These are the first official photos of the brand-new 2012 Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck that made its global debut today in Thailand in final production trim. Over the past year, General Motors had presented concept versions of the Colorado in numerous motor shows around the world

Thailand will be the first country to receive the new pickup truck before the end of October with the Asia Pacific, Middle East and South American regions to follow shortly after. In Australia, the Colorado will be marketed under the Holden brand name.

While General Motors has not said if it will offer the new Colorado in the States, the company’s recent decision to produce an as-of-yet unnamed mid-size pickup truck at its Wentzville, Missouri factory as part of the new agreement with the United Auto Workers, suggests that it may heading this way.

In Thailand, Chevrolet will offer customers a choice of 26 combinations of Colorado models, powertrains, cabins, and ride heights, including single-, extended- and crew-cab bodies in high- and low-stance configurations, wide- and narrow-body options, as well as two- and four-wheel-drive configurations.

The engine range comprises of two new Duramax turbocharged four-cylinder diesels with a displacement of 2.5- and 2.8-liters, both built at GM Thailand’s newly opened $200 million engine plant.

GM said the 2.5-liter diesel is rated at 150HP (110 kW) and 258 lb.-ft. of torque (350 Nm), while the larger 2.8-liter unit generates 180HP (132 kW) and 346 lb.-ft. of torque (470 Nm) with an available six-speed automatic transmission 324 lb.-ft. / 440 Nm when fitted with a five-speed manual gearbox.

Depending on the model, the new Colorado can be equipped with several safety features such as electronic stability control, anti-lock braking system featuring electronic brake force distribution, traction control, hydraulic brake assist, cornering brake control and driver and occupant front air bags.

“Our objective from the beginning of the program was ‘haul anything, go anywhere’ – and that’s exactly what the new Colorado delivers,” said Brad Merkel, GM’s Global Vehicle Line executive for Midsize Trucks.

“We have engineered it to meet the needs and desires of commercial and personal buyers alike. It can be a workhorse, a family hauler, a lifestyle vehicle, or a truck that plays to the higher-end premium buyer.

“That versatility is a big win for our customers. Regardless of configuration, they’re getting the features of a common frame and body structure, high-performing powertrains and outstanding refinement. There are no sacrifices in fundamental hardware or aesthetics, from a very basic two-door work truck all the way up to a premium crew cab.” Merkel added.

2012 Chevrolet Colorado – HIGHLIGHTS

Overview

· GM Thailand’s largest-ever engineering and manufacturing program

· Total global program costs were $2 billion, including a $500 million investment to prepare GM Thailand’s Rayong manufacturing facility for Colorado production

· More than 2.5 million kilometers were driven during program development

· Developed across five continents for sale in more than 60 markets around the world

· More markets and production sites for the vehicle will be announced in the coming months

Engines

· 2.5-liter Duramax turbo-diesel

· 2.8-liter Duramax turbo-diesel

Transmissions

· Five-speed manual transmissions

· Hydra-Matic six-speed automatic transmission with automatic gear selection via a toggle switch on the shift head

· A new two-speed, electronically actuated part-time transfer case is applied on four-wheel-drive-equipped vehicles

PHOTO GALLERY