The 2018 Chevy Colorado ZR2 had the opportunity this past week to add heftily to its growing list of awards, with its recognition as a 2018 Autotrader Must Test Drive Award winner. It was one of twelve announced by the publication, and staked the claim of being the only pickup truck in the group. Factors that winners were chosen for included interior comfort and materials, available technology, and ride quality. The truck we love so much was commended heavily by the publication for its “easy-to-handle dimensions” and “very cool off-road capabilities”. Autotrader notes that the ZR2 is a true off-road machine, with a uniquely rugged vibe, and is always ready for almost anything you can throw at it.
Vehicle chief engineer for midsize truck of GM Anita Burke lamented that her team is “honored by this recognition, and thrilled that Autotrader has picked up on the versatile footprint and serious off-road capabilities of ZR2”. This is a truck that built strongly on the already very capable platform of the Colorado, and all customers who are looking for a great truck or off-road vehicle should give it an eye-opening test drive. The ZR2 is a truck that combines the nimbleness and maneuverability of a mid-size pickup perfectly with a host of new off-road features and technology, and can be the key ingredient in any Mid-Missouri Powerhouse customer's vehicle lineup.
The ZR2 is unique to a standard Colorado truck in that it features a three-and-a-half-inch wider track, and a suspension with a two-inch lift directly from the factory. Rocker protection has been added for better performance over rocks and other gaping obstacles, and the front and rear bumpers have been modified for what is a better off-road clearance. You'll experience the usefulness and tough functionality of front and rear locking differentials, available diesel engine, and the first off-road application of Multimatic Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve damper technology. The massive flexibility tuned into these discs, as well as the size and shape of the ports they cover, determines how much fluid flows between the chambers above and below the piston.
Four Wheeler editor Ken Brubaker claims that “The ZR2 takes the capable Colorado platform to a new level, with a dizzying array of modifications including front and rear electric differential lockers, a 2-inch higher ride height, 3.5-inch wider track width, additional skidplating, 31-inch tires, and many more off-road centric goodies”. The ZR2 also won the prestigious 2018 Pickup Truck of the Year from Four Wheeler, after extensive ramp travel index and track testing in over 1,000 miles of terrain. One of the elements that the judges liked best while really putting the ZR2 to the test was the protection of the underbody by means of the additional skidplating, and its ability to simply float over choppy sand or rough trails at speed, providing soft and stable landings when getting airborne. We'll be waiting for you here at the Mid-Missouri Powerhouse, where you can check out this award-winning truck's connectivity features, including an infotainment system with full navigation, and 8-inch touchscreen!
