Named for the largest and very agile mammal that
exists in North America, the '19 Chevy Colorado
ZR2 Bison completes the job of combining the strengths of the high-performance
off-road ZR2 with a facelift from AEV, the world's dominating force in
aftermarket parts supplies, and 4WD adventuring. Known for toughened up
versions of Ram and Jeep vehicles in the past, they were happy to get their
hands on a ZR2 for modification, and all of us here at the Powerhouse were
waiting on edge for the results.
The folks on staff at the Truck Trend blog
put together a crisp feature about this revamp over the past week, and they
were anxious to showcase the full suite of off-road tech, including
class-exclusive front and rear locking differentials, and multimatic DSSV
dampers, off-road rocker protection, cast-iron control arms, and the very
durable Chevy Autotrac transfer case. This is a truck that is made to target off-road
and rock crawling enthusiasts who are looking for a pickup with higher
capabilities, backed by a killer factory warranty. The addition of five
specially-designed AEV skidplates constructed with durable high-strength
stamped steel provides the undercarriage amazing protection.
Seeing to it that the oil pan, fuel tank, transfer
case, and front and rear differentials are well protected, it transforms the
ZR2 into a truck that is ready for rugged and rocky terrain. The front bumper
is designed with extra-specific winch provisions as well as standard foglights,
and the rear has integral recovery points placed inside the bumper. 31-inch
Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac off-road tires sit below larger fender flares, and
the AEV Bison logo is stamped on the tailgate. Once inside, you notice AEV logo
embroidery on the floor liners, and front head restraints as well. One of the
coolest options ever made for a truck is available through the good folks at
AEV: a desert air-intake snorkel, upping the ante drastically for engine
performance in areas where your wi-fi signal may not be the greatest.
The Truck Trend testing team first
drove the ZR2 Bison on Phoenix roadways, gradually leading to a collection of
hard-packed dirt trails, and technical sections of track in the Tonto National
Forest. They raved about the new bumpers' ability to increase the approach and
departure angles, and realized the primo power that the new skidplates have to
make a difference in clearance and protection during the roughest of rides.
Like the ZR2, the Bison is powered by a standard 3.6L V-6 engine, which makes
308 horsepower, and 275 lb-ft of torque.
Not only is this new truck able to completely
dominate in the off-road environment, its tow rating is 7,000 pounds. We invite
you down to the Mid-Missouri Powerhouse this season to check out the Bison for
yourself: AEV's sheer mastery has definitely led to a legend in craftsmanship,
that is poised to propel and crawl its way through the most remote destinations
in existence!
