- Aftermarket specialist AEV helps develop package
- Bison features skid plates boost off-road capability
- Goes on sale next January
- Current 2018 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 priced from $42,290
Chevrolet took the wraps off the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison, a more rugged take on its high performance off-road ZR2 package introduced last year on its midsize pickup. Built in conjunction with American Expedition Vehicles, which does premium off-road aftermarket conversions, the Bison is equipped to take on even more challenging terrain than the standard ZR2 thanks to additional skid plates, special steel bumpers and even a snorkel to add to the wading depth of the vehicle.
“More and more enthusiasts are discovering that Colorado is ideal for off-roading, especially overland travel,” said Sandor Piszar, director of Marketing, Chevrolet Truck. “The Colorado ZR2 offers even greater off-road capability with class-exclusive front and rear locking differentials and Multimatic DSSV dampers. And now, Bison offers customers an even more extreme turnkey off-road truck ready to tackle your next adventure.”
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Riding high
The 2019 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison has a 2-inch suspension lift and rides on 31-inch Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac off-road tires mounted on Bison exclusive 17×8-inch aluminum wheels. Front and rear track, like the standard ZR2, are 3.5 inches wider than a stock Colorado Z71 and boasts a modified rear axle with a 3.42 ratio. The Bison is distinguished by its flow-through grille that spells out Chevrolet instead of the standard Bowtie logo front opening. The bed has Bison decals on its side, an AEV Bison logo on the tailgate and embroidered AEV logos floor liners and headrests.
Built specifically to tackle jagged, rocky terrain, the Bison has five skid plates to protect the fuel tank, oil pan, transfer case and front and rear locking differentials. These plates are made of durable hot-stamped Boron steel. The same material is used on the front and rear bumper with the rear having integrated recovery points, while the front can accommodate a winch and standard fog lights.
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Buyers can opt for extended or crew cab configurations with respective long and short beds. The standard engine is a 3.6-liter V6 engine, which makes 308 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque. A 2.8-liter turbodiesel 4-cylinder engine rated at 186 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque is optional. The V6 comes with an 8-speed automatic, while the diesel has a 6-speed auto transmission. In addition, the Bison will be offered with extra cost accessories from AEV including the pictured snorkel. Even with these modifications for extreme off-road use, the ZR2 Bison comes with a full factory limited warranty.
Set to go on sale in January, expect to pay more than the current 2018 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Extended Cab which is priced at $42,290 including delivery.
