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General Motors is building as many Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon pickups as they can, but they are still not able to keep up with the demand. Currently, there is a 41 day supply of Colorados and 58 day supply of Canyons in dealers or being sent out. Part of the problem of not meeting demand is the Wentzville, MO is working at full tilt producing as many midsize trucks, along with full-size commercial vans. But GM has a possible solution to increasing production of their midsize trucks; outsource some of the van production. In a statement released on Friday, GM and Navistar, Inc announced a new partnership where Navistar would build the cutaway version of the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana. Production will take place at Navistar's Springfield, Ohio plant starting in the first half of next year. "This partnership will provide our Wentzville, Mo., assembly plant more flexibility to keep up with continued demand for mid-size trucks and full size vans," said Cathy Clegg, GM North America Manufacturing and Labor Relations Vice President. Automotive News has learned from a source that the move of the cutaway vans will enable GM to produce an additional 40,000 trucks at Wentzville. But what about the possible deal between GM and AM General to produce the cutaway vans last November? The same source says the discussions between the two didn't pan out. Source: Navistar, Automotive News (Subscription Required) Press Release is on Page 2 Navistar Partners With GM To Manufacture Cutaway G Van LISLE, Ill., June 9, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Navistar, Inc. today announced it has reached an agreement with General Motors (GM) to manufacture the cutaway model of GM's G Van at Navistar's Springfield, Ohio plant starting in the first half of 2017. With this multi-year contract, Navistar will add at least 300 jobs and recommission its second line at the plant. "We're very pleased to partner with GM on this important manufacturing opportunity," said Persio Lisboa, president, Navistar operations. "Our Springfield plant is an important part of our manufacturing footprint, and we've been preparing it for a higher volume concentration of light- and medium-duty products as part of our manufacturing strategy. This is an important step towards our goal to drive automotive quality into the commercial vehicle industry." GM produces cutaway vans for commercial customers. The company's Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans, which are full-length on frame, are upfitted into utility or service vehicles, ambulance or rescue vehicles, shuttle buses or school buses. "This partnership will provide our Wentzville, Mo., assembly plant more flexibility to keep up with continued demand for mid-size trucks and full size vans," said Cathy Clegg, GM North America Manufacturing and Labor Relations Vice President. Navistar and GM are not disclosing any further details of the agreement at this time. Navistar primarily manufactures its DuraStar® and WorkStar® models at the Springfield plant. Last September, Navistar and GM announced a separate long-term agreement to develop and assemble a medium-duty, conventional cab Class 4/5 commercial vehicle at Navistar's Springfield plant starting in 2018. The future products will be jointly developed using Navistar's expertise in rolling chassis configurations and manufacturing capabilities, and GM's commercial components and engines. The trucks will be available under both the International® and Chevrolet brands, and will mark Navistar's reentry into the Class 4/5 market. View full article -
GM Announces Partnership with Navistar for Cutaway Van Production
William Maley posted an article in General Motors
General Motors is building as many Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon pickups as they can, but they are still not able to keep up with the demand. Currently, there is a 41 day supply of Colorados and 58 day supply of Canyons in dealers or being sent out. Part of the problem of not meeting demand is the Wentzville, MO is working at full tilt producing as many midsize trucks, along with full-size commercial vans. But GM has a possible solution to increasing production of their midsize trucks; outsource some of the van production. In a statement released on Friday, GM and Navistar, Inc announced a new partnership where Navistar would build the cutaway version of the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana. Production will take place at Navistar's Springfield, Ohio plant starting in the first half of next year. "This partnership will provide our Wentzville, Mo., assembly plant more flexibility to keep up with continued demand for mid-size trucks and full size vans," said Cathy Clegg, GM North America Manufacturing and Labor Relations Vice President. Automotive News has learned from a source that the move of the cutaway vans will enable GM to produce an additional 40,000 trucks at Wentzville. But what about the possible deal between GM and AM General to produce the cutaway vans last November? The same source says the discussions between the two didn't pan out. Source: Navistar, Automotive News (Subscription Required) Press Release is on Page 2 Navistar Partners With GM To Manufacture Cutaway G Van LISLE, Ill., June 9, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Navistar, Inc. today announced it has reached an agreement with General Motors (GM) to manufacture the cutaway model of GM's G Van at Navistar's Springfield, Ohio plant starting in the first half of 2017. With this multi-year contract, Navistar will add at least 300 jobs and recommission its second line at the plant. "We're very pleased to partner with GM on this important manufacturing opportunity," said Persio Lisboa, president, Navistar operations. "Our Springfield plant is an important part of our manufacturing footprint, and we've been preparing it for a higher volume concentration of light- and medium-duty products as part of our manufacturing strategy. This is an important step towards our goal to drive automotive quality into the commercial vehicle industry." GM produces cutaway vans for commercial customers. The company's Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans, which are