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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Participant claims Fox News Denver rigged marijuana driving test results

George Kennedy — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 12:33:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal, Videos, TV/Movies

In May of this year, KDVR, Fox News 31 of Denver, Colorado aired a segment in which it tested the effects of marijuana on drivers. At the time of the story, Colorado lawmakers narrowly voted down a law that would have made it illegal to drive with more than five nanograms per milliliter of the drug in your system. So, to determine the effects of driving under the influence of marijuana, the local Fox affiliate gathered up several volunteers, with ages ranging from early-20's to mid-60's, and asked them to hop into a driving simulator after smoking pot. Once participant was not convinced of the news station's objectivity.

Max Montrose was one of the younger volunteers, and he was skeptical about the study, so he brought a hidden camera with him. Following the experiment, he posted a video to YouTube last week, cutting in clips of the new story with his own footage of the test. In one hidden camera clip, Montrose gets a camera operator to admit that the test isn't really that applicable, as well as other volunteers pointing out that the simulator was designed for the CDL test, designed for large semi trucks. He also contends that another vehicle in the simulator acted erratically and crashed into him in the course of his test.

The whole video seemed very damning on its surface, but KDVR has shot back, providing context to many of the issues raised by Montrose. The station explains that the test was conducted by a third party, and though the test was in a CDL facility, the simulator was set for a four-door SUV, a vehicle that would have been familiar for many drivers. Furthermore, the station interviewed a phlebotomist, who stated that effects are different from person to person, and several volunteers passed the test even though under the influence.

The KDVR response basically states that Montrose may have had biased motives from the start of the study, which is a claim that Montrose makes of the privately owned Fox affiliate. The original news report is not very damning for marijuana users, meanwhile Montrose even admits that he "would never advocate in a million years anyone to drive intoxicated on anything for any reason." So, no real conclusions are drawn in the matter, but just like the phlebotomist said of marijuana, this news story apparently affects each individual differently. See the now-viral video for yourself by scrolling below, and draw your own conclusions.

Continue reading Participant claims Fox News Denver rigged marijuana driving test results

Participant claims Fox News Denver rigged marijuana driving test results originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Dec 2012 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PickupTrucks.com stages global shootout with new Ranger, Colorado, Hilux and Amarok

Zach Bowman — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Work, Ford, Toyota, Volkswagen, Holden, Australia, Diesel

PickupTrucks.com has turned to its friends in Australia for a look at a few of the most popular midsize pickups found Down Under. The result is the Global Pickup Shootout that pits the reigning-champion Toyota Hilux against the Holden Colorado, Volkswagen Amarok and the Ford Ranger. Each truck was faced with a battery of tests that included on-road and off-road performance as well as design and value evaluations.

How did the results shake out? The Toyota Hilux, which hasn't seen a significant update since 2005, is clearly starting to show its age. The truck consistently found itself at the back of the pack, which resulted in a fourth-place finish overall with 29 points. By comparison, the third-place Volkswagen Amarok performed well in the overall value and design segments, but fell behind elsewhere. The German pickup took home 34 points in the evaluation.

The real story here is just how close the first, second and third-place finishers were in the shootout. The Holden Colorado went home with just two more points than the Amarok, thanks largely to its first-place off-road performance, but fell to the Ford Ranger by just one point. That means that the Ranger, Colorado and Amarok were split by just three points in total. Head over to PickupTrucks.com to take a look at the very detailed comparison for more information.

PickupTrucks.com stages global shootout with new Ranger, Colorado, Hilux and Amarok originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Aug 2012 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Holden to maintain its identity within GM

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, SUV, Truck, Chevrolet, Holden, Australia, Design/Style

Unbeknownst to us, observers of Holden, General Motors' Australian subsidiary that has helped The General make some of its finest product, have wondered if the austral brand's identity would get swallowed up in the push to create a cohesive, global Chevrolet. Three products headed to the antipodes have aroused the question: although the Colorado pickup (pictured in Holden concept form) and SUV wear Holden badges, both have the Chevrolet twin-bar grille, and the Holden Volt has the twin-bar grille and a mashup of the Holden and Chevy logos.

