A feature from the well-versed and
thoroughly-tested experts at Car and Driver this past week begins
in a quite plausible scenario for trucks: the top crest of a hill in California's
Sierra Nevada mountains. It is definitely a challenge that most new trucks and
SUVs can't handle, and this particular testing crew has attempted a couple
dozen factory-fresh 4X4s within its tough wrath. Usually, the kickup or the
ruts stop them in their tracks, forcing them to track their way back down the
incline. If you can successfully crest the top, you're treated to a
jaw-dropping and surreal view of the mountains.
Until this particular day, this hill was only
conquered by the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, the Ford F-150 Raptor, and the Ram 2500
Power Wagon. Now our prized Colorado ZR2 Bison is added to the list, with it's
front and rear differentials locked and its armored undercarriage scraping
along the jagged rocks, and this highly capable and flexed-out off-roader had
no trouble with the precarious climb. After partnering with mountaineering
masters AEV, many truck fans have been amazed at the protection from
underneath, and very pure unwatered-down power to climb. Their work on the
Bison began about two years ago, soon after the brand we so love to represent
released the ZR2.
The truck's stance is still 3.5 inches wider than
a standard Colorado's,
and it stands two inches taller. The Multimatic Dynamics Suspensions Spool
Valve dampers are still unchanged, with AEV's focus now on protecting the
truck's powertrain and body. The front and rear bumpers see a burly and
characteristic stamp, and five stamped down boron-steel skid plates reside at
the heart and soul of the truck. The new skid plates have more strength and
might then the ZR2's typical aluminum units, and the front bumper on the Bison
is designed to accommodate a full winch, with outer portions that are
replaceable.
The Bison package also includes larger wheel-well
flares, AEV-badged floor mats and headrests, 12-spoke aluminum wheels, and a
grille with the prominent “Chevy” badge. For just a little extra cost, ask us
here at the Mid-Missouri Powerhouse
how you can spec the Bison package with either the 3.6-Liter V-6 or the
turbo-diesel 2.8-liter inline-four, and you can complete your order right on
the website. This is GM's only truck with locking front and rear differentials,
and many are comparing the boron steel on the skid plates to a new development
that was the equivalent of McLaren's carbon-fiber usage. The Colorado's chief
engineer Darren Bohne was also the assistant engineering manager during the
creation of the 2014 Camaro Z/28, and successfully brought the Multimatic shock
technology from the road-course scalpel to this off-road triumph!
