Holden Colorado finally out-punches the Ford Ranger Raptor: New Walkinshaw Performance W550 will transform your ute into a powered-up weapon

Holden might not have gotten around to building a true Ford Ranger Raptor rival, but that hasn’t stopped Walkinshaw Performance picking up the slack, with the owners of the HSV brand unveiling a new performance pack that will seriously up the street cred of the Holden Colorado.

The W550 pack, which can be applied to all Holden Colorados built between 2018 and 2020, not only ups the performance accessories, but also increases the grunt from the diesel engine, too. Walkinshaw has begun teasing the pack, which comprehensively changes the appearance of the Colorado, but CarsGuide is now across the upcoming modifications.

It starts with the Walkinshaw Performance Diesel Power Pack, which adds a Walkinshaw Performance Engine Calibration and High Flow Air Filter (all of which is covered by a three-year, 100,000-kilometre warranty) to increase power and torque by around 20 per cent. The brand won’t be drawn on the specific outputs, but given the 2020 Colorado squeezed 147kW and 500Nm from its 2.8-litre turbo-diesel, a 20-per-cent increase would be significant.

In fact, that would see torque increase by a maximum 100Nm, and power increase by 29kW, for new outputs of, approximately, 176kW and 600Nm – provided, of course, the brand can squeeze a full 20 per cent out of each engine application. The Ford Ranger Raptor, by comparison, makes 157kW and 500Nm. That said, given the name of this pack is the W550, we suspect you’ll see 550Nm from the Colorado’s engine.

Elsewhere, the package is expected to include new 18-inch wheels and tyres, a suspension lift kit, new body styling (flared wheel arches, side steps, decals, front fascia and grille, bonnet scoops), as well as new front recovery hooks. Those looking to really up the off-road capability can then opt for the SupaShock hi-po suspension and AP Racing front brakes.

Walkinshaw is yet to confirm timing or pricing for the new kit, but this is a company that knows its way around performance. So watch this space.