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Chevrolet Colorado / GMC Canyon – The V8 Debacle

January 21, 2009 ⋅  Email This Post ⋅  Print This Post ⋅

With the current economic crisis leveling every business from mom and pop sandwich shops to the largest conglomerates in North America, it seems almost bittersweet that the ultimate release of the V8 option for our beloved Colorado and Canyon pickup trucks has finally arrived.

About a year and a half ago, quite a few members of this forum made history when they participated in the first-ever plant tour of GM’s Shreveport, Louisiana facility by any forum, or any public group. It was a time of immense anticipation regarding the “then new” 2008 model year and pending V8 option release for the Colorado/Canyon truck line. It still is a high point for the employees of that GM plant and members of this forum as well. However, engineering delays and testing pushed back the production dates; and the enthusiasm for the powerplant option then took a back seat while other manufacturers were already releasing information of yet more powerful V8’s that were already in their product line-up.

Eighteen months later and now in a very different economic situation, the Colorado and Canyon pickups finally have their V8 option. With the trickling of these V8 models finally showing up on dealer showrooms and overcrowded lots, it seems only fitting that we acknowledge their arrival with something more than a casual glance at the window sticker.

I believe it is a bold move on GM’s part to finally make these trucks available to the general public. Are the performance advantages of these vehicles worth the wait? Do the performance advantages of the V8 justify the additional dollar figures? Yes and yes!

There’s never a better time to be more aggressive than when the “competition” is busy counting beans. This is actually a great time for General Motors to assume a more aggressive stance in their marketing and advertising campaigns than ever before. Has anyone seen a television ad depicting the new V8 line of intermediate trucks? I hope so!

With the news that GMAC has been re-united with its GM brethren, and that fact that GM is tackling some bold marketing and financing strategies, I think it’s the best time for would-be buyers and enthusiasts to venture out and see what the offers hold for consumers such as we.

Early indications of the performance advantages of the V8 over the existing four and five cylinder engine line-ups have much to say about the potential “fun factor” these trucks can provide. With some substantial tuning tweaks and aftermarket exhaust offerings, who has a clue what the venerable small-block can do for our Colorado or Canyon trucks!

Tags: V8