full-length on frame, are upfitted into utility or service vehicles, ambulance or rescue vehicles, shuttle buses or school buses. "This partnership will provide our Wentzville, Mo., assembly plant more flexibility to keep up with continued demand for mid-size trucks and full size vans," said Cathy Clegg, GM North America Manufacturing and Labor Relations Vice President. Navistar and GM are not disclosing any further details of the agreement at this time. Navistar primarily manufactures its DuraStar® and WorkStar® models at the Springfield plant. Last September, Navistar and GM announced a separate long-term agreement to develop and assemble a medium-duty, conventional cab Class 4/5 commercial vehicle at Navistar's Springfield plant starting in 2018. The future products will be jointly developed using Navistar's expertise in rolling chassis configurations and manufacturing capabilities, and GM's commercial components and engines. The trucks will be available under both the International® and Chevrolet brands, and will mark Navistar's reentry into the Class 4/5 market. -
General Motors' midsize trucks has become a bright spot for the company. Originally forecasted to sell around 80,000 this year, the company is now on track to selling near 120,000 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon trucks by the end of year. The two model are also the fastest-selling vehicles this year with the average time a Colorado sat on a dealer lot landing around 27 days. The Canyon was slightly longer with a 37 day average. But this has caused a supply problem for GM. The Wentzville, Missouri plant where both trucks are built has been pushed to the limits. Currently, the plant has three shifts and also builds models during the weekend. Even workers at the plant have agreed to plan to adjust break times to eliminate a six-minute lull between shifts. This appears to be not enough and GM is now looking into other measures. Automotive News has learned that GM is looking into outsourcing production of cutaway models of Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana, the other models built at Wentzville, to AM General. This was revealed to workers by a note sent out by GM earlier in the week. “The truck and van continue strong sales. This potential partnership would free up production capacity and allow the organization to capitalize on our ability to build midsize trucks to further satisfy customer demand,” said the note. According to a source, cutaway vans account for one-third of total production at Wentzville. AM General, the folks who brought you the Hummer, has been in the process of expanding its contract manufacturing business. Back in August, the company announced a deal with Mercedes-Benz to build the R-Class crossover that would then be sent over to China. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article
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General Motors' midsize trucks has become a bright spot for the company. Originally forecasted to sell around 80,000 this year, the company is now on track to selling near 120,000 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon trucks by the end of year. The two model are also the fastest-selling vehicles this year with the average time a Colorado sat on a dealer lot landing around 27 days. The Canyon was slightly longer with a 37 day average. But this has caused a supply problem for GM. The Wentzville, Missouri plant where both trucks are built has been pushed to the limits. Currently, the plant has three shifts and also builds models during the weekend. Even workers at the plant have agreed to plan to adjust break times to eliminate a six-minute lull between shifts. This appears to be not enough and GM is now looking into other measures. Automotive News has learned that GM is looking into outsourcing production of cutaway models of Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana, the other models built at Wentzville, to AM General. This was revealed to workers by a note sent out by GM earlier in the week. “The truck and van continue strong sales. This potential partnership would free up production capacity and allow the organization to capitalize on our ability to build midsize trucks to further satisfy customer demand,” said the note. According to a source, cutaway vans account for one-third of total production at Wentzville. AM General, the folks who brought you the Hummer, has been in the process of expanding its contract manufacturing business. Back in August, the company announced a deal with Mercedes-Benz to build the R-Class crossover that would then be sent over to China. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) -
Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon Diesels To Be Further Scrutinized
William Maley posted an article in General Motors
The Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon Diesels are feeling the backlash of the Volkswagen diesel scandal. According to Automotive News, General Motors has been told by EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) will not certify the trucks until they have undergone tests in the lab and on the road. “The EPA and CARB told us they are going to do on-road testing," said Scott Yackley, assistant chief engineer for Chevrolet Trucks. GM says the additional testing could push back the launch of the diesel trucks, which are expected to launch in the fourth quarter. But GM is confident that the trucks will pass the tests. “Part of our development process is on-road and off-road [laboratory] testing,” said Yackley. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) -
The Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon Diesels are feeling the backlash of the Volkswagen diesel scandal. According to Automotive News, General Motors has been told by EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) will not certify the trucks until they have undergone tests in the lab and on the road. “The EPA and CARB told us they are going to do on-road testing," said Scott Yackley, assistant chief engineer for Chevrolet Trucks. GM says the additional testing could push back the launch of the diesel trucks, which are expected to launch in the fourth quarter. But GM is confident that the trucks will pass the tests. “Part of our development process is on-road and off-road [laboratory] testing,” said Yackley. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article