The brand's CEO, Mike Devereaux, gave quizzical explanations for the styling choices, saying of the Colorado that "having one huge front grille on a truck this big, I am not sure it works," and that a new Volt grille wouldn't be cost effective. However, the Colorado certainly wouldn't be the first truck to feature a huge, unbroken grille, and the addition of the Chevrolet Bowtie surround to the Holden badge on the Volt cannot be a matter of cost.

Nevertheless, Devereaux did assure anyone concerned that Holden will remain proudly Holden. He wouldn't specify how, but alluded to "smart ways" of figuring out, from a design standpoint, how "to have an efficient way of giving us what we need from a Holden." That could mean new front and rear clips for Holden vehicles, or something else entirely. Even now, it's not all Chevy: the Holden Trax and Malibu will have bespoke Holden faces.

Holden to maintain its identity within GM originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jun 2012 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GMC version of Chevy Colorado to look "significantly differentiated" - if it gets built

Chris Shunk — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 14:04:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

The mid-size pickup truck segment should get a much-needed shot in the arm when the global Chevrolet Colorado reaches our shores in the near future. We're not exactly sure when the Colorado will be built and sold here, but thanks to its 2011 reveal we have a good idea of what it will look like. We also don't know any specs for the North American model, and we haven't received confirmation whether a GMC variant will follow to replace the current Canyon model.

Car and Driver reports that General Motors President Mark Reuss still won't confirm a GMC spinoff, but he does add that if a "Professional Grade" version of the Colorado is built, it will be very different than its Bowtie-wearing counterpart. As the current Canyon is essentially a badge-swap away from being a Chevy, the idea of increased differentiation strikes us as a welcome development. We aren't exactly sure how much different the would-be pickup might be, but we're guessing that Reuss is referring to more unique parts than than the front fascia and minor trim enhancements that differentiate the GMC Sierra from the Silverado.

Reuss also tells C/D that the new Colorado is surprisingly large - about 90-95 percent of the size of the Silverado, and he notes the truck will feature different powertrains. We assumed that the Colorado will feature different powertrains, and we hope that a fuel-efficient six-cylinder and a diesel offering will be available under the hood.

GMC version of Chevy Colorado to look "significantly differentiated" - if it gets built originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Jan 2012 14:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM investing $380 million at Wentzville plant for next-gen Chevy Colorado production

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Plants/Manufacturing, Chevrolet, GM, Earnings/Financials

Not long after General Motors confirmed that the new global Chevrolet Colorado pickup will, in fact, be offered in the United States, The General has announced that the midsize truck will be built at its Wentzville, Missouri facility. GM is investing $380 million at the plant for retooling and equipment upgrades, and it says this injection of cash will create or retain 1,260 jobs.

Specific details about the next-gen North American Chevrolet Colorado are still unclear, but elsewhere in the world, buyers are treated to a 2.8-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder under the hood. It will come as no surprise that we're crossing our fingers for that engine, but we expect a gasoline powered engine to be the new truck's mainstay powerplant.

Until the new Colorado arrives, GM will continue production of the current model at its facility in Shreveport, Louisiana through the 2012 model year. Follow the jump for GM's official release.

Continue reading GM investing $380 million at Wentzville plant for next-gen Chevy Colorado production

GM investing $380 million at Wentzville plant for next-gen Chevy Colorado production originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Nov 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevy confirms global Colorado pickup for U.S.

Zach Bowman — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 11:32:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Work, Chevrolet

As expected, General Motors has just announced that the company's global Chevrolet Colorado is, in fact, headed our way. The company says that the vehicle's fuel efficiency, design and capability all make it ideal for American buyers, and that the excitement surrounding the truck's launch in Thailand earlier this month helped push the company to decide to bring it to the States. Unfortunately, GM isn't saying where the truck will be built or what kind of drivetrain(s) it will offer when it arrives. We have our fingers crossed for the 2.8-liter turbo diesel Duramax four-cylinder engine with 356 pound-feet of torque.

