Chevrolet has revealed its off-road oriented Colorado ZR2 concept at the LA Motor Show, to gauge interest in making the next-generation Colorado more off-road than dirt road.

CHEVROLET HAS REVEALED its Colorado ZR2 concept at the LA Motor Show suggesting “how Chevrolet could take the all-new midsize truck’s off-road capability to the next level”. But the headline news was that the concept saw the debut of the new global 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel that’ll be fitted to the US-spec Chevrolet Colorado in 2015.

The Colorado’s new 2.8L turbo-diesel produces 134kW at 3800rpm and 500Nm of torque at 2000rpm, it’s mated to a six-speed automatic. “This new Duramax diesel engine will take efficient capability to an entirely new plateau for the midsize truck segment,” said Tony Johnson, Colorado marketing manager.

“Its broad torque band makes it very powerful at low rpm, while the turbocharged performance provides a confident feeling of immediate and smooth power on demand – attributes customers will appreciate when towing.”

The Colorado ZR2 is four inches wider than a production Colorado Z71, gets new front- and rear-end which improve approach (30.2-degrees Vs 25-degrees) and departure angles (22.7-degrees Vs 21-degrees). A two-inch lift gives the thing greater clearance off-road, while a skid plate and rock sliders add some protection to the ZR2. There are also flip-out tow hooks and a built-in winch at the front.

“The design of the ZR2 concept is all about functionality,” said Johnson. “It is inspired by the needs for traversing rock-strewn trails, as well as the aesthetics of competition-style vehicles such as pre-runners – with all elements contributing to safe, sustainable off-road driving.”

The Colorado ZR2 gets front and rear electronic locking differential getting grunt to the ground via aggressive 275/65R18 off-road tyres mounted on custom 18-inch aluminum multi-spoke, bead-lock-style wheels. Custom wheel flares cover the larger off-road tires and increased track width, enhancing the truck’s purposeful stance. They’re complemented by custom rocker guards.

Pub fact: Chevrolet introduced the ZR2 name in 1994 on the compact S-10 pickup. It was added to the S-Series Blazer in 1996. It was available through 2003 on the S-10 and in 2005 on the Blazer. Chevrolet also offered the off-road-inspired S-10 BAJA from 1988 through 1991. Like the Colorado ZR2 concept, it was available with a racing-inspired bed-mounted spare tire.