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Chevrolet Introduces Two New Special Editions for the 2016 Colorado
William Maley posted an article in Chevrolet
After doing a few special edition models for the Silverado, Chevrolet has decided to do some as well for the Colorado. First up is the Colorado Midnight edition. Following in the footsteps of the larger Silverado Midnight edition, the Colorado Midnight boasts a grille, bowtie, and 18-inch wheels draped in black. Other changes for the Midnight include spray-in bedliner, tonneau cover, and unique sill plates. This special edition won't be limited to one cab and engine configuration. You'll be able to get this package on any cab configuration, along with engine and the choice of either two or four-wheel drive. Next is the Trail Boss which is available on the Z71 trim. The Trail Boss boasts LED trail lighting and aggressive Goodyear Wrangler DuraTec tires to amp up its off-road character. There is also 17-inch wheels, newly flared fenders, side steps, and a spray-in bedliner. Like the Midnight edition, the Trail Boss can be configured with your choice of cab, engine, and drivetrain. "These are aggressive editions of one of the country's hottest-selling truck, demonstrating the personalization that's possible with Chevrolet accessories, whether it's for the street, trail or both. As the Colorado continues to win over new customers, the new Midnight Edition and Z71 Trail Boss give them more choices and build on segment-leading capabilities and efficiency," said Tony Johnson, Colorado marketing manager. Both special editions will be arriving at dealers this fall. Source: Chevrolet Press Release is on Page 2 2016 Chevy Colorado Special Models Dressed to Impress Midnight Edition, Z71 Trail Boss complement capability with customized style DETROIT – On the street or on the trail, the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado’s Midnight Edition and Z71 Trail Boss bring bolder choices to customers looking to make a visual statement with their truck. The special editions roll into Chevrolet dealerships this fall, with distinctly tailored appearances that blend custom design cues with Colorado’s popular options and accessories. The Midnight Edition evokes the aesthetic of an urban tuner vehicle, while the Z71 Trail Boss is designed for terrain where the pavement ends. “These are aggressive editions of one of the country’s hottest-selling truck, demonstrating the personalization that’s possible with Chevrolet accessories, whether it’s for the street, trail or both,” said Tony Johnson, Colorado marketing manager. “As the Colorado continues to win over new customers, the new Midnight Edition and Z71 Trail Boss give them more choices and build on segment-leading capabilities and efficiency.” Colorado Midnight Edition Echoing the blacked-out design theme introduced on the popular Silverado Midnight Edition, the 2016 Colorado Midnight Edition casts an imposing stance. Offered exclusively in black, additional exterior details such as the grille, the bowtie emblem and the 18-inch aluminum wheels are also finished in black. Additional content includes a spray-on bedliner and soft, folding tonneau cover – both in black, of course – and Chevrolet-logo sill plates. The Colorado Midnight Edition is available on LT models with the extended and crew cab bodies, in 2WD or 4WD, and with the 2.5L and 3.6L engines. It will also be available with the all-new 2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel engine. Pricing will be announced later. Colorado Z71 Trail BossThe 2016 Colorado Z71 Trail Boss builds on the capability of Chevrolet’s Z71 off-road truck suspension package with more aggressive tires and off-road-inspired appearance enhancements. An all-new sport bar with LED trail lighting makes the new edition of the Trail Boss instantly identifiable. It’s complemented by black-finished 17-inch aluminum wheels matched with aggressive Goodyear Wrangler DuraTec® 265/65R17 all-terrain tires, bold fender flares and tubular assist steps. It also features a black bowtie grille emblem and a spray-on bedliner, and a set of all-weather floor mats inside the truck. The Colorado Z71 Trail Boss is available on Z71 models with the extended and crew cab bodies, and in 2WD or 4WD. Like the Midnight Edition, it will also be available with the 2.5L and 3.6L engines, as well as the 2.8L Duramax diesel. Pricing will be announced later. -
After doing a few special edition models for the Silverado, Chevrolet has decided to do some as well for the Colorado. First up is the Colorado Midnight edition. Following in the footsteps of the larger Silverado Midnight edition, the Colorado Midnight boasts a grille, bowtie, and 18-inch wheels draped in black. Other changes for the Midnight include spray-in bedliner, tonneau cover, and unique sill plates. This special edition won't be limited to one cab and engine configuration. You'll be able to get this package on any cab configuration, along with engine and the choice of either two or four-wheel drive. Next is the Trail Boss which is available on the Z71 trim. The Trail Boss boasts LED trail lighting and aggressive Goodyear Wrangler DuraTec tires to amp up its off-road character. There is also 17-inch wheels, newly flared fenders, side steps, and a spray-in bedliner. Like the Midnight edition, the Trail Boss can be configured with your choice of cab, engine, and drivetrain. "These are aggressive editions of one of the country's hottest-selling truck, demonstrating the personalization that's possible with Chevrolet accessories, whether it's for the street, trail or both. As the Colorado continues to win over new customers, the new Midnight Edition and Z71 Trail Boss give them more choices and build on segment-leading capabilities and efficiency," said Tony Johnson, Colorado marketing manager. Both special editions will be arriving at dealers this fall. Source: Chevrolet Press Release is on Page 2 2016 Chevy Colorado Special Models Dressed to Impress Midnight Edition, Z71 Trail Boss complement capability with customized style DETROIT – On the street or on the trail, the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado’s Midnight Edition and