2009 CHEVROLET COLORADO LINEUP ADDS V-8 POWER AND NEW BRAKE SYSTEM
06/09/2008
Chevrolet
Chevy's midsize Colorado pickup enters 2009 with a host of performance enhancements, including a new, 5.3L V-8 engine option and new brake system. These features, along with the return of the ZQ8 sport suspension and a new family of stylish wheels, increase the Colorado's capability and refreshes its stylish appearance.
"2009 is a milestone year for Colorado, with a powertrain customers have asked us for and new features that bolster its position as one of the segment's most comfortable and customer-focused trucks," said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager.
Colorado 's new 5.3L V-8 is available on extended cab and crew cab models. It pumps out 300 horsepower (224 kW), nearly 25-percent more than the Colorado's available 3.7L I-5 engine. It also delivers 320 lb.-ft. of torque (434 Nm) of robust torque for an exceptional maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds (2,721 kg). Effortless highway driving also is an attribute of the new V-8, enabling 0-60 mph performance of less than seven seconds.
Improved fuel economy
A revised fuel control module helps most 2009 Colorado models equipped with the 2.9L and 3.7L engines achieve better fuel economy than previous models. The greatest mileage improvement comes in 4WD models equipped with the 2.9L engine and manual transmission, where the estimated highway rating increases to 25 mpg - an increase of nearly 14 percent over the '08 rating.
New for 2009
In addition to the new 5.3L V-8 and improved fuel economy for models with the 2.9L and 3.7L engines, the '09 Colorado lineup includes a host of new features and revisions, including:
New brake system - All Colorado models receive a new brake system that delivers greater stopping power and an improved brake pedal feel. The system features four-channel ABS with yaw control for flatter, more controlled stopping during panic stops and improved control on slippery surfaces
StabiliTrak electronic stability control system is standard on all models
New family of wheels:
WT models receive 16-inch steel wheels in place of the previous 15-inch wheels
New 16-inch aluminum wheel is standard with Z85 suspension
New 16-inch chrome-clad wheel optional with Z85 suspension
New 17-inch wheel is standard with the Z71 suspension
New 18-inch wheel is standard with the ZQ8 suspension
Exterior revisions:
Previous Sport Appearance Package is now standard on all Z85-equipped models
Front fascia now features body color over dark gray accents
Z71 grille features body-color surround with chrome bar (replacing previous gray surround)
Small wheel flares are eliminated
Body-side molding eliminated from regular and extended cabs
Body-color side moldings on crew cab
Body-color outside mirrors and door/tailgate bezels, with chrome handles, on extended and crew cabs
Standard bedliner with Fleet Delete package
Solar Ray tinted glass is standard on LS and LT; available on WT
Two new exterior colors - Deep Navy and Aqua Blue Metallic
XM Satellite Radio is standard on all models
Cashmere interior carpet changed from Cashmere to Ebony
Interior carpet is standard on WT (vinyl floor cover is available)
Cloth seating is standard on WT (vinyl is available)
A new 1VL Value Package is offered in 2009. It is available on all extended and crew cab models and includes the 2.9L engine paired with either a manual transmission on the extended cab or an automatic transmission with the crew cab. Additional equipment includes power windows and locks.
New ZQ8 sport suspension package
The sport-tuned ZQ8 suspension returns later in the '09 model year on extended and crew cab models. It features revised tuning, all-new 18-inch Xtreme, split six-spoke aluminum wheels and performance tires and distinctive visual cues, as well as the new 5.3L V-8 engine as standard equipment.
GM Performance Division put its signature on the truck, designing 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. Seven exterior colors are offered: Deep Navy, White, Victory Red, Inferno Orange, 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.
Colorado lineup
Colorado is available in regular cab, extended cab and crew cab configurations, as well as 2WD and 4WD. Colorado's various body styles and powertrain combinations are available in WT, LS and LT trims. LS models come with a color-keyed appearance for a sporty look.
The popular Z71 Off Road package offers distinctive visual cues to augment its suspension differentiation; it is available on 2WD and 4WD models. Returning later in the '09 model year is the ZQ8 sport suspension, which is paired with the 5.3L V-8 and all-new 18-inch wheels (see above section).
Colorado can seat up to six while offering much higher levels of ride comfort, handling, quietness and interior space than many other midsize trucks. 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.
Colorado accommodations and cargo capability
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. 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.
Driving experience
With its efficient packaging, Colorado looks and feels more like a spacious full-size pickup than a typical midsize truck. A stiff frame enables more precise suspension tuning to deliver a smooth, isolated ride without sacrificing responsive handling.
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.
A trio of suspension choices is available: the rugged Z85 suspension standard on 2WD or 4WD models, the Z71 off-road suspension, also available in 2WD and 4WD - with new 17-inch wheels - and the ZQ8 sport suspension. The ZQ8 option returns for '09, sporting refined tuning and a new 18-inch wheel-and-tire combination. Available on extended and crew cab models, the ZQ8 suspension is paired with the new 5.3L V-8.
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).*
Both the 2.9L and 3.7L engines are based on GM's modular inline engine design, which also serves as the foundation for the 4.2L inline-six engine of the Chevy TrailBlazer. They feature dual overhead camshafts, variable valve timing, electronic throttle control and other features that contribute to high levels of operating efficiency and fuel economy. Balance shafts help ensure smooth operation of the engines, providing a higher level of refinement.
New for '09 is the available 5.3L V-8. It 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).
Drivetrain
In off-road or inclement weather driving situations, 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.
Safety features
Safety belts remain the primary and most effective form of occupant protection and Colorado features three-point safety belts at all seating positions. Helping to remind front passengers to buckle up is an enhanced passenger seat belt reminder system. It provides a repetitive, progressively strident message to any unbuckled front-seat occupant, as a reminder to fasten seat belts. GM's passenger sensing system is standard.
Additional protection is found in the available head curtain side air bags. They act like a protective curtain when deployed, unfolding from the roof rail between the A-pillar and side window header. When the bag deploys in a moderate to severe side impact, it is angled somewhat toward the window to help provide protection for front- and rear-seat outboard passengers.
Other safety features include: energy-absorbing steel structure; standard four-wheel ABS brakes; rack-and-pinion steering; a driver information center; three-point lap and shoulder belts in all three rear seating positions on crew cab models and LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system anchors for child safety seats. This system provides two lower anchors and a top tether anchor used to secure a child seat to the vehicle seat structure. These anchorages are designed to make it easier to properly install compatible child safety seats.
OnStar is available on all models - it is standard on LS and LT trims and optional on Work Truck. Its digital equipment includes enhanced hands-free voice recognition capabilities, including more intuitive continuous digit dialing and improved voice recognition accuracy. OnStar is the leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information services in the United States and Canada. Using the GPS satellite network and wireless technology, OnStar features core safety services and OnStar Hands-Free Calling that allows drivers to make and receive voice-activated phone calls using an externally mounted antenna for greater reception. OnStar-equipped models also offer Turn-By-Turn Navigation.
The Colorado is covered by GM's five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and three years/36,000 miles for non-powertrain components - the best coverage in America.
*SAE certified.