General Motors has released details on the engines for the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon. Figures show the specs of the standard inline-four and V6, but details on the upcoming diesel engine are still unknown.
The base engine, a 2.5 liter inline-four, will produce 200 horsepower and 191 lb-ft of torque. Direct injection and variable valve timing work in unison to keep a broad powerband while maximizing fuel economy.
The optional 3.6 liter V6 makes 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque, putting the Chevrolet and GMC ahead of their rivals. Towing capacity moves up to 7,000 lbs, providing a simple towing range under larger trucks.
Far from what they were just a few years ago, both engines have features that, up until recently, would have been considered exotic. With dual overhead cams, variable valve timing, direct injection, aluminum blocks and forged crankshafts, the specs of the engines sound like those of sports cars.
A 6-speed manual transmission will be available on some 2WD models, and the remainder will feature a 6-speed automatic. The automatic transmission has been specifically tailored for the Canyon and Colorado, with special modes for grade braking and tow/haul mode.
"Every decision we made considered the wants and needs of midsize truck customers. The 2015 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon are engineered to deliver class leading horsepower," said Anita Burke, vehicle engineer for midsize trucks. "Not everyone needs the size or the capability of a full-sized pickup. Now customers have a viable option in a smaller package."
Starting production this fall, the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon are missing one vital component: a diesel engine. The diesel craze seems to have finally hit the United States, with a quickly growing number of diesel passenger cars on the road. Other manufacturers have already started to put diesel engines into smaller trucks, including the Ram 1500 and upcoming Nissan Titan diesel.
GM has confirmed that a diesel is coming, but not for the 2015 model year. The Colorado/Canyon will use a 2.8 liter diesel built by Duramax, who has long built the diesels in larger GM vehicles.
Those looking for a small truck for occasional loads, the 7,000 lb capacity of the V6 Colorado/Canyon should likely be enough. However, if you're more serious about towing capacity, it may be worth the wait for the diesel. It will likely have more torque lower in the rev range, and don't be surprised if the efficiency ratings are better for the diesel.