Z71 Trail Boss bring bolder choices to customers looking to make a visual statement with their truck. The special editions roll into Chevrolet dealerships this fall, with distinctly tailored appearances that blend custom design cues with Colorado’s popular options and accessories. The Midnight Edition evokes the aesthetic of an urban tuner vehicle, while the Z71 Trail Boss is designed for terrain where the pavement ends. “These are aggressive editions of one of the country’s hottest-selling truck, demonstrating the personalization that’s possible with Chevrolet accessories, whether it’s for the street, trail or both,” said Tony Johnson, Colorado marketing manager. “As the Colorado continues to win over new customers, the new Midnight Edition and Z71 Trail Boss give them more choices and build on segment-leading capabilities and efficiency.” Colorado Midnight Edition Echoing the blacked-out design theme introduced on the popular Silverado Midnight Edition, the 2016 Colorado Midnight Edition casts an imposing stance. Offered exclusively in black, additional exterior details such as the grille, the bowtie emblem and the 18-inch aluminum wheels are also finished in black. Additional content includes a spray-on bedliner and soft, folding tonneau cover – both in black, of course – and Chevrolet-logo sill plates. The Colorado Midnight Edition is available on LT models with the extended and crew cab bodies, in 2WD or 4WD, and with the 2.5L and 3.6L engines. It will also be available with the all-new 2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel engine. Pricing will be announced later. Colorado Z71 Trail BossThe 2016 Colorado Z71 Trail Boss builds on the capability of Chevrolet’s Z71 off-road truck suspension package with more aggressive tires and off-road-inspired appearance enhancements. An all-new sport bar with LED trail lighting makes the new edition of the Trail Boss instantly identifiable. It’s complemented by black-finished 17-inch aluminum wheels matched with aggressive Goodyear Wrangler DuraTec® 265/65R17 all-terrain tires, bold fender flares and tubular assist steps. It also features a black bowtie grille emblem and a spray-on bedliner, and a set of all-weather floor mats inside the truck. The Colorado Z71 Trail Boss is available on Z71 models with the extended and crew cab bodies, and in 2WD or 4WD. Like the Midnight Edition, it will also be available with the 2.5L and 3.6L engines, as well as the 2.8L Duramax diesel. Pricing will be announced later. View full article
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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 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. View full article
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2016 Chevrolet Colorado Duramax Tows 7,770 Pounds, Starts At $31,715
William Maley posted an article in Chevrolet
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 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. -
You ever hear someone say, “Eh it was good, but it wasn’t great.”? That really doesn’t tell you anything about the thing you were asking about. Consider asking a friend about a new restaurant and they say that phrase to you, it would drive you mad because your friend hasn’t given you a clear indication of where they stand. Well I’m about to commit this sin with the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado Z71. I think the Colorado is a good truck, but not a great one. Now before you start screaming at your screen and writing angry comments, I will explain what I mean. The Colorado has been on sale in a number of market for a few years now, but only arrived in North America last year. This was due to General Motors making a number of changes to get it sellable in the U.S. Market. For example, the exterior of the worldwide Colorado is very different to the one sold in the U.S. The Colorado’s front fascia sold in other markets looks likes it was taken off the Equinox, while the NA-Spec Colorado gets a front fascia thats more akin to the Silverado with longer split grilles and a set of different bumpers and lights. Otherwise, the rest of the NA-Spec truck is the same with a somewhat rounded cab shape and various bed sizes. My tester was equipped with smaller 5’2” box which means you’ll have to do a couple more loads. There is a s 6’2” box available if you want something bigger. Also, my Colorado boasted the Z71 package, which nets you Z71 decals on the rear fenders and a set of 17-inch alloy wheels. Another big change between the Colorado sold here and elsewhere is inside. The two models boast different dashboard layouts for their specific markets. In the case of the North American model, Chevrolet took some ideas from the Silverado and implemented them into the Colorado. Controls are within easy reach of the driver and passenger and the truck boasts a lot features that you would not expect on a midsize only a few years ago. My particular tester came equipped with heated seats, Chevrolet MyLink with Navigation, Automatic Climate Control, Trip Computer, and Bluetooth. Chevrolet MyLink stills has a fair amount of problems with slowness, responding when pressed, and causing my iPod to crash constantly. Seats in the Z71 are a combination of leather and cloth. I found the front seats to provide good support, but I also found that getting the right position took quite awhile. Either I was too far away to reach the steering wheel and pedals comfortably, or my knees would be touching the underside of the steering column. Maybe some power adjustments or smoother manual adjustments would help out here. Back seat space is quite good when it comes to headroom. Legroom is a different story as it's small to nonexistent dependent on how tall the person sitting up front is. It should also be noted that the rear seats can either be flipped up to access a storage shelf or flipped down to provide added cargo space. For thoughts on powertrain and handling, see the next page. Power for the Colorado comes from either a 2.5L four-cylinder or a 3.6L DI V6. There is a Duramax four-cylinder diesel that will be arriving for the 2016 model year. For my tester, it boasted the 3.6 V6 with 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet. This comes paired up with a six-speed automatic and a four-wheel drive system. This