Autoblog

GM recalling 118K Colorado, Canyon pickups over missing hood latches

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 11:27:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Recalls, Safety, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

General Motors has announced a recall of 118,800 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon pickup trucks due to the possibility of secondary hood latches not being installed at the time of manufacture. The affected vehicles are from the 2010, 2011 and 2012 model years, all of which were built between November 9, 2009 and August 28, 2012.

According to the official National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report, these trucks fail to "comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 113, 'Hood Latch System.' The hood may be missing the secondary hood latch." In other words, owners of these trucks could find their vehicles' hoods opening unexpectedly while driving.

The official recall campaign is expected to begin on January 17, 2013. Dealers will inspect the affected pickups and if a secondary hood latch is not present, one will be installed free of charge. Scroll down to read the official NHTSA report.

Continue reading GM recalling 118K Colorado, Canyon pickups over missing hood latches

GM recalling 118K Colorado, Canyon pickups over missing hood latches originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Dec 2012 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM proposes $380M investment in St. Louis plant for midsize pickup and van

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 11:27:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Plants/Manufacturing, Chevrolet, GM, GMC, UAW/Unions

Whenever a new contract between the United Auto Workers and a major automaker is being hashed out, interesting tidbits regarding future products seem to leak out. Such is the case with the barely finalized deal between General Motors and the UAW. A report from stltoday.com indicates that General Motors is negotiating with local union leaders from the Wentzville, Missouri plant to add 1,850 new workers and a second shift to build a midsize pickup truck.

Currently, the Wentzville plant builds the fullsize Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans. Adding an entire second product line and another shift to the plant makes us wonder if GM is rethinking whether or not to offer the next-generation Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon pickups in the States.

GM has shown off various iterations of the next Colorado in both concept (Chevrolet Colorado Rally Concept and Show Truck) and production (2012 Holden Colorado) guises. We've also seen spy shots of mules being tested. As of this point, though, we've yet to hear official word from GM regarding the midsize truck's availability in the U.S. That said, the mouths of smaller-than-fullsize-pickup fans can officially start watering... now. Oh, and one more thing - would it be too much to ask for a small-displacement diesel?

GM proposes $380M investment in St. Louis plant for midsize pickup and van originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Sep 2011 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Over 7,500 GM trucks recalled over two safety issues

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Truck, Recalls, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

2011 Chevrolet Colorado - Click above for high-res image gallery

A handful of General Motors trucks and sport utility vehicles need to head on in to their local dealerships. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has just issued a pair of recall notice for 7,507 vehicles as part of two separate safety actions.

The first covers 6,768 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon 2011 model year pickup trucks. According to NHTSA, an ornery transmission adjustment clip might not keep the shift cable in the correct position. This could cause drivers to think there truck is in park, when in fact it's just waiting to roll away in neutral.

A smaller recall notice has been issued for 739 trucks and SUVs due to a steering shaft bolt that's been improperly tightened. If loose, it could make for rather difficult steering and cause an accident. This recall affects the 2011 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon and Yukon XL.

Click past the jump for the full NHTSA bulletins.

Continue reading Over 7,500 GM trucks recalled over two safety issues

Over 7,500 GM trucks recalled over two safety issues originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Jul 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Watch the elaborate unveiling of Chevy's next-gen Colorado in Bangkok

Chris Shunk — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Videos, Chevrolet, Misc. Auto Shows, Diesel

Chevrolet Colorado unveiled in Bangkok - Click above to watch the video after the jump

The next-generation Chevrolet Colorado pickup will be available for sale in Thailand later this year, and the assembled media at the Bangkok International Motor Show received an early look at what the midsize truck will look like. The unveiled pickup, which General Motors is officially calling a "show truck," features a 2.8-liter diesel engine and very attractive sheetmetal, along with showy (and probably non-production) touches like 20-inch wheels and a stylized body-colored tonneau cover.