Of course, we have a hard time believing that GM would be willing to sell a mid-sized truck with that kind of power given that the engine bests the torque figures provided by the base V8 currently available in the Silverado 1500, but that won't stop us from lighting a candle, as we
think the U.S. market is itching for a reliable diesel mid-sized truck.

When it arrives, the Colorado will face diminished small- and mid-size pickup competition now that Ford is finally calling it quits with the Ranger and Ram has already axed the Dakota. Hit the jump for GM's official press release.

Continue reading Chevy confirms global Colorado pickup for U.S.

Chevy confirms global Colorado pickup for U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Oct 2011 11:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics Aplenty: Global Chevrolet Colorado rolls out in Thailand

Zach Bowman — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Work, Chevrolet, GM, Diesel

General Motors has officially unveiled the company's global 2012 Chevrolet Colorado in Thailand. The automaker says the truck is the culmination of a vehicle program that spanned five years, $2 billion and five continents. What did all that effort come up with? For starters, buyers in Thailand will be able to chose between a pair of new turbo-diesel four-cylinder Duramax engines. The engines are available in both 2.5-liter and 2.8-liter displacements, with the smaller lump producing 150 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.

The larger, 2.8-liter turbo diesel yields 180 hp and a very impressive 346 lb-ft of torque. For reference, that's just 20 horsepower shy of the base 4.8-liter V8 in the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, but it's also 41 more lb-ft of torque. GM hasn't released any fuel economy estimates on either diesel engine, but both can be mated to either a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. Four-wheel drive versions of the Colorado make use of a two-speed, electronically actuated transfer case.

Will it come our way? GM isn't saying, but recent United Auto Workers deal-related news suggests that a mid-size truck like this one is being considered for the company's Wentzville plant near St. Louis. We've got our fingers crossed. Check out our high-res gallery and then hit the jump for the press release.

Continue reading Pics Aplenty: Global Chevrolet Colorado rolls out in Thailand

Pics Aplenty: Global Chevrolet Colorado rolls out in Thailand originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Oct 2011 11:01:00 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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Allstate ranks cities with safest drivers... how does your town rank?

Aaron Richardson — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Safety

If you live in Fort Collins, Colorado, congratulations, your city is the safest driving city in the nation, according to Allstate. In its seventh-annual Allstate America's Best Drivers Report, the company determined that Fort Collins residents can expect to be in a collision once every 14 years. That's 28.6 percent better than the national average of once every 10 years.

This is the second year running that Fort Collins has made the top spot, an honor city officials say is thanks to their residents' care on the roads. Allstate started the survey to increase awareness of road safety, the company said. Click past the jump to see the full press release. To see where your city ranks, head to www.allstatenewsroom.com

Continue reading Allstate ranks cities with safest drivers... how does your town rank?

Allstate ranks cities with safest drivers... how does your town rank? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Sep 2011 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Remember that hapless Subaru stranded on the fire trail? Here's the in-car footage

Zach Bowman — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Videos, Subaru, Off-Road

Alas, poor Subaru, we knew you well. It was only a matter of time before someone came forward with an in-car video explaining exactly what happened to that Subaru Impreza that was stranded on the Miner's Gulch trail in Colorado. As you can imagine, the short flick is filled with plenty of shaky-hand-cam action as well as the painful sound of aluminum bouncing off of cast aluminum bouncing off of stone. We're not entirely sure what this Subaru did to deserve this kind of torture, but we applaud its pluck for surviving as long as it did.

The owner, Alexander Pringle, was apparently forced to abandon his valiant steed after he punctured the oil pan. It didn't take regular trail goers long to relieve the vehicle of its seats and stereo. Fortunately, the Colorado Trail Patrol was kind enough to pull the lifeless hulk off of the trail so that other, more properly outfitted off-road enthusiasts could continue to enjoy the scenery. Hit the jump to see the video for yourself (we've included the cringe-inducing, previously shown towing footage as well).

