The new generation of the Chevrolet Colorado is here. We can see many changes in the third series of the pickup truck. It looks more aggressive and offers more options, especially those high-end. The truck also introduced the new drivetrain lineup. All the previous units were dropped. A 2.7-liter is now the only choice, and buyers will pick what setup to buy. Another change might happen on the pickup. The Chevy Colorado 5.3 V8 rumors made us investigate if this system is possible.
The engine was available in a short period of production, between 2009 and 2011. The configuration made 300 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. Nowadays, the same engine is enhanced to deliver even more power. Some sources say that GM even considered adding a 6.2-liter engine! Luckily, it didn’t happen. The V8 engine was there alongside numerous sporty upgrades. The truck delivered performance but at a high price. It will be funny mentioning how much trucks costed in 2009.
Eventually, General Motors quit this idea. The same engine was used for the GMC Canyon and Hummer H3. As not so big vehicles, they were too small for such huge engines. Nowadays, it seems the Chevy Colorado 5.3 might join the lineup as the fourth powertrain option.
Chevy Colorado 5.3 V8 Specs
Back in 2009, the truck could deliver 300 hp with a V8 engine. The 2024 Chevy Colorado 5.3, in the full power, can produce 355 hp and 385 lb-ft of torque. This is the standard configuration for a V8 mill. Of course, there are other modifications too. A 10-speed is transmission. The old setup included a 4-pace automatic gearbox. Again, for a midsize truck, this seems to be too much power, especially since these pickups are there to save fuel. Even a V6 is dropped for the new Colorado. Now, only four bangers are under the hood. It might be boring for some truckers and GM would shake things up with a V8.
Chevy Colorado 5.3 SS
Fans are speculating about many models and the SuperSport package. But we can rarely hear these rumors about the Colorado pickup. The Silverado SS is probably a big wish of GM truckers. The Chevy Colorado 5.3 engine and other upgrades are very similar to the expectations from such trim level. It can perform well, accelerate, tow… and if the company tunes it right, go off the road.
The previous version with a V8 engine used special suspension tuning and sporty parts. The unique grille, wheels, bumpers, and side skirts made the Colorado look more aggressive. Special graphics and colors the SS package brings would complete the upgrade.
Another V8 Engine is Possible
When the big V8 powerplant was available for the midsize truck, the company considered upgrading it with a 6.2-liter mill. It wasn’t just a rumor, since bosses were speaking about this possibility. Anyhow, test mules were never caught, so we can be suspicious about honest intentions.
Since we are talking about these big engines, the Chevy Colorado 5.3 looks far-fetched like the 6.2-liter V8. Compared to a smaller block, another V8 can do 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. However, it is reserved for high-end trim levels even on the half-ton Silverado 1500 truck.
Chevy Colorado 5.3 Verdict
The company needs to build a performance Silverado first, that the priority. Ram and Ford have their units stealing the show. Chevrolet needs a monster powertrain that delivers 650+ horsepower. A supercharged V8 unit from the Cadillac Escalade V-Series is a great option. But, we don’t need a midsize truck with a huge V8 engine.
Also, Chevy and GMC need a compact truck. Ford and Hyundai are already testing this segment. According to the first reports, Maverick and Santa Cruz sales are higher than expected. Toyota and Ram are already building their trucks for this class.
One thing is good about the Chevy Colorado 5.3 – there is no competition. But, the move is bold and risky. For General Motors it would be a high stake with high risk and potentially high profit. From the current perspective, not too many truckers would purchase the combination of a smaller pickup and a larger V8 engine. The price of this configuration is probably similar to the larger Silverado while lacking performance, size, and towing capacity.