While we covered the Colorado's unveiling from afar, we weren't able to see it with our own eyes. That changes now, though, with video of the live event. Hit the jump to watch the wild and crazy unveiling, which includes a pair of trucks scaling the backdrop wall, followed by a light show that reminds us of Close Encounters of the Third Kind. The video is a bit choppy at first (and not of the highest quality), but you can skip ahead to the unveiling at the 4:30 mark, followed by a question and answer session with General Motors management at 8:45. Hat tip to Chermarn!

Gallery: Chevrolet Colorado Show Truck

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Watch the elaborate unveiling of Chevy's next-gen Colorado in Bangkok

Video: Watch the elaborate unveiling of Chevy's next-gen Colorado in Bangkok originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Another GM plant halted by parts shortage, workers laid off

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Plants/Manufacturing, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

General Motors recently announced that it was forced to halt production at its Shreveport, Louisiana assembly facility. Now GM is hitting the brakes on production at its Tonawanda plant in Buffalo, New York as well. The reason for the stoppage? The massive earthquake and tsunami in Japan has caused significant delays from parts suppliers.

The two plants affected thus far are responsible for building the engines found under the hoods of GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado pickup trucks. There is no word yet on when either plant will re-open, but USA Today reports that the stop in production has resulted in 59 layoffs at the NY facility.

An analyst for IHS Automotive suggests that GM should have enough of the delayed parts in stock to keep building engines. However, the automaker is choosing to move the parts around to vehicles that are both more popular and more profitable. This means that the Canyon and Colorado sit quietly while the Silverado eats at the big table.

[Source: USA Today | Image: General Motors]

Report: Another GM plant halted by parts shortage, workers laid off originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM unveils next-gen Chevrolet Colorado ahead of Bangkok debut

Zach Bowman — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Chevrolet, Misc. Auto Shows, Diesel

Chevrolet Colorado show truck - Click above for high-res image gallery

Behold, the next-generation Chevrolet Colorado. Sort of. General Motors has yanked back the sheets on what the company is calling a show truck at the Bangkok International Motor Show. Despite the 'show' label, the mid-sizer is poised to go on sale in Thailand later this year packing a 2.8-liter turbo-diesel engine, though there are no firm details as to what we can expect in terms of either power or efficiency. GM did say that the Colorado won't leave buyers lacking for enough towing capacity, though. Odds are we can expect tricks like the 20-inch wheels and body-color tonneau cover to be nixed as the truck makes its way closer to production.

Still, the vehicle is plenty sharp and looks to have the mechanical guts to give the global Ford Ranger a run for its money. But will GM offer the Colorado we see here in the States? That's a tough question. The automaker has made it clear that the Shreveport, Louisiana plant that manufactures the aging Colorado/GMC Canyon isn't long for this world, though we have heard rumors that the automaker isn't planning on killing the pickup all together. Here's hoping we'll see this truck or something similar in the States sometime soon. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Gallery: Chevrolet Colorado Show Truck

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM unveils next-gen Chevrolet Colorado ahead of Bangkok debut

GM unveils next-gen Chevrolet Colorado ahead of Bangkok debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM plant shut down due to Japanese parts delay

Zach Bowman — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Etc., Plants/Manufacturing, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

2010 Chevrolet Colorado - Click above for high-res image gallery

General Motors has announced that the automaker is stopping production at its Shreveport, Louisiana assembly plant next week due to a parts shortage caused by the ongoing tragedy in Japan. The facility is responsible for building both the GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado pickup trucks, though GM says that it currently has enough vehicles manufactured to meet consumer demand for the time being. In an issued statement, GM doesn't make mention of exactly which parts are being delayed due to the earthquake and tsunami events, but as Kicking Tires points out, however, both trucks are available with a five-speed manual transmission built by the Japanese manufacturer Aisin.

As of right now, there's no indication as to when the Shreveport facility will resume operations. No other U.S. manufacturing plants have been shuttered as a result of supply problems from Japan so far, though some have scaled back production slightly. Hit the jump for the full press release from GM.

