Specialty Vehicle Engineering is knocking out a new tuning program for the Chevrolet Colorado. The pick-up is not only stronger, but also more off-road.
The specialty of Specialty Vehicle Engineering (SVE) is actually to make pick-ups from the General Motors group - as good as it gets with these ladder frame commercial vehicles - suitable for the race track. With their new 750HP Xtreme Off Road model based on the 2022 Chevrolet Colorado in its all-wheel drive hardcore version ZR2, the team from Toms River, New Jersey, is going the opposite way. The flatbed truck, which is rather compact by US standards, has, as usual from SVE, increased its power. But it also shoots up and becomes more off-road thanks to several measures.
Not four or six, but eight cylinders
But let's start with the increase in performance, an SVE core competence that is also a small surprise. It is not based on one of the engines available in the basic model, which is a 184 hp and a maximum of 500 Newton meters strong 2.8-liter four-cylinder turbo diesel or a 3.6-liter V6 petrol engine with 312 hp and up to 373 Newton meters. No, SVE puts the Colorado in front of the 5.3-liter V8 petrol engine known from its bigger brother Silverado, which delivers 360 hp and a maximum of 518 Newton meters in its original state.
But of course it doesn't just stop with the engine replacement. The Americans are building their engine on a new aluminum block, which also has a compressor upgrade. In addition, the V8 gets a new crankshaft, forged connecting rods and pistons, and CNC-machined cylinder heads. There is also a new high- and low-pressure fuel system with new injectors, a modified air-water intercooler system and a stainless steel exhaust system with two twin tailpipes. SVE's efforts are rewarded with values that are befitting its status: 760 hp and up to 813 Newton meters. A new engine cover optically rounds off the performance upgrade.
Ten centimeters higher than before
In order to earn the Xtreme Off Road model designation, the Chevrolet Colorado is given a lift kit that raises the body by more than ten centimeters. The electronically controlled and adaptive DSSV damping system, which is standard on the ZR2, is supplemented by new stabilizers on the SVE. The eight-speed automatic and transfer case and the drive shafts are reinforced, as is the brake system, which works on the front axle with six-piston calipers and 345-millimeter discs. The 8x18-inch off-road rims are always painted black and have a beadlock ring in the body color or gunmetal gray on request. SVE wraps them in chunky 295/70 Nitto Recon Grappler tires.
The 2022 750HP Xtreme Off Road is always based on the Colorado with 4-door crew cab and short bed, because the base ZR2 model is only available in this configuration. Customers can choose any color offered ex works, which is combined with eye-catching decorative elements in the loading area. The black air scoop on the production car is painted in the same color as the vehicle and complemented by black grille inserts. There are also wider plastic fenders and some badges and lettering, one of which is on a crossbar in the radiator grille. The roll bar, which extends completely over the tail lifts, reaches its highest point directly behind the cabin. If desired, it can accommodate a spare wheel and can also be equipped with optional LED auxiliary lights. For additional money, the platform truck can also be equipped with automatically extending boarding aids.
Leather seats on request
Inside, SVE gives the pick-up leather seats in two available colors for an additional charge, which are complemented by red and white contrasting stitching and Xtreme V8 Supercharged logos on the headrests. The interior measures are rounded off by new floor mats, key fobs and a plaque on the dashboard that indicates that the car is limited to 50 units. Specialty Vehicle Engineering has not yet announced a price.
Conclusion
It is rather unusual that SVE takes care of the Chevy Colorado; usually the Americans only get on at the larger Silverado . But with its new heart, including enormous power and the promising off-road gimmicks, it really doesn't need to hide from other hardcore pickups.
