“Rock left, going to straddle it,” I referred to as out to my driving companion, Shad Balch, director of Chevrolet Communications. Driving about 45 mph and targeted on that rock I by some means missed one other rock on my proper. Bang!

The radio crackled with a message from truck 99. “Truck 18, you’re canine monitoring. It’s best to most likely pull over.”

I used to be piloting truck 18, a blue 2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 on a three-day drive from Las Vegas to Reno utilizing a lot of the 2023 Greatest In The Desert Vegas to Reno race course. I had heard and felt a increase from the rear finish, and noticed an alert for a low proper rear tire on the digital gauge cluster, however the truck was nonetheless soldiering on.

Crunched steel is not the biggest fear when off-roading, what’s damaged behind it’s

The 2023 Colorado ZR2 is extra sturdy, do you have to hit a boulder

I used to be confused. The rock I straddled shouldn’t have made contact with the bash plates.

I obtained out and noticed that the motive force aspect rear tire had an excessive amount of camber, the fitting rear quarter panel was dented, the fitting rear Goodyear was flat, and the fitting rear wheel and tire now sat farther again within the wheelwell.

The rock had knocked the rear U-bolt off the highest plate after shearing off the centering pin

The rock had knocked the rear U-bolt off the highest plate after shearing off the centering pin

The rock had knocked the rear U-bolt off the highest plate after shearing off the centering pin

Wanting beneath, occasions turned clear. A rock had made contact with the dented however nonetheless intact aluminum driveshaft simply forward of the place it slides into the rear finish. The driveshaft spun the rock again to the fitting, hitting the place the U-bolts maintain the axle and leaf spring collectively. It sheared the pin (bolt) that facilities the mounting bracket high plate with the U-bolts, axle, and leaf spring. This allowed the axle to slip again about three inches on the passenger aspect, bending the entrance U-bolt whereas shoving the rear U-bolt off the highest plate. It was all nonetheless in a single piece, and the axle was nice.

Henry Canan, a GM tech who spends his days fixing the stuff the engineering workforce breaks throughout improvement, was available, however the chase truck didn’t have a substitute pin or U-bolts.

Everybody agreed the truck may drive out with a spare tire, however the axle ought to be shoved again into place.

Time for MacGyver-level repairs.

The rock hit the aluminum drive shaft first, denting, however not destroying it

After a couple of failed makes an attempt to get the rear axle aligned, Canan mentioned, “That is going to sound sketchy, however we would have the ability to do it with the truck.” Canan eliminated the driveshaft, making the ZR2 a front-wheel-drive automobile momentarily, and Chevrolet Efficiency Supervisor of Efficiency Integration Tim Demetrio put the truck in 4Lo, locked the entrance locker, shifted into reverse, and backed right into a rock positioned behind the fitting rear tire. All of us watched because the axle slid ahead and again into place. Miracles by no means stop.

Canan tried to straighten the U-bolts with a steel mallet however little progress was made

Canan couldn’t straighten the U-bolts utilizing a boulder with a steel mallet, so he slid the U-bolts in backwards so that they pulled in opposition to the axle to maintain it higher centered. That was essential as a result of there was no substitute centering pin. He additionally put in a metal driveshaft accessible by Chevrolet Efficiency.

With a spare wheel and tire, the truck was again in a single piece. We rotated and drove out the best way we got here in.

With the truck again in a single piece it drove out and down the freeway

On the freeway, Demetrio cracked over the radio, “Let me know if that factor pulls, vibrates, or doesn’t really feel proper, truck 18.”

“Amazingly, it drives…nice. Appears to tug a smidge to the left if something, however in any other case it’s nice,” I responded.

We met up with the remainder of the vans at a scheduled pit cease, and there I swapped into the Sand Dune Metallic backup truck.

That evening in Fallon, Nevada, the Chevy workforce went to the native Napa Auto Components retailer and acquired two U-bolts and a pin. Demetrio mentioned they might repair the truck with lower than $10 price of components, however I continued within the backup truck.

After 5 days, 4 inns, 350 miles off pavement within the desert, and about 400 to 500 extra miles on pavement, that’s the worst, and solely, factor that occurred to any of the ZR2s except for flat tires, and the truck was nonetheless driveable.

It’s clear the second-generation Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 has morphed into the automaker’s flagship off-roader. It’s not as massive as Chevy’s two different ZR2s, the Silverado 1500 and Silverado HD, however that’s a bonus for off-roading, and the Colorado ZR2’s functionality units a brand new benchmark for the present and looming competitors.

2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 working the Greatest In The Desert 2023 Vegas to Reno route

Shockingly good shocks, {hardware}, and specs

The 2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2 is greater than only a base Colorado with some off-road components added to the combo. The Colorado’s {hardware} and specs let it brush off jumps, rocks (most of them), ruts, mud, water, silt, sand, snow, and all the pieces else we encountered within the desert.

