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Chevrolet unveils Colorado show truck
Boldly styled show truck previews next-generation midsize pickup
2011-03-21
BANGKOK, Thailand - Chevrolet today revealed the Colorado show truck in advance of the Bangkok International Auto Show, where it is making its global public debut. The concept previews the next-generation Colorado midsize pickup truck, which will build on Chevrolet's strong truck DNA and award-winning heritage. The Colorado goes on sale in Thailand later this year and could be launched in other markets as of 2012.
"Trucks have been part of Chevrolet's core for nearly all of its 100-year history," said Wayne Brannon, President and Managing Director of Chevrolet Europe. "The Colorado reinforces that heritage with expressive design, refinement and uncompromising capability." Chevrolet is introducing seven new models in Europe in its centenary year, 2011. "We are extending our model range entering new segments. The Colorado could be another exciting opportunity for Chevrolet in Europe," Brannon said.
The show truck features an extended-cab body atop a high-stance AWD chassis and rides on large, 20-inch wheels and off-road tires. Power comes from an efficient 2.8L turbo-diesel engine, which produces a broad torque band for excellent cargo and towing capability.
"Although this is a show vehicle, the basic proportions and form convey the vision for the next-generation Colorado that we will bring to market," said Brad Merkel, GM's Global Vehicle Line Executive. "It reflects a stylized version of the new truck, one that takes into account rugged dependable truck capabilities for commercial use as well as sophisticated refinement for personal-use needs."
Design details
The Colorado show truck's purposeful design conveys strength through bodywork that appears tightly wrapped over the chassis and a wide, confident stance. In the front, Chevrolet's internationally recognized gold bowtie and dual-port grille are framed by large headlamps that flow into the front fenders, and an extractor vent on the hood.
"Around the globe, pickup trucks are associated with strength, capability and function – and that's exactly what the Colorado show truck embodies," said Ed Welburn, GM vice president of Global Design. "Its broad-shouldered proportions are derived from nearly a century of Chevrolet truck heritage."
Pepperdust Metallic exterior paint is accented with polished aluminum details in the fascias, as well as integrated side steps and black-masked projector-style headlamps with LED lighting elements. At the rear is a full-width LED-lit taillamp, which creates a striking appearance when illuminated.
Additional exterior details include:
- A streamlined "cab collar" design with a body-color hard tonneau cover on the bed
- Gray accents on the side, front and rear lower moldings
- 20-inch aluminum wheels featuring a "liquid metal" finish, with Stone Gray color wheel ports
- Cooper 285/50R20 ZEON LTZ tires
- Outside mirrors with LED turn-signal indicators
Inside, there's another signature Chevrolet cue: a dual-cockpit instrument panel design. It flows into the doors, with continuous lines that create a floating, wraparound effect, amplifying the Colorado's feeling of spaciousness. Ice-blue lighting and high-quality, "double-faced" leather-trimmed seats add sophistication and refinement.
"The interior is designed to deliver a premium and inviting environment, with a greater feeling of spaciousness than is typically found in midsize trucks," said Welburn. "There's also great attention to detail in the execution of the features you see and feel."
A brace of motorcycle-inspired, three-dimensional gauges stand out on the instrument panel, projecting a sporty appearance.
Contrasting trim used with the light-colored leather seating, dark wood trim accented with chrome and low-gloss and soft-touch materials are used throughout for a premium feel. A number of storage compartments are located throughout the interior, including a covered center bin for concealment of valuable items, and a large, dual glovebox.
Additional features include a dual-zone, digital climate control system and the latest in "infotainment" technology. The show truck highlights an ergonomically positioned 7-inch LCD display in the center stack, for easy viewing and intuitive control of Web access, navigation, music and hands-free phone features.
More details about the production model will be released later in the year. Please visit media.chevroleteurope.com for the latest updates.
About Chevrolet
Chevrolet is General Motors' largest global brand with annual sales of about 4 million vehicles in more than 130 countries. It is the fourth biggest global car brand in terms of sales and also one of the fastest growing brands in the world. Chevrolet cars combine passion, bold design and practicality. They provide outstanding value for money. After re-launching the brand in Europe in 2005, Chevrolet more than doubled its sales to over 500,000 in 2008. In 2010, Chevrolet grew its market share in Europe to 2.5 percent, selling 477,194 cars. Chevrolet has a network of more than 2,700 dealers and service points in Europe. The Chevrolet line-up includes the Spark city car, the small Aveo, the compact four-door Cruze, the Captiva SUV and the legendary Corvette sports car. In 2011, Chevrolet is launching seven new cars: the all-new Orlando family van, the new Captiva SUV, the Corvette Grand Sport Coupé, the all-new five-door and four-door Aveo, the five-door Cruze, the Camaro coupé and convertible and the award-winning extended-range Volt electric car. Chevrolet's biggest markets in Europe are Russia, Italy, Germany, Spain, France and Turkey. Established in the U.S. by Swiss émigré Louis Chevrolet in 1911, the brand is celebrating its centenary in 2011. More information on Chevrolet can be found at www.chevroleteurope.com or media.chevroleteurope.com.