Continue reading Remember that hapless Subaru stranded on the fire trail? Here's the in-car footage

Remember that hapless Subaru stranded on the fire trail? Here's the in-car footage originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Sep 2011 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevrolet Colorado successor spied almost completely camo-free

Zach Bowman — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Truck, Etc., Chevrolet, GM, Holden

General Motors has been fairly tight-lipped about whether or not we'll see the next-generation Chevrolet Colorado here in the Land Of The Free. Right now, most signs point to "no." That's a real shame, too, given that the new mid-sized pickup packs what appears to be an efficient and powerful 2.8-liter turbodiesel engine and some snappy styling. That's the kind of combination that could make us miss the new global Ford Ranger all the less. Regardless of whether or not the new Colorado makes it to our back yard, the truck promises to bring buyers elsewhere in the world the capability they want in a convenient package.

A keen-eyed member of Asian forum BBZnet has managed to snap a few quick shots of what appears to be a production version of the pickup. The vehicle has lost the integrated rear bumper of the concept as well as its large 20-inch wheels, but remains fairly true to the original design otherwise. Head over to the BBZnet for more photos.

Chevrolet Colorado successor spied almost completely camo-free originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Sep 2011 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari offering Winter Driving Program in Aspen to FF buyers

Aaron Richardson — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Ferrari, Luxury

To help the well-heeled keep their 2011 Ferrari FFs out of the ditches in icy conditions, and give them something to plan a ski vacation around, Ferrari has announced it will hold a winter driving course for new FF owners in Aspen this winter.

The course is available with limited slots exclusively available for Ferrari owners over a six- or seven-week period this winter. The spots will be made available late this summer on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The American program is based on the Pilota on Ice programs Ferrari offered to European buyers in the Alps. Aspen may not be quite as shi-shi a setting, but an ice road laid down among Colorado's famous "fourteeners" sounds like a good time to us. See all the details in the press release after the break.

Continue reading Ferrari offering Winter Driving Program in Aspen to FF buyers

Ferrari offering Winter Driving Program in Aspen to FF buyers originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Aug 2011 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Denver city workers in hot water for taking municipal truck to stripper car wash?

Aaron Richardson — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Work, Humor

When a news report begins with the line, "If you've ever wondered how many strippers you can fit on the hood of an official City of Denver vehicle," you know it's going to be good. The still above is taken from said news report.

It seems some Denver city works employees decided to take their workhorse machine out for a bath. At a car wash hosted by a local gentlemans club. Staffed by strippers.

Of course, the city took a dim view of the situation and is looking into disciplining the employees involved in the caper. We'd just like to offer a tip of the hat to the city workers, who no doubt had the best lunch break ever. Hop the jump to check out the video.

Continue reading Denver city workers in hot water for taking municipal truck to stripper car wash?

Denver city workers in hot water for taking municipal truck to stripper car wash? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Aug 2011 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM design gives a sneak peek into birth of Holden Colorado pickup concept

Chris Shunk — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Videos, Holden, Australia

Holden Colorado - Click above to watch the video after the jump

The next generation Chevrolet Colorado hasn't been announced for the U.S. just yet (and we're not holding out much hope for its arrival, either), but the sharp-looking truck will be heading to Thailand later this year. In fact, the overhauled pickup, which will reportedly feature a 2.8-liter diesel at launch, will likely make its way into several markets around the world, including Australia. The only real difference is that the Chevrolet Bowtie will be replaced with Holden badging.

Beyond the jump is a four-minute video that shows how the Colorado went from design to show truck. It's always interesting to see all that goes into designing a new vehicle, and this video includes all computerized design, clay modeling and last-minute detailing you'll ever need to see. Hit the jump to watch the video for yourself.

Continue reading GM design gives a sneak peek into birth of Holden Colorado pickup concept

GM design gives a sneak peek into birth of Holden Colorado pickup concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Jul 2011 12:32:00 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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Holden reveals own versions of Chevy Colorado, Sonic and Cruze hatch

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Hatchback, GM, Misc. Auto Shows, Holden, Australia

2012 Holden Colorado - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's winter time in the land down under, and General Motors has arrived at the 2011 Melbourne Motor Show with a handful of new Holden models. Australians will soon see the 2012 Holden Colorado, 2012 Barina and 2011 Cruze Hatch arriving on dealer lots.

