Introducing the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2

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Not content to let Ford fans have all of the fun with the Raptor, Chevrolet has just announced the Colorado ZR2 for Chevy fans that want awesome off-road performance right out of the box.

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The stock Colorado’s flared fenders already give the truck aggressive prerunner looks, but the ZR2 adds tubular rocker protectors, new bumpers, and an optional bed-mounted spare. The thick aluminum skid plate protects the radiator and oil pan, and blends seamlessly into the new front bumper – giving the truck a tough, purposeful look and preventing owners from getting hung up on obstacles.

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The ZR2 rides on 31” tires, and the suspension is lifted 2” for better clearance. Damping is handled by Multimatic DSSV (Dynamic Suspension Spool Valve) shocks, as seen on the Camaro Z/28. While these dampers helped the Z28 achieve awesome lap times, the ZR2 marks their first appearance on an off-road machine. According to Chevrolet, this will allow the truck to have incredibly flexibility, performing great off-road while still being suitable for street use.

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The ZR2 utilizes electronic locking differentials and an optional diesel engine, both class exclusives. It’s clear that GM set their sights for the Raptor – and Raptor owners better look over its shoulder form here on out.

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Cam VanDerHorst has been a contributor to Internet Brands' Auto Group sites for over three years, with his byline appearing on Ford Truck Enthusiasts, Corvette Forum, JK Forum, and Harley-Davidson Forums, among others. In that time, he's also contributed to Autoweek, The Drive, and Scale Auto Magazine.

He bought his first car at age 14 -- a 1978 Ford Mustang II -- and since then he’s amassed an impressive and diverse collection of cars, trucks, and motorcycles, including a 1996 Ford Mustang SVT Mystic Cobra (#683) and a classic air-cooled Porsche 911.

In addition to writing about cars and wrenching on them in his spare time, he enjoys playing music (drums and ukulele), building model cars, and tending to his chickens.

You can follow Cam, his cars, his bikes, and his chickens at @camvanderhorst on Instagram.


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