Well, this was to be expected: today, GMC announced the 2011 Acadia Denali. The Acadia CUV is already a successful product for GMC, and Denali tuning may take that success a step further, since nearly half of all Yukon SUV sales are Denali models.
In illustrating the quick and nimble response time of the New GM, Lisa Hutchinson, GMC product marketing director, said
The decision to develop an Acadia Denali was made quickly within the new GM in response to customer and dealer demand for a Denali version ever since the launch and success of the Acadia.
The Acadia Denali will hit showrooms in the third quarter of 2010 and will be available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models, as well as seven- and eight-passenger configurations. The only powerplant gets carried over from the non-Denali Acadia in the form of the 3.6L direct injected V6 (SIDI, VVT) good for 288 hp and 270 lb.-ft. of torque. The FWD Acadia Denali will achieve 17/24 mpg, while the AWD gets 16/23.
As with every Denali model, the point is to attain increased levels in luxury and exclusivity. The package includes monotone paint, GMC’s signature honeycomb grille, unique front and rear fascias, (dual) chrome exhaust tips and accents, and HID headlamps. It will wear special 20-inch wheels and be available in Quicksilver Metallic, Summit White, Carbon Black, Red Jewel Tintcoat, and White Diamond Tricoat.
Inside the Acadia Denali, you’ll find all the right fixin’s in the form of a premium audio system with a USB port, perforated leather seats with matching leather door trim, heated and cooled driver’s and passenger’s seats, a heads-up display, tri-zone automatic climate control, navigation system with XM Satellie radio (NavTraffic available) , Bluetooth, OnStar, rearview camera, and remote vehicle start.
Pricing hasn’t been announced, but expect it to be $10 to $15 thousand more than the regularly-priced Acadia (MSRP of $31,740). With the Acadia getting the long-awaited Denali treatment, can a Denali version of the new compact Terrain be that far off?
Before we go, we just have one question: what’s up with the mid-90s steering wheel?
2011 GMC Acadia Denali
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Click past the break for GM’s full press release.
PRESS RELEASE
The 2011 Acadia Denali – The First Denali Crossover Ever
2009-12-17
- GMC is extending its exclusive Denali line to include the highly successful Acadia brand that defined the crossover segment
- The all-inclusive Acadia Denali is the ultimate combination of space and efficiency with top-of-the-line amenities
- Signature Denali cues include the honeycomb grille, chrome accents, body-color fascias and fender flares, mahogany wood steering wheel and wood accents, and lighted sill plates
DETROIT – Today GMC unveiled the 2011 Acadia Denali in Detroit. The first Denali was launched in 1999 on the Yukon brand and helped define the luxury SUV segment. With nearly half of all Yukon sales being Denali models, expanding the Denali line to include the Acadia was a logical extension. Acadia Denali will provide GMC customers with all the amenities the Denali is known for in a fuel-efficient crossover.
“The GMC Denali models have come to stand for luxury and exclusivity, and that’s just what customers will get in the new Acadia Denali,” said Lisa Hutchinson, GMC product marketing director. “The decision to develop an Acadia Denali was made quickly within the new GM in response to customer and dealer demand for a Denali version ever since the launch and success of the Acadia.”
The Acadia launched in 2007 as the first crossover from GMC, with segment-leading fuel economy and innovative features. An exclusive SmartSlide System allows easy access to an adult-sized third row with available seven- or eight- passenger seating configurations. Fold-flat second- and third-row seats allow flexible passenger and cargo configurations of the best-in-class interior space. Acadia’s refined styling, impressive fuel efficiency, and confidence-inspiring safety features made it an immediate success and ideal platform to build upon for a Denali model.
The 2011 Acadia Denali goes on sale in the third quarter of 2010. It is available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models, as well as seven- and eight-passenger configurations. The standard 3.6L direct injected V-6 contributes to an EPA highway rating of 24 mpg with FWD models.
The Acadia Denali will stand out with its signature Denali design cues highlighted by the mono-color exterior and chrome honeycomb grille, a feature on all GMC Denali models. It also wears a number of specific exterior design cues, including:
- Unique lower front and rear fascias
- High-intensity discharge headlamps
- Body-color lower cladding and rocker moldings
- Body-color rear fascia and fender flares
- Unique body-side moldings with chrome accents and Denali badges
- Dual chrome exhaust tips
Further distinction comes with 20-inch, two-tone chrome-clad wheels. The six-spoke wheels feature black chrome spoke inserts set against bright chrome.
The Acadia Denali is offered in five exterior colors: Quicksilver Metallic, Summit White, Carbon Black, Red Jewel Tintcoat and White Diamond Tricoat.
