The Chicago Auto Show has become the birthplace of special editions this year as a slew of automakers chose to debut “one-off” or “custom” vehicle editions. None, however, compete with Chevrolet, which debuted the Redline edition – a special trim line that spans almost all of Chevy’s vehicles. Each vehicle receives similar exterior styling treatments. Included in the mix are the Chevy Silverado 1500 and the mid-size Colorado pickup.

The Redline edition adds some specific touches designed to grab customers’ attention, while looking more menacing to onlookers. Each model, which includes the Cruze, Malibu, Camaro, Trax, Equinox, Traverse, and the two pickups, comes with black accents further accented by red hash marks. Those hash marks have a long history with Chevy – one that includes decades of racing.

The 2017 Chevy Colorado Redline edition specifically comes with a blacked out grille, a black bowtie front and rear, black wheels with those red hash marks, matching red tow hooks, and black badging on the doors with a red outline on each letter. It’s not the most detailed special edition package ever offered, but it definitely gives the Colorado a distinctive appearance.

Brian Sweeney, Chevy’s vice president, attributes special editions with helping drive interest on Silverados and Camaros. “Our special edition lineup has been popular with customers and dealers, alike” said Sweeney. “Since the introduction of special editions on vehicles the like Silverado and Camaro, vehicle average transaction prices have increased, time to turn has decreased, and conquest rates have risen, which has contributed to making Chevrolet the fastest-growing brand in the industry two years in a row.”

Undoubtedly, Sweeney and Chevrolet hope the Redline edition will do the same for the rest of Chevy’s lineup.

Continue reading to learn more about the Chevrolet Colorado Redline Edition.

Why It Matters

Vehicle sales are surging these days thanks to lower fuel prices and growth in the economy. However, a certain percentage of that can be attributed to the proliferation of more interesting vehicle models, including these types of special editions. Chevy is smart for jumping onto the special edition bandwagon with a large portion of its lineup. Sweeney and his Chevy team are undoubtedly looking for sales to rise, taking profits with it. Making money, after all, is what automakers ultimately do.

So, what do you think about the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado Redline edition? Would you buy this over a non-Redline edition? Should Chevy have done more to make the Redline edition more special? Let us know in the comments below.