Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Concept Caught Testing

Feb. 18, 2016 By Josh Burns, Photos by Glen Paulina, KGP Spy Photography

If the recent images captured by photographers are any indication, it looks like we may see the Chevy Colorado ZR2 concept truck in production in the future.
 
The Colorado ZR2 concept originally debuted at the 2014 LA Auto Show, and ever since we have wondered whether or not Chevy would actually offer this truck for sale. An analysis of this prototype suggests that the ZR2 may finally have the green light.


 
The front bumper covers only a fraction of the front tires, which suggests that a version of the Colorado ZR2 concept’s Prerunner-inspired front fascia is in play on this prototype. It appears also appears that the outer corners of the front bumper camouflage is also designed to be easily removable—enabling quick access to the truck’s maximum approach angle whenever it’s needed for testing.

It's also quite possible the camouflage could also be hiding the uniquely-placed King Off-Road racing shocks, which were originaly featured on the ZR2 concept and are certainly an attention-grabbing feature. The ZR2 concept sat two inches higher than a standard Colorado, and this prototype looks like it does as well. The concept featured King Shocks, though it’s unclear on this truck what suspension it’s rocking.

 
 
In addition to the trail-friendly front-end design, this ZR2 test truck gets the concept’s bulging hood scoop, which can be seen lurking under the camo on the hood. 


 
The prototype also showcases the concept’s extra trim tacked onto the wheel arches, making for a ZR2 production truck likely matching the show truck’s extra 4 inches in width. The prototype showcases a version of the concepts special Rocker Protectors, to help protect the side sills on the trail.


 
There's one major change on this truck compared to the Colorado ZR2 concept, which had its spare tire mounted in the truck bed to give it that true "pre-runner" look. It doesn't look like that feature will make it to production, however, as the prototype caught here has its spare located back underneath the truck.


 
Another major question exists in regard to the engine. The Colorado ZR2 concept hit the auto show with GM's 2.8-liter Duramax Diesel engine. We can’t say for sure if this prototype was running that same diesel configuration, or if it was equipped with a gasoline engine. While a diesel would be welcome by many in the production Colorado ZR2, its appearance on the concept could simply have been a way to foreshadow the engine which was still more than a year away from production. Our glimpse of this ZR2 prototype was fleeting, so we’ll be on the lookout for a longer look, to better assess which engine is in use.


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