MOTOR RIVALS

Chevrolet unveiled the all-new 2015 Chevrolet Colorado, which will redefine the midsize truck and offer real truck capability and versatility to customers who don’t require a full-size truck.

The new Colorado is built with the DNA of a true Chevy truck, expected to deliver class-leading power, payload and trailering ratings. Colorado goes on sale in fall 2014 as a 2015 model.

“Our strategy is simple: meet the needs of the broadest possible customer base, and let them choose precisely the right truck to meet their needs,” said Mark Reuss, General Motors executive vice president and president of GM North America. “The all-new Colorado benefits from the solid foundation established by the Silverado, and it reinvents the midsize truck while reinvigorating the segment at the same time.”

The new Colorado was developed for the North American truck customer, with distinctive design, comfort and connectivity features, including segment firsts such as available forward collision alert and lane departure warning.

Chevrolet expects Colorado to be the most powerful truck in the segment, allowing owners to haul and tow more. A 2.5L I-4 is standard, and a 3.6L V-6 is available. Each engine is tuned, tested and validated for truck use, and each features direct injection and variable valve timing to make the most of power and efficiency. Each is matched with a six-speed automatic transmission, and the 2.5L is available with a six-speed manual transmission on extended cab 2WD Work Truck models.

When properly equipped, the Colorado is expected to offer class leading payload capacity and trailering capacity of more than 6,700 pounds (3,039 kg). That is more than enough capability to throw a weekend’s worth of camping gear in the bed and tow a boat to a favorite lake.

Colorado will also offer the segment’s only diesel engine in its second year – a proven Duramax 2.8L I-4 turbodiesel already offered in global markets. The diesel engine will expand Colorado’s powertrain lineup to cover the broadest range of needs.

A premium-grade truck should offer plenty of style, strength and sophistication – but it shouldn’t be limited to a single size. While GMC redefined the luxury pickup segment with the Sierra 1500 Denali and Sierra HD Denali, the new 2017 Canyon Denali – which debuts at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show -- applies those same principles in a tailored, maneuverable, package.

In true Denali form, Canyon Denali turns heads and catches eyes with a blend of bold forms and bright accents. A Denali-exclusive chrome grille highlights the front fascia, while standard chrome assist steps, a polished exhaust tip, and distinctive 20-inch ultra-bright machined aluminum wheels further accentuate the pickup’s exterior. A spray-on bedliner protects the Canyon’s cargo box, while a three-dimensional Denali emblem on the forward cargo box wall provides a Denali twist.

The premium theme continues within, where Canyon Denali is equipped with both upscale amenities and advanced technologies. Premium Jet black perforated Mulan leather-appointed seating is standard, as are segment exclusive heated and ventilated front seats. A heated steering wheel is also standard, as are unique Denali-branded door sill appliques and headrests.

Canyon Denali also includes GMC’s IntelliLink infotainment system with navigation as standard equipment, which also incorporates an eight-inch diagonal color touch screen, along with phone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Canyon Denali’s available OnStar system facilitates enhanced connectivity, including diagnostics and remote lock and start functionality through an available RemoteLink app for smart phones, and in-car available 4G LTE data service with a Wi-Fi hotspot that can provide connectivity for up to seven devices.

Other standard equipment includes Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning, automatic climate control and Bose premium seven-speaker audio system.

Available as a crew cab in both two- and four-wheel drive forms, the Canyon Denali midsize pickup offers a 305-horsepower, 3.6-liter V-6 as standard equipment, which provides a maximum trailer tow rating of up to 7,000 pounds in two-wheel drive form. Canyon Denali will also be available with the new optional 2.8-liter Duramax Diesel turbo-diesel four-cylinder, which will offer trailer towing ratings of up to 7,700 pounds in two-wheel drive models.