(October 6, 2011) BANGKOK — The all-new Chevrolet Colorado midsize pickup truck made its global debut Wednesday in Thailand.

The Colorado range is the product of a five-year, $2 billion vehicle program developed across five continents for customers in more than 60 markets around the world.



Chevrolet will offer Thai customers 26 combinations of Colorado models, powertrains, cabins, and ride heights when the range goes on sale this month. They include 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.

The engine range in the Thai model features a choice of two all-new Duramax turbo-diesel 4-cylinder engines that provide a leading combination of performance and fuel economy across three specification levels.

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.

The Colorado will be sold in the United States, making its debut next month at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

There will be three engine options in the U.S. version. Standard on Colorado will be the durable, efficient Vortec 2.9L I-4 engine offers 185 horsepower. Two-wheel drive models offer 25 mpg estimate on the highway.

Available is the Vortec 3.7L I-5 offering 23 mpg on 2WD models while delivering an impressive 242 horsepower and 242 lb.-ft. of torque.

The top engine will be the Vortec 5.3L V8 making 300 horsepower.