Future of Canyon/Colorado

gmcmich · December 13, 2006

I have always liked the GMC Canyon but did not buy one due to it's low towing capacity.

Does anyone know if the next generation (I think due in 2008) will have a larger engine(V8) option and an increase to the current 4000/4500 lb towing capacity?

Tex2kZR2 · December 18, 2006

The '09 model is the year slated for the mid-line refresh of this platform. Their has been rumors of a V8 but nothing worth while. It is all but confirmed the H3 will get a V8 and the success or failure may dictate whether the Colorado/Canyon platform will get a bigger engine.

But, if I had to bet money I would bet against the Colorado/Canyon getting a V8 in the mid-line refresh. I have been less than impressed with GM's support of this segment of their business.

yellow z71 · February 11, 2007

The '09 model is the year slated for the mid-line refresh of this platform. Their has been rumors of a V8 but nothing worth while. It is all but confirmed the H3 will get a V8 and the success or failure may dictate whether the Colorado/Canyon platform will get a bigger engine.

But, if I had to bet money I would bet against the Colorado/Canyon getting a V8 in the mid-line refresh. I have been less than impressed with GM's support of this segment of their business.

Is it possible that with the demise of the Envoy/Trailblazer in '08 that they might be getting the 4.2L I-6. That would be a great engine for these trucks. Which brings to mind a question I've had, is it possible to put the 4.2L in the current Colorado/Canyon?

Wingnut · February 11, 2007

Drop the 5.3 in the Colorado, and you could make quite a little hotrod out of it.

yellow z71 · February 11, 2007

Drop the 5.3 in the Colorado, and you could make quite a little hotrod out of it.

Yeah, I'd love to, but I read on another website that the reason why GM hadn't put one in the H3 yet is because they won't fit because of where the tranny and transfer are.

J-man67 · February 13, 2007

There are a few that have transplanted V8s in. The 4.2 IL 6 does not fit as the engine bay it not long enough.

yellow z71 · February 14, 2007

There are a few that have transplanted V8s in. The 4.2 IL 6 does not fit as the engine bay it not long enough.

Do you know what kind of mods have to be made? I wouldn't want to do it now but maybe a 100k mi down the road.

Z71-cummins · February 14, 2007

When the Colorados came out chevy said they were slated for 4000lbs compared to the 5000lbs of the s10 because for a small truck you dont need to be towing as much as a light duty which is equipped for haulin the 5000 or more load. so this makes me ask why would you want a v8 in a small truck that chevy doesnt want to be competing with the silverados/seirras in sales. To me the best motor for the colorado would be the 4.2L great horsepower and torque ratings and idk if it is too long but the 3.5 inline 5 is based off it so im sure GM could stuff the 4.2L under the hood its like in the old days where you could work on your engines now adays it looks like every engine is stuff in the engine compartmen with no working room. sorry this is so long later

95Sierra2500 · February 14, 2007

GM is shooting themselves in the foot by NOT offering a V8 in their pint-sized trucks. Ford, Dodge, and even Toyota all have them, and the majority of the sales of their pint-sized trucks are V8 sales. Why? People want to be able to haul 5000+ lbs and not have to buy a monster of a truck that barely fits in their garage...well, other people do, I just want a little truck that gets decent mileage and has enough balls to get out of its own way, I bought a full-size truck to pull stuff around because I'm not scared to let it sit outside.

Z71-cummins · February 15, 2007

I have a question what small size truck has a v-8 besides the Dakota? Im just curious because so far that i know no one but dodge has a V-8 in the small trucks. And your saying You need 5000++ towing capacity in your smallsize truck. Do you think a small size truck should be able to pull as much as a light duty lets say 1500 tows? No you wouldnt cause the tiny thing would probably have the ability but it would wear down that truck so fast. So lets think on why u need a V-8 in a small size truck. My only see in it would be in the sport editions that way they can go fast just liek the 5.9l dakota.

yellow z71 · February 15, 2007

I agree, I don't think you need a v-8 in a small truck. Unless maybe for an SS version for the Colorado but then again the I-6 would still be good for this cause it gets 290 HP. But GM probably wouldn't want to because then it would be entering fullsize territory, which is their big money maker. Its kind of like the whole Vette thing, no GM car can have the same HP to weight ratio as the vette. The bootom line is, I bought the Colorado because I just needed something that would handle light loads and at the time it was in my budget because there weren't the big discounts on the fullsizes like in '05 and '06. Most people where I live don't really use there trucks for hauling, just for commuting because Trucks are solid, long lasting vehicles. Heck most people don't even take they'er 4x4 trucks off road. After having a couple of FWD cars I would rather work on a truck, another reason to own them. To me I-5 is fine especially now since it has more hp its more in line with other models. I was just curious to see if other engines could be fit into the GMT355's because I like to experiment.

EndeavourForeverFoSho · February 16, 2007

They are going to kill the 4.2L engine. I know the H3 with get the 5.3 with DoD.

yellow z71 · February 17, 2007

They are going to kill the 4.2L engine. I know the H3 with get the 5.3 with DoD.

Where did you hear they were going to kill the 4.2?

pjmmoore · February 20, 2007

"I have been less than impressed with GM's support of this segment of their business."

I agree Tex2kzr2. I wish GM would pour some more love into this segment as well. These trucks look good on the outside, but need some refining on the inside. The interiors need to be better. I think the engines are fine, but a more powerful option is a must for those that want that. Also, a 5 or 6 speed auto would be nice. Would probably help with fuel efficiency too.