Luxury amenities
Acadia Denali delivers all the luxury and refinement that are hallmarks of the Denali line. It includes a number of exclusive design, comfort and convenience features including:
- Premium acoustics – laminated glass, triple door seals, and liquid applied sound deadeners
- Perforated leather seats with matching leather door panel trim
- Heated and cooled driver and passenger seats
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel with mahogany wood inserts
- Complementary wood grain finish on the instrument panel and center stack
- Enhanced accent lighting in the footwells
- Chrome, lighted sill plates with the Denali logo
- Dual SkyScape sunroof system, with sliding front sunroof and fixed rear section
- Head-up display (HUD)
Additional content includes:
- Tri-zone automatic climate control
- Navigation system including XM NavTraffic (available)
- Bluetooth connectivity
- OnStar
- Rear-seat DVD entertainment system, with roof-mounted flip-down screen (available)
- Premium audio system with USB port and Bose 10-speaker sound system
- XM Satellite Radio
- Rearview camera system
- Eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory
- Remote vehicle start
GMC capability
Acadia Denali is powered by a 3.6L direct injection V-6 engine with VVT that optimizes performance and fuel economy, while also reducing emissions – including a 25-percent reduction in cold-start emissions. Engine performance is enhanced by the advanced six-speed automatic transmission. The maximum towing capacity is a class-leading 5,200 pounds (2,364 kg).
A long, 118.9-inch (3,021 mm) wheelbase and wide 67.28-inch (1,709 mm) front/rear tracks give it a lower center of gravity and enable smooth, stable ride and handling for driving comfort. Independent front and rear suspensions enhance smoothness and deliver a more responsive driving experience. The front suspension features a MacPherson strut design, with a direct-acting stabilizer bar and aluminum knuckles, while the rear suspension uses a compact, state-of-the-art linked “H” design. Isolated mounting points help reduce noise and vibration.
The suspension is tuned specifically for the Acadia Denali’s 20-inch wheels and the available AWD system enhances dry-road handling and provides increased traction on wet, snow and ice-covered roads. Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS are standard, as are the following features:
- StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with rollover mitigation technology
- Traction control system
- Tire pressure monitoring system
Acadia Denali is covered by GM’s five-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Warranty and three-year/36,000-mile Bumper-to-Bumper warranty – the best coverage in America.
About GMC
GMC is one of the industry’s healthiest brands and is evolving to include more fuel-efficient trucks and crossovers. The all-new GMC Terrain is a smaller SUV that offers outstanding fuel economy along with the capability, engineering excellence and refinement that have defined GMC for more than a century. Complementing the Terrain is the Acadia eight-passenger crossover, Yukon and Yukon XL and Sierra pickups. Today GMC is the only manufacturer offering three full-size hybrid models. Details on all GMC models are available at www.gmc.com.
Signature Denali cues include the honeycomb grille, chrome accents, body-color fascias and fender flares, mahogany wood steering wheel and wood accents, and lighted sill plates
DETROIT – Today GMC unveiled the 2011 Acadia Denali in Detroit. The first Denali was launched in 1999 on the Yukon brand and helped define the luxury SUV segment. With nearly half of all Yukon sales being Denali models, expanding the Denali line to include the Acadia was a logical extension. Acadia Denali will provide GMC customers with all the amenities the Denali is known for in a fuel-efficient crossover.
“The GMC Denali models have come to stand for luxury and exclusivity, and that’s just what customers will get in the new Acadia Denali,” said Lisa Hutchinson, GMC product marketing director. “The decision to develop an Acadia Denali was made quickly within the new GM in response to customer and dealer demand for a Denali version ever since the launch and success of the Acadia.”
The Acadia launched in 2007 as the first crossover from GMC, with segment-leading fuel economy and innovative features. An exclusive SmartSlide System allows easy access to an adult-sized third row with available seven- or eight- passenger seating configurations. Fold-flat second- and third-row seats allow flexible passenger and cargo configurations of the best-in-class interior space. Acadia’s refined styling, impressive fuel efficiency, and confidence-inspiring safety features made it an immediate success and ideal platform to build upon for a Denali model.
The 2011 Acadia Denali goes on sale in the third quarter of 2010. It is available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models, as well as seven- and eight-passenger configurations. The standard 3.6L direct injected V-6 contributes to an EPA highway rating of 24 mpg with FWD models.
The Acadia Denali will stand out with its signature Denali design cues highlighted by the mono-color exterior and chrome honeycomb grille, a feature on all GMC Denali models. It also wears a number of specific exterior design cues, including:
Unique lower front and rear fascias
High-intensity discharge headlamps
Body-color lower cladding and rocker moldings
Body-color rear fascia and fender flares
Unique body-side moldings with chrome accents and Denali badges
Dual chrome exhaust tips
Further distinction comes with 20-inch, two-tone chrome-clad wheels. The six-spoke wheels feature black chrome spoke inserts set against bright chrome.