engine is the weak link in the Colorado. Most truck engines whether they are a V6 or V8 have their torque right in the low-end of the rpm band. The Colorado V6’s torque is towards the higher end of the rpm, meaning you have to give the V6 some revs to get it moving. The six-speed automatic is smooth in around town and expressway driving. But I found it to be a bit slow when I pressed on the accelerator to make a pass. Fuel economy is rated at 17 City/24 Highway/20 Combined. I got an average of 18.2 MPG. On the ride front, the Colorado is quite good. Compared to the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma, the Colorado delivers a comfortable ride with many bumps and harshness not making it inside the cabin. Also, wind and engine noise were mostly nonexistent. The Colorado also earned bonus points for how maneuverable it was thanks to the small size. Aside from the engine, there is one other sticking point for the Colorado and that happens to price. My tester as shown here came with an as-tested price of $36,710. That’s quite a lot of money for a midsize truck, especially considering the average price of a full-size truck is only $4,000 more or so. So lets go back to the beginning of this review where I said the the Colorado is a good truck, but not a great one. There are lot of things to like about Colorado; its distinctive looks, feature list, ride, and maneuverability. But there are a fair number of items that leave a black eye on the Colorado such as the V6, MyLink, and the price. It leaves the Colorado in this interesting middle ground where it's better than the competition, but not quite as good as it should be. For now, that is enough for GM as the Colorado is more modern than its contemporaries. But I wonder down the road, will this be enough? Disclaimer: Chevrolet Provided the Colorado, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas Year: 2015 Make: Chevrolet Model: Colorado Trim: Z71 4WD Crew Cab Engine: 3.6L SIDI DOHC VVT V6 Driveline: Six-Speed Automatic, Four-Wheel Drive Horsepower @ RPM: 305 @ 6800 Torque @ RPM: 269 @ 4000 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined -17/24/20 Curb Weight: 4,380 lbs Location of Manufacture: Wentzville, MO Base Price: $34,115 As Tested Price: $36,710 (Includes $875.00 Destination Charge) Options: Bose Audio System - $500.00 Chevrolet MyLink - $495.00 Spray-On Bedliner - $475.00 Trailering Equipment Package - $250.00 View full article
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You ever hear someone say, “Eh it was good, but it wasn’t great.”? That really doesn’t tell you anything about the thing you were asking about. Consider asking a friend about a new restaurant and they say that phrase to you, it would drive you mad because your friend hasn’t given you a clear indication of where they stand. Well I’m about to commit this sin with the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado Z71. I think the Colorado is a good truck, but not a great one. Now before you start screaming at your screen and writing angry comments, I will explain what I mean. The Colorado has been on sale in a number of market for a few years now, but only arrived in North America last year. This was due to General Motors making a number of changes to get it sellable in the U.S. Market. For example, the exterior of the worldwide Colorado is very different to the one sold in the U.S. The Colorado’s front fascia sold in other markets looks likes it was taken off the Equinox, while the NA-Spec Colorado gets a front fascia thats more akin to the Silverado with longer split grilles and a set of different bumpers and lights. Otherwise, the rest of the NA-Spec truck is the same with a somewhat rounded cab shape and various bed sizes. My tester was equipped with smaller 5’2” box which means you’ll have to do a couple more loads. There is a s 6’2” box available if you want something bigger. Also, my Colorado boasted the Z71 package, which nets you Z71 decals on the rear fenders and a set of 17-inch alloy wheels. Another big change between the Colorado sold here and elsewhere is inside. The two models boast different dashboard layouts for their specific markets. In the case of the North American model, Chevrolet took some ideas from the Silverado and implemented them into the Colorado. Controls are within easy reach of the driver and passenger and the truck boasts a lot features that you would not expect on a midsize only a few years ago. My particular tester came equipped with heated seats, Chevrolet MyLink with Navigation, Automatic Climate Control, Trip Computer, and Bluetooth. Chevrolet MyLink stills has a fair amount of problems with slowness, responding when pressed, and causing my iPod to crash constantly. Seats in the Z71 are a combination of leather and cloth. I found the front seats to provide good support, but I also found that getting the right position took quite awhile. Either I was too far away to reach the steering wheel and pedals comfortably, or my knees would be touching the underside of the steering column. Maybe some power adjustments or smoother manual adjustments would help out here. Back seat space is quite good when it comes to headroom. Legroom is a different story as it's small to nonexistent dependent on how tall the person sitting up front is. It should also be noted that the rear seats can either be flipped up to access a storage shelf or flipped down to provide added cargo space. For thoughts on powertrain and handling, see the next page. Power for the Colorado comes from either a 2.5L four-cylinder or a 3.6L DI V6. There is a Duramax four-cylinder diesel that will be arriving for the 2016 model year. For my tester, it boasted the 3.6 V6 with 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet. This comes paired up with a six-speed automatic and a four-wheel drive system. This engine is the weak link in the Colorado. Most truck engines whether they are a V6 or V8 have their torque right in the low-end of the rpm band. The Colorado V6’s torque is towards the higher end of the rpm, meaning you have to give the V6 some revs to get it moving. The six-speed automatic is smooth in around town and expressway driving. But I found it to be a bit slow when I pressed on the accelerator to make a pass. Fuel economy is rated at 17 City/24 Highway/20 