Ready to take on some of the toughest climates and terrain the world has to offer is the all-new 2012 Chevrolet Colorado. Punching its way into the midsize truck market, the latest pickup to wear a bow tie is the product of a five year and $2 billion program so that more than 6o markets could use the Colorado. First sales will begin later this month in Thailand and 26 different configurations will be offered. Anything from a single cab, lowered and widened version to a tall, four wheel drive crew cab will be available.
Under the hood of the trucks will be two all-new Duramax diesel engines. Built at GM’s new Thailand engine plant, both engines are built for a long life, with rough ware and abuse in mind. Producing 150 horsepower 258 lb-ft of torque, the base 2.5 liter turbocharged inline four is matched to either a five speed manual or six speed automatic. Upgrading to the 2.8 liter turbo diesel gives the Colorado 180 horsepower and a stump-pulling 346 lb-ft of torque when fitted with the six speed auto. If wanted with the five speed manual (possible), the 2.8’s torque is dropped slightly to 324 lb-ft.
Styling for the 2012 Colorado seems to draw plenty of cues from the American version. The angular grille and headlamps are there, but just slightly evolved. The front appears to be higher, giving the new truck a more, according to GM themselves, “purposeful appearance.” At the rear, everything is business except the tail lights, which now house LED lighting. Inside, the layout is designed to be much more car-like than before. Overall room has been increased and the trim is clean but tough. This is a truck and it needs to stand up to some abuse, so a variety of interior materials are offered to suit any type of buyer. As of now, the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado is set for many European, Asian and Middle Eastern markets but sadly, the truck isn’t scheduled for the U.S. just yet.
Source: Chevrolet
