Official shots of the 2007 GMC Acadia have just surfaced on Insideline GM's media site, and here we get our first look at the production version of GMC's first product ever to be offered without a full frame. Built on the Lambda platform that will also underpin the 2007 Saturn Outlook and 2008 Buick Enclave, the Acadia features a 267-horsepower 3.6L V6 and six-speed auto transmission. Fuel economy should range between 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. It will be available in front- and four-wheel drive and can seat or eight people depending on the configuration.
After seeing the 2007 Saturn Outlook in person at the 2006 New York International Auto Show, we're a bit surprised there's not more visual differentiation between that vehicle and the Acadia. The Acadia's less cluttered face is a bit more attractive than the Outlook, which incorporates Saturn's new grille. What do you think, does this fall under the rubric of badge reengineering?
Since General Motors is working on consolidating GMC, Buick and Pontiac into a single retail network, the Buick Enclave needs to be the most distinguishable one of three, since it will be on the same dealer lots as the Acadia. GM needs to build a Buick version that resembles the Buick Enclave Concept (official website) as closely as possible, as that SUV was actually a sleeper hit of the 2006 Detroit auto show.
UPDATE - 19 official pics, full press release and complete specifications after the jump
[Source: Inside Line]
ALL-NEW 2007 ACADIA IS GMC'S FIRST CROSSOVER SUV
The all-new Acadia is GMC's first crossover SUV, offering seating for up to eight and combining the capability of an SUV with a smooth, responsive and car-like driving experience. Acadia features a body-frame integral design that enables lower step-in height and the generous interior space of larger SUVs. A comprehensive safety system includes six standard air bags and standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with rollover mitigation technology.
Acadia is powered by GM's 3.6L V-6 VVT, a high-feature engine with variable valve timing that is designed for good fuel economy, low emissions and exceptional smoothness. It is rated at 267 horsepower (199 kW) and 247 lb.-ft. of torque (335 Nm).* The engine is backed by a new, fuel-saving Hydra-Matic 6T75 six-speed automatic transmission. Acadia is available in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models.
Fuel economy is estimated at 17 mpg in city driving and 25 mpg on the highway with FWD models and an estimated 17 and 24 mpg with AWD models. Acadia can tow up to 4,500 pounds (2,041 kg), when properly equipped.
Smooth, responsive ride and handling
Acadia rides on a long 118.9-inch (3020.7 mm) wheelbase and wide 67.28-inch (1709 mm) front/rear tracks a combination that lowers the center of gravity and enables smooth, stable ride and handling. Sharp reflexes are also supported by independent front and rear suspensions. The front suspension features a MacPherson strut design, with a direct-acting stabilizer bar and aluminum knuckles. Isolated mounting points help reduce noise and vibration.
The rear suspension uses a compact, state-of-the-art linked "H" design, which uses an isolated mounting system that reduces noise and vibration transmitted to the passenger compartment. This design enables the handling prowess that comes with an independent suspension, but with minimal floor pan intrusion a feature that helps the Acadia offer generous passenger and cargo space. The suspension systems enable Acadia 's 4,500-pound (2,042 kg) towing capacity.
Acadia features standard power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering, with variable-effort steering available. The suspension and steering system meet the road via standard 18-inch wheels and tires, with 19-inch wheels available. Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS are standard. The Acadia also offers the following standard features that enhance ride and handling, as well as safety:
StabiliTrak stability control system with rollover mitigation technology
Traction control (FWD models)
Tire pressure monitoring system
Acadia 's body-frame integral structure enables lower entry/exit height for passengers. Despite the vehicle's SUV-like front-end height, the front door step-in height is only 18.9 inches (480 mm); the rear door step-in height is 19.8 inches (503 mm). Entry to the third-row seat is eased with very wide rear doors and GM's exclusive Smart Slide second-row seat feature, which aids passenger access to the third-row seats. Wider than the doors on most other SUVs, the Acadia 's rear door width is enabled by the vehicle's long wheelbase. The rear door opening was maximized by reducing the space between the rear door and the leading edge of the door opening. Engineers were able to maximize the opening space while providing optimal chassis integrity for maximum occupant protection.
Powertrain details
GM's 3.6L V-6 with variable valve timing (VVT) and a new Hydra-Matic 6T75 six-speed automatic transmission is the Acadia 's standard powertrain combination. Front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations are available.
The 3.6L V-6 VVT is a sophisticated dual-overhead camshaft engine based on GM's global V-6 architecture. It was jointly developed at GM technical centers in Australia , Germany , Sweden and North America . The engine uses full four-cam phasing, rapid data processing and torque-based engine management to optimize power, economy and emissions performance.
In the Acadia, the 3.6L V-6 VVT produces 267 horsepower (199 kW) and 247 lb.-ft. of torque (335 Nm).* The four-cam phasing operation of the variable valve timing system ensures linear delivery of torque across the rpm band, while features such as electronic throttle control deliver crisp, immediate response and feedback. The engine uses electro-hydraulic vane-type phasers to rotate the camshafts relative to the cam-drive sprockets, allowing infinitely variable combinations over a range of 50 degrees.