Gallery: 2010 Chevrolet Colorado

[Sources: General Motors, Kicking Tires]

Continue reading GM plant shut down due to Japanese parts delay

GM plant shut down due to Japanese parts delay originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Mar 2011 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next-gen Chevrolet Colorado teased in Thailand

Aaron Richardson — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Truck, Work, Chevrolet

Next-generation Chevrolet Colorado teaser - Click above for high-res image

General Motors let a sneak peek at its new global-platform Chevrolet Colorado slip ahead of the truck's official debut at the Bangkok Motor Show in Thailand. The show starts March 25, so GM is giving us just enough to get the gist of what our next-generation Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon may look like.

The General says it picked Thailand for the truck's debut because the Southeast Asian market is becoming a huge player for the automaker, and people in Thailand are buying pickups at an alarming rate. In 2010, pickups accounted for 43 percent of vehicles sold in Thailand.

The truck will be built in Thailand for global consumption, but will most likely carry over Stateside as the new Colorado/Canyon, and is being prepped by GM of Brazil for the American market. Follow the jump for The General's official press blast.

[Source: General Motors, PickupTrucks.com]

Continue reading Next-gen Chevrolet Colorado teased in Thailand

Next-gen Chevrolet Colorado teased in Thailand originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #217

Dan Roth — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 17:15:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Etc., Chevrolet, GMC, Infiniti, Smart

Click above to subscribe to The Autoblog Podcast in iTunes

We're recording the slightly belated Episode #217 of the Autoblog Podcast tonight, and we've put some topics below. Drop us your own feedback and questions or vote on your fellow readers' submissions to help determine what we discuss this evening. You can subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already to hear your question answered.

Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #217

Subscribe to the Autoblog Podacast and hear your questions asked:
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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #217 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Development on next-gen Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon underway?

Zach Bowman — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Truck, Etc., Work, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

2010 Chevrolet Colorado - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford may have given up on the Ranger here in the United States, but it looks like General Motors has big plans for the mid-size pickup market. According to PickupTrucks.com, The General is currently hard at work on the next-generation of both the Chevrolet Colorado and the GMC Canyon. The current generation Colorado/Canyon is slated to end production by mid-2012, and from what we hear, GM is likely to base the next-gen pickup on the GMI 700 body-on-frame global small truck platform. Those bones are set to get an unveil at this year's Thailand International Motor Show in Bangkok.

PickupTrucks.com reports that GM had originally planned to dead-end Colorado and Canyon production altogether after this generation, but those plans seem to have changed. Even so, it looks like it'll be at least two and a half years before the newest versions of the General Motors mid-size pickup shows up, which means there may be a bit of a gap in production between the time the old line dies and the new one gets up and running.

Gallery: 2010 Chevrolet Colorado

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Development on next-gen Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon underway? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Feb 2011 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM recalling pickups for missing child seat tether

Zach Bowman — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 15:57:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Recalls, Safety, GM

General Motors is recalling nearly 200,000 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon and Isuzu i280 and i370 pickups. The vehicles are apparently equipped with a top child restraint tether anchor that's not accessible as required by federal law in the center seating position. This means parents could fail to secure their children properly, potentially causing injury in the event of a collision. GM says that it discourages using a child safety seat in the center due to the proximity of the airbags. The recall covers 2004-2011 Canyon and Colorado models and 2007-2008 Isuzu trucks.

GM says that its dealerships will service the vehicles under the recall free of charge.

At this point, the company is unaware of any injuries caused by the design defect. Click past the jump for the full press release.

[Source: GM]

Continue reading GM recalling pickups for missing child seat tether

GM recalling pickups for missing child seat tether originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Nov 2010 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: More speculation bubbles up around Mini Moke/Beachcomber/Canyon Coupe models

Noah Joseph — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Crossover, Mini, Rumormill

Mini Beachcomber concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Remember back in the day when BMW revived the Mini and there was just one version? That was the three-door hatchback, but was also a long time ago in product lifecycle terms. These days, the Mini franchise has expanded to include a convertible, the Clubman and the Countryman crossover. There are diesel, gasoline, supercharged and JCW versions of each, and there are more yet on their way: never mind the Mini E or the electric scooter concept unveiled in Paris (let alone the WRC rally version). In the cards are said to be coupe and seven-seat versions of the Countryman, along with production versions of the Speedster and Coupe models unveiled last year in Frankfurt.

