The 2016 Chevy Colorado has taken Motor Trend Truck of the Year honours, but it’s not stopping there! For 2017, this vehicle in North America will be receiving an all-new V6 engine and a class-exclusive eight-speed automatic transmission. Keep reading to learn more about these 2017 Chevy Colorado powertrain upgrades.
Read More: Compare the Chevy Colorado vs Toyota Tacoma
2017 Chevy Colorado Powertrain Upgrades
When outfitted with the Duramax diesel engine, the Chevy Colorado can deliver some of the best fuel economy numbers in Canada. The new V6 and eight-speed automatic transmission are going to help give this truck better numbers on the gasoline end as well.
The new V6 engine will feature the same displacement (3.6-litres) as the previous engine on the 2016 Chevy Colorado, but will come equipped with variable valve timing, direct injection, and active fuel management. Fuel consumption numbers are not yet available, but this engine should be able to deliver 308 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque.
New Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission on the 2017 Colorado
The new class exclusive eight-speed Hydra-Matic 8L45 transmission will weight about the same as the outgoing 6L80 but will offer more confident towing, thanks to a wider overall gear ratio spread. This is the second elite transmission option Chevrolet has announced for its vehicles this year.
Pictured Below: The Hydra-Matic 8L45 which first appeared in the 2016 Cadillac CT6. A similar transmission will allow the 2017 Chevy Colorado to be even more capable.
“The Colorado is currently the most fuel-efficient pickup truck in America, with an EPA-estimated 31 mpg highway when equipped with the diesel engine,” said Stan Ludlow, chief engineer for the 2017 Colorado, in a recent Chevrolet press release. “As such, for the new V6 and eight-speed combination we focused on improving everyday driving performance. Drivers will immediately notice that it pulls harder when accelerating from a stop or passing on the highway; it is more confident pulling a trailer up a steep grade and it is more refined cruising at a constant highway speed.”
While we don’t have confirmation that these new upgrades will be arriving in Canada, we are hopeful. The 2017 Chevy Colorado should make its North American debut in the fourth quarter of this year. Contact a Craig Dunn Motor City sales representative for more updates.