Tom Wallace, Colorado/Canyon...
Tom Wallace, Colorado/Canyon Vehicle Line Executive
Meet Tom Wallace, Colorado/Canyon Vehicle Line Executive
Truck Trend: GM's calling this new truck a midsize. How is it different from the S-10?
Wallace: We wanted to increase interior space without making the truck too big and infringing on our full-size trucks. Tumblehome was kept to a minimum to maximize headroom. We increased the distance between the driver and front passenger by about two inches, so they're not rubbing shoulders. With our new airbag technology, we were able to move the instrument panel forward, getting it out of the driver's face. We scooped out the doors to make some more elbowroom. And back in the bed, we raised the sides to make the cargo space deeper and roomier.
TT: Can manufacturers make money on small trucks, or are they loss leaders to give CAFE credits against sales of more profitable, but more fuel thirsty, full-size trucks?
Wallace: GM will make money with the Colorado/Canyon because it costs less to build. By designing the new truck for ease of manufacture, we've taken about five hours off the production process. That's roughly 20 percent more efficient.
TT: Why does the Colorado have less towing capacity than the S-10 it replaces?
Wallace: We believe customers who do heavy towing will buy a full-size. The Colorado five-cylinder will tow up to 4000 pounds, which is enough for two Harleys, two snowmobiles, two jet skis, or a small fishing boat.
TT: How does GM view the sport-truck trend?
Wallace: The outgoing S-10 Xtreme model was about seven percent of sales and popular among ethnic groups in the South and West. The lowered Colorado with ZQ8 suspension, 17-inch alloys, a 220-horse five-cylinder, and a manual transmission is a real barnstormer. And it can be ordered with a lot of dealer-installed accessories that can be rolled into the loan. We're thinking sport-truck versions of the new Colorado may get up to 15 percent of sales.
TT: Is there room under the hood for an SS treatment with a supercharger or turbocharger?
Wallace: Stay tuned.