Chevy’s hot-selling midsize Colorado pickup gains a pair of significant powertrain upgrades for 2017 that should boost performance and fuel economy. Colorado also adds as standard equipment a new IntelliLink radio and GM’s new Teen Driving mode technology that can track behind-the-wheel behavior of younger drivers.
Also: Class of 2017 – New Cars Ready to Roll
While the Colorado’s 200-horsepower/2.5-liter 4-cylinder and 181-horse/2.8-liter 4-cylinder turbodiesel engines carry over for the new season, the 3.6-liter twin-cam gas V6 has been replaced by an engine with the same displacement but boasts improved variable valve timing for both intake and exhaust valves, enhanced direct injection as well as a first use of Active Fuel Management that cuts out two cylinders under light-throttle situations. This upgraded six also has a bit more muscle, with pony count rising from 305 to 308 and torque moving from 269 to 275 peak twist units.
The previous 6-speed automatic transmission has been replaced by a new 8-speed. Developed by GM and weighing no more than the existing 6L80, this new Hydra-Matic 8L45 features a wider overall ratio spread that includes a lower first-gear cog and a taller differential gear that leads to fewer revs at freeway cruise and anticipated better mileage. The 2017 Chevrolet Colorado lineup (Work Truck, LT and Z71 in extended or crew cab and RWD/4WD) is slated to hit showrooms here during the fourth quarter. Both pricing and official EPA numbers will be released closer to the on-sale date.
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