Chevy's midsize Colorado pickup enters 2009 with a host of performance enhancements, including a new, 5.3L V-8 engine option and new brake system. These features, along with the return of the ZQ8 sport suspension and a new family of stylish wheels, increase the Colorado's capability and refreshes its stylish appearance.
Colorado 's new 5.3L V-8 is available on extended cab and crew cab models. It pumps out 300 horsepower, nearly 25-percent more than the Colorado's available 3.7L I-5 engine. It also delivers 320 lb.-ft. of torque of torque for a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds. The new V-8, enabling 0-60 mph performance of less than seven seconds.
A revised fuel control module helps most 2009 Colorado models equipped with the 2.9L and 3.7L engines achieve better fuel economy than previous models. The greatest mileage improvement comes in 4WD models equipped with the 2.9L engine and manual transmission, where the estimated highway rating increases to 25 mpg - an increase of nearly 14 percent over the '08 rating.
New ZQ8 sport suspension package
The sport-tuned ZQ8 suspension on extended and crew cab models. It features revised tuning, all-new 18-inch Xtreme, split six-spoke aluminum wheels and performance tires and distinctive visual cues, as well as the new 5.3L V-8 engine as standard equipment, specific steering and track-tuned suspension enhancements that stiffen the suspension by about 30 percent. The steering system receives a high-performance cooler and underhood temperatures and airflow are controlled with a unique sealing system. The Ride hight is lower than the standard Z85 suspension by approximately one inch - and ZQ8-equipped trucks ride on unique 18 x 8-inch aluminum wheels and low-profile sport tires. The result is crisp handling and maneuverability, along with a great stance. Color-keyed front and rear bumpers, fascia grille and grille bar are part of the ZQ8's appearance, with the grille accented with a chrome surround. Seven exterior colors are offered: Deep Navy, White, Victory Red, Inferno Orange, Aqua Blue Metallic, Black Granite Metallic and Techno Gray Metallic. Inside, the ZQ8 features unique seats not offered in other Colorado models, trimmed in Ebony cloth.
New for 2009
• New brake system - All Colorado models receive a new brake system that delivers greater stopping power and an improved brake pedal feel. The system features four-channel ABS with yaw control for flatter, more controlled stopping during panic stops and improved control on slippery surfaces
• StabiliTrak electronic stability control system is standard on all models
• WT models receive 16-inch steel wheels in place of the previous 15-inch wheels
• New 16-inch aluminum wheel is standard with Z85 suspension
• New 16-inch chrome-clad wheel optional with Z85 suspension
• New 17-inch wheel is standard with the Z71 suspension
• New 18-inch wheel is standard with the ZQ8 suspension
Exterior revisions:
• Previous Sport Appearance Package is now standard on all Z85-equipped models
• Front fascia now features body color over dark gray accents
• Z71 grille features body-color surround with chrome bar (replacing previous gray surround)
• Small wheel flares are eliminated
• Body-side molding eliminated from regular and extended cabs
• Body-color side moldings on crew cab
• Body-color outside mirrors and door/tailgate bezels, with chrome handles, on extended and crew cabs
• Standard bedliner with Fleet Delete package
• Solar Ray tinted glass is standard on LS and LT; available on WT
• Two new exterior colors - Deep Navy and Aqua Blue Metallic
• XM Satellite Radio is standard on all models
• Cashmere interior carpet changed from Cashmere to Ebony
• Interior carpet is standard on WT (vinyl floor cover is available)
• Cloth seating is standard on WT (vinyl is available)
A new 1VL Value Package is offered in 2009. It is available on all extended and crew cab models and includes the 2.9L engine paired with either a manual transmission on the extended cab or an automatic transmission with the crew cab. Additional equipment includes power windows and locks.