Chevrolet Thailand today launched the new 2014 Colorado midsize pickup truck that features a new, more potent powertrain, advanced infotainment system and other technical and aesthetical upgrades.
"When the all-new Colorado was launched in October 2011, it offered more technology, features, quality and value than before. It was the most clean-sheet midsize truck program in Chevrolet's history, and it delivered class-leading payload and trailering," said Gustavo Colossi, Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, Chevrolet Sales Thailand and General Motors SEA Operations, during the new Colorado's launch at the 30th Thailand International Motor Expo 2013.
He added, "People who know the Colorado know it is truly a real truck for real life for real people. The new Duramax and other enhancements will only make it better and even more desirable."
In addition to a new and more powerful engine, the new Colorado will also be equipped with MyLink, Chevrolet's advance infotainment system, new manual transmissions and additional information display in the driver's information center.
One of the Best-in-Class Performance
When the Colorado was launched, its engines matched and even exceeded the performance of its competitors' bigger engines, giving the Colorado best-in-class output and performance. With the new Duramax turbo-diesels, GM powertrain engineers focused on improving efficiency and performance with the same capacities instead of increasing capacity to extract more performance.
The new Duramax engine is stronger to handle the increased outputs, and certain elements have been redesigned to enhance durability and improve overall quality. The 2.8L variant now produces 200 hp (147 kW) of power at 3600 rpm and 500 Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm, making the Colorado one of the most powerful in its class. Equivalent to 178 Nm-per-liter, the new engine will not only improve the Colorado's acceleration and linear performance, it will also enhance the vehicle's towing and payload capacity. The 2.5L variant now produces 163 hp (120 kW) at 3600 rpm and 380 Nm of torque at 2000 rpm.
Several parts in the new Duramax engine were upgraded, with the main points being the High-pressure common-rail, a water-cooled variable-geometry turbocharger, an Electrical EGR valve and a new composite intake manifold to name just a few. Both the 2.5L and 2.8L variants are Euro-4 compliant and can be upgraded to meet Euro-5, -6 and US emission standards if necessary.
New six-speed manual transmissions will also be fitted to the 2.5 and 2.8L variants. The new transmissions feature retuned ratios to take advantage of the new Duramax's characteristics, providing the Colorado with the best combination of performance and economy. Variants with automatic transmissions retain the proven Hydra-Matic six-speed transmission with driver shift control capability.
MyLink Infotainment System
Chevrolet's latest generation MyLink infotainment system has now found its way into the Colorado, further enhancing the pickup truck's lifestyle appeal, especially to customers who live in the urban jungle.
The top-of-the-range Colorado LTZ1 is now equipped with the upmarket MyLink that features a seven-inch screen with an integrated satellite navigation system. The system is capable of displaying album artwork, videos and images, and comes with a nine-speaker sound system, DVD-movie capability and an USB/Auxiliary port.
The Colorado LTZ will be equipped with another variant of the MyLink infotainment system that features smartphone connectivity and streaming audio. The MyLink screen displays options such as Audio, Pictures and Movies, Telephone, Smartphone Link and Settings on the touch screen. Users can access personal playlists and make hands-free voice calls, amongst other functions. The smartphone link function allows the use of Stitcher and TuneIn, which provides the driver access to over 70,000 internet radio stations worldwide.
Additional Enhancements
The new Colorado also features an enhanced Display Information Cluster (DIC) - a backlit LCD panel in the instrument panel in front of the driver. It now comes with an 'ECO Index Page', which provides feedback with a relative value of how fuel efficient the driver has been with his or her driving. If the driver is driving within 'economical' parameters, a leaf will be shown.
The DIC also features an additional Statistics Page, which highlights the average fuel consumption for the last 50 kilometers in a bar graph. Each column, or bar, represents the average fuel consumption of the last five kilometers.
Taking into consideration that the Colorado is also a popular choice among urbanites who like a tough, refined, high-riding go-anywhere vehicle, the new Colorado now comes with a Park-Assist System, featuring sensors built into the rear bumper. This additional feature will be very helpful for drivers navigating in the tight confines of city traffic and parking spaces.
Real Truck for Real Life
Right from the start, the Colorado was developed on GM's global body-on-frame, rear-drive midsize truck architecture to offer the strength, design, versatility, performance and refinement needed to compete with the world's best truck nameplates. The Colorado delivers the capability expected of a Chevy truck - including segment leading payload and trailering.
It is also among the safest vehicles in its class, having been developed to meet the highest possible safety standards. Included in the Colorado range are features such as Electronic Stability Control, Anti-lock Braking System featuring Electronic Brake-Force Distribution, Traction Control, Hydraulic Brake Assist, Cornering Brake Control as well as driver and occupant airbag protection.
The Colorado range of midsize pickup trucks features a choice of two turbo-diesel engines across three specification levels. Choices include single-, extended- and crew-cab bodies in high- and low-stance configuration, as well as two- and four-wheel-drive configurations. A new body color, 'Orange Rock' is available with the new Colorado.