The Acadia Denali is offered in five exterior colors: Quicksilver Metallic, Summit White, Carbon Black, Red Jewel Tintcoat and White Diamond Tricoat.
Luxury amenities
Acadia Denali delivers all the luxury and refinement that are hallmarks of the Denali line. It includes a number of exclusive design, comfort and convenience features including:
Premium acoustics – laminated glass, triple door seals, and liquid applied sound deadeners
Perforated leather seats with matching leather door panel trim
Heated and cooled driver and passenger seats
Leather-wrapped steering wheel with mahogany wood inserts
Complementary wood grain finish on the instrument panel and center stack
Enhanced accent lighting in the footwells
Chrome, lighted sill plates with the Denali logo
Dual SkyScape sunroof system, with sliding front sunroof and fixed rear section
Head-up display (HUD)
Additional content includes:
Tri-zone automatic climate control
Navigation system including XM NavTraffic (available)
Bluetooth connectivity
OnStar
Rear-seat DVD entertainment system, with roof-mounted flip-down screen (available)
Premium audio system with USB port and Bose 10-speaker sound system
XM Satellite Radio
Rearview camera system
Eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory
Remote vehicle start
GMC capability
Acadia Denali is powered by a 3.6L direct injection V-6 engine with VVT that optimizes performance and fuel economy, while also reducing emissions – including a 25-percent reduction in cold-start emissions. Engine performance is enhanced by the advanced six-speed automatic transmission. The maximum towing capacity is a class-leading 5,200 pounds (2,364 kg).
A long, 118.9-inch (3,021 mm) wheelbase and wide 67.28-inch (1,709 mm) front/rear tracks give it a lower center of gravity and enable smooth, stable ride and handling for driving comfort. Independent front and rear suspensions enhance smoothness and deliver a more responsive driving experience. The front suspension features a MacPherson strut design, with a direct-acting stabilizer bar and aluminum knuckles, while the rear suspension uses a compact, state-of-the-art linked “H” design. Isolated mounting points help reduce noise and vibration.
The suspension is tuned specifically for the Acadia Denali’s 20-inch wheels and the available AWD system enhances dry-road handling and provides increased traction on wet, snow and ice-covered roads. Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS are standard, as are the following features:
StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with rollover mitigation technology
Traction control system
Tire pressure monitoring system
Acadia Denali is covered by GM’s five-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Warranty and three-year/36,000-mile Bumper-to-Bumper warranty – the best coverage in America.
About GMC
GMC is one of the industry’s healthiest brands and is evolving to include more fuel-efficient trucks and crossovers. The all-new GMC Terrain is a smaller SUV that offers outstanding fuel economy along with the capability, engineering excellence and refinement that have defined GMC for more than a century. Complementing the Terrain is the Acadia eight-passenger crossover, Yukon and Yukon XL and Sierra pickups. Today GMC is the only manufacturer offering three full-size hybrid models. Details on all GMC models are available at www.gmc.com.
2011 GMC ACADIA DENALI SPECIFICATIONS
Overview
Models:
GMC Acadia Denali
Body style / driveline:
crossover SUV / front-engine; front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive
Construction:
body-frame integral
EPA vehicle class:
sport utility vehicle
Manufacturing location:
Lansing Delta Township Assembly, Lansing, Mich.
