2013 Chevrolet Colorado
UPDATE Ten/Ten: Chevy confirmed this morning that the truck will indeed come to the U.S.
Chevrolet has unveiled its all-new two thousand thirteen Colorado, and when the company calls it a global product, it’s not just referring to where the truck will be sold. Its development spanned five continents, but the bulk of the work was done in Thailand-where the truck was introduced-by Brazilian engineers, and GM’s South American Design Center penned the form. GM very first demonstrated a concept of the truck in Thailand (If you are wondering, “why Thailand?” it’s because compact trucks are very popular there), following that a few months later with another concept in Argentina, but the big question is whether or not “global” includes the U.S., GM isn’t telling, but the Colorado seems well-equipped to do battle here in the States.
The fresh Colorado looks like a strong replacement forour truck based on appearance alone. Its form is modern and harsh, with sleek, Malibu-like headlights; a large dual-slot Chevrolet grille; and muscular, engorged fenders. Chevy will suggest twenty six different trim, assets, powertrain, and ride-height combinations, a level of choice similar to what you find in the full-size-truck market here.
The body-on-frame Colorado is available with regular, extended, and team cabs; two figure widths; two- or four-wheel drive; and-independent of the number of driven wheels-a high or low rail height. Buyers can choose from three trim levels that go after the same progression as U.S.-market Chevys: LS, LT, and LTZ. Stability control, anti-lock brakes, traction control, and front airbags are among the Colorado’s standard safety features. The interior boasts chrome accents and a classy dual-cowl dash with square Camaro-like gauge pods and ice-blue LED backlighting. Vinyl, cloth, and leather seats are available, and all Thai Colorados have standard auxiliary audio and USB inputs.
Diesels: Two for Thailand, None for You
In addition to the numerous build combinations available, the Colorado offers two fresh diesel four-cylinders. Just like the truck they will power, the engines are labeled as “all-new” by GM and are a part of a fresh global line of diesel four-cylinders. The base is a Two.5-liter unit that makes one hundred fifty hp and two hundred fifty eight lb-ft of torque; the 2nd is a Two.8-liter that makes one hundred eighty hp and a meaty three hundred forty six lb-ft of torque when bolted to a six-speed automatic transmission, three hundred twenty four lb-ft when mated to a five-speed manual. If the Colorado does make it here, it likely will feature a gas-only engine lineup. Chevy recently announced that a diesel-powered Cruze is on its way here for 2013, however, so don’t rule out the possibility of an oil-burning puny pickup for the U.S. somewhere down the road.
“Don’t rule it out” seems to be the line regarding the fresh Colorado’s chances in the U.S. Chevrolet developed the truck for more than sixty markets spanning the globe; it’s hard to believe the U.S. would be left out of that count. Depending on how you look at it, the death of the Ford Ranger is either an indication of where the small-truck market is going or an chance for GM to seize the segment.
The UAW recently disclosed some of its tentative contract agreements with GM, exposing that the Shreveport, Louisiana, plant that presently produces the American-market Colorado and GMC Canyon is set to shut down by June 2012. However, the company also said it will invest $380 million in its Wentzville, Missouri, plant and add a mid-size pickup program there, so the Colorado will proceed to be sold here-Chevy just won’t say whether it will be this one, some other fresh one, or the same old truck. We think it’ll be this one.