The Australian Colorado gets buff body lines and stylish LED running lamps in the bumper (at least on premium trims). Holden's Sonic, known in Oz as the Barina, is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine (we get 1.4 or 1.8-liter engines in the States), which can be paired with a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Finally, the 2011 Holden Cruze Hatch is the five-door we would love to see arrive stateside wearing a Bowtie.

The Holden Cruze Hatch has already hit UK and Korean showrooms in its Chevrolet guise. The diesel-powered Holden Colorado goes on sale next year. Expect the Barina to arrive towards the end of 2011.

Dive into all three Holden vehicles by clicking past the jump for the full press release on each. Also, be sure to look through the galleries below.

Continue reading Holden reveals own versions of Chevy Colorado, Sonic and Cruze hatch

Holden reveals own versions of Chevy Colorado, Sonic and Cruze hatch originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Jul 2011 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevrolet Colorado Rally Concept looks ready to tackle Dakar, maybe the moon

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 19:25:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Truck, Chevrolet, GM, Misc. Auto Shows

Chevrolet Colorado Rally Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

The production version of the next-generation Chevrolet Colorado has yet to be revealed, but auto show crowds in Argentina are getting a peek at the possible lines of the upcoming pickup. Chevrolet is picking the Buenos Aires International Motor Show as the stage on which it will show off its new Colorado Rally Concept.

An aggressive and strong style are the immediate visual cues given off by the Rally Concept, which is meant to handle some serious off-road driving. A pair of integrated winches (one up front and one out back) will help should you actually manage to get the Colorado Rally Concept stuck. That ought to prove to be a difficult task, thanks to the 305/60R18 BFGoodrich Mud Terrain tires, long-travel suspension and 2.8-liter diesel engine.

Keeping up the aggression, the interior of the Chevy Colorado Rally Concept is equipped with racing seats and five-point harnesses. The driver or co-driver can adjust tire pressure and suspension settings from the cabin, while either can also enjoy some fresh air from the vents cut into the acrylic side windows.

To say that this truck is built to run off-road is an understatement.

Dear General Motors,

Make this truck. And sell it in the States. Please.

Sincerely,

Autoblog.com

Continue reading Chevrolet Colorado Rally Concept looks ready to tackle Dakar, maybe the moon

Chevrolet Colorado Rally Concept looks ready to tackle Dakar, maybe the moon originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Jun 2011 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Is Chevy readying a mid-size SUV on its new Colorado pickup?

Chris Shunk — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 19:27:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, Videos, Chevrolet, GM

Mystery Chevy SUV prototypes - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Crossovers have gained the lion's share of America's utility attention over the past few years, but the SUV is anything but dead and gone. Until gas prices began to spike, those surviving body-on-frame (br)utes were actually selling fairly well. So is General Motors kicking itself for ending Trailblazer production instead of refreshing it? New spy video from Inside Line suggests that The General may have another off-road- and tow-ready utility vehicle on the way.

The post-jump video shows a pair of mid-size SUVs that appear to be based off the 2013 Chevrolet Colorado, a prototype of which also makes a cameo in the video. Judging by the chunky-looking running boards and solid rear axles, these prototypes are definitely SUVs and not tall cars. The heavily camouflaged vehicles appear to be tall and very square in appearance, and the shape of the Chevrolet grille appears pominently despite efforts to conceal its identity. Inside Line speculates that the finished product will likely hit the world stage in the next year, with production likely for 2013, though just because these prototypes were spotted around Detroit is no guarantee that the model will find its way into U.S. showrooms.

If such a vehicle were to arrive stateside, we expect GM to improve fuel economy with small engine options and perhaps a truck version of the company's eAssist hybrid technology. Hit the jump to watch the spy video for yourself. Top tip, Ed!

Gallery: Chevrolet Colorado-based SUV: Spy Shots

[Source: Inside Line | Photos: KGP Photography]

Continue reading Video: Is Chevy readying a mid-size SUV on its new Colorado pickup?

Video: Is Chevy readying a mid-size SUV on its new Colorado pickup? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 19:27:00 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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