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 COLORADO: THE NEW STANDARD FOR MIDSIZE TRUCKS
Chevrolet heard opportunity knocking with the 2004 Chevrolet Colorado and set out to change the midsize truck market forever. "We've been talking about gotta-have products here at Chevrolet and when it comes to midsize trucks, we're pretty sure the Colorado is the one to beat," said Brent Dewar, Chevrolet general manager. "We've poured all of our well-established truck credentials into a truck that just nails what consumers want in this segment." The Colorado joins rugged good looks, powerful and economical powertrains, and the broadest range of cab, drive, suspension and bed choices with a bigger, more capable overall package that will do anything a midsize-truck buyer wants. The Colorado works as hard as any customer wants and plays just as hard. Unique platform Although the Colorado is built on a unique architecture, it builds on Chevy's expertise with the full-size Silverado pickup and the midsize TrailBlazer sport utility vehicle and leverages its relationship with Isuzu. The difference between the Colorado and its predecessor is clearly noticeable in the Colorado's ride, handling, quietness, interior roominess and capabilities. "The frame is more than 250 percent stiffer than its predecessor, which translates into great ride and handling," said John Santilli, vehicle line director for GM's midsize and small trucks. "The Colorado's stance is 3 inches wider than the S-10 and the Regular Cabs are about 4 inches longer, so it looks and feels much more substantial than the truck it replaces and other trucks in its class." The Colorado's rigid structure also means improved crashworthiness and reduced noise, vibration and harshness. Broad lineup All-new configurations include a two-wheel-drive Crew Cab model and a Z71 Off Road high-stance, two-wheel-drive model that offers the appearance and stance of the Z71 four-wheel-drive model, but without the transfer case. Extended Cab models feature four doors, and all Colorado models benefit from increased interior room and storage capability. The Colorado's tough exterior appearance evokes the ruggedness of the Chevy Silverado full-size truck, yet it fits perfectly with the midsize-truck buyer's need for economy and nimbleness. "The Colorado really is the perfect truck for midsize-truck buyers who give 100 percent during the week so they can lead an active lifestyle in their free time," said Al Oppenheiser, assistant chief engineer. "This package will do what's required for work, then be able to tow 4,000 pounds of stuff while up to six passengers ride safely and comfortably in the cab." Rack-and-pinion steering with a hydraulic power-assist system offers enhanced responsiveness, reduced steering effort, better "on-center" feel and sharper response. Economical, powerful powertrains The I-4 and I-5 also deliver all the power that a midsize truck requires. The Vortec 2800 delivers better horsepower and torque (175 hp/185 lb.-ft.) than other competing four-cylinders while the Vortec 3500 has horsepower and torque numbers (220 hp/225 lb.-ft.) that are better than or comparable to competitors' base-level six-cylinder engines. Except for the Crew Cab Z71 and Crew Cab ZQ8, the I-4 and five-speed manual are standard on all Colorados. The I-5 and a four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission are standard on the Crew Cab Z71 and ZQ8 versions, and optional on other models. "This is a personal-use truck for singles, couples or families who want more out of their midsize pickups, but who still share one thing in common: Any truck they drive had better be a real truck," said Janet Eckhoff, Colorado marketing director. "As soon as buyers see and drive the Colorado, they'll discover that this truck delivers on that promise." Spacious, well appointed The Crew Cab offers a 60/40-split/folding rear seat capable of accommodating three adults. The Extended Cab comes standard with four doors and its two folding rear seats are forward facing rather than the side-facing jump seats that are more common. The Regular Cab features 60/40 bench seats, in cloth, with bucket seats available with LS trim. The cabs are about 4 inches longer to provide not only usable storage behind the seats, but also class-leading maximum overall legroom. The pickup bed on the Regular and Extended Cab models is 6 foot 1 inch long with tall sides to provide superior box volume. The bed on the Crew Cab is 5 foot 1 inch long. Both beds offer two-tier cargo loading and a unique 55-degree tailgate opening that allows long items, such as 4-by-8-foot plywood sheets, to be transported flat. Otherwise, the tailgate opens fully to 89 degrees. Because tailgates can be targets for thieves, the Colorado's tailgates can be locked with a key. Safety a top consideration The Colorado also has pretensioners at the outboard front-seat positions that deploy at the same time as the air bags to take up slack in the safety belt webbing. The front outboard seating positions in all Colorados and the rear outboard positions of Crew Cabs have adjustable safety belt upper guide loops for improved fit and comfort. A three-point safety belt is standard for the center-rear seat in Crew Cabs. For added safety and security, Colorado also is
equipped with:
Other features Also standard are intermittent wipers, air conditioning, a cargo box side step on 4WD models and tow hooks on 4WD models Options include remote keyless entry, heated seats, XM Satellite Radio, fog lamps, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, self-dimming inside rearview mirror, running boards, leather seating, high-back bucket seats, rear sliding window and power left and right outside rearview mirrors. The all-new 2004 Colorado pickup will be manufactured at General Motors' Shreveport, La., assembly plant. Start of production is targeted for the third quarter of 2003. # # # |
Trucks have an inherently long
life in the marketplace, so an all-new truck is a rarity
for the automotive industry. When it's time for a new
one, it's a chance for an automaker to make a statement
about its design and engineering prowess, and a chance
for consumers to reap the benefits. Failure isn't an
option.