January 7, 2003

2004 Colorado is Chevy's first mid-size pickup

Detroit, Michigan - The all-new 2004 Colorado pickup is Chevrolet's first entry in the mid-size pickup segment. The Colorado will begin production in Shreveport, Louisiana in the fourth quarter of 2003.

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The Colorado will be offered in nine model configurations, including three suspension packages (standard, sport and off-road), three cab styles (crew, extended and regular) and two- or four-wheel drive. With crew cabs comprising almost one-third of the mid-size pickup market, Colorado's crew cab offers a 60/40-split folding rear seat capable of accommodating three adults. The extended-cab model comes standard with four doors. And the regular-cab model features 60/40 bench seats, in cloth or vinyl, with bucket seats available.

The 2004 Chevrolet Colorado will feature new inline five-cylinder and four-cylinder engines that will provide the power of a V6 and the efficiency of an I-4, according to GM. The Vortec 3500 and Vortec 2800 are derivatives of the Vortec 4200 six-cylinder engine featured in the TrailBlazer and TrailBlazer EXT. The Vortec 3500 I-5 will produce 220 horsepower and 225 lbs.-ft. of torque. The Vortec 2800 I-4 will deliver 175 horsepower and 185 lbs.-ft. of torque.

Independent front suspension and a live rear axle are standard on rear-drive models, as is torsion-bar suspension on four-wheel-drive models.

Colorado's standard anti-lock brake system (ABS) was designed for heavy-duty service, with tandem power boosters, dual-piston disc front brakes with audible wear sensors, and 295-mm diameter rear drums. Fifteen-inch wheels and tires are standard, with step-up optional aluminum wheels available. Rack-and-pinion steering is standard.

Colorado offers several traction assistance options. The shift-on-the-fly 4WD system is activated with a dash-mounted switch. A new segment-first locking differential is available on rear- and four-wheel drive models with either the four- or five-cylinder engine along with a segment-first traction control option on rear-wheel-drive models.

Colorado is first in its class with optional roof rail side air bags. Dual-stage front air bags are standard; on the regular-cab model, the passenger-side air bag can be disabled. A battery saver system is standard on Colorado as well. Options include a remote locking system, heated seats, the OnStar safety and security system, XM Satellite Radio and a driver information system including an oil life monitor.

"The American public discovered the inherent advantages of inline engine technology with the introduction of the TrailBlazer, and this year they're going to realize the same thing in the Colorado," said Bruce Mader, Colorado product manager. "Both the four- and five-cylinder inline engines simultaneously deliver greater horsepower and greater fuel economy, making them among the most advanced engines in the world. These powertrains are indicative of just what a 'true Chevy truck' Colorado really is."

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