Engine choices and one-offs aside, that's already eight body-styles off one little car. But that ain't even the end of it. Not according to reports from Mini's homeland of jolly old England.

Britain's Autocar magazine reports that BMW is working on two parallel programs to put a Jeep Wrangler or Honda Element-style crossover into the mix as well. One program apparently calls for a high-riding three-door model tentatively known as the Canyon Coupe, a model that revives the old Mini Moke beach car bodystyle. The other is closer to the above-pictured Beachcomber Concept unveiled nearly a year ago, and while doors would be added, so might removable roof panels, frameless doors and a wind-down rear window to give a real open-air experience.

Only one will be given the green light (if at all), but either would offer the All4 all-wheel drive system and a pillarless frame that would allow easier access, as well as a proper four-door version of the next-gen Clubman, addressing criticism that the single rear suicide door on the current model doesn't work well for right-hand drive markets (like Mini's own domestic market in the UK).

Gallery: Mini Beachcomber concept

[Source: Autocar]

Rumormill: More speculation bubbles up around Mini Moke/Beachcomber/Canyon Coupe models originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Oct 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Three-door Mini Countryman to gun for Land Rover Evoque?

Zach Bowman — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Crossover, Mini, Rumormill

It looks like Land Rover may have accidentally kicked over a hive of hornets by rolling out its new two-door Evoque. We recently heard all about BMW musing as to whether or not to build an X4 to compete with the crossover, and now Auto Express is reporting that Mini may be game to take on the newcomer as well. We're not talking about the Countryman here, either. The site claims that the head honchos at Mini are mulling bringing a two-door version of the high-rider to life, and that it will be called the Canyon when it arrives.

Auto Express doesn't cite any sources or point to any hard evidence of this decision (no surprise there). Instead, the site has chosen to rely on the fact that the company has been kicking around the idea of a vehicle like the Canyon since 2005. Now that the Countryman is headed for production, the logic is that it wouldn't take too much effort to slim the platform, throw on two doors and bolt up one very coupe-looking roof. Thing is, until we hear word from Mini itself, we're going to have to approach this one with a whole heap of skepticism.

[Source: Auto Express]

Rumormill: Three-door Mini Countryman to gun for Land Rover Evoque? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Next-gen Ford Ranger and Chevy Colorado replacements spotted in the U.S. - but where will they end up?

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 28 May 2010 16:53:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Truck, Chevrolet, Ford, GM, GMC

Ford T6 Ranger spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

The fate of small pickup trucks in America is rather shaky. There haven't been any major new entries into the segment as of late (save the Suzuki Equator, of course, even though it's not much more than a rebadged Nissan Frontier). And though we've spied Ford Ranger prototypes testing abroad, it doesn't necessarily mean that a new model is slated for U.S. consumption. Small trucks do well in other markets, and the trucklets seem to be a dying trend here in the States.

Today, though, our spies have not only caught a new Ranger mule (above), but a small GM pickup (right) - the replacement for the aging Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon twins. Both mules look a bit larger than the models currently on the road, though still more manageable than the top-dog F-150 and Silverado.

Still, though, it's unclear what the future has in store for these new trucks. The fact that Ford and GM are testing these new mini-pickups in and around their respective headquarters in southeast Michigan leads us to believe that there may, in fact, be U.S.-spec replacements in the works. Ford has often spoke of a smaller F-100-style F-150 to replace the Ranger, and reports have shown that GM is working on a new truck to hopefully rekindle the success that the original Chevy S10 and GMC Sonoma had.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 Ford T6 Ranger

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 Chevrolet Colorado

Spy Shots: Next-gen Ford Ranger and Chevy Colorado replacements spotted in the U.S. - but where will they end up? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 May 2010 16:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: GM may euthanize Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon small pickups

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 17:20:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Work, Chevrolet, GM, GMC, Rumormill

2010 Chevrolet Colorado - Click above for high-res image gallery

The future of the small pickup truck market in the United States doesn't look good. A new global Ford Ranger is in the works, though we have good reason to doubt that will replace the model currently available in North America. For its part, Chrysler has plans to nix the Dodge Dakota next year, and new reports suggest that the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon twins may have their plugs pulled, as well.

