Chevrolet News:2016 Chevrolet Colorado Duramax Tows 7,770 Pounds, Starts At $31,715

[William Maley]

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We have been waiting a long time for numbers to be released on Chevrolet Colorado Duramax Diesel and Chevrolet has released some of those numbers today.

 

Let us begin with power ratings. The 2.8L Duramax turbodiesel four-cylinder will pack 181 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This engine will come with a six-speed automatic and automatic-locking rear differential as standard equipment.

 

Next is tow ratings. The Colorado Duramax can tow up to 7,770 pounds for the two-wheel drive model, while the four-wheel drive model sees its tow rating drop to around 7,600 pounds. All Duramax equipped models get the Z82 trailering package as standard.

 

One item that Chevrolet hasn't revealed at this time is fuel economy numbers.

 

As for pricing, the Duramax option will only be available on the LT and Z71 Crew Cabs and carry a $3,730 premium. That means the base price for the Colorado Duramax will be $31,715.

 

Source: Chevrolet

 

Press Release is on Page 2

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Chevrolet Introduces Colorado Duramax Diesel

• All-new turbo-diesel expands lineup with unparalleled capability, efficiency
  

DETROIT – The fastest-selling truck in the market now offers an available turbo-diesel engine. The 2016 Chevrolet Colorado Duramax diesel takes midsize truck capability and efficiency to unprecedented levels.

 

With 369 lb-ft of torque (500 Nm) generated by its all-new 2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel, the Colorado’s maximum trailering capacity rises to 7,700 pounds (3,492 kg) on 2WD models, with estimated fuel economy projected to top the already segment-leading efficiency of the gas models.

 

It is also the cleanest diesel truck engine ever produced by General Motors.

 

“Simply put, there’s no other midsize truck that can do what Colorado can with its all-new Duramax diesel,” said Sandor Piszar, director of Chevrolet Truck Marketing. “Along with greater capability and efficiency, it expands the Colorado lineup to give customers more choices and the capability of exploring more possibilities on and off the road.”

 

The new Colorado diesel goes on sales this fall, offered in LT and Z71 Crew Cab models, with 2WD or 4WD. It is priced $3,730 more than a comparably equipped 3.6L V-6 model.

 

Features included with or exclusive to Colorado diesel models:

• Smart diesel exhaust brake system that enhances vehicle control and reduces brake wear on steep grades
• Standard Hydra-Matic 6L50 six-speed automatic transmission matched with a Centrifugal Pendulum Vibration Absorber (CPVA) in the torque converter, which reduces powertrain noise and vibration
• The Z82 trailering package is standard and includes a hitch receiver and seven-pin connector
• An all-new integrated trailer brake controller is standard and exclusive on diesel models
• The G80 automatic locking rear differential is standard
• A 3.42 rear axle ratio is standard
• A new, electronically controlled two-speed transfer case is included on 4WD models
• Maximum trailering rating of 7,700 pounds (3,492 kg) for 2WD models and 7,600 pounds (3,447 kg) for 4WD
• GVWRs of 6,000 pounds (2,721 kg) for 2WD and 6,200 pounds (2,812 kg) for 4WD
  

“A diesel engine was part of the Colorado’s portfolio plan from the very beginning, meaning the chassis, suspension and other elements of its architecture were engineered to support its capability,” said Scott Yackley, assistant chief engineer. “That means there are no compromises with the Colorado diesel. It offers exceptional capability delivered with a confident feeling of control.”

 

Colorado’s award-winning combination of refinement, maneuverability and connectivity complements the diesel’s capability, with segment-exclusive features such as Chevy MyLink with phone integration technology – and compatibility with Apple CarPlay – OnStar 4G LTE with Wi-Fi hotspot, Lane Departure Warning and Forward Collision Alert.

 

Colorado’s innovative solutions for hauling and accessing cargo include a standard CornerStep rear bumper, EZ Lift-and-Lower tailgate (standard on Z71 and available on LT), two-tier loading in the cargo bed, 13 standard moveable tie-down locations throughout the bed, an available, factory-installed spray-in bed liner and a line of available GearOn accessories.

