#chevycolorado #chevydiesel #GMCcanyon

0:00 Introduction to the Test
0:38 Location – Gateway Canyons Resort
1:21 Off-Road Modifications
1:55 Rock Crawling Review
2:49 Fast and Furious Off-Road
3:28 Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve Technology
4:28 ZR2 vs Raptor vs TRD Pro
5:38 What’s Next – Future Features
6:11 The Bottom Line

0:00 Introduction to the Test
We’re here to answer the big question - does the Chevy Colorado ZR2 set the new standard for off-road mid-size pick-ups? Is it the true off-roader that we really want, or is it just another rebadged trim line.

0:38 Location – Gateway Canyons Resort
The proving ground is Gateway Canyon Resort in Colorado, just 60 km east of famed Moab, Utah. While testing a truck on-road could be done anywhere, and trails are abundant everywhere, this resort also boasts a three kilometre long trophy truck test track, all contained in the state that bears the trucks name, creating a perfect storm of terrain to test the new ZR2.

1:21 Off-Road Modifications
Chevy has taken the Z71 and literally cut some corners. The front bumper has been chopped allowing the tires to access more of the oncoming rock, and with the rear bumper, they’ve removed the steps.
They’ve added decent rock sliders, an aluminum skid plate to shield the radiator and the oil pan, and another to shield the transfer case. The body armour and frame take the brunt of the beating leaving the important bits unscathed.
Lockers are a key off-road mod for most wheelers, but both rear and front lockers come standard on the ZR2, thanks to the tinkering of some of the engineers from the Hummer program.
With the tires fully aired up, the truck easily managed these stone steps using the rear and front lockers.

1:55 Rock Crawling Review
Having said that, this mid-size pickup will go where no full size can with its skinnier profile and shorter wheelbase. Off-road essentials include hill descent control and a couple of front tow hooks.
Compared to the Z71, you get a 3.5” wider wheel track for stability, and an extra 2” of lift to clear obstacles. On the trail, it managed to get us between some tight trees and past some ugly rocks without any problems.

2:49 Fast and Furious Off-Road
Let’s not call it high speed but higher speed. There are three traction control modes – the first gives you both ABS and stability control - perfect for slippery winter conditions, next is off-road mode, which dials back the traction control letting you slide the back end out more and deliver more throttle out of soft dirt corners. And finally, you can turn traction control off, which the engineers call ‘fun’ mode.

3:28 Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve Technology
You also get the most important feature from their partnership with Canadian firm Multimatic. Using DSSV, code for Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve technology, the aluminum bodies each house two spool valves providing both compression and rebound damping which are optimized for everyday driving. But for off-road use, a third, piston-mounted spool valve delivers additional, specially tuned, compression damping.

The control through the corners and straights is stellar, and I can’t tell you the number of times my helmet bounced off the roof as I reached for more hang time. And I was one only one of many. Is it a race ready trophy truck? No. But a trophy truck costs ten times the amount, and it won’t get you to work the next day.

4:28 ZR2 vs Raptor vs TRD Pro

Multimatic’s DSSV technology was originally developed for F1 cars, so it came as no surprise that they’ve been able to dramatically enhance the on-road manners of an off-road truck.
Compared to both the TRD Pro and the Raptor, we felt less roll in the corners, less nose-dive under hard braking, and more responsive steering. The ride is a little harsher than the Toy or the Ford, with a faster return to stability after hitting bumps in the pavement.

5:38 What’s Next – Future Features
At the end of the day, and after a couple of beers, Chevy engineers asked 4WDrive what we would like to see changed. We asked for the rock sliders to be mounted on the frame rather than the body, and the diesel exhaust pipe moved a little forward and higher so we didn’t occasionally ding it while crawling. “Give us space for a least 33” tires, prewire the truck for a winch and LED lights up front, and what about a decent compressor and air hoses running internally close to all four wheels.”
6:11 The Bottom Line
For most outdoor enthusiasts, this stock ZR2 will provide more accessible off-road terrain than other pickups, while at the same time delivering exceptional on-road daily driving manners.
What’s really exciting is what this truck can become in the hands and wrenches of off-road enthusiasts.

Facebook -   / 4wdrive  
Twitter -   / 4wdrivecanada  
Instagram -   / 4wdrive