The brand new ZR2 rides on a model-specific body with further reinforcements for hundreds and twist and revised geometry to mount the rear shocks outboard by the wheels as an alternative of inboard like the remainder of the usual 2023 Chevrolet Colorado lineup. This alteration makes the truck extra steady on- and off-road and protects the shock mounts from harm whereas off-roading, do you have to, or somebody like me, tag a rock. I don’t suggest it. Demetrio confirmed I’d’ve ripped the shock mount off the outdated truck.

With a large chassis and lifted suspension the ZR2 towers over lesser Colorados

2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2

The brand new ZR2 additionally rolls on a 3.0-inch wider observe and has 3.0-inch elevate in comparison with the bottom Colorado. The numbers communicate for themselves with 10.7 inches of floor clearance, and 9.9 inches of entrance and 11.6 inches of rear suspension journey. These adjustments contribute to a 24.6-degree breakover angle, a 38.3-degree method angle, and a 25.1-degree departure angle. The ZR2’s method and departure angles beat these of the present Toyota Tacoma TRD Professional, however Toyota’s shorter wheelbase pays dividends within the type of a barely higher breakover angle at 26.6 levels. We’ll should see the place the brand new Tacoma TRD Professional and Ranger Raptor match into the equation after they arrive. The Jeep Gladiator Mojave bests the ZR2’s method and departure angles, however the Jeep’s longer wheelbase hurts its breakover angle. The ZR2’s method, departure, and breakover angles are additionally all higher than these of the Ford F-150 Raptor, no matter whether or not it’s on 35s or 37s, and the Ram 1500 TRX.

2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2’s secret sauce is hidden within the fender wells within the type of Multimatic DSSV shocks

Among the many greatest off-roading components on the second-generation ZR2 are its Multimatic Dynamic Suspension Spool Valve (DSSV) shocks, which debuted on the 2017 Colorado ZR2. These gold-sleeved shocks have been upgraded with the rod from the bigger Silverado 1500 ZR2 for extra damping pressure and a brand new tune for extra management at pace. The passive dampers have the power to manage the ZR2 whereas attacking an extended sweeper on the highway or leaping over a cattle grate off-road. I did each throughout Chevy’s drive and got here away impressed with the physique management and smoothness created by the DSSVs. My again ought to want a chiropractor after these 350 miles of off-roading, however I’m not even taking Tylenol.

Different off-road goodies embrace entrance and rear locking differentials and two entrance tow hooks. GM famous the rear Class IV hitch is the truck’s rear restoration level, and it feels low cost that it doesn’t get rear tow hooks, an issue the upcoming Colorado ZR2 Bison will repair.

Three aluminum skid plates up entrance cowl all the pieces all the best way again to the switch case in case the worst ought to occur. I by no means hit the bash plates as soon as, although I may have used one over the rear axle.

2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 rides on the identical tires as some Ford Broncos, however not all tires are created equally

Like the bottom Colorado, the ZR2’s entrance axle strikes ahead just below three inches for 2023. It rolls on 17-inch wheels wrapped in 33-inch Goodyear Territory Mud Terrain tires versus the outgoing truck’s 31-inch rubber. These are the identical tires discovered on the Ford Bronco with the Sasquatch package deal, however the tread sample is totally different on the Chevy. Goodyear makes two variations of those tires. Confused? Me too, however the model Chevy selected is way quieter on the freeway with no loud thrum. Consumers hoping to throw 35s on their ZR2 shall be disillusioned. They gained’t match cleanly with out rubbing, however adjustments to the upcoming ZR2 Bison seemingly appropriate the fitment situation.

2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 eases its method although a water drainage tunnel beneath the freeway

The Colorado ZR2 is 4.8 inches narrower than a Silverado 1500 ZR2 and 10.2 inches narrower than a Ford F-150 Raptor. Its dimension makes it simpler to position on the path and much much less harrowing when ripping round rock-strewn surfaces. Trophy vans take the desert race route we ran, however I’ve zero clue how they make it by the water drainage tunnels that we went by beneath the highways.

2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 introduces Baja mode

ZR2 positive aspects Baja mode

The V-6 from the final ZR2 has been chucked apart for a 2.7-liter turbo-4 with 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. It’s probably the most highly effective engine accessible for the redesigned Colorado, and just like the outgoing ZR2’s elective turbodiesel-4, it has chunky low-end torque, however modes matter.

Energy comes on sturdy round city in Regular mode, however passing energy can underwhelm because the engine loses steam at freeway speeds. Chevy charges the ZR2 to tow as much as 6,000 kilos and haul as much as 1,151 kilos of payload.