 

Inside the new 2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel
Colorado’s new 2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel is part of GM’s global family of turbo-diesel four-cylinder engines designed to deliver value, capability and efficiency. It features a variable-geometry turbocharger for optimal power and efficiency across the rpm band and a balance shaft for greater smoothness.

 

Power is SAE-certified at 181 horsepower (135 kW) at 3,400 rpm and 369 lb-ft of torque (500 Nm) at 2,000 rpm. A broad torque band makes it very powerful at low rpm, while the turbocharged performance provides a confident feeling of immediate and smooth horsepower on demand.

 

“It is a no-compromise turbocharged engine that is also really fun to drive, with excellent responsiveness,” said Yackley. “It was also designed specifically for trucks and has undergone many of the same validation tests as the 6.6L Duramax, contributing to legendary Duramax durability and reliability.”

 

Additional engine features:

• Iron cylinder block and aluminum DOHC cylinder head
• Forged steel crankshaft and connecting rods
• Oiling circuit that includes a dedicated feed for the turbocharger to provide increased pressure at the turbo and faster oil delivery
• Piston-cooling oil jets
• 16.5:1 compression ratio
• Common rail direct injection fuel system
• Ceramic glow plugs for shorter heat-up times and higher glow temperatures
• Balance shaft that contributes to smoothness and drives the oil pump
• Laminated steel oil pan with upper aluminum section that contributes to engine rigidity and quietness
• B20 bio-diesel capability
  

The Duramax 2.8L is the cleanest diesel truck engine ever produced by General Motors, and meets some of the toughest U.S. emissions standards, thanks in part to a cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system.

 

The cooled EGR contributes to lower emissions by diverting some of the engine-out exhaust gas and mixing it back into the fresh intake air stream, which is drawn into the cylinder head for combustion. That lowers combustion temperatures and rates, improving emissions performance by reducing the formation of NOx.

 

Controlling noise and vibration with the CPVA
To control vibration and noise inside Colorado, engineers integrated a device called the Centrifugal Pendulum Vibration Absorber (CPVA) in the torque converter used with the standard Hydra-Matic 6L50 six-speed automatic transmission. It marks the first application of a CPVA in a GM vehicle and the first time it has been used in the midsize truck segment.

 

The CPVA is an absorbing damper with a set of secondary spring masses, that — when energized — cancels out the engine’s torsional vibrations so the driver and passengers can’t feel them. In its unique design, the spring masses vibrate in the opposite direction of the torsional vibrations of the engine, balancing out undesirable torsional vibrations.

 

Smart exhaust brake details
The Colorado’s integrated, driver-selectable exhaust brake system is based on the system introduced on the 2015 Silverado HD models and uses the compression power of the 2.8L Duramax engine to improve vehicle control and reduce brake pad wear.

 

When the exhaust brake is engaged in cruise mode, exhaust cruise grade braking will help the cruise control system maintain the desired vehicle speed when travelling downhill, keeping the driver from having to apply the brakes and exit cruise control to maintain speed.

 

When the exhaust brake is engaged in non-cruise mode, the transmission and the exhaust brake deliver the correct amount of braking to assist in vehicle control, regardless of vehicle load. It is a smart system that varies the amount of brakes needed for the vehicle, load and grade. The engagement of the system is smooth and quiet, while its performance enhances the driver’s feeling of control.

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[G. David Felt]

Very cool and a solid package. This should sell like crazy for GM. Bet you see upgrade performance packages from XtremeDiesel, Bullydog and Banks in the next 12-18 months.

[cp-the-nerd]

Pricing is fantastic! This midsize truck keeps getting better, it's going to be a very attractive truck option for families on a budget with moderate towing needs. With the fuel economy they're going to post, it's just as good as a daily driver too.

Edited July 28, 2015 by cp-the-nerd

[smk4565]

I am surprised the horsepower isn't more like 220-230.  Torque seems about right, although some 3.0 diesels are making 425 lb-ft.

[cletus8269]

I was quite afraid the price to the diesel club was going to be more significant than that considering the 6.6 adds so much to the price of a 2500. still curious what it would look like on the "build" page by the time you throw some options on it. It definitely puts the colorado out in front of the segment's capability department. of course with all that power comes great responsibility... i've already read comments about how it only tows 700lbs more than the v6... i guess they forget the whole frame rating and all. just cause the powertrain can handle it, doesnt mean the rest of the truck can...