Key competitors:
Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Mazda CX-9
Engine
3.6L V-6 VVT DI
Displacement (cu in / cc):
217 / 3564
Bore & stroke (in / mm):
3.70 x 3.37 / 94 x 85.6
Block material:
aluminum
Cylinder head material:
aluminum
Valvetrain:
dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing
Fuel delivery:
direct injection
Compression ratio:
11.3:1
Horsepower (hp / kW) @ rpm:
288 / 215 @ 6300*
Torque (lb-ft / Nm) @ rpm:
270 / 366 @ 3400*
Recommended fuel:
regular unleaded
Max. engine speed (rpm):
6700
Emissions controls:
dual close-coupled converters; two pre- and two post-oxygen sensors
EPA-estimated fuel economy (city / hwy):
17 / 24 (FWD)
16 / 23 (AWD)
Transmission
Hydra-Matic 6T75 6-speed FWD/AWD automatic
Gear Ratio (:1)
First:
4.48
Second:
2.87
Third:
1.84
Fourth:
1.41
Fifth:
1.0
Sixth:
0.74
Reverse:
2.88
Final drive ratio:
3.16
Chassis / Suspension
Front:
coil-over strut; direct acting stabilizer bar; full perimeter isolated cradle
Rear:
linked H-arm independent suspension; coil springs with twin-tube shock absorbers mounted on isolated sub-frame
Steering type:
hydraulic rack-and-pinion; straight ratio and variable effort
Steering ratio:
16.1
Steer wheel turns, lock-to-lock:
2.89
Turning circle, curb-to-curb
(ft / m):
40.4 / 12.3
Brakes
Type:
four-wheel disc
Rotor diameter (in / mm):
front: 12.8 x 1.1 / 325 x 29, ventilated
rear: 13 x 0.8 / 331 x 20, ventilated
Anti-lock braking system (ABS):
Bosch 8.0 Chassis Controls: ABS / ETC / ESC w/rollover mitigation
Wheels / Tires
Wheel size and type:
20-inch chrome-clad
Tire size and type:
P255/55R20 H-rated blackwall
Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase (in / mm):
118.9 / 3020.7
Overall length (in / mm):
201.1 / 5107.9
Overall width (in / mm):
78.9 / 2004.1
Overall height (in / mm):
72.8 / 1846 (w/roof rails); 69.9 / 1775.5 (w/o roof rails)
Track
Front (in / mm):
67.3 / 1709.4
Rear (in / mm):
67.3 / 1709.4
Curb weight (lb / kg):
4720 / 2141 (FWD)
4925 / 2234 (AWD)
Min. ground clearance (in / mm):
7.4 / 189 (FWD and AWD)
Interior
Seating capacity:
7 or 8
Headroom
First row (in /mm):
40.4 / 1024 (w/o sunroof); 38.5 / 978 (w/ sunroof)
Second row (in / mm):
39.3 / 996 (w/o sunroof); 38.3 / 973 (w/ sunroof)
Third row (in / mm):
38.4 / 975.3 (w/o sunroof); 38.1 / 968 (w/ sunroof)
Legroom
First row (in / mm):
41.3 / 1049
Second row (in / mm):
36.9 / 937.2
Third row (in / mm):
33.2 / 843.2
Shoulder room
First row (in / mm):
61.9 / 1574
Second row (in / mm):
61.1 / 1551
Third row (in / mm):
57.8 / 1468
Hip room
First row (in / mm):
57.8 / 1468.1
Second row (in / mm):
57.9 / 1470.6
Third row (in / mm):
48.3 / 1226.8
Cargo volume
Behind first row, with second seat folded and third-row seat and cargo management system removed (cu ft / L):
115.9 / 3282
Behind second row, with third-row seat and cargo management system removed (cu ft / L):
68.7 / 1946
Behind third row (cu ft / L):
24.1 / 683
Capacities
EPA passenger volume
(cu ft / L):
154 / 4362
Fuel tank (gal / L):
22.0 / 83.3
Engine oil (qt / L):
5.5 / 5.2
Transmission fluid (qt / L):
9.5 / 9.0 (Dexron VI only)
Cooling system (qt / L):
11.8 / 11.18
Max towing capacity (lb / kg):
5200 / 2364
GCWR (lb / kg):
9500 / 4309 (FWD)
9700 / 4400 (AWD)
GVWR (lb / kg):
6459 / 2930
*SAE certified
Note: Information shown is current at time of publication.
Comments
I feel the Denali line is losing its significance with the products coming out from Buick and Cadillac. Who needs an Acadia Denali when one could just buy an Enclave CXL? If GM doesn’t fix these marketing and perception issues for GMC, there’s going to be Pontiac-like problems. I feel there is a nook for the Sierra Denali, maybe a Terrain Denali in the future… but really, other than the fact of just having one, there is no reason for an Acadia Denali.
Yeapp, you already know where I stand on this – the GMC brand should be folded into being a Chevy trim line – the highest trim on a Chevy truck. No crossovers or wagons (ugh).
And like you said, what’s the point of a Acadia Denali if you’ve got the Enclave? Or how about the next-gen Escalade (if it moves to a car platform).
I think that I’m slowly beginning to understand what they’re trying to do with GMC, but I don’t like it. I’ll have a post up this weekend about this.
It’s been rumored that the Escalade is staying GMT (Thankfully), though I would like to see a Lambda based Cadillac to hold the swagger that Buick just can’t.
I’ve heard (seen?) that rumor too. It will be interesting to see which way they go. Given that today’s Lambdas are bigger than the GMT900s (short wheel base), I don’t see why not. It’s not like people use them for offroading. But then again, towing capability may be needed.
Although most people I see driving Escalades around here are soccer moms with fat purses. 🙂
Even then, the GMC version is unnecessary.