HSV and Holden have revealed the new Colorado SportsCat (pictured in grey) and SportsCat+ (pictured in red) — a 'hotted up' variant of the popular Colorado ute, and HSV's first new machine in a post-Aussie Commodore world.
Beefier Cooper Zeon LTZ Pro 285/60 R18 tyres mounted to 18-inch by 10-inch forged wheels help the SportsCat own a taller ground clearance and a 30mm-wider track, with additional guards bolted onto the bodywork to suit.
At the front end, a stiffened front spring rate and new strut braces help with stability and cornering, while SupaShock suspension is an option worth pursuing on SportsCat+ models.
At the rear, a decoupling 22mm rear anti-roll bar helps create the best of both worlds on SportsCat+ models; when engaged it helps with balance and poise on the road, but can be disengaged for off-road shenanigans.
An AP Racing four-piston brake package and recallibrated ESC settings help complete a comprehensive set of handling alterations; the latter mostly geared towards improving drivability in tricky conditions and off road.
Under the bonnet lies the 147kW 2.8-litre Duramax turbo diesel that we've grown familiar with in the standard Colorado. HSV have left the engine unchanged, citing cost containment. This despite their traditional roots in stirring up loud, obscene power in most previous projects.
The main way to locate difference between the SportsCat and SportsCat+ is visually. The former sports a more subtle demeanor, while the latter ramps up its presence with additional styling cues.
Both wear a revised front bumper set-up featuring improved ventilation, fog lights, and an integrated bash plate and tow hook pairing. The 'Plus' goes one step further with a boldened grill.
Down the sides the SportsCat's flush wheel-arch extentions are countered by the SportsCat+'s indented alternatives. Both models get a sports bar on top of the hard tonneau cover, but the 'Plus's' gets an additional 'sail plane' design on the end caps.
At the rear the pairing feature identical tailgates; punctuated by a black panel with 'Colorado' embossed into the surface in big letters.
The tailgate opens up with ease, thanks to a practical soft-opening hinge, and HSV offer numerous add-ons for the bed inside. Including eye hooks and a Load Master that can be integrated into the slider system on the flanks of the bed.
The interior gains lashings of Windsor Suede, Jasmine Leather, and red stitching, which is further complimented by new SV sports seats. Being based on the Z71, the SportsCat comes with most of the same kit, including an 8-inch touch screen that features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Pricing has yet to be revealed, but it will have to come soon with the first of the Colorado SportsCats expected to land here early in the new year. You can check out Driven's first driving impressions of the SportsCat tomorrow online, or in the NZ Herald.
