Regular Production Option ZR2 is a special off-road/suspension package offered by General Motors on their mid-size pickup trucks and SUVs.
It debuted in 1994 on the Chevrolet S-10 and the GMC Sonoma pickup trucks. The Sonoma ZR2 was known as ZR2 High-Rider. In 1996 it was expanded to the two-door Chevrolet Blazer and later offered on the Chevrolet Tracker. The ZR2 package was gradually phased out with the S-Series pickup and SUV lines. However, it has made a comeback as an option on the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado.

ZR2 Option Package
Overview
ManufacturerChevrolet/GMC (General Motors)
Model years1994–2005, 2017–present
Body and chassis
ClassCompact Pickup Truck / SUV

Colorado

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Chevrolet Colorado ZR2
 
Overview
Model years2017–present

Features

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[1]

  • Standard 3.6L DI DOHC V6 with 308 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque
  • Optional 2.8L Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine with 186 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque
  • Front and rear wheel flares
  • 2" front and rear lift
  • 3.5" wider stance
  • 31" Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac off-road tires
  • Exclusive ZR2 17 x 8-inch aluminum alloy wheels
  • Modified rear axle with a 3.42 ratio
  • Front and rear electronic locking differentials
  • Multimatic™ shocks (DSSV)
  • Tubular rocker protection
  • Modified front and rear bumpers for better off-road obstacle clearance
  • Skid plates
  • Aggressive grille and hood combo unique to ZR2
  • Off-Road Mode Technology - Seamlessly pick between Desert, Mud or Mountains
  • Optional full-size bed-mounted spare tire carrier

S-Series

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S-Series ZR2
 
Overview
Model years1994–2005

Features

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[2]

  • Ladder-type Frame with modified mounting points
  • 100mm wider track (3.9 inches wider than regular S-10)
  • Increased ground clearance (Approx 3" over Regular S-Series 4x4)
  • Enhanced front (7.25" ring gear) and rear (8.5" ring gear) axles w/ 3.73:1 rear-axle ratio
  • Larger wheel and axle bearings
  • 31 x 10.50" BFG A/T Tires (Pickup), 31 x 10.50" BFG Longtrails (Blazer)
  • 46mm gas pressurized Bilstein Monotube shocks
  • Rear track bar (Pickup), Rear anti-sway bar (Blazer)
  • Skid plates
  • Fender flares

Tracker

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Chevrolet Tracker ZR2
 
Overview
Model years2001-2004

Features

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[3]

  • Front and rear wheel flares
  • P215/75R-15 all-season tires
  • Exclusive ZR2 alloy wheels
  • Standard power windows and mirrors
  • Front skid plate

History

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  • 1994 - ZR2 package is introduced with the Regular Cab second-generation S-Series Pickups
  • 1995 - ZR2 package expanded to Extended Cab S-Series Pickups
  • 1996 - ZR2 package extended to two-door Blazer models. Third door was offered on extended cab models.
  • 1998 - Disc brakes are now standard on the front and rear wheels. Interior updated along with front grille and headlights.
  • 1999 - GM replaces the aluminum skid plates with composite skid plates. Side mirrors are updated. (much stronger)
    • Last model year the ZR2 option was offered on a regular-cab pickup.
  • 2001 - ZR2 package extended to Chevrolet Tracker
  • 2002 - ZR2 Trackers were upgraded to the LT trim level, offering optional leather upholstery
  • 2003 - During the production year, ZR2s begin shipping with General Ameritrac tires instead of BF Goodrich tires.
    • GM discontinues S-Series Pickups. This is the last year that the ZR2 is available on a pickup.
    • A GMC Jimmy ZR2 surfaces in Canada. The Jimmy ZR2 was unavailable in the USA.
  • 2004 - ZR2 available on Blazer and Tracker models. For the first time, the ZR2 is offered in 2WD.
    • GM discontinues Tracker including ZR2 model.
  • 2005 - This is the last year for the ZR2 Blazer (USA) and Jimmy (Canada)
    • GM discontinues all remaining S-Series models. RPO ZR2 is phased out.
  • 2017 - GM reintroduces the ZR2 option on the Chevrolet Colorado.
  • 2022 - GM introduces the ZR2 option on the Chevrolet Silverado 1500.
  • 2023 - GM introduces the ZR2 option on the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD.

References

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  1. ^ "CHEVROLET ANNOUNCES 2017 COLORADO ZR2 PRICING STARTING AT $40,995". Chevrolet Media. Retrieved 12 April 2017.
  2. ^ "What Makes a ZR2 Different From a Regular S-10". S10Extremist.org. Retrieved 13 April 2017.
  3. ^ "2001 Tracker". Chevrolet Media Archives. Retrieved 13 April 2017.
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