GM has chose to raise its game by offering for the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado a new eight-speed transmission, which is quite a big deal considering neither the Ridgeline nor the Toyota Tacoma has gone that high.
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The growth of the Chevrolet Colorado is needed if the auto maker is going to embark into the compact truck segment and consumers will be able to look into the future to a pickup truck that has a size of the midsized model in the past.
The 3.6-liter V6 is the same engine found in the Cadillac, ATS, CTS, CT6, and XT5 crossover, a Chevrolet spokesperson confirmed.
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The new engine has improved variable valve timing for intake and exhaust, improved direct injection and Active Fuel management. As the moniker implies, the engine is capable of shutting off two cylinders for improved fuel efficiency. Power from the new V6 is 308hp and 275 lb-ft of torque. The new engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 8L45, as GM calls it this version, is about the same size and weight as the outgoing six-speed automatic, but offers a wider overall gear ratio spread. The first gear is much higher than before, allowing the driver to more easily take off from a standstill while towing or hauling substantial loads. Prices for the all-new pickup truck start at 594,000 baht for the entry-level LS variant while the top-of-the-line, premium High Country variant is available at 1,068,000 baht. The 2017 model will go on sale before the end of the year.