Combined. I got an average of 18.2 MPG. On the ride front, the Colorado is quite good. Compared to the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma, the Colorado delivers a comfortable ride with many bumps and harshness not making it inside the cabin. Also, wind and engine noise were mostly nonexistent. The Colorado also earned bonus points for how maneuverable it was thanks to the small size. Aside from the engine, there is one other sticking point for the Colorado and that happens to price. My tester as shown here came with an as-tested price of $36,710. That’s quite a lot of money for a midsize truck, especially considering the average price of a full-size truck is only $4,000 more or so. So lets go back to the beginning of this review where I said the the Colorado is a good truck, but not a great one. There are lot of things to like about Colorado; its distinctive looks, feature list, ride, and maneuverability. But there are a fair number of items that leave a black eye on the Colorado such as the V6, MyLink, and the price. It leaves the Colorado in this interesting middle ground where it's better than the competition, but not quite as good as it should be. For now, that is enough for GM as the Colorado is more modern than its contemporaries. But I wonder down the road, will this be enough? Disclaimer: Chevrolet Provided the Colorado, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas Year: 2015 Make: Chevrolet Model: Colorado Trim: Z71 4WD Crew Cab Engine: 3.6L SIDI DOHC VVT V6 Driveline: Six-Speed Automatic, Four-Wheel Drive Horsepower @ RPM: 305 @ 6800 Torque @ RPM: 269 @ 4000 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined -17/24/20 Curb Weight: 4,380 lbs Location of Manufacture: Wentzville, MO Base Price: $34,115 As Tested Price: $36,710 (Includes $875.00 Destination Charge) Options: Bose Audio System - $500.00 Chevrolet MyLink - $495.00 Spray-On Bedliner - $475.00 Trailering Equipment Package - $250.00 -
Buyers can't get enough of GM's midsize trucks. The company says that the Chevrolet Colorado only sit on dealer lots for an average 12 days before being snapped up. This is causing dealers to asking to ask for more trucks. GM's Wentzville, Mo plant is already pumping out as many as they can. But GM has a found a few ways to wring out a few more models. Automotive News reports that the plant has recently instituted a broader schedule reshuffling which saw a unpaid lunch break be cut to eliminate a six-minute production lull which means an extra 18 minutes of production in a three shift day and more importantly - an extra 3,500 trucks per year. GM is also hiring as many as 1,000 'flex' workers to fill weekend shifts which should boost production by more than 2,000 trucks per month. This comes after the plant brought on a third shift in March to help with the massive demand. With this increase in truck production, something had to be cut. In this case it was GM's full-size vans. For every two trucks built, one van rolls off the production line. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article
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GM Squeezes Wentzville Plant To Produce More Midsize Trucks
William Maley posted an article in General Motors
Buyers can't get enough of GM's midsize trucks. The company says that the Chevrolet Colorado only sit on dealer lots for an average 12 days before being snapped up. This is causing dealers to asking to ask for more trucks. GM's Wentzville, Mo plant is already pumping out as many as they can. But GM has a found a few ways to wring out a few more models. Automotive News reports that the plant has recently instituted a broader schedule reshuffling which saw a unpaid lunch break be cut to eliminate a six-minute production lull which means an extra 18 minutes of production in a three shift day and more importantly - an extra 3,500 trucks per year. GM is also hiring as many as 1,000 'flex' workers to fill weekend shifts which should boost production by more than 2,000 trucks per month. This comes after the plant brought on a third shift in March to help with the massive demand. With this increase in truck production, something had to be cut. In this case it was GM's full-size vans. For every two trucks built, one van rolls off the production line. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) -
Another week is upon us and a new review vehicle has arrived. In this case it happens to be the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado Z71. This is one of the vehicles that I have been waiting for quite awhile to get my hands on for review and its finally here. My particular tester is a Z71 crew cab with Short bed. With a couple of options ticked off, it rings in at $36,710. First impressions are quite good. The Colorado is quite the sharp looker with silver paint and 17-inch wheels. Moving inside and the controls are within easy reach and the seats are wrapped in a leather/cloth combination. Chevrolet MyLink so far hasn't crashed or showed any sign of slowdown. Also, this is one of the first GM vehicles with OnStar 4G LTE and wi-fi connectivity. I'll have more on this later in the week. There are a couple of downsides that I have found/experienced at the moment. One is there appears not to be enough adjustments in the seat and steering wheel to make myself comfortable at the moment. Currently, my knees are touching the steering wheel column. The other is a somewhat slow transmission. When I was driving on the freeway and trying to make a pass, the transmission took a few seconds to upshift. I'll have some more thoughts and impressions as the week goes on. In the meantime, if you have questions you would like to answer, drop them below. -
