2011 Chevrolet Colorado news, pictures, and information

2011 CHEVROLET COLORADO: A MIDSIZE TRUCK WITH LARGE CAPABILITY

The base engine in all but Z71-equipped crew cabs is a powerful, 2.9L DOHC four-cylinder wîth 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 wîth 4WD – is a 3.7L DOHC five-cylinder wîth 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 wîth the four-cylinder engine – except for crew cab models, where it is not available. The automatic is standard wîth the five-cylinder engine and V-8; and available wîth the four-cylinder (standard wîth 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 §teering and track-tuned suspension enhancements that stiffen the suspension by about 30 percent. The §teering system receives a high-performance cooler and underhood temperatures and airflow are controlled wîth 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 wîth a great stance.

Color-keyed front and rear bumpers, fascia grille and grille bar are part of the ZQ8's appearance, wîth the grille accented wîth 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.