it could be built less than that.

    45k starting sounds about right for the 3.6. This whole time I had the Duramax stuck in my head as if that was the only option for some reason.

    You are right, i thought i had added more options when i built it to get over 46k, but turns out the only thing I added above that was that bednet.  usually when i price out i am adding bedliners, bed covers and such haha.  Really the only things i would want on a base Z71 from the trail boss is the sport bar and LED lights and the more aggressive tires.  i would MUCH rather have rock rails than sidesteps. 

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    Alright.. I'm stupid.. What are rock rails?

    Yeah I usually add in at least a bed liner of some sort. They're pretty necessary if you want to take care of your baby and still use it as a truck.

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    Metal strips that go under the rockers to protect them.  They provide the protection without the bulky steps that can decrease ground clearance and scrape all over the place.  Also known as rock sliders. 

    PICT0239.jpg

    2015-colorado-1.JPG

    Edited by Stew
    Trying to get a photo of rock rails to post
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    Ohhhh Okay, that makes sense! It's like a bed liner for the rocker panels. I could see those saving some big bucks if you go over something that you misjudged the clearance on.

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    29 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

    Ohhhh Okay, that makes sense! It's like a bed liner for the rocker panels. I could see those saving some big bucks if you go over something that you misjudged the clearance on.

    I have scraped the sidesteps and the tow hitch on the Dakota more than a few times haha.   If i ever get to do what I REALLY want to with the 4x4 Dakota.........

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    24 minutes ago, Stew said:

    I have scraped the sidesteps and the tow hitch on the Dakota more than a few times haha.   If i ever get to do what I REALLY want to with the 4x4 Dakota.........

    Lift it baby Lift it! :P

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    Regarding price, my biggest question would be how much the shocks alone add to the sticker. They are of the same variety of those found on the Z/28 and that car commanded a pretty penny. Granted, there was a lot more to go into it than just shocks, but I have to wonder.

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    Just reading more because this truck will be a monster.

    "Before we discuss these magic shocks let’s run down the roster of supporting hardware mods on this package, which is available in extended cab and crew-cab configurations with the 3.6-liter V-6 or the 2.8-liter turbodiesel four. The four-mode AutoTrac 4WD system (RWD, 4 auto, 4Hi, 4Lo) is upgraded to include Eaton electronically locking differentials on both axles. The rear can be locked in all four of the above modes, the front can only be locked in 4Lo after the rear axle is locked, bringing to nine the number of driveline modes available. Hill descent control is offered, and an off-road mode button invokes one of 30 different maps for tailoring the throttle response, shift strategy, and the ABS, traction and stability control systems to suit whatever conditions confront a ZR2."

    "Other functional improvements on the 2017 Colorado ZR2 include a suspension lift of 2.0 inches, a widening of the track by 3.5 inches, a swap to sturdier cast-iron lower front control arms, and fitment of 8.0 x 17-inch wheels wrapped in 31-inch Goodyear Duratrac off-road tires that afford exceptional traction. And to improve suspension articulation, the 1.5-inch diameter hollow front anti-roll bar is replaced by a softer 1.0-inch solid one. "

    "Now for those magic shocks. Shock absorbers work by plunging a piston through a tube filled with oil, and forcing the oil to flow through some sort of holes or channels that regulate how fast it can move. Usually these holes are in the piston, with flow through them being controlled by a series of metal discs that deflect as oil passes through them. Tuning these discs to provide precisely the right flow rate is a hugely time consuming pain in the posterior, and normal production tolerances can result in variation from the ideal flow rates of up to 15 percent.

    Racing teams could never tolerate such inconsistency so in 2001 Multimatic Inc. of Markham, Ontario developed the Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve and soon after Newman/Haas Racing teams using Multimatic DSSV dampers began winning Champ Car titles. Instead of deflecting discs, oil presses against another precision-machined spring-loaded piston or “spool” that moves inside a thin sleeve into which little ports are laser cut to extremely precise tolerances in a temperature-controlled environment. The shape of these ports is computer designed to regulate oil flow rates as the piston moves exposing more of the ports."

    "The Colorado ZR2’s duty cycle could not be more different, but the beauty of DSSV shocks is you can shape those orifices to deliver any force/displacement curve you like for any duty cycle. In this application, two DSSV valves like the ones in the Z/28 are relocated to a chamber next to the main shock tube. As the piston moves through the typical stroke experienced in on-road driving, it forces oil to flow out of that tube through a ring of orifices and into this chamber with the spool valves. More extreme suspension inputs of the type that typically only happen off road cause the piston to move past these orifices, at which point the oil is forced through a third jounce-control spool valve that’s located in the piston. This one is tuned more like a Baja racer’s shock. A third chamber contains the volume of nitrogen gas that accounts for the volume of the piston rod that plunges in and out of the space where the oil otherwise lives. Moving both the spool valves and this nitrogen charge out of the main tube allows for more suspension travel within the same shock absorber packaging space."

    http://www.motortrend.com/news/2017-chevrolet-colorado-zr2-first-ride-review/

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    8 hours ago, ccap41 said:

    Alright.. I'm stupid.. What are rock rails?

