Colorado

Make
Chevrolet
Segment
Sports Car

Chevrolet has unveiled a new hardcore variant of the already capable Colorado ZR2 truck. First previewed by the Colorado ZR2 AEV concept at the 2017 SEMA show, the Colorado ZR2 Bison represents Chevrolet's first collaboration with the off-road aftermarket tuner American Expedition Vehicles.

To help protect key undercarriage elements while driving on demanding terrain, the Bison features five skid plates that cover the engine oil pan, fuel tank, transfer case and front and rear locking differentials. Designed by AEV, these skid plates are constructed of hard, durable hot-stamped Boron steel. Steel front and rear bumpers also designed by AEV offer further protection while also incorporating standard fog lights and recovery points and a spot to install a winch.

"More and more enthusiasts are discovering that Colorado is ideal for off-roading, especially overland travel," said Sandor Piszar, director of Marketing, Chevrolet Truck. "The Colorado Z71 offers a full suite of off-road equipment, the maneuverability of a midsize truck and the driving range of a class-exclusive diesel engine. The Colorado ZR2 offers even greater off-road capability with class-exclusive front and rear locking differentials and Multimatic DSSVTM dampers. And now, Bison offers customers an even more extreme turnkey off-road truck ready to tackle your next adventure."

Other visual changes include a flow-through "CHEVROLET" lettered grille that replaces the Bison's traditional bowtie front end, larger fender flares, and ZR2 Bison-specific 17-inch aluminium wheels wrapped in 31-inch Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac off-road tires. The new Colorado variant also features Bison decals on the bed sides, an AEV Bison logo on the tailgate and embroidered AEV logo floor liners and front head restraints.

Like the ZR2, the Bison features a modified rear axle with a 3.42 ratio, front and rear tracks widened by 3.5 inches and a factory suspension lifted 2 inches over a Colorado Z71. Buyers can choose from a 2.8-liter Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine that sends 186 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission and crew or extended cab configurations. Third-party accessories can also be equipped such as AEV's ZR2 Bison snorkel. Pricing hasn't been announced, but Chevrolet has confirmed the 2019 Colorado ZR2 Bison will go on sale in January 2019,