Equipment World Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/732903
October 2016 | EquipmentWorld.com 80 C hevy recently premiered the 2017 Colorado, and though its looks on the outside are identi- cal to last year's model, there have been some major changes under the hood. The 2017 model features a new V6, and though the engine still displaces 3.6 liters, it manages to produce 3 more horsepower (for a total 308 horsepower) and improve torque from 269 to 275 lbs.-ft. The Colorado's chief engineer, Stan Ludlow, says the design chang- es are focused around "improving everyday driving performance," though the new engine retains the same overall double-head-cam architecture. Most of the differences from the previous model result from the inclusion of a new Hydra-Matic 8L45 transmission, which offers eight speeds and provides a wider 7.0 overall gear ratio (as opposed to 6.0). The result of these changes are a truck that is quicker off the line, even when hauling large loads, due to a higher first gear ratio. However, these quicker acceleration speeds don't come at the expense of fuel economy, as the lower rear axle ratios, which have reduced fuel consumption by lowering rpms at highway speeds. Chevy has stated that the im- proved fuel economy of the new Colorado also results from "im- proved variable timing for intake and exhaust, improved direct injection and, for the first time, Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation), which disables two cylinders under light throttle ap- plications." The 2017 Colorado will begin arriving at local dealerships in the fourth quarter of this year. pro pickup | by Wayne Grayson | WayneGrayson@randallreilly.com 2017 COLORADO CHEVY DEBUTS THE WITH NEW ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION