Preview: '04 Chevrolet Colorado Z71 Vision
Finally seen in production form, the all-new Chevrolet Colorado sets a high standard for the midsize truck segment by offering an impressive combination of features that provide increased functionality and capability. The Colorado Z71 Vision shown at SEMA demonstrates how Chevrolet's Z71 package is being expanded to deliver off-road performance to two-wheel-drive models.
On the Colorado Z71 Vision, that performance begins with a Vortec 3500 inline turbocharged five-cylinder engine that produces 350 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. Peak torque is delivered through a broad 2,000- to 5,200-rpm range.
Part of the credit for the 130 hp and the 125 lb-ft of torque increase from the 3.5L production engine belongs to the IHI turbocharger and the Honeywell air-to-liquid charge cooling system with Bosch water pump. The 3.5L turbo engine is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission and a 3.73:1 limited-slip rear differential.
Optimal handling is provided by the independent coil spring front suspension with a coil-over-strut design, while the full-floating, live-axle steel leaf-spring rear suspension is well set up for off-road travel. Bilstein gas-charged front struts and gas-charged rear dampers complete the Colorado Z71 Vision's suspension package.
Providing the "show" to complement Colorado Z71 Vision's "go" are the front fascia with integral projector beam driving lamps, a front grille with unique three-dimensional expanded metal screens, front and rear wheel flares, and a unique rear fascia. The Colorado Z71 Vision also features a fullsize sliding cloth sunroof.
Inside, the front bucket seats and the folding rear bench seat are trimmed in clay leather with graphite bolsters and indium inserts. Indium is also used on the door trim panel inserts, while clay vinyl is found on the headliner and visors. The steering wheel is finished in clay and ebony leather, with ebony stitching (ebony is also the color of the carpeting), the instrument panel, and the trim.
The Vision is shod with BFGoodrich All-Terrain LT265/70R16 tires mounted on Mickey Thompson Classic II 16x8-inch wheels. The paint is Dupont DNA White tri-coat.
Chevrolet's Off-Road Performance Z71 package is being expanded to accommodate both the two-wheel-drive as well as four-wheel-drive off-road markets. This expansion is intended to recognize and participate in the rapidly growing two-wheel-drive off-road segment.
| 04 Chevrolet Colorado Z71 Vision Specifications |
| > Powertrain/Chassis |
| Engine : | Vortec 3500 inline, turbocharged five-cylinder with IHI
turbocharger and Honeywell air-to-liquid charge
cooling system with Bosch water pump |
| Power : | 350 hp at 5,200 rpm; 350 lb-ft of torque at 2,200
rpm |
| Front suspension : | Independent with coil-spring-on-strut design; Bilstein
gas-charged front struts |
| Rear suspension : | Full-floating live axle with leaf springs; Bilstein gas-
charged rear dampers |
| Wheels : | 16x7-inch Mickey Thompson Classic II aluminum |
| Tires : | LT265-70/R16 BFGoodrich All-Terrain |
Exterior
| Front fascia with integral projector beam driving lamps; front grille with unique three-dimensional expanded metal screens; front and rear wheel flares; fullsize sliding cloth sunroof
|
| Interior | Clay-leather front bucket and rear bench seats with graphite bolsters and indium inserts; indium door trim panel inserts; clay-vinyl headliner and visors; clay-and-ebony leather-wrapped steering wheel with ebony stitching; custom instrument panel cluster graphics; ebony carpet |