Chevrolet Colorado Receives Xtreme Makeover

DETROIT July 31, 2004; Chevrolet introduces the 2005 Chevrolet Colorado Xtreme pickup truck combining Colorado performance with an attractive sport-truck appearance package featuring a lowered stance, unique wheels and monochromatic appearance.

Based on the new Colorado midsize pickup, the Colorado Xtreme goes even further in combining the rugged good looks, powerful engines, a performance ZQ8 suspension and the bigger, more capable overall package of Chevy's new truck with sports car-like handling and contemporary sport truck styling. Colorado Xtreme will be available in Regular Cab, Extended Cab and Crew Cab models.

"The Colorado Extreme is a gotta-have product for sport truck customers that gives them the performance and styling they want right from the factory," said Janet Eckhoff, general director of Chevy truck marketing and business planning. "It is a value-priced package that will appeal to the many enthusiasts who take pride in a personalized vehicle."

The Colorado Extreme stands out with a ZQ8 lowered suspension and special exterior enhancements. Suspension (spring & knuckle) modifications & tire/wheel assemblies lower the vehicle 1.6 inches, compared to Colorado's standard 2WD suspension, and they are complemented with gas-charged monotube shocks at all corners. The ZQ8 suspension also includes front and rear stabilizer bars to increase the vehicle's handling capability.

The Colorado Xtreme stays glued to the pavement with 18-inch alloy wheels and low-profile performance tires. The ZQ8 suspension, which was benchmarked against the racetrack performance of several rear-wheel-drive performance cars, was tuned specifically for the Colorado Xtreme's 18-inch wheels-and-tires combination. (Other Colorado models equipped with the ZQ8 suspension have 17-inch wheels and tires.)

A unique body-color front fascia with fog lamps, rear fascia and rocker extension moldings, as well as a rear spoiler on the tailgate, three-dimensional expanded metal grille and special badging, visually identify the Colorado Xtreme. The monochromatic appearance is bold and in step with contemporary sport truck trends. Four colors are available: Victory Red, Black, White and Yellow.

A power-operated sunroof also is available.

"It drives as good as it looks," said Eckhoff. "The Colorado Xtreme's handling performance would be enviable for many cars - this vehicle just happens to have a versatile pickup bed attached."

The Colorado Xtreme's engine offerings include the 2.8-liter, Vortec 2800 inline four-cylinder and the 3.5-liter, Vortec 3500 inline five-cylinder (crew cab only available with the I-5.) Based on the inline six-cylinder in the Chevy TrailBlazer, these engines feature dual overhead camshafts, variable valve timing, electronic throttle control, low mass and other technologies that combine to offer excellent fuel economy.

Xtreme details The Colorado Xtreme comes with LS trim, but also includes special instrument cluster graphics and interior badging. Bucket seats are standard, and leather seating is available for Extended Cab and Crew Cab models. The Crew Cab offers a 60/40-split/folding-rear seat capable of accommodating three adults. The Extended Cab comes standard with four doors and its two folding rear seats are forward facing rather than the side-facing jump seats that are more common in extended cab trucks.

An AM/FM stereo with CD player is standard on Regular and Extended Cab models, while an up level radio with Radio Data System and six speakers comes with the Crew Cab. Other up level radios are available, including XM Satellite Radio. Also standard are intermittent wipers and air conditioning. Options include remote keyless entry, heated seats, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, self-dimming inside rearview mirror, rear sliding window and power left and right outside rearview mirrors.

The Colorado Xtreme is scheduled to arrive in dealerships in September.