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After a number of prototypes spotted over the past year, it’s finally here: Chevrolet has officially unveiled its new Colorado ZR2 off-road truck at a press event in Los Angeles tonight during the opening week of the LA Auto Show.  

The new ZR2 will be available with both the 3.6L V6 gasoline engine (308 hp, 275 lb.-ft. of torque) and the Duramax diesel engine initially fitted in the concept truck Chevy unveiled here in LA two years ago (link), which is rated to produce 181 hp and 369 lb.-ft. of torque. The big news on the ZR2 is the Multimatic Dynamic Suspension fitted on the truck, which relies on Spool Valve (DDSV) damper technology to find that ideal balance between on-road comfort and off-road performance. Much like the concept, the truck has an aggressive stance thanks to a 2-inch suspension lift, and Chevy also widened the stance of the truck four inches – none of which, we’re told is in wheel offset, and all of it comes from new control arms and axle width.

Ground clearance is improved considerably on the ZR2 compared to the standard Colorado 4x4.
Ground clearance is improved considerably on the ZR2 compared to the standard Colorado 4×4.

The air damn (thank goodness!) is gone on the ZR2, and on the rocker rails you’ll find functional rock sliders that don’t inhibit ground clearance. The front bumper has an improved approach angle along with an integrated skid plate, though official clearance, approach, departure and break over angles have not yet been released.

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The ZR2 is fitted with 31-inch Goodyear Duratrac tires, and of course the truck features an additional two inches of lift up front (and an additional 1 inch of suspension travel overall).

The 17-inch aluminum wheels on the ZR2 are fitted with 31-inch Goodyear Duratrac tires, while a full-size spare tire holder will be available in the bed as an option. We’re also very happy to see selectable locking differentials in the front and rear of the ZR2.

Here's a closer look at the Multimatic suspension system on the ZR2.
Here’s a closer look at the Multimatic suspension system on the ZR2.

There’ll be plenty more to come of the new ZR2 in the future, and also a first drive impression of the truck at a sooner date. We were given a ride around an aggressive obstacle course set up in downtown LA, and although we weren’t behind the wheel we did a chance to feel the Multimatic suspension first hand and tell the the improved ground clearance on the front end made making a rounded 24-inch railroad crossing simulation surprisingly smooth (we may have even been in one in the original test truck we first posted on Off-Road.com here). More to come. Stay tuned!