AIMS: Aussie-inspired Colorado previews in Melbourne

Holden has previewed its all-new Colorado 4WD at the Australian International Motor Show (AIMS) in Melbourne today.

The locally styled dual-cab workhorse makes its appearance as part of a multi-stage international reveal, which included two separate Colorado designs shown in Bangkok and Buenos Airies. The production version of the next generation Colorado will be launched in Australian early next year (2012).

The Lion-badge brand says it has drawn "sports-performance" design cues when sculpting the new Colorado, the project led by 26-year-old creative designer, Ben Last (pictured). Working closely with GM's Colorado homeroom and a design studio in Brazil, Last, an industrial design graduate from Monash University, gave the Brazilian-developed architecture a local twist, styling the front fascia, bonnet, guards and tailgate to a "rugged" theme.

Last also introduced a series of machined aluminium details across the Colorado's exterior, including side steps, bumpers, rear step plates, wing mirror attachment arms and stand-out 20-inch satin-finished alloy wheels to set off the 'Red Rock' paint job.

Inside, Colorado features a "rugged yet luxurious" motif, its strong, dark steel and black tones complemented by dark blue leather leather-wrapped instrument panel and seats with red stitching. Paper-thin electroluminescent film is used to backlight the front and rear door appliqués.dismiss the showcar touches, however, and Holden sources say the interior is "very true" to the production version.

The show model is powered by a 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel. Though Holden won't comment on mechanicals, it's understood the new high-tech diesel will be one of a number of powerplants that will power the new generation.

"Although this is a show vehicle, the fundamental design and proportions are true to form for the production version of the Colorado hitting Holden showrooms next year," said Holden chairman, Mike Devereux.

"As a show truck it's designed to whet the appetite for another chapter in the Holden product renaissance – a series of new, world-class vehicles that are making people sit up and take notice of our new generation cars. Without doubt the new Colorado will be the biggest and toughest member of the Holden family– equally at home as a workhorse or active lifestyle vehicle.

"And as our centrepiece for the Melbourne Show, it also demonstrates the capability of the Holden Design Studio, which is an industry leader in stunning global show vehicles."

The all-new Colorado will be on display alongside a range of Holden vehicles at the Australian International Motor Show at Melbourne Exhibition Centre from July 1-10.

New model pricing, full specifications and features will be announced closer to launch.

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