Another week is upon us and a new review vehicle has arrived. In this case it happens to be the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado Z71. This is one of the vehicles that I have been waiting for quite awhile to get my hands on for review and its finally here. My particular tester is a Z71 crew cab with Short bed. With a couple of options ticked off, it rings in at $36,710. First impressions are quite good. The Colorado is quite the sharp looker with silver paint and 17-inch wheels. Moving inside and the controls are within easy reach and the seats are wrapped in a leather/cloth combination. Chevrolet MyLink so far hasn't crashed or showed any sign of slowdown. Also, this is one of the first GM vehicles with OnStar 4G LTE and wi-fi connectivity. I'll have more on this later in the week. There are a couple of downsides that I have found/experienced at the moment. One is there appears not to be enough adjustments in the seat and steering wheel to make myself comfortable at the moment. Currently, my knees are touching the steering wheel column. The other is a somewhat slow transmission. When I was driving on the freeway and trying to make a pass, the transmission took a few seconds to upshift. I'll have some more thoughts and impressions as the week goes on. In the meantime, if you have questions you would like to answer, drop them below. View full article
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Motor Trend has named its truck of the year today and it has come to a complete shock to those who were expecting the Ford F-150 to take home the golden calipers. Instead it has gone to the Chevrolet Colorado. “After days of testing, hundreds of miles on the road, and our most rigorous truck testing program to date, our editors unanimously selected the Chevy Colorado as our 2015 Truck of the Year. Colorado is a smart, capable, and refreshingly honest truck that makes a strong value and efficiency statement. It’s perfectly sized and suited for the needs of many of today’s truck users,” said Edward Loh, editor-in-chief at Motor Trend. The Colorado earned praise for its spacious interior, fit and finish; performance, and price tag. The most surprising part of the Colorado's win was that unanimous vote by the editors of Motor Trend. Aside from beating out the F-150, the Colorado also beat out Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD Ford F-450 Ford Transit 350 HR and Transit 150 MR GMC Canyon SLT GMC Sierra Denali 2500 HD Source: Motor Trend, GM Press Release is on Page 2 MOTOR TREND Names Chevrolet Colorado 2015 Truck of the Year Midsize pickup outclasses competition in design, engineering, efficiency, safety and more EL SEGUNDO, Calif. – After its most comprehensive truck evaluation program in history, MOTOR TREND has selected the Chevy Colorado as its 2015 Truck of the Year®. MOTOR TREND’s Truck of the Year program is only open to all-new or significantly updated trucks and vans for the upcoming model year. For 2015, seven contenders were invited to compete; three competitors were asked to bring a powertrain and/or body style variant for a total of 10 vehicles overall: Chevrolet Colorado WT and Colorado Z71 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD Ford F150 2.7L EcoBoost and 3.5L EcoBoost Ford F-450 Ford Transit 350 HR and Transit 150 MR GMC Canyon SLT GMC Sierra Denali 2500 HD The 2015 Colorado emerged as MOTOR TREND’s 2015 Truck of the Year by a rare unanimous vote. The editors were particularly impressed with Colorado’s handsome, clean-sheet design, “right-sized” package, excellent handling and overall capability. Colorado’s potent-yet-efficient powertrains also returned best-in-class fuel economy according to Real MPG and EPA testing. “After days of testing, hundreds of miles on the road, and our most rigorous truck testing program to date, our editors unanimously selected the Chevy Colorado as our 2015 Truck of the Year,” said Edward Loh, MOTOR TREND’s editor-in-chief. “Colorado is a smart, capable, and refreshingly honest truck that makes a strong value and efficiency statement. It’s perfectly sized and suited for the needs of many of today’s truck users.” Said Sandor Piszar, Chevy Trucks marketing director: “The Chevrolet Colorado offers customers the versatility of a pickup in a powerful, refined, fuel-efficient midsize package, with up to 27 mpg EPA highway. For Colorado to emerge from MOTOR TREND’s thorough evaluation as the 2015 Truck of the Year shows how Colorado is changing the game by offering truck customers fresh new choices.” To determine which truck deserved top honors, the MOTOR TREND test team subjected all of the contenders to numerous instrumented and real-world road tests. First up was standard MOTOR TREND testing, which included: 0-60 mph and 1/4-mile acceleration, 60-0 mph braking, and maximum lateral grip - all without payload or trailered loads. A specific payload was then added to each truck and van, and the vehicles were then driven more than 250 miles to the Arizona/Nevada border to evaluate ride quality and loaded fuel economy. The vehicles were driven up and down the famed Davis Dam in Bullhead City, Ariz., for further assessment, including an instrumented test designed to simulate a passing situation while carrying a load. The team then moved to a world-class automotive proving grounds for instrumented acceleration tests with nominal weight trailers. Truck and trailer were also driven through a short handling course to evaluate acceleration, braking, maneuverability and outward visibility. The final phase of evaluation involved a 21-mile road loop through hills of Arizona’s Hualapai Mountains. Following the team’s intensive evaluation, the trucks were shipped to MOTOR TREND headquarters in El Segundo to undergo proprietary “Real MPG” fuel-economy testing. Using advanced exhaust gas and flow-rate analyzers, Real MPG measures tailpipe emissions every second during a three-hour, 88-mile drive around the Los Angeles area to record accurate real-world fuel economy. Once testing was completed, select MOTOR TREND editors convened to determine which truck would be crowned Truck of the Year. The winner is not chosen from a direct comparison against the other contenders, but rather as a result of how each contender performed in testing and against the award’s six criteria: Design Advancement, Engineering Excellence, Efficiency, Safety, Value, and Performance of Intended Function. -
