Going Racing With a Fervor Down Under: Colorado ZR2 Dishes Out High-Octane Action

Going Racing With a Fervor Down Under: Colorado ZR2 Dishes Out High-Octane Action

The ZR2 has solidified itself as a very able and sturdy rock crawler, as well as a vehicle that can stand up under intense pressure, no matter what the environment demands. Last week, it was a contender in the Hell Racing endurance test: a 550-mile Vegas to Reno race that will no doubt boost the namesake and popularity of this truck. Perfect for kicking up some mud around Knoxville during your down time, the featured model ran the 3.6-liter V6 engine, along with an 8-speed transmission to handle the demanding shifting duties. During an all-out longevity trial such as this, the suspension needs to be way above par, and the ultra-unique spool valve damper-based setup was tweaked and modified slightly to meet the demands.

The fun-to-drive and appealing pickup also gained a roll bar and 44-gallon tank for the long distance off road race, and also beta tested a few new accessories that could ultimately find their way into the official parts catalog for the coming year. TheDrive.com billed this truck as “just right” and “leaving you grinning ear to ear”, the team loved having the truck hop over all of the obstacles that came up in its way. They took the ZR2 to Bangs Canyon, Colorado, where they discovered that its specific configuration and size truly put it in a class of its own. Shorter in length and height than many of its direct competitors, drivers and journalists alike have loved the compact, yet aggressive feel of the ZR2 when it comes to the handling end.

All the way on the other side of the globe, the lovers of the rough and tumble races that exciting trucks can offer are going to get a dose of a very high-octane series featuring the Colorado ZR2. A new road and street series called “SuperUtes” is taking off in Australia over the next year, and the ZR2 is the first backed entry vehicle ready for the course. The proposed calendar has a kick-off at the Adelaide 500, and then has a swing to the northern region, bringing its excitement and thrills to Darwin and Townsville. Queensland Raceway and Sydney Motorsports Park are next on the list, followed up with three rounds at Bathurst, on the arid and sunny Gold Coast.

All trucks enlisted to strut their stuff during this event must belong to the production-based dual-twin cab category, with rear wheel drive, and a turbo manufacturer engine. The minimum in the all-important weight department is 1800 kg, and a control cage is needed as well. OEM front suspension components, control gearbox and ratios, and control rear axle assembly, as well as Detroit locker, are required to be on board. If you are curious to see just how awesome the features are on this amazing dirt trail conquering truck, pay us a visit on the lot here at West Chevy! You'll quickly take a liking to just how great the ZR2 is at absorbing impact, and how every inch is designed for the ultimate in off-road performance.