Modded Chevy Colorado ZR2 is the wannabe competitor of Ranger Raptor

MANILA: Who said the days of pickup trucks are over? In recent times, pickup trucks have been stealing shows more often than the regular sedans and hatchbacks. The Ford Ranger Raptor leads the way. It is unarguably the most good looking pickup truck out here. It also adds weight to the statement that looks do matter. Pickups were never meant for the looks, their job over the years has been to provide rugged performance. But with the changing times, the looks of the pickups trucks have gone sky high. Following the league, Toyota has started rolling out some amazing region specific limited editions of the Hilux on its 50th anniversary.

How come Chevrolet lag behind? The GM Motors’ subsidiary has unveiled a factory modified version of the popular pickup truck Colorado ZR2. In the United States, 15 upgrades for the pickup Colorado ZR2 have been rolled out. According to the folks at Chevy Performance, the upgrades have only been rolled out after extensive developmental work. The already capable pickup can be turned into a performance beast with the upgrades.

Chevy Performance suspension upgrade increases the ground clearance of the pickup by another inch. The higher ground clearance not only helps in achieving longer suspension travel but also allows the Colorado ZR2 to runs through deeper waters. For a flush off-road experience, rear leaf spring upgrade is also available. Other mods available for the pickup include a high angle upper control arm ball joint system and a driveshaft made of thicker steel.

Mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission unit are two engine options available. First is a 2.8-litre Duramax turbodiesel that produces 186 PS of max power and a peak torque of 500 Nm. The second one is a 3.6-litre V6 gasoline motor capable of producing a max power of 308 PS and 373 Nm of peak torque. Chevrolet has also said that the upgraded Colorado ZR2 is no less than a full competition truck with the only missing ingredient being a roll-cage.

The upgraded Colorado ZR2 will remain a distant dream for us over here in the Philippines as Chevrolet doesn't offer the Colorado ZR2 in the country. We gotta do with regular Colorado.