GM Reveals 2019 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison

[FenwickHockey65]

Chevrolet Unveils the Colorado ZR2 Bison
Factory steel bumpers, Boron-steel skid plates make Bison ready for off-the-grid adventures
General Motors

September 6, 2018

DETROIT — The Colorado ZR2 Bison joins Chevrolet’s midsize truck lineup as an all-new performance variant. Bison is Chevy’s first collaboration with American Expedition Vehicles (AEV), a premium off-road aftermarket manufacturer.

Through constant innovation, Chevy has gained more than a quarter of all midsize truck sales in less than four years in the marketplace. In consecutive years, Colorado introduced the segment’s first diesel engine (excludes other GM vehicles), an all-new V-6 gas engine/eight-speed transmission combo, the ZR2 “segment of one” off-roader and now the Bison.

For maximum protection of key undercarriage elements while driving over rocky, jagged terrain, Bison features five skid plates covering the engine oil pan, fuel tank, transfer case and front and rear locking differentials. Designed by AEV, these skid plates are constructed of hard, durable hot-stamped Boron steel.

AEV-designed stamped steel front and rear bumpers further shield the truck from obstacles. The front bumper contains winch provisions and standard fog lights, with recovery points integrated into the rear bumper.

“More and more enthusiasts are discovering that Colorado is ideal for off-roading, especially overland travel,” said Sandor Piszar, director of Marketing, Chevrolet Truck.

“The Colorado Z71 offers a full suite of off-road equipment, the maneuverability of a midsize truck and the driving range of a class-exclusive diesel engine. The Colorado ZR2 offers even greater off-road capability with class-exclusive front and rear locking differentials and Multimatic DSSVTM dampers. And now, Bison offers customers an even more extreme turnkey off-road truck ready to tackle your next adventure.”

An exclusive, flow-through “CHEVROLET” lettered grille replaces the traditional bowtie on Bison’s front end. The 31-inch Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac off-road tires sit beneath larger fender flares and wrap all-new, ZR2 Bison-specific 17 x 8-inch aluminum wheels.

This new Colorado variant also features “Bison” decals on the bed sides, an “AEV Bison” logo on the tailgate and embroidered AEV logo floor liners and front head restraints.

“We’ve been following Colorado since its introduction, and the ZR2 really captured our attention,” said Dave Harriton, founder and president of AEV. “As this is the first Chevrolet vehicle we’ve given the AEV treatment to, we wanted to do something special with the industry’s first use of hot-stamped Boron steel. We also expect that Colorado drivers will love the added ruggedness of our front and rear bumpers on ZR2 Bison.”

The ZR2 Bison also duplicates the full equipment list of the Colorado ZR2, including, but not limited to:

• Class-exclusive front and rear locking electronic differentials.
• Revolutionary, segment-exclusive Multimatic DSSVTM dampers.
• Off-road rocker protection.
• Cast-iron control arms.
• Autotrac transfer case.

Like ZR2, Bison also features a modified rear axle with a 3.42 ratio, front and rear tracks widened by 3.5 inches and a factory suspension lifted 2 inches over a Colorado Z71.

Available options on Bison include:

• 2.8L Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, capable of 186 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque.
• Choice of crew- or extended cab configurations (including short and long beds, respectively).

Customers will also be able to purchase an available third-party accessory snorkel for ZR2 Bison from AEV, ideal for air filtration while driving on dusty trails. This feature is compatible with all Colorado pickup variants.

The 2019 Colorado ZR2 Bison goes on sale in January 2019, modified for extreme off-road use and backed by a full factory limited warranty.

[Royal Tiger]

Would look awesome in black!!!

[ssrs2lt]

Yes it would

[KMPrenger]

Cool...I like this...just like I like the ZR2. I see lots of ZR2s around...they are popular.

So what does this add exactly? Is this the list?
- More and beefier skid plates
- Same size, but different wheels/tires
- Steel redesigned bumpers (I like) with winch hookup
- Optional Snorkle
- Decals / emblems on interior and exterior

Skid plates and bumper being the only real difference that I can see. I kind of feel like they should have just added this to the standard ZR2 and called it a day.

Hopefully not too expensive.

Soooooooooo Chevy.....

WHEN are you going to bring us an on road performance variant!????

[DGthe3]

Originally Posted by KMPrenger

Cool...I like this...just like I like the ZR2. I see lots of ZR2s around...they are popular.

So what does this add exactly? Is this the list?
- More and beefier skid plates
- Same size, but different wheels/tires
- Steel redesigned bumpers (I like) with winch hookup
- Optional Snorkle
- Decals / emblems on interior and exterior

Skid plates and bumper being the only real difference that I can see. I kind of feel like they should have just added this to the standard ZR2 and called it a day.

Hopefully not too expensive.

Soooooooooo Chevy.....

WHEN are you going to bring us an on road performance variant!????

Still hoping that the ZR2 is the performance version of the Colorado, while the Canyon gets a Cyclone as its performance variant. Odds are slim for a number of reasons, but I think a Cyclone might draw more new people to a GMC dealership than a Colorado SS would.

[snizzle]

Originally Posted by DGthe3

Still hoping that the ZR2 is the performance version of the Colorado, while the Canyon gets a Cyclone as its performance variant. Odds are slim for a number of reasons, but I think a Cyclone might draw more new people to a GMC dealership than a Colorado SS would.

Something like this? Not bad.

[FenwickHockey65]

An AEV rep on Facebook said GM didn't want any drastic changes to the ZR2/Colorado, just bolt ons, which explains why the tire size or performance specs didn't change.


Apparently that front bumper will fit a Colorado Z71...

[DenverTaco07]

very cool, rock sliders, snorkel....

I wish I didn't want a full size so badly.

[KMPrenger]

Originally Posted by DGthe3

Still hoping that the ZR2 is the performance version of the Colorado, while the Canyon gets a Cyclone as its performance variant. Odds are slim for a number of reasons, but I think a Cyclone might draw more new people to a GMC dealership than a Colorado SS would.

I feel the same way actually, and I kind of feel like if its going to happen, this is how it would happen. I have my doubts also, b/c I have a hard time seeing GM dropping a V8 or a turbo V6 into the midsize twins, but damn I wish they would.

Originally Posted by snizzle

Something like this? Not bad.

Yep...I'll take that in a crew please. Doesn't need to be THAT low, but I understand this is a rendering, so its all good.

[snizzle]

Reminds me of my Xtreme which was basically an appearance package + ZQ8 suspension.

[CamaroFan63]

The ZR2 Bison looks good, have seen a couple Colorado's at my work ( an auto auction) even a ZR2. Drove one for a short distance.
Would consider one or maybe a GMC Canyon based throw back to the Syclone that would be sweet to see come to market.

[Scrappy Doo]

5,000 premium over glare zr2? Guesses?

[GearheadSS]

Originally Posted by Scrappy Doo

5,000 premium over glare zr2? Guesses?

My guess is $3k. It's really just the bumpers and different wheels. The snorkel is not available from GM.

[Scrappy Doo]

Originally Posted by GearheadSS

My guess is $3k. It's really just the bumpers and different wheels. The snorkel is not available from GM.

The dusk and midnight are 3215, That's why I was thinking more. But you're probably right