2011 Holden [2] Colorado Show Truck

Aussie Inspired Holden Colorado Leads The Charge at 2011 Melbourne Motor Show

Holden has previewed its all-new Colorado 4x4 workhorse with a tough, Aussie-inspired show truck at the Australian International Motorshow in Melbourne.

The Melbourne show represents the latest step in General Motors’ multi-stage international reveal for the new light commercial vehicle which included two separate Colorado designs shown in Bangkok and Buenos Aires.

The stunning five-seat crew-cab, styled and built in Holden’s Port Melbourne Design Studio, foreshadows the production version of the next generation model launching in Australia in 2012.

Holden Chairman and Managing Director Mike Devereux said the new generation Colorado represented Holden’s most significant play in the growing light commercial segment.

“Although this is a show vehicle, the fundamental design and proportions are true to form for the production version of the Colorado hitting Holden showrooms next year,” Mr Devereux said.

“As a show truck it’s designed to whet the appetite for another chapter in the Holden product renaissance – a series of new, world-class vehicles that are making people sit up and take notice of our new generation cars.

“Without doubt the new Colorado will be the biggest and toughest member of the Holden family– equally at home as a workhorse or active lifestyle vehicle.

“And as our centrepiece for the Melbourne Show, it also demonstrates the capability of the Holden Design Studio, which is an industry leader in stunning global show vehicles.”

Exterior and interior highlights

Holden applied its proud sports-performance design flair to the Colorado, playing heavily on the vehicle’s powerful stance and wide, athletic proportions.

The top-secret project was led by 26-year-old creative designer Ben Last who worked closely with General Motors’ Colorado homeroom and design studio in Brazil along with operations in Thailand and US to develop the final Australian show theme.

Last, an industrial design graduate from Monash University, gave the Colorado’s Brazilian-developed architecture, a unique Holden appearance through a number of locally styled panels including the front fascia, bonnet, fenders and tailgate.

Working to the brief of ‘refined ruggedness’, he also introduced a series of machined aluminium details to the vehicle including side steps, bumpers, rear step plates and side mirror attachment arms, as well as striking 20-inch satin-finished wheels fitted with Cooper Zeon LTZ 285/50/R20 tyres.

The Colorado’s exterior is further enhanced by unique LED head and tail lamps, custom rear-vision mirrors with integrated turn signals, hard tonneau cover and a brilliant Red Rock metallic paint finish emphasising its strong surfaces.

Holden Design’s Colour and Trim team created an equally impressive interior treatment for the Colorado with a rugged yet luxurious theme that combines high level craftsmanship with edgy street presence.

The interior includes strong dark tones such as steel and black teamed with a rich dark blue leather wrapped instrument panel and seats with red stitching.

Of particular note, designers used paper thin lighting known as electro luminescent film to light the Colorado’s laser-cut metal circuit graphics on the front and rear door appliqués.

Powertrain

The Colorado show truck is powered by an efficient 2.8L turbo-diesel engine with a broad torque band for cargo and towing capability. It is one of a number of engines that will be offered when it goes on sale in Australia next year.

Technical Specifications:

Engine: 2.8L Turbo Diesel

Transmission: Auto Transmission

Wheels: 20” x 9”

Tyres: Cooper Zeon LTZ 285/50/R20

Exterior:

Body: Crew Cab

Colour: Red Rock

Head lamps: LED

Tail lamps: LED

Interior:

Seats: Rich Blue supple quality leather with Light Titanium Suede feature and red stitch detail