The New Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison Seriously Looks Mean
If you thought that the Chevrolet Colorado was done transforming into a brand new beast, then you have a surprise coming. Don’t worry. It’s all good news for this beefy truck that’s increasing its off-roading credibility. The Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison has been spotted, and you might not want to mess with those horns!
What comes with the Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison?
The official specs for the Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison haven’t been revealed, but a few spy shots provide clues about what to expect. You can clearly see American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) upgrades next to existing Colorado models.
MotorAuthority pointed out that it rides on 17-inch AEV wheels wrapped in 35-inch Goodyear Duratrac tires. They are larger than the 33-inch Goodyear All Territory MudTerrain tires that come with the Colorado ZR2.
If the Bison has other AEV upgrades, then it’s safe to assume that the noticeably larger skid plates under the chassis are steel. The modified rear bumper may include recovery hooks and a slightly modified shape to improve its departure angle.
The front bumper could have a unique shape to improve its approach angle, and it might come with a factory-installed winch since that’s the new trend with off-roading trucks.
There are hydraulic bump stops with the Chevrolet Performance logo, and the rear tire is mounted against the rear window. Unique badging and interior features will complete the look.
What comes with the 2023 Colorado ZR2?
The Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison will build upon a solid foundation. The 2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2 features a 3.0-inch lift to increase its ground clearance to 10.7 inches.
The frame was updated by making the wheelbase 3.1 inches longer and by moving the axle forward by 2.95 inches to enhance stability without compromising the front overhang. The track width increased by 3.0 inches as well.
Multmatic speed-sensitive spool-valve dampers have increased travel in the front and rear. The suspension includes ZR2-specific knuckles, upper control arms, and cast-iron lower control arms.
Also, the rear shocks were moved outboard of the frame rails to enhance control. But the rear suspension still uses the double-leaf spring setup.
It has locking front and rear differentials, a 2.72 transfer case ratio, and a second-generation eight-speed automatic transmission.
How much power could the Colorado ZR2 Bison have?
The Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison could gain a little extra power, but we expect it to have the same powertrain as the robust ZR2 model. The turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder High Ouput variant provides 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque.
It can tow up to 6,000 lbs and carry a payload of up to 1,151 lbs. The ZR2 Bison has heavier equipment, so it might not tow as much. Also, the regular Colorado can tow up to 7,700 lbs, which matches the Jeep Gladiator.
It’s a good sign that the ZR2 Bison has been spotted in testing. Despite wearing camouflage, we have a few clues about what to expect. Plus, this could indicate that the truck is almost ready for production.
We might see the new Colorado ZR2 Bison by the end of the year, but others predict that it won’t debut until 2024. Stay tuned for the latest updates.
