2011 CHEVROLET COLORADO: A MIDSIZE TRUCK WITH LARGE CAPABILITY
08/07/2010
Chevrolet
Chevrolet's midsize Colorado pickup enters 2011 with an extensive range of models, configurations and powertrains - including an available 5.3L V-8 power that enables a towing capacity up to 6,000 pounds (2,721 kg). It delivers 300 horsepower (224 kW) and 320 lb.-ft. of torque (434 Nm).
The Colorado lineup includes the durable and dependable Work Truck and LT models (with 1LT, 2LT and 3LT equipment packages), in regular-, extended- and crew-cab configurations and 2WD and 4WD. Extended and crew cab models are available with the sport-tuned ZQ8 suspension package and the Z71 Off Road suspension. The Z71 offers distinctive visual cues to augment its suspension differentiation, while the ZQ8 features specific suspension tuning, 18-inch aluminum wheels, performance tires and distinctive visual cues - as well as the new 5.3L V-8 engine as standard equipment.
Standard features include StabiliTrak electronic stability control system, rack-and-pinion steering, XM Satellite Radio, intermittent wipers, air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, cruise control and folding outside mirrors.
Changes to the Colorado for 2011 include OnStar 9.0, the return of Aqua Blue Metallic to the exterior color palette and new front-seat headrests.
Capable Colorado
Colorado's crew cab models offer a 60/40-split/folding rear seat capable of accommodating three adults. Extended cab versions have four doors, and its two folding rear seats face forward. Regular and extended cab models have a 6-foot 1-inch (1.85 m) pickup bed with taller sides than many competitors, providing best-in-class volume for deeper storage and higher overall payload - and a standard bed liner. Crew cab bed lengths are 5-foot 1-inch (1.55 m).
Both beds offer two-tier cargo loading, and tailgates that are both lockable and easily removable. The tailgate opens to almost 90 degrees, but can be set at a 55-degree opening - putting the tailgate edge at the same height as the top of the rear wheel wells within the cargo box, creating a sturdy, flat platform to conveniently transport longer items or 4-foot by 8-foot (1.2-meter by 2.4-meter) panels.
Colorado also delivers class-leading refinement with features such as hydraulically assisted rack-and-pinion steering; large front disc brakes with twin-piston calipers; independent suspension with coil-over front shocks on 2WD models (except Z71 and V-8); front torsion bars on all 4WD models, as well as 2WD Z71 models and 2WD with the V-8 and Z85 suspension; and specifically tuned powertrain and body mounts that help reduce interior noise and vibration.
Three suspension choices are available: the rugged Z85 suspension standard on 2WD or 4WD models, the Z71 off-road suspension, also available in 2WD and 4WD - with 17-inch wheels - and the ZQ8 sport suspension.
Powertrains
The base engine in all but Z71-equipped crew cabs is a powerful, 2.9L DOHC four-cylinder with variable valve timing (VVT) that delivers 185 horsepower (138 kW) and 190 lb.-ft. of torque (258 Nm).* Available in all models - and standard in the crew cab with 4WD - is a 3.7L DOHC five-cylinder with VVT that is rated at 242 horsepower (180 kW) and 242 lb.-ft. of torque (328 Nm).*
The available 5.3L V-8 is based on GM's legendary small-block V-8 architecture, delivering exceptional power and torque that is rare in the Colorado's class. Horsepower is rated at 300 (224 kW)* and torque is 320 lb.-ft. (434 Nm)*.
Transferring the Colorado engines' torque to the axles is an Aisin five-speed manual transmission or a Hydra-Matic 4L60 electronically controlled four-speed automatic. The manual transmission is standard with the four-cylinder engine - except for crew cab models, where it is not available. The automatic is standard with the five-cylinder engine and V-8; and available with the four-cylinder (standard with crew cab models).
Colorado's four-wheel-drive system provides added confidence and safety for the driver. The dash-mounted electronic "shift-on-the-fly" system allows the driver to move from rear- to four-wheel drive at any speed when road conditions demand a change. A locking rear differential is available on 2WD models and 4WD models. Additionally, three rear-end gear ratios are available for V-8 models: 3.42:1, 3.73:1 and 4.10:1; four- and five-cylinder models have a standard 3.73 rear axle.
ZQ8 details
The popular ZQ8 sport suspension gives the Colorado sports car-like handling attributes, as well as the lowered appearance of tuner vehicles. The package includes specific steering and track-tuned suspension enhancements that stiffen the suspension by about 30 percent. The steering system receives a high-performance cooler and underhood temperatures and airflow are controlled with a unique sealing system.
Additionally, the ride height is "slammed" - it is lower than the standard Z85 suspension by approximately one inch (25 mm) - and ZQ8-equipped trucks ride on unique 18 x 8-inch aluminum wheels and low-profile sport tires. The result is crisp handling and maneuverability, along with a great stance.
Color-keyed front and rear bumpers, fascia grille and grille bar are part of the ZQ8's appearance, with the grille accented with a chrome surround. Six exterior colors are offered: Deep Navy, White, Victory Red, Aqua Blue Metallic, Black Granite Metallic and Techno Gray Metallic. Inside, the ZQ8 features unique seats not offered in other Colorado models, trimmed in Ebony cloth.