(Autoinsidenews) - General Motors revealed the all-new 2007 GMC Acadia today. The Acadia is GMCs first crossover and GMCs first product without a full frame. The 2007 Acadia is based on the same Lambda platform that underpisn the 2007 Saturn Outlook and 2008 Buick Enclave and features the same 267-hp 3.6L V6 and six-speed automatic transmission. And will be available in front- or all-wheel drive.
The GMC Acadia bears a strong resemblance to the Saturn Outlook can you say badge engineering and we are kind of surprised that GM didnt make more of an effort to differentiate the two vehicles. Apparently, the Buick Enclave will be the only one that receives significantly different exterior styling. The GMC Acadia does have a unique front fascia, which is arguably better looking that the Outlook, with a GMC family grille and dual projector headlamps and LED taillamps unfortunately with the same shape as the Outlook, reports Trend.
Inside, the 2007 GMC Acadia will seat seven or eight passengers depending on whether the vehicle is equipped with a second-row bench or captains chairs.
GMC Announces All-New 2007 Acadia Crossover SUV
Today, GMC announced the all-new 2007 Acadia. It is GMCs first crossover, delivering a smooth, responsive driving experience, athletic design, a spacious interior and a comprehensive safety package to the fastest-growing vehicle segment in the United States.
Acadia is a natural extension of the GMC brand, said John Larson, Pontiac-GMC general manager. Its combination of smooth, responsive ride and handling and SUV versatility embodies GMCs professional grade philosophy. Acadia is a great looking vehicle that will attract customers whove never visited a GMC showroom.
The Acadia is engineered to reflect GMCs professional grade standards on a body-frame integral (BFI) structure that is reinforced with high-strength steel. It rides on a long wheelbase with wide tracks a combination that lowers the center of gravity and enables agile, stable ride and handling.
Acadia s driving reflexes are supported by independent front and rear suspensions. The front suspension features a MacPherson strut design, with a direct-acting stabilizer bar and aluminum steering knuckles. Isolated mounting points help reduce noise and vibration. The rear suspension uses a compact, state-of-the-art linked H design, which has an isolated mounting system that reduces noise and vibration transmitted to the passenger compartment.
Acadia features standard power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering, with variable-effort steering available. StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with rollover mitigation technology and traction control is standard on all models.
The available, intelligent all-wheel drive system provides increased traction on slippery roads and other driving situations such as freeway ramps where increased traction would enhance handling. There is no driver intervention; the system automatically decides how much torque to apply and delivers it to the wheels that have the best traction.
The responsive, precisely tuned chassis provides the driving experience of a smaller vehicle, said Larson. And Acadias aerodynamic design, efficient V-6 and the new six-speed automatic work together to provide efficiency.
Efficient powertrain
The Acadia is powered by GMs 3.6L V-6 with variable valve timing (VVT), which is designed for good fuel economy, low emissions and exceptional smoothness. Paired to this engine is a new fuel-saving Hydra-Matic 6T75 six-speed automatic transmission. Acadia can tow up to 4,500 pounds (2,041 kg), when properly equipped, and comes in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models.
Athletic design
With a powerful front-end design, which hints at the GM 3.6L V-6 VVT engine underneath, the Acadia features athletic styling with a raked GMC grille and dual halogen projector headlamps. The design is highlighted by a rear spoiler, polished aluminum roof rails, dual exhaust with chrome tips and additional select bright work.
The profile of the Acadia is sleek and aerodynamic, with a sporty, tapered roof line. Distinctive LED taillamps and a rear spoiler enhance the vehicles sporty appearance, as do large 18-inch wheels and tires (19-inch wheels are available).
Spacious, refined and versatile interior
The Acadias interior features a low and away instrument panel that enhances the feeling of openness in the front-row seats and provides a commanding outward view. All interior elements feature high-quality, low-gloss materials and attention to fit, finish and flushness. Additional professional grade features include GMCs signature red gauge lighting, thick door glass, flat-blade windshield wipers and strategically placed sound deadening material, which minimize road and wind noise.
The interior can be configured for seven or eight passengers. The second row is available with either a 60/40-split bench (three passengers) design or two captains chairs (two passengers). The GM-exclusive Smart Slide feature is standard on both second-row configurations and provides a wide space for passengers entering and exiting the third row.
Acadia also offers generous cargo room, including an estimated 117 cu. ft. (3,313 L) when the second- and third-row seats are folded and an estimated 19.7 cu. ft. (557.9 L) of cargo space behind the third-row seat when its in its upright position capacity many other SUVs and crossovers cannot come close to matching.
Acadia has a wide range of useful optional and standard equipment, including heated outside mirrors, tri-zone heating and air conditioning system, intermittent rear wiper, ultrasonic parking assist, power liftgate, extended-range remote vehicle starting system, heated windshield washer fluid, an oversized dual SkyScape sunroof, DVD entertainment system, 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 onto the windshield for easy, eyes-on-the-road reference.
Comprehensive safety system
The GMC Acadia has a comprehensive safety system that is designed to protect passengers before, during and after a crash. Its strong structure and four-wheel independent suspension system enhance safety by providing stable ride and handling. Four-wheel anti-lock brakes, StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with rollover mitigation technology and GMs tire pressure monitoring system are standard.
Acadia is equipped with six standard air bags: two dual-stage frontal air bags, two seat-mounted side-impact air bags in the first row and two roof rail air bags that cover all three seating rows. The roof rail air bags are among the longest air bags in any production vehicle. Complementing the air bags is GMs rollover sensing system, which will activate the roof rail air bags if sensors determine a rollover occurring. Additionally, first-row positions feature safety belt pretensioners, which activate at the moment of a crash to take up any slack in the safety belt and hold the passengers in place.
Acadia comes standard with OnStar Generation 7 (with a one-year Safe and Sound plan), which features the Advanced Automatic Crash Notification system. If the crash activates an air bag, the OnStar system automatically notifies an OnStar advisor, who immediately calls the vehicle and/or summons emergency help. Acadia also is equipped with OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation, a fully integrated GPS navigation system.
