- GM confirmed that the new Chevrolet Colorado midsize pickup will be built and sold in the U.S.
- The current Colorado will remain in production at GM's Shreveport plant through the 2012 model year.
- The second-generation Colorado goes on sale this month in Thailand.
DETROIT — After months of widespread speculation, General Motors confirmed that the new Chevrolet Colorado midsize pickup will be built and sold in the U.S., most likely starting in model year 2013. GM also said the current Colorado will remain in production at its Shreveport plant through the 2012 model year.
"We think the design, capability and fuel efficiency of the new Colorado will make it attractive to U.S. customers," said Chris Perry, vice president of global marketing and strategy for Chevrolet, in a statement.
The second-generation Colorado was formally unveiled last week in Thailand, the world's largest market for midsize trucks, where it goes on sale this month. At the time, GM said the new Colorado "is the product of a five-year, $2-billion vehicle program developed across five continents for customers in more than 60 markets around the world."
For the Thai market, the Colorado is being offered in a wide variety of configurations, including single-, extended- and crew-cab bodies in high- and low-stance, wide- and narrow-body options, as well as two- and four-wheel drive. Trim levels include entry-level LS, midrange LT and range-topping LTZ.
Thai buyers can choose from two new Duramax turbodiesel engines, displacing 2.5 and 2.8 liters. The 2.5 engine delivers 150 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The 2.8 is rated at 180 hp and 324 lb-ft with the five-speed manual gearbox (346 lb-ft with the optional six-speed automatic).
Inside Line says: GM said product details, timing, pricing and production location for the U.S. edition of the new Colorado will be announced later.
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froggersjc says:
03:59 PM, 10/13/2011
Finially! I might renew my GM card and start saving up. I have wanted a smaller crew cab pickup with decent mileage for several years. The Ranger and Colorado are dinosaurs that get terrible MPGs. I even started looking at used Subaru Bajas. Made in Amercia would be nice.
tdiluv says:
06:25 AM, 10/12/2011
More you think about it GM will most likely set this up with a GM 4 BANGER AND V6 for the states and NOT the DURAMAX/ISUZU Diesels ! Wait and see !
kkear3 says:
04:34 AM, 10/12/2011
Nice looking truck. Just the right size for because full-size trucks have become so full-sized.
As if we will get a Duramax diesel here in the states. Still, the current inline 5 or even the 3.6 V6 from the Traverse will be just fine.
If I do the math correctly, we should see this around 2013 which is right about the time my Tundra will collapse to the ground when the frame rusts out.
silvbullit says:
07:55 PM, 10/11/2011
If this comes with either one of the diesels and a 5000 or above tow rating and at least 28 mpg highway, I WILL buy one. And I am not a huge GM fan...
wjtinatl says:
07:08 PM, 10/11/2011
What's under the curvy sheet metal? Looks a lot like a Traverse with the rear 2/3 cut off.
tdiluv says:
04:24 PM, 10/11/2011
If this really happens, a smaller truck with the Duramax/Isuzu Diesel in it and is affordable the sales should be off the chart ! Must hit affordable and high "MPG's !
damaje says:
01:58 PM, 10/11/2011
Bring on the diesels! Well not both of them, the 2.8 might be nice though.
joe_scuba says:
10:16 AM, 10/11/2011
a segment ford just plan walked away from. Made in the USA that's sweet.
pontiacbixler0 says:
09:32 AM, 10/11/2011
Aye Lookatmyshoes! Indeed! GM has always trailed behind when it came to fun offroaders over the past decade. The ZR-2's were nice for their time but GM abandoned that segment.,
rayzor says:
08:53 AM, 10/11/2011
Yes! I can't wait to learn more about the US version. I'll trade my new 2011 TACO for this sweet Heart!