Just a few weeks after the 2022 Silverado ZR2 was introduced to the world we’re getting our first look at the all-new 2023 Colorado ZR2.
Just a few moments ago our spy photographer captured what is clearly an all-new Chevrolet Colorado undergoing testing. Certain clues point to this prototype being a ZR2- giving us our first look at what seem to be a few very nice upgrades planned for the off-road trim level.
Our spy photographer reports:
“ZR2″ Markings Visible On Tail-light Camo
In what would appear to be confirmation identifying this as the Colorado ZR2, we noticed a curiosity written on the mesh camouflage covering the tail-light clusters. At first glance it looks like “SR5” is handwritten on the corner of the camouflage, but a closer look reveals that the “R” is written backwards.
It’s clear that the intended message is written on the inside of the camouflage, and the ink has bled through to the visible (front) side. Flip the image, and you can see that it is “ZR2” that has been written on the inside of the tail-light camouflage, presumably identifying this prototype as the next-generation Chevy Colorado ZR2. We have provided a “digital flip” of the camo to show evidence of the handwritten identifier.
ZR2-spec Off-Road Cues On Display
The high-clearance stance and Goodyear Wrangler MT tires are on display, with clear evidence of the ZR2-spec Multimatic DSSV shocks visible within the wheel well. The resolution limitations and the murky weather conditions don’t do us any favors, but it appears that the new Colorado ZR2 will get a bump to 33-inch tires (285/70R17s), compared to the 31-inch rubber (265/65R17s) used on the current model.
Disguising discs are strapped to the wheels to hide the prototype’s wheel design, but what can be seen hints at aggressive styling with a detailed outer rim—in keeping with the design ethos on the current ZR2’s wheel offerings.
New Rocker Slider Protection
This prototype showcases a new design for rocker panel protection, with new dual-level guards. The tubular section—mounted at what appears to be frame height—arches upward for additional protection at the rocker panels. It looks like a streamlined design with both optimal clearance and body protection in mind.
Production LED Signature Begins To Show
It appears that this latest prototype has moved beyond the original placeholders found on all prior prototypes for GM’s midsize pickups. We see a new production-look LED strip at the top, with what appears to be a flush headlight cluster running horizontally across the front fascia.
The holes cut in the camouflage are consistent with other Colorado prototypes that have been spotted, suggesting this is the Colorado ZR2, and GMC’s Canyon AT4X. The body contours visible beneath the vinyl camo also look consistent with the Colorado.