 

 

oh yeah and dont forget the engine assisted braking! it would be so much fun to j brake beside someone and scare the crap out of them. im sure the system will be almost undetectable though.

[El Kabong]

GM is just hitting it out of the park in this segment. The diesel pricing is about as good as you can realistically get.

[surreal1272]

I am surprised the horsepower isn't more like 220-230.  Torque seems about right, although some 3.0 diesels are making 425 lb-ft.

Those 3.0s are V6s too so that is where the difference comes from. This is plenty for this truck and it will sell like hotcakes.

[SuperDuper]

I'm not a diesel man - but it is a fine offering.

[surreal1272]

GM is just hitting it out of the park in this segment. The diesel pricing is about as good as you can realistically get.

Agreed. I am not diesel fan but this is a real game changer in the mid size game for Chevy, a move they never would have even considered ten years ago.

[ocnblu]

This is gonna be awesome, with a few caveats...

 

No extended cab diesel

No base trim diesel (I would think fleets would eat this up!)

No chassis-cab diesel (a little flatbed or dump truck would be adorable.)

 

After owning a VW TDi before this Colorado, I was very intrigued by the baby Duramax in these trucks.  And although I celebrate this development, I am glad I did not wait.

 

Now, a WT extended cab 4X4 with appearance and convenience packages, and a stickshift with the diesel?  I would have kicked myself.

 

As it is, I am routinely getting better mileage than the ratings suggested.  I can buy a good bit of gasoline for $3730, even premium, which I am using.

[daves87rs]

This is gonna be awesome, with a few caveats...

 

No extended cab diesel

No base trim diesel (I would think fleets would eat this up!)

No chassis-cab diesel (a little flatbed or dump truck would be adorable.)

 

After owning a VW TDi before this Colorado, I was very intrigued by the baby Duramax in these trucks.  And although I celebrate this development, I am glad I did not wait.

 

Now, a WT extended cab 4X4 with appearance and convenience packages, and a stickshift with the diesel?  I would have kicked myself.

 

As it is, I am routinely getting better mileage than the ratings suggested.  I can buy a good bit of gasoline for $3730, even premium, which I am using.

 

 

Agree this needs to be fleet for businesses as well.....

[ccap41]

This is gonna be awesome, with a few caveats...

 

No extended cab diesel

No base trim diesel (I would think fleets would eat this up!)

No chassis-cab diesel (a little flatbed or dump truck would be adorable.)

 

After owning a VW TDi before this Colorado, I was very intrigued by the baby Duramax in these trucks.  And although I celebrate this development, I am glad I did not wait.

 

Now, a WT extended cab 4X4 with appearance and convenience packages, and a stickshift with the diesel?  I would have kicked myself.

 

As it is, I am routinely getting better mileage than the ratings suggested.  I can buy a good bit of gasoline for $3730, even premium, which I am using.

Think about exceeding the mileage ratings in this when they come out, like most diesels do.. That'd probably be in the..31..mpg highway range? Just trying to compare to the 3/0 from Ram which is rated at 29mpg highway. Maybe this little Duramax can hit 32-33mpg cruising at reasonable speeds.

 

Agreed that the premium for a diesel make the break even point quite a few miles/years to where it really isn't worth it unless you're putting some serious miles in annually.

[smk4565]

A Mercedes 2.1 liter diesel  makes 201 hp and 369 lb-ft.   So I just thought they'd get a big more power out of 2.8 liters.  Although I'd wonder if GM could have got the same power from a 2.4 liter diesel, rather than the 2.8 and maybe gotten a little more in the fuel economy dept.

[cp-the-nerd]

 

This is gonna be awesome, with a few caveats...

 

No extended cab diesel

No base trim diesel (I would think fleets would eat this up!)

No chassis-cab diesel (a little flatbed or dump truck would be adorable.)

 

After owning a VW TDi before this Colorado, I was very intrigued by the baby Duramax in these trucks.  And although I celebrate this development, I am glad I did not wait.

 

Now, a WT extended cab 4X4 with appearance and convenience packages, and a stickshift with the diesel?  I would have kicked myself.

 

As it is, I am routinely getting better mileage than the ratings suggested.  I can buy a good bit of gasoline for $3730, even premium, which I am using.

