CAR NEWS

2017 Chevrolet Colorado Gets 8-Speed Auto, New V6

Aug 26, 2016

Summary
New drivetrain to bring nominal improvement in economy

Chevrolet is giving the Colorado its first shakeup since the second-generation mid-size pickup bowed as a 2015 model.

Most notably, the old 3.6L V6 engine is being replaced with a newer version of the same displacement that's already available in various other GM products, like the Cadillac CTS and Chevy Camaro. It makes 308 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque -- up a nominal 3 hp and 6 lb-ft -- but is more noteworthy for its use of direct fuel injection, active fuel management cylinder deactivation and revised valve timing. GM says fuel consumption will be incrementally lower.

Along with it comes an eight-speed automatic transmission, replacing the outgoing V6 truck's six-speed; the old automatic sticks around for use with the entry-level four-cylinder engine.

While this announcement applies specifically to the Colorado, its GMC Canyon twin should get the new motor as well; look for that news to come, along with pricing, which we expect will be revealed closer to the 2017 Colorado's launch closer to the end of this year.

Meet the Author

As a child, Chris spent most of his time playing with toy cars in his parents’ basement or making car sounds while riding his bicycle. Now he's an award-winning Algonquin College Journalism grad who has been playing with real cars that make their own noises since the early 2000s.