Additional engine features include:
- High-flow aluminum cylinder heads
- Four valves per cylinder
- Dual-stage variable intake manifold
- Low-restriction induction system
- Straight-runner intake manifold
- Sequential dual spray port fuel injection
- Coil-on-plug ignition system
- Electronic throttle control with integrated cruise control
- The aluminum-intensive 3.6L V-6 VVT is designed to deliver its performance with world-class smoothness, quietness and durability. The camshaft chain drive incorporates a new, smaller-pitch chain, which is nearly silent during operation. Other elements, including the cam covers, an acoustically shielded intake manifold and direct-mounted accessories are designed to reduce or eliminate conventional points of noise, vibration and harshness. A long operating life is driven by heavy-duty and special components, such as a forged steel crankshaft, polymer-coated pistons and oil jets that drench the bottom of the pistons in cooling, lubricating oil.
The transmission's six-gear configuration allows for a "steep" 4.48:1 first gear, which helps deliver exceptional launch feel, and a 0.74:1 overdrive sixth gear the "tall" overdrive gear lowers rpm at high speeds, reducing noise and vibration. Fifth gear is 1:1 direct drive. Shorter steps between the gears, compared with a four-speed automatic, enhance performance and feel, as the transmission quickly finds the best gear for the vehicle speed and road conditions. Also, the 6T75 offers the capability of driver shift control (DSC), which allows the driver to use tap-up/tap-down shifting to select the desired gear for specific road conditions, such as driving up a steep hill.
Acadia 's available all-wheel drive system provides increased traction on slippery roads. The system works by always delivering a slight amount of torque to the rear wheels. There is no driver intervention; the system automatically decides how much torque to apply and it automatically delivers torque to the wheels that have the best traction .
Athletic design
Sharing familial design cues with GMC's other all-new full-size SUVs, Yukon and Yukon XL, the Acadia features athletic styling that underscores GMC's professional grade philosophy. The design is accented with polished aluminum roof rails, select bright work and large, prominent headlamps that flank a detailed grille. The headlamps use projector beam technology to deliver bright, precise lighting and are mounted in houses that have a crystal-clear, jewel-like appearance. High-intensity discharge lamps (HID) are available.
The profile of the Acadia is sleek and aerodynamic, with a sporty, tapered roof line. Distinctive LED taillamps and a rear spoiler enhance the vehicle's sporty appearance, as do large its large tires. Acadia also is aerodynamically efficient, with a coefficient of drag of just 0.361 which helps reduce wind noise and enhances fuel economy.
Acadia is available in nine exterior colors: Summit White, Gold Mist Metallic, Liquid Silver Metallic, Red Jewel Tint, Deep Blue Metallic, White Diamond Tricoat, Blue-Gold Crystal Metallic, Carbon Metallic and Medium Brown Metallic.
Spacious and refined interior
As with the exterior design, Acadia 's interior reflects refinement. Acadia offers three rows of seating, with the third row capable of comfortably seating adults while simultaneously providing generous storage space behind the third-row seat.
A carlike "low and away" instrument panel enhances the feeling of openness in the front-row seats and provides a commanding outward view. The instrument panel and other interior elements feature high-quality, low-gloss materials and tight gap tolerances. Acadia can be configured for seven or eight passengers, including two front bucket seats, a 60/40-split second-row bench (three passengers) or two second-row captain's chairs (two passengers) and a 60/40-split third-row bench seat. Leather seats also are available.
GM's exclusive Smart Slide feature is standard on all second-row configurations, allowing quick and easy access to the third-row seating area. The second-row seat cushion flips up while the seatback slides forward, effectively compressing the space occupied by the seat. It operates with one hand and enables adjustable fore/aft positioning of the second-row seat. When adjusted rearward, the second-row seat provides more legroom for taller passengers; when adjusted forward, it provides more storage space or additional legroom for third-row passengers. Seating space is sufficient for adults in all positions.
Along with passenger comfort, Acadia offers generous cargo room, including an estimated 116.9 cu. ft. (3310.6 L) when the second- and third-row seats are folded. In fact, Acadia even offers an estimated 19.7 cu. ft. (557.9 L) of cargo space behind the third-row seat when it's in its upright position capacity many other SUVs and crossovers cannot come close to matching. Also, Acadia 's second- and third-row seat fold flat for even more cargo-carrying capacity, and a covered rear cargo convenience center allows items to be stored out of sight beneath the rear cargo floor.
Acadia has a wide range of useful optional and standard equipment, including heated outside mirrors, intermittent rear wiper, ultrasonic parking assist, power liftgate, extended-range remote vehicle starting system, heated windshield washer fluid, large power-operated tilt-and-slide sunroof with rear skylight, DVD entertainment system and a DVD-based navigation system and Bose 5.1 Surround Sound Audio system. Acadia also offers an exclusive head-up display that projects instrument readouts and other features on to the windshield for easy, eyes-on-the-road reference.
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