There’s no denying it, Chevrolet is definitely turning some heads at the LA Auto Show with the release of the Colorado ZR2. The vehicle has an incredibly aggressive stance, and is primed to revolutionize the mid-size truck market. It really makes us wonder why they didn’t unveil this at SEMA!

Regardless, the truck “From the bold stance to the trail-ready special equipment, the Colorado ZR2 is all about the fun of driving where the pavement ends – and doing it in characteristic Chevy style,” said Tony Johnson, Colorado marketing manager. “Chevrolet has a heritage of the ZR2 representing the ultimate in production-based off-road capability and we’ll gauge the public’s interest in this concept as we continue to explore the possibilities for the all-new Colorado.”

What has caught our eye, was the little badge on the hood. Do you see it? Powering the unique Colorado ZR2 is Chevrolet’s newest 2.8L four cylinder Duramax diesel engine. The newest Duramax cranks out an estimated 181 horsepower at 3,400 rpm and an incredible 369 lb-ft of torque at 2,000 rpm. According to Chevrolet,  the 2.8L diesel is just a piece of a new “global family of turbo-diesel four cylinder engines” that are designed to produce more efficient capability. The engine features a variable-geometry turbocharger that Chevrolet claims allows for “optimal power and efficiency across the RPM band and a balance shaft for greater smoothness.”

“This new Duramax diesel engine will take efficient capability to an entirely new plateau for the midsize truck segment,” said Johnson. “Its broad torque band makes it very powerful at low rpm, while the turbocharged performance provides a confident feeling of immediate and smooth power on demand – attributes customers will appreciate when trailering.”

Lucky for us, the new diesel powerplant from Chevrolet will be available in the Colorado lineup regardless if the ZR2 will ever get put into production. You can expect to see the diesel 4-cylinder late in 2015.

Now will leave it up to you the reader, does Chevrolet’s latest diesel four cylinder offering interest you at all? Leave us a comment below with your opinion!