Photo: Chevrolet
The mid-size pickup truck segment isn’t as important for manufacturers as the full-size spectrum regarding sales and profit margins, but General Motors thinks otherwise. As such, the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado adds class-exclusive bits and bobs.
The big news for the model year 2017 comes in the form of the powertrain. Stan Ludlow, the chief engineer for the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado, makes it clear that the new engine and transmission were calibrated to emphasize on improving fuel economy, performance, and refinement. Let’s start with the heart of this mid-size brawler – the new-generation 3.6-liter N/A V6 engine.
According to General Motors, the second-generation double-overhead-cam V6 benefits from a suite of advanced technologies. The highlights are improved valve timing for intake and exhaust, direct injection, cylinder deactivation (Active Fuel Management), and better specs. From 3.6 liters, the Colorado prides itself on 308 HP and 275 lb-ft (373 Nm) at 4,000 rpm.
And now, let’s talk about the 8-speed auto. The cog swapper is the GM-developed Hydra-Matic 8L45, a unit that’s also used in the 2.0-liter turbo and 3.6-liter Chevrolet Camaro. Even though it’s roughly the same size and weight as the Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speeder it replaces, the Hydra-Matic 8L45 offers a numerically higher first gear ratio and a wider overall gear ratio (7.0 vs. 6.0).
The properties of this transmission help the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado handle heavy loads more confidently, while the numerically lower rear axle ratios help reduce engine rpm at highway speeds for improved fuel economy and efficiency. And just like in the Camaro, the Colorado’s 8L45 transmission is made from a combination of durable yet light aluminum and magnesium.
“Customers made the Colorado an overnight success, and it remains one of the industry’s hottest-selling products,” declared Anita Burke, chief engineer for the Colorado. What Anita is talking about is that General Motors has sold more than 160,000 units of the Colorado from September 2014 through August 2016. Nowadays, it accounts for 23 percent of the mid-size segment.
“That fast success has justified our continued investment in mid-size pickups, introducing new features for our customers such as the class-exclusive diesel engine, advanced technologies like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and now a class-leading V6 and 8-speed automatic powertrain combination,” added Anita.
According to General Motors, the second-generation double-overhead-cam V6 benefits from a suite of advanced technologies. The highlights are improved valve timing for intake and exhaust, direct injection, cylinder deactivation (Active Fuel Management), and better specs. From 3.6 liters, the Colorado prides itself on 308 HP and 275 lb-ft (373 Nm) at 4,000 rpm.
And now, let’s talk about the 8-speed auto. The cog swapper is the GM-developed Hydra-Matic 8L45, a unit that’s also used in the 2.0-liter turbo and 3.6-liter Chevrolet Camaro. Even though it’s roughly the same size and weight as the Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speeder it replaces, the Hydra-Matic 8L45 offers a numerically higher first gear ratio and a wider overall gear ratio (7.0 vs. 6.0).
The properties of this transmission help the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado handle heavy loads more confidently, while the numerically lower rear axle ratios help reduce engine rpm at highway speeds for improved fuel economy and efficiency. And just like in the Camaro, the Colorado’s 8L45 transmission is made from a combination of durable yet light aluminum and magnesium.
“Customers made the Colorado an overnight success, and it remains one of the industry’s hottest-selling products,” declared Anita Burke, chief engineer for the Colorado. What Anita is talking about is that General Motors has sold more than 160,000 units of the Colorado from September 2014 through August 2016. Nowadays, it accounts for 23 percent of the mid-size segment.
“That fast success has justified our continued investment in mid-size pickups, introducing new features for our customers such as the class-exclusive diesel engine, advanced technologies like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and now a class-leading V6 and 8-speed automatic powertrain combination,” added Anita.
Google News