Tag Archives: Colorado

A Brief History Of Chevy Pickup Trucks

Today, the Chevrolet pickup trucks we know as the Silverado and Colorado have come a long way since the original One-Ton many years ago. The Silverado is one of the most powerful pickup trucks money can buy, and the Colorado is one of the most versatile.

There have been highlight eras that explain its current styling, where the iconic pickup has been, and where Chevrolet sees it moving towards in the future. Known for its unapologetically American style and capability, here is some history about one of the nation’s favorite vehicles, the classic Chevy pickup.

The Early Days Of Chevy Pickups

The Chevrolet pickup truck dates back to 1918. The 1918 One-Ton was essentially a rolling chassis with a configurable body or cargo area, making it a versatile vehicle for hauling goods. It was powered by an inline-four-cylinder engine.

Some key points about Chevrolet pickups:

  • Driven by a variety of powertrains
  • Has gone through four main eras
  • Form (mostly) follows function
  • At the top of its class in various areas
  • The second-oldest pickup truck ever
  • Initially built for factory workers

Early Era Chevy Pickups

Early Chevrolet pickup trucks can be classified as “pre-1960s” models. The AK series trucks were produced from 1941 to 1947 and signified a departure from pickup truck to passenger cars. From 1947 to 1955, we saw the Chevrolet “Advance-design,” and rebranded GMC “New Design” with an emphasis put back on getting work done. In 1995, Chevrolet introduced the Task Force pickup, also known as Cameo Carrier, which was the first to feature the iconic Chevy small block V-8 engine.

C/K series

The era of Chevrolet’s C/K series pickup trucks began in 1960 with the C-10 and ran until 1972. The C represented a two-wheel drive truck, while K designated a four-wheel-drive truck. The K series took the lead through the 1970s and into the 1990s with the introduction of the K1500.

Chevrolet Silverado

The Chevy Silverado has been at the top of its class since its inception. It took over the long-standing C/K series Chevy trucks and became the golden standard for the brand. The Silverado has gone through three full redesigns and is currently on its fourth generation.

Chevrolet Colorado

The Chevrolet Colorado was introduced in 2004 as a larger, more capable pickup truck. It competes in the mid-size truck segment and offers special models like the ZR2 to compete with other brands’ off-road models. The Colorado is an economical option for those who want to drive pickups as more of a daily vehicle.

2024 GMC Canyon AT4X AEV Edition Debuts: More Lift, More Tires, Same HP

In late May, Chevrolet unveiled the most powerful off-road Colorado available directly from the factory. Known as the ZR2 Bison, it comes with a range of upgrades from American Expedition Vehicles (AEV). Now, it’s the GMC Canyon’s turn, and although it lacks a beefy name to go with its off-road components, it introduces the 2024 GMC Canyon AT4X AEV Edition.

GMC had previously released a teaser for the truck at the beginning of May, so the large black grille seen here should already be familiar. The same applies to the red tow hooks and front skid plate, of which there are actually five on this vehicle. GMC states that these are made of ultra-high strength boron steel plates and protect important components such as the steering rack, transmission, transfer case, fuel tank, rear differential, and radiator. Consider them as an extra layer of security if the additional 1.5-inch lift, compared to the already elevated AT4X, is not sufficient. Combined with 35-inch tires, this upgraded Canyon offers an impressive 12.2 inches of ground clearance.

Cadillac Compact EV Crossover Spotted Inside and Out

In these recently taken spy shots from Colorado, we get a closer look at the camouflaged vehicles, particularly the one next to the white Cadillac Lyriq. This is the first glimpse we’ve had of Cadillac’s small electric crossover, currently unnamed but expected to be similar in size to the XT4. While it shares a similar shape with the XT4, the electric crossover is fundamentally different beneath the surface.

Credit goes to Cadillac for effectively concealing the prototype, even without heavy covers. The lack of a large cooling system, inherent in electric powertrains, allows for a securely wrapped camouflage. However, upon closer examination, you can spot narrow trim at the top of the solid grille. Placeholder lights are positioned vertically at the sides, framing the expected grille design similar to that found on the larger Lyriq.