GM makes you agree that you’ll certainly loosen the soundness management system

A couple of turns of the drive mode dial to the left and the Baja mode image tasks onto the touchscreen, but it surely’s nonetheless not enabled. GM makes you verify through the touchscreen that you simply certainly wish to change to the Baja mode as a result of it reduces the management of the digital nannies. Baja mode turns off traction management, and reigns again digital stability management. In three days of going sideways and airborne, I by no means felt the ESC system maintain me again in Baja mode, which additionally makes the powertrain really feel like a can of Pink Bull was injected straight into the gas line. Demetrio instructed me ESC’s nonetheless there within the background to save lots of your butt ought to issues get too wild. Now I wish to know what too wild seems like!

PSA: Allow Baja mode earlier than heading off pavement because it’s not simple to faucet that on-screen immediate whenever you’re bouncing round at pace. Ask me how I do know.

Along with throttle response, Baja mode cracks off fast shifts from the 8-speed computerized transmission and holds gears longer. However there’s a secret unlisted function that Baja mode brings with it: the Efficiency Shift Algorithm (PSA).

“What’s that,” I requested Balch as a little bit inexperienced gear icon popped up within the decrease proper nook of the 8.0-inch digital gauge cluster. “Oh, that? That signifies PSA’s been engaged,” Balch mentioned. PSA basically provides a case of Jolt Cola into the gas system. To maintain the powertrain on boil, it maintains increase always and by no means lets the engine go under about 2,500 rpm when the motive force is into it. Blipping the throttle shortly in Baja mode engages PSA, and it’ll stay engaged so long as the motive force retains their foot in it. Letting off the throttle so the transmission drops by the gears will ultimately permit the engine to drop to 1,500 rpm. 5 seconds after that, PSA shuts off.

Demetrio confirmed the PSA is built-in into {the electrical} structure of the truck and may be revised through over-the-air updates. Because it stands, the model of PSA I skilled was simply the second-best function of the truck, behind the DSSV shocks and forward of Baja mode itself. GM, should you’re listening, I’d remap PSA to remain on a smidge longer. When a driver (me, as an example) lets off the throttle to cross a number of washouts they’ll most likely get proper again into the throttle on the opposite aspect.

2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2

GM’s bean counters affected the ZR2

The ZR2 is among the most spectacular factory-built off-road pickup vans cash should buy. However outdoors of the components that make it carry out, it’s clear GM’s accounting division held again this truck.

Demetrio calls this trim crushed carbon, however I name it a alternative

The inside options the identical glitzy 8.0-inch digital gauge cluster and 11.3-inch touchscreen as different Colorados. To maintain it within the ZR2 household, yellow-stitched accents with grey soft-touch trim bits adorn the dashboard, doorways, middle console, and seats, and ZR2 is stitched into the entrance seat headrests. Demetrio referred to as the trim sample on the fitting aspect of the dashboard, within the backside of the cupholders, and within the wi-fi smartphone tray crushed carbon. It seems to be much like digital camouflage and that was a alternative. Fortunately, it’s not slathered on the seats and exterior physique trim like on the most recent Toyota Tundra TRD Professional.

I can recover from a budget, exhausting plastics in areas the motive force isn’t prone to contact as a result of they make it simpler to scrub the truck after an journey. I may even recover from the shortage of efficiency entrance seats, as a result of the seats within the Colorado proved comfy for days on finish of exhausting off-road driving. The dearth of totally LED taillights seems like penny pinching.

A few of the budget-consciousness additionally impacts efficiency. The dearth of path flip performance is odd (potential to pull the within rear wheel for a tighter turning radius). A five-link rear suspension would additional support journey high quality and off-road stability. The dearth of shift paddles irks me. A rocker on the gear selector can lock out higher gears when the selector is shifted into L, however there isn’t a guide shift functionality.

When it goes into manufacturing this spring, the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 will price $48,295 (together with $1,495 for vacation spot) and high $52,000 with a couple of choices like heated and cooled leather-based seats. That’s mainly the identical value as a far much less succesful, much less refined, and archaic Toyota Tacoma TRD Professional or the slower, much less highly effective Gladiator Mojave. The extra highly effective F-150 Raptor prices $32,375 extra and the Ram 1500 TRX runs $32,490 extra, and whereas that energy is intoxicating, you possibly can solely go so quick off-road. These vans are additionally large, which suggests the Colorado ZR2 was a better option for our Vegas to Reno run.

The brand new Colorado ZR2 isn’t as quick as the large off-road pickups, but it surely’s now one of the vital succesful manufacturing pickup vans. It will possibly present quite a lot of smiles whereas taking a beating over three days on an off-road race course…nicely, so long as you don’t hit one massive rock whereas avoiding one other one.

Chevrolet offered journey and lodging in at the least one haunted resort for Motor Authority to deliver you this primary drive report and break their truck. It nonetheless drove out.