Diesel Ford Ranger and Chevy Colorado Ready for 2012 Release

2012 Ford “Global” Ranger

This is Ford’s new mid-size pickup which will be available pretty much everywhere in the world except the US as MP has complained about inthe past.  It will be available in regular cab, extended cab, and quad cab versions with choices of a gasoline 4-cylinder engine and 5-speed manual, or 4 and 5-cylinder diesels with 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmissions.  Read it and weep at PickupTrucks.com: First Drive: 2012 Ford Ranger

2012 Chevy Colorado

The good news is that we will likely get the new Colorado within the next few years.  The bad news is that engine options for the US are still undisclosed.  MP is a big proponent of GM installing the upcoming 4-cylinder diesel set for the Chevy Cruze in the new mini ‘rado.  Bolt up a 6-speed manual or 6-speed (or more) automatic and that engine could be a decent performer in a little pickup, but we will wait and see.  Read more at PickupTrucks.com: Next Gen Chevy Colorado Gets Ready for World Debut

Source: PickupTrucks.com

Next Generation Chevy Colorado Revealed: Wow

 

Chevy Colorado via PickupTrucks.com

I generally have a preference for GM’s current styling direction, but the photos released yesterday of the next generation Chevy Colorado are particularly stellar, IMHO.  The truck looks like it was designed and equipped with the North American market in mind.  GM still won’t confirm whether or not the new Colorado will make it to the US, but judging by its appearance and interior features, it has to be very likely that we will be seeing it sometime soon. 

Note that you don’t hear GM making any excuses about the Colorado being nearly the same size as the Silverado, or that people want a Cruze instead of a small pickup (insert Ford marketing nonsense here).

 For all the details and more photos of the new Chevy Colorado, go to PickupTrucks.com

Colorado/Canyon Replacement by 2014

GM will be bringing their global small pickup (GMi700) to the US in 2014 according to PickupTrucks.com. Sounds like the global version (built in Thailand) will launch this year, but by early 2014 US versions will be built on American soil.

It sounds like the new pickup will be about the same size as the current Colorado (which is only slightly larger than the S-10/Somona it replaced). However, it will remain body-on-frame and in typical global small pickup fashion, it will have a 1-ton payload capacity and feature diesel engine options (at least internationally).

So, combine that with news of a refreshed Tacoma (Hilux-based?) coming in 2013, and Nissan bringing back a Hardbody/D21-size pickup in the near future… we may have some pretty sweet small pickups heading back to the US. Mahindra still has a shot but they need to get their act together quickly.

Updated 24-Feb-2011: Autoblog reports that the Chevy Cruz will be getting a 147 horsepower, 235 lb-ft, 34 mpg diesel by 2013.  It's probably not a far stretch to imagine that engine used as an option in the upcoming Colorado/Canyon replacement.  http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/21/report-diesel-chevrolet-cruze-confirmed-for-u-s/3

Source: PickupTrucks.com, Autoten.com