Last week, we spotted the 2021 GMC Terrain facelift undergoing testing covered in a fair amount of camouflage. At a cursory glance, the Terrain had all the hallmarks of a refresh – redesigned front and rear facias hidden under swirly camo all over the body except for the front end, which was wrapped in a heavier, tarp-like black camo.
The convoy had two models: one seemed like a regular version of the upcoming 2021 Terrain facelift, while the second was wearing quad exhaust outlets, which General Motors does not currently offer on the compact GMC crossover, making us wonder whether this second prototype could be of a high–performance GMC Terrain.
A prototype of a “regular” / non-performance-oriented 2021 GMC Terrain facelift
The quad exhaust is technically a twin-tipped dual exhaust, and it’s not the only indicator that we could be looking at a prototype of a high–performance GMC Terrain.
The particular prototype also featured sporty-looking wheels wrapped in Hankook Ventus S1 Noble2 tires, which are billed as ultra–high performance all-season tires.
We should also note that the sighting of this alleged high-performance GMC Terrain prototype comes on the heels of spy photos showing the refreshed 2021 Chevrolet Equinox with the same quad-tipped exhaust setup. At the moment, it’s not clear what powertrain is under the hood of either prototype.
As of the 2018 model year, the second-gen Terrain and third-gen Equinox offer three powertrain options:
- Turbo 1.5L I-4 LYX gasoline engine making 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque
- Turbo 2.0L I-4 LTG gasoline engine making 252 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque
- Turbo 1.6L I-4 LH7 turbo-diesel engine making 137 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque
However, none of those powertrain offerings inspire performance prowess, or warrant four exhaust outlets.
The quad-tipped exhaust, sportier wheels and semi high-performance tires lead us to conclude that GM is probably developing performance versions of the GMC Terrain (and Chevy Equinox).
With consumers continuing to switch from sedans to crossovers en masse, performance versions of crossovers should satisfy those looking for something a little more exciting than the average crossover. Such offerings could theoretically command a higher price, enabling GM to continue dominating the compact mainstream crossover utility vehicle segment, and padding that ever-important income statement.
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Comments
“The particular prototype also featured sporty-looking wheels wrapped in Hankook Ventus S1 Noble2 tires, which are billed as ultra–high performance all-season tires.”
FWIW – those same tires are currently standard on the Terrain Denali, and the Equinox Premier.
I’m guessing the quad tips are either a new design direction, or more likely, something they grabbed for the test vehicle, since they stick out quite a bit farther than they would if they were production.
This is GM. I would wager that the highest performing engine will be the lackluster de-tuned LSY engine with only 230 HP as also fitted to the 2020 Acadia. Or maybe by the time this goes into production it will be down to 205 HP mated to a 15 speed automatic with 26″ tires
GM as a whole desperately needs performance CUV’s ASAP actually.
Call me back when GM puts the 3.0 liter twin turbo Caddy engine in it that has 400 HP and about the same 400 pounds feet of torque. That would be a serious player, but GM keeps putting the wimpy low power 3.6 liter V6 in all it’s vehicles with bigger tires and think this is a performance vehicle. I’m going back to sleep now……don’t call me GM, we have already called you out on the soccer mom SUV’s. The only mother i want to be is the fastest mother in the hood with that 3 year old Caddy engine.
The ” high profmance ” will be the Corporate 3.6 tuned to 308hp. AKA the previous Terrain . Maybe they will add the All Terrain badge too . There is still a market for hp in vehicles . let the Chinese or Mexicans have the little 4 banger engine .
If they do offer a HI performance I hope it’s a real performance vehicle with go along with show. If you are are not going to at least match and hopefully beat the rest then why bother?
Mercedes AMG division has record sales year after year. GM puts big tires on the GMC Terrain. BMW better watch out.