(July 29, 2015) DETROIT — The fastest-selling truck in the market now offers an available turbo-diesel engine. Chevrolet says the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado Duramax diesel takes midsize truck capability and efficiency to unprecedented levels.

With 369 lb-ft of torque generated by its all-new 2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel, the Colorado’s maximum trailering capacity rises to 7,700 pounds on 2WD models, with estimated fuel economy projected to top the already segment-leading efficiency of the gas models.

It is also the cleanest diesel truck engine ever produced by General Motors.

“Simply put, there’s no other midsize truck that can do what Colorado can with its all-new Duramax diesel,” said Sandor Piszar, director of Chevrolet Truck Marketing. “Along with greater capability and efficiency, it expands the Colorado lineup to give customers more choices and the capability of exploring more possibilities on and off the road.”

The new Colorado diesel goes on sales this fall, offered in LT and Z71 Crew Cab models, with 2WD or 4WD. It is priced $3,730 more than a comparably equipped 3.6L V-6 model.

Features included with or exclusive to Colorado diesel models:

    • Smart diesel exhaust brake system that enhances vehicle control and reduces brake wear on steep grades

    • Standard Hydra-Matic 6L50 six-speed automatic transmission matched with a Centrifugal Pendulum Vibration Absorber (CPVA) in the torque converter, which reduces powertrain noise and vibration

    • The Z82 trailering package is standard and includes a hitch receiver and seven-pin connector

    • An all-new integrated trailer brake controller is standard and exclusive on diesel models

    • The G80 automatic locking rear differential is standard

    • A 3.42 rear axle ratio is standard

    • A new, electronically controlled two-speed transfer case is included on 4WD models

    • Maximum trailering rating of 7,700 pounds (3,492 kg) for 2WD models and 7,600 pounds (3,447 kg) for 4WD

    • GVWRs of 6,000 pounds (2,721 kg) for 2WD and 6,200 pounds (2,812 kg) for 4WD.

“A diesel engine was part of the Colorado’s portfolio plan from the very beginning, meaning the chassis, suspension and other elements of its architecture were engineered to support its capability,” said Scott Yackley, assistant chief engineer. “That means there are no compromises with the Colorado diesel. It offers exceptional capability delivered with a confident feeling of control.” 

Colorado’s award-winning combination of refinement, maneuverability and connectivity complements the diesel’s capability, with segment-exclusive features such as Chevy MyLink with phone integration technology — and compatibility with Apple CarPlay – OnStar 4G LTE with Wi-Fi hotspot, Lane Departure Warning and Forward Collision Alert.

Colorado’s innovative solutions for hauling and accessing cargo include a standard CornerStep rear bumper, EZ Lift-and-Lower tailgate (standard on Z71 and available on LT), two-tier loading in the cargo bed, 13 standard moveable tie-down locations throughout the bed, an available, factory-installed spray-in bed liner and a line of available GearOn accessories.

Colorado’s new 2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel is part of GM’s global family of turbo-diesel four-cylinder engines designed to deliver value, capability and efficiency. It features a variable-geometry turbocharger for optimal power and efficiency across the rpm band and a balance shaft for greater smoothness.

Power is SAE-certified at 181 horsepower at 3,400 rpm and 369 lb-ft of torque at 2,000 rpm. A broad torque band makes it very powerful at low rpm, while the turbocharged performance provides a confident feeling of immediate and smooth horsepower on demand.

“It is a no-compromise turbocharged engine that is also really fun to drive, with excellent responsiveness,” said Yackley. “It was also designed specifically for trucks and has undergone many of the same validation tests as the 6.6L Duramax, contributing to legendary Duramax durability and reliability.”