Does the 2015 Chevy Colorado have what it takes to be a Ford Raptor rival?

By Stephen Edelstein July 18, 2014

The Ford F-150 SVT Raptor is setting off a performance-truck arms race.

While the Raptor likely won’t transition to the all-new 2015 F-150 platform for the time being, Toyota is beefing up its Tundra with the new TRD Pro Series, and Ram is steadily upgrading the Power Wagon.

Conspicuously absent from the party is General Motors, but a new report suggests GM is cooking up something completely different.

Instead of the full-size Silverado, the company’s Raptor rival could be based on the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado midsize truck, according to GM Authority.

The more-compact Colorado would weigh less, meaning better performance on the trail. Its smaller footprint will likely make this truck easier to maneuver than the gargantuan Raptor, too.

Ford Raptor — Ford Raptor Image used with permission by copyright holder

GM is mute on the matter, so it’s unclear exactly what a performance version of the Colorado would be like.

Chevy did unveil a Colorado Rally Concept based on the global version of the truck back in 2011, but the significantly-updated U.S. spec 2015 Colorado fairly different from that truck.

Beefed-up suspension and large, chunky tires seem like sure things, and the 3.6-liter V6 seems like the best engine choice to hot rod. The Colorado will also be offered with 2.5-liter gasoline and 2.8-liter DURAMAX diesel four-cylinder engines.

Still, Chevy did manage to stick a V8 under the hood of the previous Colorado, so anything is possible.

Fans are already speculating that the new truck will revive the ZR2 moniker from the old S-10, but Chevy can probably do better.

If the Ford is a Raptor, then surely the name of a creature that’s lighter and more agile, but still deadly, is up for grabs? Pteradon, maybe?

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Stephen Edelstein

Contributing Editor

Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…

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