Chevrolet introduces the All-New 2012 Colorado in Thailand

The new 2012 Chevy Colorado offers all new exteriors, interiors and mechanical features and is the most extensive mid-size truck program in Chevrolet’s 100-year history.

Thai customers can choose among 26 combinations of Colorado models, powertrains, cabins, and ride heights when the vehicle goes on sale this month. The truck will be offered in single-, extended- and crew-cab bodies in high- and low-stance configurations, wide- and narrow-body options, as well as two- and four-wheel-drive configurations.

Two all-new Duramax turbo-diesel engines are available that provide a leading combination of performance and fuel economy across three specification levels.

“Thailand is excited to be the first market in the world to introduce the all-new Colorado, which represents GM’s most significant play in the midsize pickup truck market ever,” said GM Thailand President Martin Apfel.

Chevrolet Colorado, based on GM’s global body-on-frame, rear-drive midsize truck architecture, can be configured to serve a range of customer needs as a commercial vehicle, a family utility truck, or a lifestyle statement.

It meets the highest-possible safety standards wherever it is sold and has features such as electronic stability control, anti-lock braking system featuring electronic brake force distribution, traction control, hydraulic brake assist, cornering brake control and driver and occupant front air bags.

“Our objective from the beginning of the program was ‘haul anything, go anywhere’ – and that’s exactly what the new Colorado delivers,” Merkel said.

“That versatility is a big win for our customers. Regardless of configuration, they’re getting the features of a common frame and body structure, high-performing powertrains and outstanding refinement. There are no sacrifices in fundamental hardware or aesthetics, from a very basic two-door work truck all the way up to a premium crew cab.

The development of the all-new Colorado was led by GM engineers in Brazil, who tailored the vehicle for a number of global markets, including those in Southeast Asia. They lived in Thailand during the truck’s development to observe the market, which led to the development of three specification levels: the entry-level LS, mid-range LT and range-topping LTZ.

With two levels of chassis and suspension tuning, the new lineup delivers ride and handling characteristics unexpected of a midsize pickup, making it equally adept both at hauling and towing and at serving as a day-to-day city commuter.

The range also features an all-new global family of GM-developed turbo-diesel four-cylinder engines designed to deliver a leading combination of performance and fuel efficiency. The two Duramax diesels, built at GM Thailand’s newly opened $200 million engine plant, are available in 2.8-liter and 2.5-liter displacements.

The 2.8-liter turbo-diesel features a variable-geometry turbocharger for optimal power and efficiency across the rpm band and a balance shaft for greater smoothness, while both engines feature components designed to last for 240,000 kilometers/149,000 miles.

The 2.8-liter engine is rated at 180 horsepower (132 kW) and 346 lb.-ft. of torque (470 Nm) with an available six-speed automatic transmission (324 lb.-ft. / 440 Nm with a five-speed manual). The 2.5-liter engine is rated at 150 horsepower (110 kW) and 258 lb.-ft. of torque (350 Nm).

The pickup was designed in Sao Paulo, Brazil. It takes cues from the three Colorado concept vehicles revealed at global auto shows in Thailand, Argentina, Australia and Germany throughout the year.

A power dome in the hood, combined with a raised cowl, is intended to give the Colorado a strong, purposeful appearance. Higher-mounted dual projector headlamps are positioned beneath the power dome, intended to emphasize visual strength in the face of the vehicle. Also prominent is the dual-port grille – an unmistakable Chevrolet cue – that carries a three-dimensional grille mesh. Chrome appointments in the grille surround, door handles, tailgate handle, mirror caps, and headlamps and fog lamps on high-level models are intended to provide a premium appearance. The 2012 Chevrolet Colorado offers LED-illuminated tail lamps on high-level models, a first for a Chevrolet pickup.

Inside, the instrument panel integrates the center stack and trademark Chevrolet dual cockpit design. Interior dimensions provide outstanding levels of comfort for drivers and passengers alike. Chrome is used around the shifter and shifter head; steering wheel bezels; heating and air conditioning controls; door pulls; door appliqués; and surrounding the radio head. LED lighting in Ice Blue backlights the instrument cluster and HVAC controls.

The Colorado also includes several storage locations designed to be best in class. The regular cab has 16 storage locations, while the extended cab has 19 and the crew cab has 30.

Convenience features like auxiliary power, auxiliary plugs and USB connectivity are standard across the range.

GM has not announced that the 2012 Chevy Colorado truck will be available in the U.S. The automaker has said that more markets and production sites for the vehicle will be announced in the coming months.