MEET THE NEW DIESEL
Colorado engine unveiled
GM’s plan to install a diesel engine in its mid- size Chevrolet Colorado was never a secret, but the automaker has finally confirmed that the engine is a 2.8- litre Duramax with 369 pound- feet of torque.
That’s a huge number for a midsize truck — Ford’s 5.0- L V8 in the full- sized F- 150 produces 387 lb- ft — and GM says its four- cylinder turbodiesel is good for 7,600 pounds of towing with 4WD models.
The diesel will get best- in- class fuel economy, Chevy claims, though the company didn’t release figures. The addition makes the Colorado ( and GMC Canyon) the first and only diesel options available for a mid- size pickup in North America. The truck competes against the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma.
“It’s a no- compromise turbocharged engine that’s also really fun to drive, with excellent responsiveness,” said Scott Yackley, assistant chief engineer.
“It was also designed specifically for trucks.”
The 181- horsepower diesel will be available this fall on LT and Z71 Crew Cab models, in either 2WD or 4WD. In the U. S. it will cost $ 3,730 more than a comparably equipped 3.6- L gas V6 model, so expect a $ 4,500 premium in Canada.
Diesel models also get a dieselexhaust brake system, a standard Hydra- Matic 6L50 six- speed automatic transmission with vibration control, the Z82 trailering package with standard hitch receiver and seven- pin connector, a new integrated trailer- brake controller, a 3.42 rear- axle ratio and a new electronically controlled two- speed transfer case on 4WD models.