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Chevrolet unveils Colorado ZR2 Bison ruggedized off-roader -- snorkel optional

With factory steel bumpers and Boron-steel skid plates, Chevrolet's Colorado ZR2 Bison is ready for off-the-grid adventures. This all-new midsize performance pickup variant is Chevy's first collaboration with American Expedition Vehicles (AEV), a premium off-road aftermarket manufacturer.

Chevy has gained more than a quarter of all midsize truck sales in the marketplace in less than four years. The company's heavy-footed push forward for introducing new designs and innovations has a lot to do with that success. In consecutive years, Colorado has introduced the segment's first diesel engine (excludes other GM vehicles), an all-new V-6 gas engine/eight-speed transmission combo, the ZR2 "segment of one" off-roader, and now the Bison.

This Bison is all about being tough. For maximum protection of key undercarriage elements while driving over rocky, jagged terrain, Bison features five skid plates covering the engine oil pan, fuel tank, transfer case, and front and rear locking differentials. Designed by AEV, these skid plates are constructed of hard, durable hot-stamped Boron steel.

AEV also designed stamped steel front and rear bumpers to shield the truck further from obstacles. The front bumper contains winch provisions and standard fog lights, with recovery points integrated into the rear bumper.

"The Colorado Z71 [a related model] offers a full suite of off-road equipment, the maneuverability of a midsize truck, and the driving range of a class-exclusive diesel engine," 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."

An exclusive, flow-through "CHEVROLET" lettered grille replaces the traditional bowtie on Bison's front end. The 31-in. Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac off-road tires sit beneath larger fender flares and wrap all-new, ZR2 Bison-specific 17-in. x 8-in. aluminum wheels.

This new Colorado variant also features "Bison" decals on the bed sides, an "AEV Bison" logo on the tailgate, and embroidered AEV logo floor liners and front head restraints.

The ZR2 Bison also duplicates the full equipment list of the Colorado ZR2, including, but not limited to:

• Class-exclusive front and rear locking electronic differentials.
• Revolutionary, segment-exclusive Multimatic DSSV dampers.
• Off-road rocker protection.
• Cast-iron control arms.
• Autotrac transfer case.

Like ZR2, Bison also features a modified rear axle with a 3.42 ratio, front and rear tracks widened by 3.5 in., and a factory suspension lifted 2 in. over a Colorado Z71.

Available options on Bison include:

• 2.8L Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, capable of 186 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.
• Choice of crew- or extended cab configurations (including short and long beds, respectively).

Customers will also be able to purchase an available third-party accessory snorkel for ZR2 Bison from AEV, ideal for air filtration while driving on dusty trails. This feature is compatible with all Colorado pickup variants.

The 2019 Colorado ZR2 Bison goes on sale in January 2019, modified for extreme off-road use and backed by a full factory limited warranty. Pricing has not been released, although it's a fair guess that this truck will be an upgrade from the regular 2019 Chevy ZR2, which has a starting price of $42,500 (this ZR2 page has a little more info on the 2019 Colorado ZR2 Bison and other special variations also).

Source: Chevrolet

Published September 2018

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