Think about exceeding the mileage ratings in this when they come out, like most diesels do.. That'd probably be in the..31..mpg highway range? Just trying to compare to the 3/0 from Ram which is rated at 29mpg highway. Maybe this little Duramax can hit 32-33mpg cruising at reasonable speeds.

 

Agreed that the premium for a diesel make the break even point quite a few miles/years to where it really isn't worth it unless you're putting some serious miles in annually.

 

 

I disagree with the break-even logic. You can drive the truck till the wheels fall off and reap tons of benefits of higher lifetime fuel economy...OR you can sell it and get back a chunk of the money because the diesel is worth more. It's not like the $3730 extra just evaporates when you drive the truck off the lot, waiting for gas benefits to cancel it out.

[El Kabong]

That's kinda the thing: if you pay a premium for a feature, it usually help with trade in, regardless of what it is.

[cp-the-nerd]

I still maintain that you buy to a price limit. Someone getting a $31k Colorado diesel would have spent $31k on something else. The difference is the options they were willing to trade off to get the diesel instead. In that case, you reap the benefits of fuel economy immediately.

 

Seriously who is car shopping like "Hmm, my budget is $27,000. Unless it's a diesel, then my budget is $31,000 because I'll make back that money."

[El Kabong]

I dunno man... maybe I'm just really fortunate in my life but if I see something I like that'll only bump my payment 10% I'll usually find a way to make it work. It might mean living with basic cable, or eating the odd bowl of Kraft Dinner... ok, not Kraft Dinner.

Edited July 30, 2015 by El Kabong

[smk4565]

In my area right now diesel is cheaper than premium gas.  It is priced about where 89 octane is, so on that front the diesel fuel pricing is good, so the increased fuel economy will pay back more quickly.

 

Secondly, diesels hold value.  People know diesels run forever, so I bet 5 years from now a Colorado diesel with 100k miles sells for $4,000 more than a Colorado V6 with 100k miles.

[ccap41]

 

 

This is gonna be awesome, with a few caveats...

 

No extended cab diesel

No base trim diesel (I would think fleets would eat this up!)

No chassis-cab diesel (a little flatbed or dump truck would be adorable.)

 

After owning a VW TDi before this Colorado, I was very intrigued by the baby Duramax in these trucks.  And although I celebrate this development, I am glad I did not wait.

 

Now, a WT extended cab 4X4 with appearance and convenience packages, and a stickshift with the diesel?  I would have kicked myself.

 

As it is, I am routinely getting better mileage than the ratings suggested.  I can buy a good bit of gasoline for $3730, even premium, which I am using.

Think about exceeding the mileage ratings in this when they come out, like most diesels do.. That'd probably be in the..31..mpg highway range? Just trying to compare to the 3/0 from Ram which is rated at 29mpg highway. Maybe this little Duramax can hit 32-33mpg cruising at reasonable speeds.

 

Agreed that the premium for a diesel make the break even point quite a few miles/years to where it really isn't worth it unless you're putting some serious miles in annually.

 

 

I disagree with the break-even logic. You can drive the truck till the wheels fall off and reap tons of benefits of higher lifetime fuel economy...OR you can sell it and get back a chunk of the money because the diesel is worth more. It's not like the $3730 extra just evaporates when you drive the truck off the lot, waiting for gas benefits to cancel it out.

 

You are correct in if you own it will the wheels fall off, without a doubt. I guess I was just assuming(which we know what that does..) that most don't keep their vehicles that long.

 

I just don't like the selling part as part of the investment. I realize that a higher resale value is definitely a part of the equation..I just don't like it.. It "feels" weird. A lot of your return is only when you sell it. Unless you're keeping it forever then it is diesel reliability and fuel economy.

That's kinda the thing: if you pay a premium for a feature, it usually help with trade in, regardless of what it is.

It definitely does and even moreso when it is an engine option.

[ccap41]

I still maintain that you buy to a price limit. Someone getting a $31k Colorado diesel would have spent $31k on something else. The difference is the options they were willing to trade off to get the diesel instead. In that case, you reap the benefits of fuel economy immediately.

 

Seriously who is car shopping like "Hmm, my budget is $27,000. Unless it's a diesel, then my budget is $31,000 because I'll make back that money."