In speaking with General Motors vice chairmain Bob Lutz, PickupTrucks.com asked about plans to kill off the two models, with Lutz responding, "It's uncertain at this point...They may well [go away]."

GM has not announced any official plans to update or kill off the Colorado and Canyon, but we won't be surprised if these two dated models meet that Great Car Crusher in the sky over the next couple of years.

Gallery: 2010 Chevrolet Colorado

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Report: GM may euthanize Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon small pickups originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Feb 2010 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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You can get a "Tough Box" for your Chevy Colorado, too!

John Neff — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 13:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Work, Chevrolet, Ford, GM, GMC

It has been confirmed that Ford will be offering the "Tough Box" as an option on the F-150 as soon as this Spring, but what if you're not in the market for a Blue Oval with a bed? Don't worry, since it seems that there are companies perfectly willing to apply the same treatment to your General Motors pickup, specifically the Chevy Colorado / GMC Canyon. SVE Fleet is a company that will add what it calls a Mid-Box to your pickup. Essentially the same thing as Ford's "Tough Box", the Mid-Box features two hinged doors at the leading edge of the bed that open up to reveal a deep storage space or slide out drawers that can store tools. In fact, SVE Fleet can even add a Mid-Box to an F-150 if you really can't wait for the "Tough Box" to become available when the snow thaws.

Speaking of the "Tough Box", thanks to Mike Levine at Pickuptruck.com, we've learned a few more details on Ford's newest feature for the F-150. The Blue Oval has tapped 2nd stage manufacturer Decoma International to build the "Tough Box" option into existing F-150s that are shipped to them from the factory with a short bed on a long wheelbase. The "Tough Box" can also be outfitted in many ways for either storage of larger items or with slide-out trays for smaller tools. Rumor has it that the "Tough Box" came into being from a request by the fertilizer company that produces Scott's Miracle-Gro. Federal regulations demand they keep solid and liquid fertilizers separated during transport, so they were faced with either driving two separate trucks or finding one with separated compartments. In its quest to keep the F-150 atop the sales chart, Ford stepped up with a factory-backed solution.

[Source: SVE Fleet via GMInsideNews, Pickuptruck.com]

You can get a "Tough Box" for your Chevy Colorado, too! originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Mar 2007 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RUMOR MILL: New platform for Colorado/Canyon/H3 in the works?

Dan Roth — Sun, 31 Dec 2006 13:19:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, SUV, Truck, GM

One of the more common complaints about the GMT355-based trucks (Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, Hummer H3) is their lack of power. When the H3 debuted, there were rumblings of the 5.3L V8 being slid into its butched-to-the-max bodywork. Unfortunately, someone forgot to measure the transmission. It turns out the V8 with the 6-speed automatic will not fit, and that's the combo the General desires to offer in their smallest trucks. To accomplish that goal, the GMT-355 platform is reportedly going under the knife. No word whether it'll take a stage name when the surgery is over, or if the moniker will stay GMT355, but look for the revised platform under the reportedly forthcoming Hummer H4. Following soon after will be a new Colorado, which is said to look something like Colorado Crew Cab Z71 Plus SEMA concept pictured above. The overwhelmed 5-cylinder is also rumored to be taking a sidestep - giving the 6-cylinder Atlas a place to live. We can only hope the quality of the interior will come up as well. The current GMT-355 trucks aren't filled with materials comparable to the Tacoma, for instance, but the sticker wants to play in that realm. Rebates to the rescue, but our real hope is that the next Colorado is good enough to stand on its own

[Source: GM Inside News]

RUMOR MILL: New platform for Colorado/Canyon/H3 in the works? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 31 Dec 2006 13:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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