    Yeah I usually add in at least a bed liner of some sort. They're pretty necessary if you want to take care of your baby and still use it as a truck.

     

    They're just small rails that primarily protect the the rocker  panel  from damage. They may have steps incorporated into them.

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    The Shocks for the Z/28 are around $2,000. I have seen take offs going for $1500 on E bay. 

    The Tires are big money for the type and size 31". The locking diffs and other added traction hardware is a pretty penny. Then add a Diesel then it adds even more. 

    Now keep in mind when I say it will start at $49K that means it pretty much comes loaded up with most options from the start. There will be a few add on parts but this is going to be a pretty complete package. 

    My point is there will be no standard low dollar LS package offered with this model or standard cab etc. 

    Now I would love to see a ZR2 2WD like package like some of the other companies have done. Do a lifted 2wd with larger tires and wheels with a lower price.  This would give you the ZR2 looks and a cheaper package.  Along add a Lowered ZQ8 package with the wider body panels.  These two models would leverage out the tooling even more.

    The bottom line is I know how much it would cost to convert a truck like this with cheaper parts and it ain't cheap either. GM is not going to lose money  here and low ball the price to where the Z71 is so start adding to the price for the privilege to own one. 

     

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    14 hours ago, dfelt said:

    Gonna have to disagree with you Daves. I see trucks like this towing plenty in Washington state. People use these types of trucks to launch their boats, pull their trailers with snowmobiles and especially pulling RV trailers to the pass when they go for the weekend to ski.

    Yes they then unhook and drive them off-road too, but these trucks still need to keep a proper payload for the bed and and trailering amount to be valid. 

    If all the person wants is a Baha racer / off-road toy, then fine, but hauling and trailering should not be lost for a truck like this.

    I agree with you I still do :wub: too! :P

    :lol:

    I guess I could agree with that...as I can see people puling their weekend toys with them. I'm guessing my thinking is that I would use it for off roading and camping..makes for a fun weekend!8)

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    3 hours ago, hyperv6 said:

    The Shocks for the Z/28 are around $2,000. I have seen take offs going for $1500 on E bay. 

    The Tires are big money for the type and size 31". The locking diffs and other added traction hardware is a pretty penny. Then add a Diesel then it adds even more. 

    Now keep in mind when I say it will start at $49K that means it pretty much comes loaded up with most options from the start. There will be a few add on parts but this is going to be a pretty complete package. 

    My point is there will be no standard low dollar LS package offered with this model or standard cab etc. 

    Now I would love to see a ZR2 2WD like package like some of the other companies have done. Do a lifted 2wd with larger tires and wheels with a lower price.  This would give you the ZR2 looks and a cheaper package.  Along add a Lowered ZQ8 package with the wider body panels.  These two models would leverage out the tooling even more.

    The bottom line is I know how much it would cost to convert a truck like this with cheaper parts and it ain't cheap either. GM is not going to lose money  here and low ball the price to where the Z71 is so start adding to the price for the privilege to own one. 

     

    Yeah when I was thinking 48k I was thinking only if the diesel and crew cab. Eliminate those two options and it would be more like 43k. So those are my two numbers. 

    Single cab, 3.6 = 43k

    crew cab. 2.8 = 48k

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    13 hours ago, ccap41 said:

    Yeah when I was thinking 48k I was thinking only if the diesel and crew cab. Eliminate those two options and it would be more like 43k. So those are my two numbers. 

    Single cab, 3.6 = 43k

    crew cab. 2.8 = 48k

    So, we have technically been around the same page the whole time haha.  the extended cab/V6 is my preference anyway lol. 

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    Yeah, Not sure why I even forgot extended cab 3.6 was an option the whole time. I think the car mag's sites of advertising an off road diesel stuck in my head.

    Edited by ccap41
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    11 hours ago, Frisky Dingo said:

    These tires aren't THAT expensive. I had 33"s on my 4Runner and they were just over $1,100 mounted and balanced. 

    Agreed, I have BF Goodrich on my suburban and all 4 came in around the same price as you mention.

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    On 11/17/2016 at 11:51 PM, ccap41 said:

    Yeah when I was thinking 48k I was thinking only if the diesel and crew cab. Eliminate those two options and it would be more like 43k. So those are my two numbers. 

    Single cab, 3.6 = 43k

    crew cab. 2.8 = 48k

    A gas Z71 crew long bed Crew can go loaded up at $48K sticker as that is what the dealer gave me to drive. No Diesel so it could go even higher. It did have I think the Midnight package with the cheesy roll car on it. 

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    I think the Taco and Lorado are going to be much closer in real world driving in off-road ability, but the diesel will be a nice package for a comparison, but one that pushes the price to places never seen before in the midsize pickup realm.

     

    I wonder if Mercedes brought the X-Class here, how much would it cost all loaded up? $70K? If this reaches $55k, then that would actually be something fun to see.

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