Chevrolet took a “what if?” approach, revealing two concepts that hint at the future. Since its introduction the Colorado compact pickup has reignited its segment.
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The Colorado ZR2 concept looks at where Chevy’s truck could go by taking its off-road ability to the next level. The ZR2’s is 100-millimetres wider than the production truck and it has been jacked up by 50-mm. The aim is to improve approach and departure angles as will as reduce the likelihood of becoming high-centred.
The Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
Graeme Fletcher, Driving
To improve grip the ZR2 earns electronic-locking differentials at both ends and chunky P275/65 off-road tires mounted on custom 18-inch wheels. To keep the tires in the dirt the stock shocks have been replaced with King coil-overs. If the worst does happen and the ZR2 does get stuck, well, fear not — the reworked front fascia includes a built-in winch.
The Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
Graeme Fletcher, Driving
To ensure a steep grade does not impede the ZR2 progress, it features a new 2.8-litre, Duramax turbodiesel that produces an estimated 181 horsepower. However, it is the 369 pound-feet of torque that allows the truck to rumble up steep grades without breaking a sweat. The ZR2 is a slick-looking option that has a very real chance of coming to market. At the launch of the Colorado GM promised the Duramax diesel would come to market — the ZR2 gives it the avenue it needs.
The Chaparral 2X Vision GT at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
Graeme Fletcher, Driving
The second concept was the Chaparral 2X Vision GT (VGT). It really is a pie-in-the-sky piece that’s all about designing a car to compete virtually in Gran Turismo 6. To say the VGT turns the racing world on its ear is not an exaggeration. To begin with the driver does not sit — they lie face down looking forward in the same way a Skeleton rider rockets downhill. Likewise, the onboard information is not displayed on a traditional dash, it is displayed on a screen integrated into the driver’s helmet and its visor.
The Chaparral 2X Vision GT at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
Graeme Fletcher, Driving
Now if this is not far enough out there take a look the powertrain. The VGT uses a mid-mounted “laser beamed-energy propulsion system.” A lithium-ion battery and an air-powered generator provide the power needed by the 671-kilowatt laser. According to those in the know the laser superheats a propellant to provide the forward thrust.
The Chaparral 2X Vision GT at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
Graeme Fletcher, Driving
Anyway, GM says the combination provides 900 horsepower, a top speed of 385 km/h and it runs from rest to 96 km/h in 1.5 seconds — or, at least, those are numbers it produces in the video game. Gamers can race the Chaparral 2X VGT by downloading an online update for Gran Turismo 6.
