2023 Chevrolet Colorado
The all-new Chevrolet Colorado has officially been unveiled, and the company says the truck, on sale next year, “is enhanced in every way.”
Starting with its looks, the stubbier nose, skinny headlights, larger grille and more athletic hood and body panels lend a much more aggressive, desert-ready aesthetic to the mid-size pickup. The cabin is largely digitized pairing an eight-inch digital instrument cluster and 11.3-inch central display.
Only one mill is available: a 2.7-litre turbocharged four cylinder that comes in three different flavours depending in trim. The WT and LT make 237 horsepower/259 lb-ft of torque, the Z71 and Trail Boss 310/390 and the top ZR2 310/430. Max trailering capacity starts at 3,500 pounds and tops out at 7,700, again grade dependent. Off-road enthusiasts should be pleased as optional factory suspension lift, all-terrain tires and multiple drive modes make this Colorado the most capable one yet.
Ford BlueCruise Update
Launched last summer, Ford BlueCruise offers drivers true hands-free operation on over 208,000 kilometres of pre-qualified sections of highways in North America called the Blue Zone. Now, the blue oval brand is rolling out the tech to early 2021 Ford F-150 and Mach-E buyers who purchased their vehicles shortly before the rollout of the new tech.
People have been quick to sign up — in fact, 15,000 customers of the aforementioned two models have already completed the over-the-air upgrade with another 35,000 in process. Those eligible will receive an invitation via the SYNC infotainment touchscreen to activate a three-year subscription to the service.
BlueCruise is just one component of Ford’s Power-Up software updates allowing the capability of wirelessly improving several computer-controlled vehicle systems, and may reduce the need for trips to the service bay for repairs.
Land Rover Defender 130 Donation
The Land Rover Defender Service Awards returns for 2022 honouring American and Canadian charitable organizations, aligning with one of five categories (Search & Rescue, Environmental & Conservation, Veterans Outreach, Community Service and Animal Welfare), which are making a positive impact in their local community.
Not only do the five finalists per category receive $5,000 USD each, but each category winner receives a 2023 Land Rover Defender 130. Featuring three-row seating for eight and 2,516 litres of cargo capacity, the SUV is perfect for transporting animals, volunteers and gear.
Entrants may be nominated by outside parties or themselves by filling out a form and submitting up to a three-minute video detailing the organization’s mission, how it addresses a need in their community and how the Land Rover Defender will help to further their efforts. Land Rover will call for entries through September 7, 2022. Visit www.landrover.ca for more information.