That's a very good point, actually. That's usually my starting point when purchasing a vehicle. And if need be there can be some massaging of numbers..

 

 The $3700 price for the diesel option is a fair amount of options to be giving up.. You can go fro an LT to a Z71, add the 3.6L, and a spray in bedliner..

Or stay with the LT and add the "convenience package" and "luxury package" and then the ped protection thing which gives you a bed liner and tonneu cover.. Just other choices..

[Stew]

That is a much better base price that what C&D was guessing.  If they would offer it in the extended cab Z1, i would find a way lol.

[ccap41]

That is only the 2wd price though.. add ~$5200 for a 4wd model.

 

Jeez. Why is 4wd/awd such an expensive option on vehicles?!?

[Guest Wings4Life(BANNED)]

I built the Colorado Crew Cab 4WD, checking only the Z71 and exterior convenience boxes, and the price was about $36.1K.  There was no Diesel option at the time, which would take the price to about $40K.

 

I do like the choice GM is offering (and I hear Ford is seriously considering) of a smaller truck, but that makes no value sense to me in the slightest.

[ccap41]

I built the Colorado Crew Cab 4WD, checking only the Z71 and exterior convenience boxes, and the price was about $36.1K.  There was no Diesel option at the time, which would take the price to about $40K.

 

I do like the choice GM is offering (and I hear Ford is seriously considering) of a smaller truck, but that makes no value sense to me in the slightest.

Well that is about fully loaded though.. There isn't a whole lot to add to the Z71, I don't think at least.

[Guest Wings4Life(BANNED)]

 

I built the Colorado Crew Cab 4WD, checking only the Z71 and exterior convenience boxes, and the price was about $36.1K.  There was no Diesel option at the time, which would take the price to about $40K.

 

I do like the choice GM is offering (and I hear Ford is seriously considering) of a smaller truck, but that makes no value sense to me in the slightest.

Well that is about fully loaded though.. There isn't a whole lot to add to the Z71, I don't think at least.

 

 

You can take the Z to over $50K.  There was a gazillion boxes I could check.  It was a base Z71 model.

[ccap41]

 

 

I built the Colorado Crew Cab 4WD, checking only the Z71 and exterior convenience boxes, and the price was about $36.1K.  There was no Diesel option at the time, which would take the price to about $40K.

 

I do like the choice GM is offering (and I hear Ford is seriously considering) of a smaller truck, but that makes no value sense to me in the slightest.

Well that is about fully loaded though.. There isn't a whole lot to add to the Z71, I don't think at least.

 

 

You can take the Z to over $50K.  There was a gazillion boxes I could check.  It was a base Z71 model.

 

Without the diesel option? Are you sure about that..? I didn't think this truck was thaaaat pricey. I thought I loaded up a Canyon one time and it was ~45k..

 

And are those the boxes like tonneu cover, floor mats, all season rubber mats, hitch cover, mud flaps, wheel well covers(extenders), cargo net,..? Those kinds of boxes?

[cp-the-nerd]

 

 

I built the Colorado Crew Cab 4WD, checking only the Z71 and exterior convenience boxes, and the price was about $36.1K.  There was no Diesel option at the time, which would take the price to about $40K.

 

I do like the choice GM is offering (and I hear Ford is seriously considering) of a smaller truck, but that makes no value sense to me in the slightest.

Well that is about fully loaded though.. There isn't a whole lot to add to the Z71, I don't think at least.

 

 

You can take the Z to over $50K.  There was a gazillion boxes I could check.  It was a base Z71 model.

 

 

That is not a f@#king "base" model, Jesus dude. Crew cab + 4WD + Z71 + convenience pkg is not base. The Z71 is the TOP TRIM level. All those other boxes you can check off are extraneous truck accessories. You can tack on $10,000 worth of BS to any truck.

[Guest Wings4Life(BANNED)]

 

 

 

I built the Colorado Crew Cab 4WD, checking only the Z71 and exterior convenience boxes, and the price was about $36.1K.  There was no Diesel option at the time, which would take the price to about $40K.

 

I do like the choice GM is offering (and I hear Ford is seriously considering) of a smaller truck, but that makes no value sense to me in the slightest.

Well that is about fully loaded though.. There isn't a whole lot to add to the Z71, I don't think at least.