Motor Trend has named its truck of the year today and it has come to a complete shock to those who were expecting the Ford F-150 to take home the golden calipers. Instead it has gone to the Chevrolet Colorado. “After days of testing, hundreds of miles on the road, and our most rigorous truck testing program to date, our editors unanimously selected the Chevy Colorado as our 2015 Truck of the Year. Colorado is a smart, capable, and refreshingly honest truck that makes a strong value and efficiency statement. It’s perfectly sized and suited for the needs of many of today’s truck users,” said Edward Loh, editor-in-chief at Motor Trend. The Colorado earned praise for its spacious interior, fit and finish; performance, and price tag. The most surprising part of the Colorado's win was that unanimous vote by the editors of Motor Trend. Aside from beating out the F-150, the Colorado also beat out Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD Ford F-450 Ford Transit 350 HR and Transit 150 MR GMC Canyon SLT GMC Sierra Denali 2500 HD Source: Motor Trend, GM Press Release is on Page 2 MOTOR TREND Names Chevrolet Colorado 2015 Truck of the Year Midsize pickup outclasses competition in design, engineering, efficiency, safety and more EL SEGUNDO, Calif. – After its most comprehensive truck evaluation program in history, MOTOR TREND has selected the Chevy Colorado as its 2015 Truck of the Year®. MOTOR TREND’s Truck of the Year program is only open to all-new or significantly updated trucks and vans for the upcoming model year. For 2015, seven contenders were invited to compete; three competitors were asked to bring a powertrain and/or body style variant for a total of 10 vehicles overall: Chevrolet Colorado WT and Colorado Z71 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD Ford F150 2.7L EcoBoost and 3.5L EcoBoost Ford F-450 Ford Transit 350 HR and Transit 150 MR GMC Canyon SLT GMC Sierra Denali 2500 HD The 2015 Colorado emerged as MOTOR TREND’s 2015 Truck of the Year by a rare unanimous vote. The editors were particularly impressed with Colorado’s handsome, clean-sheet design, “right-sized” package, excellent handling and overall capability. Colorado’s potent-yet-efficient powertrains also returned best-in-class fuel economy according to Real MPG and EPA testing. “After days of testing, hundreds of miles on the road, and our most rigorous truck testing program to date, our editors unanimously selected the Chevy Colorado as our 2015 Truck of the Year,” said Edward Loh, MOTOR TREND’s editor-in-chief. “Colorado is a smart, capable, and refreshingly honest truck that makes a strong value and efficiency statement. It’s perfectly sized and suited for the needs of many of today’s truck users.” Said Sandor Piszar, Chevy Trucks marketing director: “The Chevrolet Colorado offers customers the versatility of a pickup in a powerful, refined, fuel-efficient midsize package, with up to 27 mpg EPA highway. For Colorado to emerge from MOTOR TREND’s thorough evaluation as the 2015 Truck of the Year shows how Colorado is changing the game by offering truck customers fresh new choices.” To determine which truck deserved top honors, the MOTOR TREND test team subjected all of the contenders to numerous instrumented and real-world road tests. First up was standard MOTOR TREND testing, which included: 0-60 mph and 1/4-mile acceleration, 60-0 mph braking, and maximum lateral grip - all without payload or trailered loads. A specific payload was then added to each truck and van, and the vehicles were then driven more than 250 miles to the Arizona/Nevada border to evaluate ride quality and loaded fuel economy. The vehicles were driven up and down the famed Davis Dam in Bullhead City, Ariz., for further assessment, including an instrumented test designed to simulate a passing situation while carrying a load. The team then moved to a world-class automotive proving grounds for instrumented acceleration tests with nominal weight trailers. Truck and trailer were also driven through a short handling course to evaluate acceleration, braking, maneuverability and outward visibility. The final phase of evaluation involved a 21-mile road loop through hills of Arizona’s Hualapai Mountains. Following the team’s intensive evaluation, the trucks were shipped to MOTOR TREND headquarters in El Segundo to undergo proprietary “Real MPG” fuel-economy testing. Using advanced exhaust gas and flow-rate analyzers, Real MPG measures tailpipe emissions every second during a three-hour, 88-mile drive around the Los Angeles area to record accurate real-world fuel economy. Once testing was completed, select MOTOR TREND editors convened to determine which truck would be crowned Truck of the Year. The winner is not chosen from a direct comparison against the other contenders, but rather as a result of how each contender performed in testing and against the award’s six criteria: Design Advancement, Engineering Excellence, Efficiency, Safety, Value, and Performance of Intended Function. View full article
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com July 16, 2013 Its been awhile since we got any new information or spy shots on General Motor's next-generation midsize trucks. However that changed this week as new spy shots came in of the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon doing some hot weather testing. We knew that our version of the Colorado and Canyon's exterior design would differ from the version sold in the rest of the world. The shots show the front ends of the two trucks taking cues from their bigger brothers with similar grilles and headlight setup. The spy shots also revealed that one of engines that GM is currently testing is a V6 VVT engine. That means we could be seeing the 3.6L DI V6 under the hood of these trucks. Also on the table are a four-cylinder engine and turbodiesel. Source: Automobile Magazine William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com July 16, 2013 Its been awhile since we got any new information or spy shots on General Motor's next-generation midsize trucks. However that changed this week as new spy shots came in of the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon doing some hot weather testing. We knew that our version of the Colorado and Canyon's exterior design would differ from the version sold in the rest of the world. The shots show the front ends of the two trucks taking cues from their bigger brothers with similar grilles and headlight setup. The spy shots also revealed that one of engines that GM is currently testing is a V6 VVT engine. That means we could be seeing the 3.6L DI V6 under the hood of these trucks. Also on the table are a four-cylinder engine and turbodiesel. Source: Automobile Magazine William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
