Chevrolet to soup up Colorado into off-road beast ZR2 Bison
Chevrolet will bring to production a hard-core off-road version of the Colorado called the ZR2 Bison, built in collaboration with American Expedition Vehicles, according to a report from the website Autoguide.
The truck could hit dealerships as early as this year as a 2018 model with long-travel Chevy Performance suspension, Multimatic’s trick DSSV dampers, and 35-inch BF Goodrich KM2 Mud-Terrain tires.
AEV will also supply the ZR2 Bison with new bumpers and underbody shields, fender flares and beadlock wheels — at least if the 2017 ZR2 AEV Concept from last year’s SEMA show is any indication.
The outlet cited a recent Chevrolet patent for the name ZR2 Bison and information leaked by a dealer as its sources. The dealer described the truck as closely resembling the concept, minus some of the more expensive equipment, such as the snorkel, bed rack, Warn winch and Hi-Lift jack. It’s possible some of this extra kit may be made available to order through AEV.
While the concept came powered by a 2.8-litre Duramax diesel, it’s safe to assume the production Bison should have a 3.6-L gas option like the current ZR2. Pricing is speculated to start just north of US$45,000, though in full kit expect to see closer to US$50,000 on the invoice.
AEV works with Ram and Jeep to outfit vehicles into overland-ready off-roaders. Autoguide says “AEV partners with a local dealer that holds Wrangler inventory just for them, so customers can buy their Jeep through AEV, have it fully outfitted with all the upgraded parts and then shipped right to their door.”
It suggests the process would likely be the same for the ZR2 Bison.