 

 

You can take the Z to over $50K.  There was a gazillion boxes I could check.  It was a base Z71 model.

 

 

That is not a f@#king "base" model, Jesus dude. Crew cab + 4WD + Z71 + convenience pkg is not base. The Z71 is the TOP TRIM level. All those other boxes you can check off are extraneous truck accessories. You can tack on $10,000 worth of BS to any truck.

 

 

 

And I say again, base Z71 model, which means I did not add some of the many options to it, which would make it a loaded Z71 model.

[cp-the-nerd]

 

 

 

 

I built the Colorado Crew Cab 4WD, checking only the Z71 and exterior convenience boxes, and the price was about $36.1K.  There was no Diesel option at the time, which would take the price to about $40K.

 

I do like the choice GM is offering (and I hear Ford is seriously considering) of a smaller truck, but that makes no value sense to me in the slightest.

Well that is about fully loaded though.. There isn't a whole lot to add to the Z71, I don't think at least.

 

 

You can take the Z to over $50K.  There was a gazillion boxes I could check.  It was a base Z71 model.

 

 

That is not a f@#king "base" model, Jesus dude. Crew cab + 4WD + Z71 + convenience pkg is not base. The Z71 is the TOP TRIM level. All those other boxes you can check off are extraneous truck accessories. You can tack on $10,000 worth of BS to any truck.

 

 

 

And I say again, base Z71 model, which means I did not add some of the many options to it, which would make it a loaded Z71 model.

 

 

Well in that case, a "base model" F-150 Lariat Crew Cab 4WD FX4 501A Pkg costs $49k. Really puts the value in perspective, huh?

Edited July 31, 2015 by cp-the-nerd

[ccap41]

I just tried to build a Canyon and couldn't get it past 45k without adding all of the stupid little nick nacks.. SLT, 4WD.. I guess I did have the crew cab with the short bed though.. but I don't think the full bed would add 5k.

Edited July 31, 2015 by ccap41

[G. David Felt]

So I went out and did check all the box's for a Crew Cab Z71 with Long Box fully loaded and it tops out at $42,569. Now if you add a diesel which is not available yet, $3730 cost per the story, you still only have a Z71 Fully loaded at $46,299.

 

This is even including their premium Green Paint Job for 1K.

 

[Guest Wings4Life(BANNED)]

Oops, I meant to say it can reach well into the $40's.

 

My bad. Sorry

[ccap41]

Oops, I meant to say it can reach well into the $40's.

 

My bad. Sorry

Ahhhh now THAT makes more sense! lol

So I went out and did check all the box's for a Crew Cab Z71 with Long Box fully loaded and it tops out at $42,569. Now if you add a diesel which is not available yet, $3730 cost per the story, you still only have a Z71 Fully loaded at $46,299.

 

This is even including their premium Green Paint Job for 1K.

 

Z71-20154wdCrewcabLongbox.jpg

..has nothing to do with this really but I think that green on trucks looks really sharp. GM's dark green on their Sierra..Mmmmm.. Yes please.

[Guest Wings4Life(BANNED)]

LOL, I am jaded lately in price and year decades, etc..  I intermix them on occasion. I think 90's, and meant 2000's, etc.

I remember when every car you bought was south of $20K in the 80's, and when it went up into 30's and 40's and even 50's, there is a general fog in my brain. 

 

 

And I refuse to believe my 50 year young age has an impact yet, hehe

[G. David Felt]

First Auto I owned was a hand me down from my dad, He bought for $1,735 a fully loaded 1976 Chevy Luv Series 5 pickup truck bought in 1975. I restored it, painted, etc putting in about 2K and sold it in 86 to a lady who loved the truck for 6K which was used to go to college in Japan.

 

Price have gone crazy but also so has inflation since idiots vote in a living wage of $15hr. HELLO McFLY, you still can not live on that but you have to have a low minimum wage for kids to learn to work as they usually live at home. If your in your 30's or 40's still working at McDonalds for $9 hr, that is your fault. Stop forcing inflation on the rest of us.

 

End of Soap Box message,

 

Now back to trucks, Crazy that a fully loaded truck can hit $46K in 2015 when 1975 it sold for $1,735.00. 40 years has really changed things.